Interdisciplinary and regional cooperation towards Head and Neck Cancer Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) implementation in Southeast Asia

@#We review the evolution of Brachytherapy to interventional radiotherapy and its current and potential roles in HNC management, and the requirements and challenges towards its effective and sustainable implementation in SEA.

Posterior capsular opacification and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates in patients implanted with square-edged and non-square-edged intraocular lenses in manual small-incision cataract surgery: A randomized controlled study

Purpose: To study posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and neodymium?doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates in patients implanted with square?edged and non?square?edged intraocular lenses (IOLs) in manual small?incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Setting: Tertiary eye care center. Design: Prospective, comparative, and randomized controlled study. Methods: This study included patients with senile cataracts scheduled for MSICS and IOL implantation. One eye of each patient was randomized to the implantation of square?edged (S group) or non?square?edged IOL (NSQ group). An independent observer analyzed PCO at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months under slit?lamp illumination. Results: A total of 104 eyes were included in this study. The mean age of the participants in the two groups was 63.2 (�2) years, and there were 65 (62.5%) men and 39 women (37.5%). The mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.157 (�10), 0.11 (�12), and 0.12 (�11), respectively, in the S group and 0.17 (�10), 0.17 (�12), and 0.20 (�17), respectively, in the NSQ group. At 12 (P = 0.03) and 18 months (P = 0.01) follow?up, the BCVA of the S group was significantly better than that of the NSQ group. Four eyes in the NSQ group and one eye in the S group required Nd:YAG. Conclusion: Evaluation of PCO and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates showed that the 360� square of the posterior IOL edge plays a role in the prevention of PCO. Owing to the low cost of the material and the easy availability of IOLs manufactured from it, square?edged IOL has a definite role in the prevention of PCO in MSICS.

Effectiveness of VATP on Prevention of Pediculosis through the Use of Natural Remedies among Mothers of School-Age Children

Background: The child is the stylish creation among God's brutes. The most precious gift is a healthy child. The children of the moment will shape the India of hereafter. Head lice infestation is an ongoing global health issue, particularly among academ y-age children. An ongoing issue with public health on a global scale, particularly with the academy- age children. Methods: Total 60 maters are included as the sample. An accessible slice system was used. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to gather information, and Chi-square analysis was used to uncover the relationship between knowledge about pediculosis forestallment through the use of natural remedies with socio-demographic factors. Results: The post-test score was more advanced than the pre-test knowledge score, at 71.63. Using natural curatives, the VATP was helpful in precluding Pediculosis to the tune of 33.47 0f the overall score. The reckoned knowledge t-value (15.84) was significantly advanced than the table value for the degree of freedom 59 and 0.05% position of significance (1.96). The videotape- supported tutoring approach was successful as a result. Conclusion: After evaluation of knowledge on Pediculosis, it was established that utmost maters had average knowledge regarding pediculosis forestallment through natural remedies. As a result, exploration has shown that VATP was relatively helpful in raising awareness of natural remedies.

PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ACUTE MESENTRIC ISCHEMIA AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ACUTE MESENTRIC ISCHEMIA AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE Original Research Paper Dr Seema Math Assistant professor, Hepatopancreatico biliary Surgeon, Department of General Surgery, AMCH Vijayapur. X 1GJRA - GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS Background: Mesenteric ischemia develops when your small intestine's blood supply is restricted by narrowed or blocked arteries. The small intestine might suffer severe damage from decreased blood supply. A blood clot that suddenly cuts off the small intestine's blood supply (acute mesenteric ischemia) necessitates emergency surgery. Angioplasty or open surgeries are options for treating chronic mesenteric ischemia. In this study, predictive factors for mesenteric vascular disorders are assessed, with a focus on mesenteric ischemia. All the consecutive Methods: cases of Acute abdomen who were diagnosed & treated for acute mesenteric ischemia in the Department of emergency & surgical gastroenterology at Al Ameen Medical Collage and Hospital from July 2021 to Jan 2023 were included in the study. NOMI and low ow / perfusion states were excluded from the study. There were 20 patients of acute mesenteric Results: ischemia, of which 17 were males and 3 were female. 12 patients had acute mesenteric ischemia who had under gone surgical management & follow up medication, 5 on medical management with follow up medication & 3 expired. 18 out of 20 patients had risk factors mesenteric thrombosis. 14 required ICU stay, 12 required surgical management, 8 out 20, had undergone stoma reversal after 6 to 8 weeks at the later date. 4 of them had re-admission for dehydration and dyselectrolytemia, TPN and ICU admission .2 patient had just D LAP & then explored where in segment of the bowel was dusky and congested settled with 100% O2 & warm saline but he was admitted with chest infection and ARF needing with ICU stay and dialysis. Duration of Hospital stay varied from 1 to 30 days with mean of 15 days in mesenteric vascular diseases. Average incidence of AMI is 18 out of 95 Patients over period of 18 months (8.2%in one year). AMI is an uncommon but life-threatening vascular Conclusions: emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent treatment that is more surgical than medical, or in some circumstances, IR guided

