A comparative study of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among glaucoma and nonglaucoma patients at a tertiary care center of North India

Purpose: Glaucoma influences vision?related quality of life (VRQoL) of an individual in various ways. There are very limited studies on the Indian population and the northern part of India. Therefore, we conducted the present study to evaluate VRQoL in glaucoma patients as well as the association between the severity of glaucoma and VRQoL. Methods: An institution?based, cross?sectional, analytical study was conducted from August 2022 to October 2022 involving 190 participants (95 glaucoma patients and 95 controls). The glaucoma quality of life?15 (GQL?15) questionnaire was explained in their vernacular language by the interviewer. The scoring was given according to the validated scoring algorithm for the questionnaire. Results: Mean GQL score in the control group was 19.66 ± 5.5 and in glaucoma cases was 32.8 ± 10.2, whereas the mean score of mild glaucoma cases was 22.3 ± 4.83, moderate glaucoma cases was 36.3 ± 4.09, and severe glaucoma cases was 47.24 ± 3.03. Therefore, as the severity of glaucoma increases, the GQL score also increases, indicating poorer quality of life. Visual field loss was strongly positively correlated (correlation coefficient = 0.759, P < 0.01) with the GQL?15 score, while a weaker positive correlation was found with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cup disc ratio, and duration of treatment. Conclusion: Besides controlling or reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) to the target level, the goal of glaucoma treatment should be to provide an individual with good functional vision to maintain an acceptable quality of life. It would also help in providing patients with the best possible treatment, not only in terms of good vision but also in maintaining or improving their overall quality of life.

Netarsudil monotherapy as the initial treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Indian patients: A real-world evaluation of efficacy and safety

Purpose: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting more than 64 million people aged 40–80. The best way to manage primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) is by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP). Netarsudil is a Rho kinase inhibitor, the only class of antiglaucoma medications that reorganizes the extracellular matrix to improve the aqueous outflow through the trabecular pathway. Methods: An open?label, real?world, multicentric, observation?based 3?month study was performed for assessing the safety and ocular hypotensive efficacy of netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) in patients with elevated IOP. Patients were given netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) as a first?line therapy. Diurnal IOP measurements, best?corrected visual acuity, and adverse event assessments were recorded at each of the five visits (Day?1: screening day and first dosing day; subsequent observations were taken at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). Results: Four hundred and sixty?nine patients from 39 centers throughout India completed the study. The mean IOP at baseline of the affected eyes was 24.84 ± 6.39 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation). After the first dose, the IOP was measured after 2, 4, and 6 weeks, with the final measurement taken at 3 months. The percentage reduction in IOP in glaucoma patients after 3 months of once?daily netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution use was 33.34%. The adverse effects experienced by patients were not severe in the majority of cases. Some adverse effects observed were redness, irritation, itching, and others, but only a small number of patients experienced severe reactions, as reported in a decreasing order: redness > irritation > watering > itching > stinging > blurring. Conclusion: We found that netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution monotherapy when used as the first?line treatment in primary open?angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension was both safe and effective.

Impact of an Assessment‑Based Training Module on Communication Skills in Phase I Indian Medical Undergraduates

