Prolonged Remission in Metastatic Ano-Rectal Malignant Melanoma With Single Agent Temozolomide.

Introduction: With the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies, the clinical outcomes of metastatic melanoma have drastically improved. The current scenario has reduced the use of chemotherapy as a first-line treatment. We report an interesting case of a patient with stage IV ano-rectal canal malignant melanoma with an exceptional response to single-agent temozolomide.

Exercise Intervention to Mitigate the Cardiovascular Sequence of Pregnancy Complications.

Pregnancy issues such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are significant contributors to long-term cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in women. Recent research has proved the impact of exercise on improving cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in women with pregnancy-related disorders. This review explores the outcomes of various exercise interventions on cardiovascular health in pregnant women.

Celiac Crisis: A Life-Threatening Complication of Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy with varied systemic involvement and association with increased morbidity and mortality. Strong clinical suspicion is the key, and diagnosis is made using histopathology and serology. Though the consumption of a strict gluten-free diet can improve symptoms and limit mucosal damage, curative therapy is still lacking.

Pulmonary Aspiration Syndromes: An Imaging-based Review.

The term "aspiration" describes lung injury that results from unintentional passage of contents other than air into the lungs and bronchial tree, commonly from the gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts. Only a small proportion of aspiration-related events are symptomatic, especially in predisposed individuals such as patients with diminished consciousness, impaired swallowing, oesophageal motility disorders, and reflux disease. Aspiration-related syndromes can be classified based on the onset of presentation, composition of the aspirated substance, and anatomic site of injury.

Meta-analysis of longitudinal comparison of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients at low to intermediate surgical risk.

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the commonly used approach for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis at low or intermediate surgical risk. However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative to SAVR for AVR. This meta-analysis aims to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of TAVR versus SAVR in low-to-intermediate surgical risk patients by analyzing temporal trends in the outcomes of TAVR and SAVR at various follow-up intervals, providing a more detailed understanding.

Recent advances in HPV biotechnology: understanding host-virus interactions and cancer progression - a review.

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, posing a significant mortality risk. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary instigator of cervical cancer development, often alongside coinfection with other viruses, precipitating various malignancies. This study aimed to explore recent biotechnological advances in understanding HPV infection dynamics, host interactions, and its role in oncogenesis.

Trends and disparities in age, sex, ethnoracial background, and urbanization status in adult mortality due to thoracic aortic aneurysm: a retrospective nationwide study in the United States.

Introduction: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a significant health concern, with the true prevalence likely underestimated due to undiagnosed cases. Outcomes in TAA are influenced by factors like age, sex, and comorbidities such as hypertension. This study examines mortality trends and disparities associated with TAA in US adults.

Incremental cost of treating antimicrobial-resistant infections among hospitalised patients in India: a cohort study.

Background: Accurate estimates of incremental cost (IC) attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provide information of immense public health importance to the policy makers. Here, we present the IC from patient perspective for treating antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in India.

Methods: This cohort study was conducted in eight hospitals including government (GH), private (PH) and trust hospitals (TH), considering their ownership, geographical location and categories of cities.

Reanalysis of Exome Sequencing Data in the Indian Undiagnosed Diseases Program: Improving Diagnostic Yield and Ending Diagnostic Odyssey.

In 2021, the Indian Undiagnosed Diseases Program was initiated for patients without a definite diagnosis despite extensive evaluation in four participating sites. Between February 2021 and March 2023, a total of 88 patients were recruited and underwent deep phenotyping. A uniform methodology for data re-analysis was implemented as the first step prior to conducting additional genomic testing.

The known genetic variants of BRCA1, BRCA2 and NOD2 in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer risk assessment.

The single nucleotide polymorphism in NOD2 (rs2066847) is associated with conditions that may predispose to the development of gastrointestinal disorders, as well as the known BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants classified as risk factors in many cancers. In our study, we analyzed these variants in a group of patients with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer to clarify their role in pancreatic disease development. The DNA was isolated from whole blood samples of 553 patients with pancreatitis, 83 patients with pancreatic cancer, 44 cases of other pancreatic diseases, and 116 healthy volunteers.

The tireless voyage of the resilient little red blood cell.

The little red blood cell, through its relentless journey, is a powerful symbol of testament and determination and serves as a reminder to humans to persevere and never give up, no matter what challenges they may face all along the way.

Comparative evaluation of PD-L1 expression and tumor immune microenvironment in molecular subtypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and its correlation with survival outcomes.

Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized treatment of platinum-refractory advanced bladder cancer, offering hope where options are limited. Response varies, however, influenced by factors such as the tumor's immune microenvironment and prior therapy. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is stratified into molecular subtypes, with distinct clinicopathologic features affecting prognosis and treatment.

Optimizing costs and sustainability for gamma knife radiosurgery: A cost and breakeven analysis at India's largest neurosurgery centre.