Impact of salivary stimulation on tear film function in dry eye subjects

Purpose: Dry eye is a common condition affecting people worldwide. It causes ocular discomfort by reducing the quality of vision and impacts daily activities. To overcome such ocular discomfort, artificial tears are used but it is difficult to use artificial tears every time to protect eyes from dryness. There is a need to explore other treatment options, which can be used during work hours. The aim was to study the effect of salivary stimulation on tear film functions among dry eye subjects. Methods: Thirty?three subjects were enrolled in this prospective experimental study. Tear film function tests such as tear break up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and Schirmer’s I and II tests were conducted. For dry eye subjects, salivation was induced by giving a tamarind candy (a soft slightly sour tamarind pulp mixed with sugar) for 5 min. Tear film function tests were carried out within a few seconds (2 to 3 s) after finishing the candy and then after 30 and 60 min of the induction of salivation. The pre? and post?tear film function measurements were recorded and analyzed. Results: TBUT, TMH, and Schirmer’s II tests showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase immediately and after 30 min of stimulation of salivation for all tests in both eyes. However, the difference was insignificant after 60 min of stimulation of salivation. Schirmer’s I showed statistically significant changes in the left eye, but not in the right eye immediately after stimulation of salivation (P = 0.025). Conclusion: The quantity as well as the quality of tear film improved after the stimulation of salivation among dry eye subjects.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS USING DIFFERENT TONOMETERS IN PATIENTS OF VARIOUS REFRACTIVE ERRORS

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP)is an important ?rst indicator of probability and suspicion of Glaucoma. The virtual IOP status is grossly in?uenced by multiple factors including Refractive errors ,corneal biomechanics ,central corneal thickness(CCT) and Scleral rigidity. To compare relative IOP measurements and Aim: its variability in Emmetropes, myopic and hypermetropic patients using Schiotz, Goldmann Applanation(GAT)and I-Care Rebound tonometer to establish an equation between virtual and real time IOP. This observational Materials and Methods: prospective study comprised of 100 subjects above the age of 18 years inclusive37 Emmetropes , 31 Hypermetropes and remaining 32 belonged to myopia . Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS for Windows Statistical Analysis : version 17.0 to calculate the demographic characteristics of the study cohort. The data were expressed as mean values including the standard deviation (SD) and the 95% con?dence interval (CI). Mean IOP measurements between Schiotz, I-Care and GAT were compared by One way ANOVA along with Individual pair wise comparison by applying Post Hoc Tukey Test for comparison of IOP measurements using a particular method of Tonometry in individuals of myopia, hypermetropia and emmetropia. The highest mean value of CCT 536.667 mum was in Hypermetropes whereas the lowest CCT value of Results: 507.031mum was in myopic eyes with statistically signi?cant (P<0.05). The mean value for IOP in Emmetropes was16.665 mm Hg for Schiotz , 15.027 Hg for GAT and 15.081 mm Hg for I –Care .Whereas Hypermetropes revealed mean value of 15.055 mm Hg for Schiotz , 14.323 mm Hg for GAT and 14.065 mm Hg for I –Care . The mean value for IOP in Myopic eyes was 16.875 mm Hg for Schiotz , 14.375 mm Hg for GAT and 14.688 mm Hg for I –Care . The study had revealed higher mean Conclusion : value of IOP in Myopic eyes as compare to Emetropic and Hypermetropic subjects.IOP measurements by the Schiotz tonometer were signi?cantly higher as compare to GAT and I-Care tonometer. Whereas recordings by GAT and I Care tonometers were almost in agreement .De?nitive correlation could not be established between pachymetry readings and adjusted IOP following GAT and I –Care tonometry .

THE THREE KEY PLAYERS IN OSTEOIMMUNOLOGY: RANK, RANKL AND OSTEOPROTEGERIN.