Introduction:Good communication skills (CSs) are not only the crux of a good doctor–patient relationship but also the foundation over which any human relationship is based. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training on CS in Phase I MBBS students in a Government Medical College in West Bengal, India. MaterialsandMethods: One hundred and eighty‑four Phase I medical students were trained on how to communicate properly with their peers, seniors, teachers, college authorities, department staff, patient relatives, and other health professionals. Each participant underwent a set of three assessments (presession, postsession, and late postsession) for both knowledge and skills in CS. After postsession assessment, feedback by the faculties and peers was provided and reflections were obtained from the participants. A prevalidated questionnaire and Gap‑Kalamazoo CS Assessment Form (with some modification) were used for knowledge and skill’s assessment, respectively. At the end of the module, feedback was collected from the participants. Data were tabulated and results were compared and interpreted. Results: Mean score and standard deviation for knowledge assessment were 5.29 ±1.35, 9 ±1.20 and 8.55 ±0.97 in T1, T2, and T3 and for skills’ score were 17.78 ±4.89, 26.32 ±5.04 and 30.77 ±3.66 in SA1, SA2, and SA3, respectively. Most participants showed improvement in T2 with mean improvement score (T2–T1) of 79.57 ±47.25 and mean retention score (T3–T1) of 71.9 ±47.84. About 52% of participants showed deterioration in T3 with late deterioration score (T3–T2) of−4.06±11.42. 33% showed no change in knowledge, i.e., they retained their improvements, whereas 15% showed further improvement. Fifty‑two percent of participants showed skills’ improvement by scores of 7–12, 43% showed retention by 13–18, and late deterioration was shown by 82%, their scores dropped by 0–6. Conclusion: The training module was successfully implemented, and participants appreciated this type of participant centric assessment‑based teaching learning module. They learned about the effective ways of communication in a fun manner and were determined to apply all that they have learned

Body mass index in young adulthood and mid-life cardiovascular risk factors in South Asian American adults: The MASALA study

The association of self-reported BMI at age 20, at age 40, the highest BMI within the past 3 years, and current BMI with current mid-life cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) was evaluated among 1148 South Asian American participants (mean age 57 years) in the MASALA study. A 1 kg/m2 higher BMI at age 20 was associated with higher odds of hypertension (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 e1.12), pre-diabetes/diabetes (aOR 1.05 [1.01e1.09]), and prevalent CAC (aOR 1.06 [1.02e1.11]) in midlife. Associations were similar for all BMI measures. Weight across young adulthood is associated with mid-life cardiovascular health in South Asian American adults

Study-of-phacoemulsification-vs-phacotrabeculectomy-in-management-of-primary-angle-closure-glaucoma

Introduction: The study was conducted to evaluate IOP management by surgical modalities such as combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification surgery alone. Vision impairment is a major public health problem and the burden is increasing with increase in aged population. This study wasAims And Objectives: undertaken for study the IOP management by surgical modalities such as combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification surgery alone. A pre-designed prospective study was conducted at the OPD of upgraded Department of Ophthalmology at LLRM Medical College, Meerut. A total of 60 patients were divided in to two equal groups randomly and studied. Majority of the patients in both the groups wereObservation And Result: aged between 61 – 70 years. Females outnumbered males in this study which was statistically significant between the two groups. The mean pre- operative intra ocular pressure was 23.3 mm Hg in combined surgery group and 23.9 mm Hg in cataract surgery alone group. Mean Intra ocular pressure decreased regularly in each follow up more in combined group than the cataract surgery alone group. The mean intra ocular pressure after 1 years follow up in combined surgery group was 10.8 mm Hg and 13.4 mm Hg in the cataract surgery alone groups which was statistically significant. Mean BCVA before the operation was 3.2 in combined surgery group and 3.8 in cataract surgery before surgery. Mean BCVA declined after 1 year of follow up in combined surgery group was 1.9 and 2.7 in cataract surgery alone group which was statistically significant. The surgery success was complete in 80.0% of the combined surgery group and 60% of the cataract alone group. Criteria For Failure Of Surgeries Ÿ The IOP >23 MMHG at the end of 1 year or Ÿ The IOP not reduced by 20 % from base line at the end of 1 year Conclusion: This study was mainly undertaken to study the efficacy of combined trabeculectomy with cataract extraction and cataract only on primary angle closure glaucoma. This study had found that, the reduction of intra ocular pressure in both the groups but more prominent in combined surgery group than cataract alone surgery group.