Background: Establishing and maintaining gamma knife facility incurs significant costs, mandating healthcare institutions to meticulously assess financial implications for sustainability.

Methods: This study explores the financial implications of setting up and operating a Gamma Knife facility, with an aim to ascertain user charges for achieving breakeven. The study was conducted from January to June 2019 at the largest neurosurgery centre of an Institute of National Importance (INI), in Delhi, India.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of obstructive sleep apnea: a comprehensive review.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder marked by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, which leads to intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep. These disruptions negatively impact cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and overall quality of life. Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for OSA, as it contributes to both anatomical and physiological mechanisms that increase the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.

Pulmonary Dysfunction in Children with Dystrophinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: To observe the prevalence of impaired pulmonary function during various phases of the disease course in children aged 5-18 y with dystrophinopathy. The correlation between different parameters of pulmonary dysfunction and motor function was also studied.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-three confirmed cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), fulfilling predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated.

Navigating Work and Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Exploration of Breastfeeding Experiences among Nurses and Support Staff in South India.

Objective: The personal experiences of breastfeeding healthcare workers may influence the quality of breastfeeding support provided. This study explored the breastfeeding experiences of nurses and support staff in South India. Materials and Methods: A qualitative exploratory study using focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted among nurses and support staff of a newly established tertiary care hospital in South India.

Decoding Monogenic Hypertension: A Review of Rare Hypertension Disorders.

Hypertension is a growing concern worldwide, with increasing prevalence rates in both children and adults. Most cases of hypertension are multifactorial, with various genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, and lifestyle influences. However, monogenic hypertension, a blanket term for a group of rare of hypertensive disorders, is caused by single-gene mutations that are typically inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and ultimately disrupt normal blood pressure regulation in the kidney or adrenal gland.

Comparison of intravenous dexmedetomidine and ketamine with femoral nerve block for positional pain before spinal anaesthesia in patients with fracture femur: A prospective randomised study.

Introduction: Patient positioning for spinal anaesthesia in patients with femur fracture is extremely painful and various methods have been tried to reduce mobilisation pain.

Aim: To compare the analgesic efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine, ketamine and femoral nerve block in patients posted for fractured femur for alleviating the positional pain before spinal anaesthesia.

Materials And Methods: A total of 75 patients (25 per group) of American Society of Anaesthetists Grade I-III patients of age group 18-80 years with fractured femur scheduled for elective surgery.

Sea Hare Hydrolysate Reduces PD-L1 Levels in Cancer Cells and Mitigates Rheumatoid Arthritis Ina Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model.

Our previous study highlighted the anticancer potential of sea hare hydrolysate (SHH), particularly its role in regulating macrophage polarization and inducing pyroptotic death in lung cancer cells through the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). These findings prompted us to investigate additional features of immune-oncology (I-O) agents or adjuvants, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition and their association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk, to explore the potential of SHH as an I-O agent or adjuvant. In this study, we investigated the effects of SHH on PD-L1 levels in various cancer cell types and assessed its effectiveness in treating RA, a common side effect of I-O agents.

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self-Medication Among Students and Staff of a Caribbean Medical School.

Background Self-medication is commonly practiced, especially among medical students, administrative staff, and faculty from preclinical and paraclinical departments, driven by accessibility, familiarity with medications, and perceived convenience. This study explored the incidence, patterns, and factors influencing self-medication within the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba, with a primary focus on medical students and administrative staff. The faculty included in the study were from preclinical and paraclinical departments such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, forensic medicine, microbiology, and community medicine.

Clinical Evaluation, Patch Testing, and Quality of Life Assessment in Patients With Cosmetic Dermatitis.

Background Cosmetics have become an integral part of the contemporary lifestyle. Contact dermatitis (CD) is an inflammatory skin disease resulting from exposure to an external chemical present in cosmetics. A patch test is considered the criterion standard method for detecting CD.

A Descriptive Study of Patients Presenting With Topical Steroid Damaged/Dependent Face (TSDF) to a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India.

Introduction Topical steroid damaged/dependent face (TSDF) is defined as the semi-permanent or permanent damage to the skin of the face precipitated by the irrational, indiscriminate, or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids (TCs), resulting in various cutaneous signs and symptoms and psychological dependence on the drug. The objective was to determine the clinical spectrum of TSDF. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted between May 2021 and April 2022, comprising 100 consecutive patients of TC-induced facial dermatoses who visited the skin and venereal disease OPD of a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Study on the Mobile Colistin Resistance (mcr-1) Gene in Gram-Negative Bacilli in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra.

Background: Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, has increased resistance as a result of the emergence of the gene. The 1gene, which confers colistin resistance, is often carried on plasmids, facilitating its spread by horizontal gene transfer among bacterial populations. The rising prevalence of 1mediated resistance poses significant challenges for infection control and treatment efficacy.