The RANK, RANKL and OPG interaction plays a major role in bone resorption and remodelling. The history dates back to mid 1990s when the RANK/ RANKL interaction was found to mediate osteoblastic stromal cells to stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption. This interaction was found to induce several cytokines including the TNF superfamily, thereby activating the pathways of bone remodelling. The Osteoprotegerin (OPG) prevents the binding of RANKL to RANK, thereby preventing the excessive bone resorption. When there is an imbalance in the levels of RANK/RANKL/OPG, the metabolic activity of the bone cells gets altered and thus there is loss of balance between bone formation and resorption. Thus, studying the inter – relationship between RANK, RANKL and OPG becomes critical for assessing the osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity

Simultaneous measurement of HbA1C and Hemoglobin by Turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay from a single punch of dried blood spot samples

Hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) are frequently monitored health indicators in population based studies for information about the status of nutrition and diabetes control. We present here possibly for the first time the findings of simultaneous estimation of Hemoglobin and HbA1C on Dried blood spot (DBS) samples by a single test. Validation was done by turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (TINIA) using Roche Integra 400 plus instrument. Paired whole blood and DBS samples were tested for HbA1C estimation by Integra 400 plus. Total hemoglobin values obtained during HbA1C estimation were compared with hemoglobin values estimated by Coulter AcT 5 Diff CP Hematology counter. Agreement in HbA1C and hemoglobin values between paired whole blood and DBS samples was found to be high with R2 values of 0.994 and 0.9349, respectively. Intra- and inter- assay precision was found to be within 10% for both parameters. Values obtained after assaying DBS samples prepared by spotting proficiency samples on Whatman 903 protein saver cards demonstrated acceptable standard deviation indices resulting in successful participation in EQAS programs for both these parameters. The results reveal the potential of TINIA for simultaneous estimation of hemoglobin and HbA1C from a single punch of the DBS samples.

PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN INDIA: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Its start a decade ago, pharmacovigilance (PV) experienced tremendous development. There have been significant attempts in recent years to transform the current pharmacovigilance systems to meet future expectations. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are increasing in frequency, severity, and complexity as novel medication therapies are coming to market more quickly as a result of better laws and regulations. India is the second most popular nation in the world, with around 1 billion active and prospective consumers of pharmaceuticals. Despite being a member of the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, our nation has almost little commitment to the database. This problem is brought on by the inadequate ADR (adverse drug reaction) monitoring system and lack of knowledge among pharmacy associates and medical professionals. The primary objectives of the PV program are patient care, patient safety, and monitoring of negative medication reactions. There is a need for additional clinical preliminary exams and clinical assessments in India to accurately practice PV. A fully functional PV system is essential for the safe and responsible administration of medicines. This review gives a systematic review of pharmacovigilance in India from its origin to its current scenario and also discusses the various strategies and proposals to build, maintain and implement a robust pharmacovigilance system for India in coming years.

PERINEOTOMY CARE AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Every woman who became pregnant has to undergo the process of delivery. In normal process of delivery the baby is delivered per vagina, an episiotomy is performed by health care provider or midwife. Episiotomy is a surgically planned incision on the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall during the second stage of labour to enlarge the vaginal introits so as to facilitate easy and safe delivery of the fetus. Episiotomy may be advice in the situations such as inelastic perineum, fetal distress, and complicated birth, prolonged second stage of labor, instrumental vaginal delivery and previous perineal surgeries .There are four types of episiotomy: midline, mediolateral, lateral and J shaped. Care of episiotomy involves perineal care, sitz bath, infrared heat, perineal exercises, antiseptic ointments, cold and hot packs The REEDA scale is used for assessing the perineal healing. Complications of episiotomy include perineal discomfort, perineal pain, difficulty with breast feeding and walking, perineal bleeding, infection, wound dehiscence and dyspareunia

Clinically important left superior polar artery giving rise to a left inferior suprarenal artery and an aberrant left inferior polar artery: a case report / Artéria polar superior esquerda de importância clínica dando origem à artéria suprarrenal inferior esquerda e artéria polar inferior esquerda aberrante: relato de caso

Abstract The renal arteries arise from the lateral side of the abdominal aorta at the L2 vertebral level, just below the origin of the superior mesenteric artery. Multiple aberrant renal arteries can pose difficulties in renal transplantation, interventional radiological and urological procedures, renal artery embolization, angioplasty, or vascular reconstruction for congenital and acquired lesions. We present a case of a left kidney supplied by the left renal artery along with superior and inferior polar arteries, arising from the aorta and inferior mesenteric artery respectively. The inferior mesenteric artery was crossed by the left ureter and inferior mesenteric vein. The superior polar artery gave rise to an inferior suprarenal artery making the variation important for clinicians and surgeons.

Resumo As artérias renais originam-se do lado lateral da aorta abdominal, no nível da vértebra L2, logo abaixo da origem da artéria mesentérica superior. A presença de múltiplas artérias renais aberrantes pode representar dificuldades para transplante renal, procedimentos radiológicos e urológicos intervencionistas, embolização da artéria renal, angioplastia e reconstrução vascular para lesões congênitas e adquiridas. Apresentamos um caso de rim esquerdo vascularizado pela artéria renal esquerda e pelas artérias polares superior e inferior, as quais se originavam da aorta e da artéria mesentérica inferior, respectivamente. A artéria mesentérica inferior era cruzada pelo ureter esquerdo e pela veia mesentérica inferior. A artéria polar superior dava origem à artéria suprarrenal inferior, o que torna essa variação importante para clínicos e cirurgiões.

Bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery: an unusual finding with clinical implications / Variação bilateral no padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia: um achado incomum com implicações clínicas

Abstract The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Resumo A artéria subclávia é um ramo significativo do arco da aorta. Apresentamos um caso raro de variação bilateral do padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia, observada em um cadáver adulto do sexo masculino de 70 anos. Em ambos os lados do pescoço, todos os ramos da artéria subclávia originavam-se de sua primeira parte. Houve rara ocorrência de tronco escapular cervical dorsal, que deu origem às artérias cervical superficial, supraescapular e escapular dorsal. O mesmo padrão de ramificação foi observado no lado esquerdo do pescoço, com a presença de tronco escapular cervical dorsal. O tronco tireocervical e a artéria cervical transversa estavam ausentes em ambas as regiões cervicais direita e esquerda. A artéria tireóidea inferior consistia em um ramo direto da artéria subclávia. O conhecimento das variações da artéria subclávia é fundamental, pois as artérias da região cervical lateral são importantes para a obtenção de retalhos em cirurgias plásticas e reconstrutivas. A avaliação radiológica pré-operatória dos pedículos pode ajudar na escolha do desenho ideal do retalho, prevenir complicações isquêmicas e ajudar a melhorar o resultado geral do tratamento.

Keratorefractive surgery practice in a tertiary eye care center in central India / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To study the patient characteristics and keratorefractive surgery(KRS)practice in central India.METHOD: The retrospective study was conducted on 410 patients who underwent KRS from June 2017 to April 2022 at a tertiary eye care center in central India. Demographic data of the patients presenting for the spectacle free vision like age, sex, residence in the form of urban or rural area, refractive error, cause for spectacle-free vision, best-corrected visual acuity, types of procedure, postoperative follow-up and complications were recorded.RESULTS: Among the 410 patients who presented for spectacle-free vision, 324 patients were considered for KRS(79.0%), and 200 patients(61.7%)underwent the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)procedure, whereas 124 patients(38.3%)underwent the photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)procedure. The final study group comprised 179 female and 145 male. The mean age of the patients was(25±3.5)years. A majority of patients were from urban areas(n=250, 77.2%). The mean preoperative manifest refraction in the right and left eyes was -4.5±2.1 and -4.9±2.0, respectively. The mean surgical time in the LASIK patient was(15±2)min and(17±3)min for both eyes in PRK. None of the patients exhibited epithelial ingrowth, flap healing complications, or infection, and none of them required enhancement. Suboptimal corneal thickness(n=28, 32.6%)was the most common reason for rejection. At the end of the 1-year follow up, 3 patients who underwent the LASIK procedure exhibited regression(-0.5 D±1 D), with a refractive error correction of -6.75 D, -8.5 D, and -7.0 D, respectively.CONCLUSION: LASIK is the predominant procedure for the correction of refractive error in the central Indian population. Although the number of PRK procedures was small, both LASIK and PRK exhibited excellent visual outcome. Myopic regression should be considered when choosing LASIK for high myopia.

Effect of obesity on Left ventricular diastolic function in young normotensive obese individuals.

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate even in the developing country like India. Increased adiposity is the risk factor for the development of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The excess fat mass associated with obesity is known to cause haemodynamic changes like increase in preload and after load and also peripheral resistance. The study aims to evaluate the association between the obesity and Diastolic function using echocardiography in uncomplicated young obese individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in age matched 24 young male obese individuals and 26 male controls. Anthropometric parameters like height (cms), weight (kgs) were measured. BMI was calculated. Controls with BMI of 18.50 – 24.99 kg/m2 , Obese individuals with BMI ? 30 kg/m2 . Echocardiograms were performed using GE Vivid T 8 by standard techniques. The early diastolic (E) and atrial (A) velocities were measured and the E/A ratio was calculated. The deceleration time (in ms) was also assessed. Statistical analysis was done using ‘t’ test Results: The mean values of the early diastolic (E) velocity and E/A ratio were lesser in the group of obese individuals when compared with the controls and was statistically significant. Deceleration time and left ventricular end diastolic volume were greater in obese individuals. Conclusion: The present study suggests a significant decrease in the diastolic function in obese individuals when other risk factors are excluded. So obesity is found to have detriment on diastolic function and may lead to cardiac failure. Echocardiographic study should be included in the evaluation of obesity for early detection diastolic dysfunction. Preventive measures should be taken to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity.

MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA SINGLE TERTIARY CARE TRAUMA CENTRE EXPERIENCE.

Thoracic injuries are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, second only to head injuries. In addition to conventional radiography, multidetector computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used, since it can quickly and accurately help diagnose a wide variety of injuries in trauma patients. Furthermore, multiplanar and MiNIP, volumetric reformatted CT images provide improved visualization of injuries, increased understanding of trauma-related diseases, and enhanced communication between the radiologist and the referring clinician. To identify and accurately a Aims: ssess variety of injuries in blunt thoracic trauma with multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). To find commonest pattern of intrathoracic injury related to blunt chest trauma. This Method: retrospective observational study included 50 patients who underwent Multidetector CT examination during the period from November 2020 to April 2021 at tertiary care trauma centre, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai. Blunt chest Conclusion: trauma injuries were classified into pleural injury, lung parenchymal injury, bony thorax, tracheobronchial and vascular injuries. The commonest injury detected was pleural (70%) followed by lung parenchymal injury (52%) and bony thorax injury in 50% cases. 50% of the pleural injury cases were associated with rib fractures. Multiple injuries were seen in the 47 patients, stating the importance of a detail evaluation of all chest components. No oesophageal and cardiac injury was detected in our CT studies' with its multiplanar, MinIP and volume reconstruction images increases the confidence in imaging diagnosis and play a critical role in understanding thoracic trauma related complications.

Evaluation of posterior capsular opacification and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet capsulotomy rates in patients with hydrophilic intraocular lens implantation with and without ocular viscoelastic device

Purpose: To study the effect of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with and without ocular viscoelastic device (OVD) on posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in eyes with phacoemulsification. Methods: This prospective, comparative, and randomized case series included 70 patients (140 eyes) with senile cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in a tertiary eye c are center. One eye of each patient was randomized to one of the two groups, namely, control and OVD. After phacoemulsification, the IOL was placed in the capsular bag under balanced salt solution (BSS) in the control group, whereas the IOL was placed under OVD in the OVD group. PCO was analyzed by an independent observer at 6, 12, and 18 months under slit?lamp illumination. Results: The mean age of the participants in the two groups was 61.2 (±9.9) years. Of the total participants, 68 (48.5%) were men and 72 (51.5%) were women. The mean keratometry (K1, K2) values of the OVD (44.26 ± 1.43, 44.93 ± 1.66) and control (44.51 ± 1.74, 44.69 ± 1.49) groups were similar. The mean IOL powers of the control and OVD groups were 21.25 (±1.94) and 21.53 (±1.86), respectively (P = 0.463). The mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the control group at 6?, 12?, and 18?month follow?ups were 0.622 (±0.253), 0.315 (±0.203), and 0.063 (±0.163), respectively, whereas those of the OVD group were 0.592 (±0.253), 0.336 (±0.169), and 0.066 (±0.118), respectively (P = 0.922). None of the patients had postoperative raised intraocular pressure (IOP), uveitis, or endophthalmitis. Three and four eyes in the control and OVD groups, respectively, required neodymium?doped yttrium aluminum garnet (ND: YAG) capsulotomy at study termination (P = 0.999). Conclusion: The hydroimplantation technique of the placement of hydrophilic IOL did not reduce the PCO rate in the 18?month follow?up period. The ND: YAG capsulotomy rate did not differ between the groups

Morphometric Evaluation of Mental Foramen of Dry Adult Human Mandibles of South Indian Population and Their Clinical Correlation

Introduction: Morphometric assessment of mental foramina (MF) of the mandible for its variable position is considered to be helpful for the surgeons and dentists for the localized surgical procedures and for the anesthetists to execute nerve block practices. Hence the objective of the present study is to establish the morphometric variability in the position of MF in terms of gender in the mandibles of Southern Indian origin with possible clinical implications. Methods: The shape, size, and location of MF were measured on both sides of the mandible (n=92). Location of MF was established by measuring the distance from MF to the [1] mental symphysis [2] alveolar crest, [3] the base of the mandible, and [4] posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. All the morphometric data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The higher incidence (58.7%) of rounded MF was recorded. There were no cases of MF anterior to the first pre-molar and below the 1st molar. Most of them (45.7%) were below the 2nd premolar. There was a significant association between gender and the position of the MF (p=0.011). But, no association between gender and side as well as the shape was noted. Significant associations were found between gender and the distance from mental foramen to the posterior border of the ramus and also to the alveolar crest. A significant association between the gender and the positions of the MF was noted. Conclusion: The variations observed from previous studies might be related to the feeding habits of different regions which may ultimately, affect the development of mandibles. Prior knowledge regarding the common positions of MF in local populations is helpful in effective nerve blocks and maxillofacial surgeries.

The impact of early intervention on a child with vision loss in infancy - A parental perspective

Purpose: To assess the impact of early intervention services provided to children with visual loss and to report how parents perceive them in terms of a child’s development and the family dynamics. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted on a purposively selected sample of 15 children with severe visual impairment, availing early intervention services at a tertiary care facility in Pune, Maharashtra. Data were collected by conducting in?depth interviews of the parents with the help of a semi?structured interview topic guide. Participants were asked in detail about how and whether various components of the early intervention program (EIP) had an impact on their child. The interviews were audio?recorded, transcribed, and translated into English, and the resultant textual data were analyzed using the qualitative research software NVIVO 12 to identify themes and sub?themes under each domain. Results: A total of 15 children were included in the study, with ages ranging from 13 months to 5 years. All the children included in the study suffered from severe visual impairment in infancy (Vision 3/60 – PL). In the course of this EIP, the majority of the children showed consistent progress in various aspects of child development. According to the parents, the most beneficial components of EIP were visual stimulation exercises, an improvised teaching methodology, and counseling services. Conclusion: Almost all the parents included in the study reported a positive change in the behavior and development of the child as well as improved family dynamics after implementation of EIP

A case of neck pain in emergency department

Neck pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) and a prominent source of disability in the adult population, accounting for about 10�% of the population. Neck pain can be challenging for ED clinicians to accurately diagnose and manage. The vital role of ED remains in diagnosing the musculoskeletal red flag conditions such as cervical spine fractures or dislocations, radiculopathies, and disk disruptions. However, most non-traumatic causes of neck pain do not have a specific pathoanatomical etiology that can be identified on imaging to identify the cause of pain in the absence of red flags signs. In this article, we would like to discuss one such case, wherein our patient, a 49-year-old gentleman presented to our ED with neck pain which rapidly progressed to quadri paresis within a short duration of ED stay and the diagnostic hurdles faced and the outcome of the patient.

Survival outcomes with 12 weeks of adjuvant or neoadjuvant trastuzumab in breast cancer

Background: There is limited access to 1 year of adjuvant trastuzumab in resource-constrained settings. Most randomized studies have failed to prove non-inferiority of shorter durations of adjuvant trastuzumab compared to 1 year However, shorter durations are often used when 1 year is not financially viable. We report the outcomes with 12 weeks of trastuzumab administered as part of curative-intent treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, a tertiary care cancer center in India. Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer who received 12 weeks of adjuvant or neoadjuvant trastuzumab with paclitaxel and four cycles of an anthracycline-based regimen in either sequence, through a patient assistance program between January 2011 and December 2012, were analyzed for disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Results: A total of 102 patients were analyzed with a data cutoff in September 2019. The median follow-up was 72 months (range 6–90 months), the median age was 46 (24–65) years, 51 (50%) were postmenopausal, 37 (36%) were hormone receptor-positive, and 61 (60%) had stage-III disease. There were 37 DFS events and 26 had OS events. The 5-year DFS was 66% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 56–75%) and the OS was 76% (95% CI 67–85%), respectively. Cardiac dysfunction developed in 11 (10.7%) patients. Conclusion: The use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant 12-week trastuzumab-paclitaxel in sequence with four anthracycline-based regimens resulted in acceptable long-term outcomes in a group of patients, most of whom had advanced-stage nonmetastatic breast cancer.