Feasibility of treatment-free remission with generic imatinib: Results of generic imatinib-free trial-in-chronic myeloid leukaemia chronic phase study

Background & objectives: Both innovator and generic imatinib are approved for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia-Chronic phase (CML-CP). Currently, there are no studies on the feasibility of treatment-free remission (TFR) with generic imatinib. This study attempted to determine the feasibility and efficacy of TFR in patients on generic Imatinib. Methods: In this single-centre prospective Generic Imatinib-Free Trial-in-CML-CP study, twenty six patients on generic imatinib for ?3 yr and in sustained deep molecular response (BCR ABLIS ?0.01% for more than two years) were included. After treatment discontinuation, patients were monitored with complete blood count and BCR ABLIS by real-time quantitative PCR monthly for one year and three monthly thereafter. Generic imatinib was restarted at single documented loss of major molecular response (BCR ABLIS>0.1%). Results: At a median follow up of 33 months (interquartile range 18.7-35), 42.3 per cent patients (n=11) continued to be in TFR. Estimated TFR at one year was 44 per cent. All patients restarted on generic imatinib regained major molecular response. On multivariate analysis, attainment of molecularly undetectable leukaemia (>MR5) prior to TFR was predictive of TFR [P=0.022, HR 0.284 (0.096-0.837)]. Interpretation & conclusions: The study adds to the growing literature that generic imatinib is effective and can be safely discontinued in CML-CP patients who are in deep molecular remission.

Hepatoprotective potential of isolated flavonoids from Trapa natans L. against the paracetamol induced oxidative stress in rats

Overdose of paracetamol causes liver toxicity, due to oxidative stress by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that increases the levels of ALT and AST, and reduces the level of the antioxidant enzymes. Flavonoids are a source of natural antioxidants that assist in neutralization of ROS. Several studies have suggested that flavonoids can help protect the liver. The Water Chestnut, Trapa natans L. plants have long been used in the traditional system of medicine and possess considerable antioxidant potential. In this study, we tried to isolate flavonoids from T. natans L. and evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the isolated compound. We isolated flavonoids from the extract of the aerial part of plant and characterized by UV, IR, NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The isolated flavonoid was induced orally once a day (30 mg/kg). The test drug (isolated compound) could lower the elevated levels of serum enzymes such as glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Silymarin (30 mg/kg) was taken as a standard drug that exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity against the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity model in Wistar albino rats. The histopathological study of rat liver also strengthens biochemical evaluation analysis. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that the isolated flavonoids act as hepatoprotective agents in rats.

Preparedness of Phase 1 MBBS Students for Self-directed Learning Process

Self-directed learning is important for MBBS students to prepare themselves as lifelong learner. But a “spoonfed” school student needs to be sufficiently prepared to learn by SDL. In this study, the ability of the students to learn by SDL is measured along with evaluation of the reliability of as “Self-Directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) as measuring tool. All willing students of the 1st phase MBBS curriculum (Batch 2020-21) were given a 20-item questionnaire known as “Self-directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) to evaluate their learning abilities by SDL. A higher level of SDL is indicated by a higher score. A total of 247 students were included in the study. The result shows that students have poorest ability in Planning and Implementation domain (Mean: 3.9, variance: 0.26) whereas they are strongly motivated (Mean:4.3, variance: 0.37). SDLI score revealed that only 6 students need special care from faculties. Some (n = 81) needed observation and monitoring whereas majority of students (160, 64.8%) were supposed to be able to learn of their own. The method was found to be reliable as Cronbach’s alpha for all domains were over 0.70. The students with poor ability to learn by themselves can be identified in the very beginning of the session who can be given special attention and facilitated to grow as lifelong learner.

Comparison of MRI Findings in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis

Objective?Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) has emerged as a key concern during the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for invasive fungal infection. The aim of this article was to study and compare the radiological features of COVID-19-associated ROCM between diabetic and nondiabetic patients using magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods?A retrospective observational study comprising 78 diabetics and 40 nondiabetics who developed ROCM after COVID-19 was conducted. The imaging data of both groups were analyzed, findings tabulated and compared using statistical methods. Results?Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were commonly involved in both groups. Periantral fat and orbits were the most common sites of disease extension. The spread of infection to periantral soft tissue was significantly higher in diabetics (p = 0.049). Diabetics were more likely to have bone, orbit, and brain involvement than nondiabetics, although the difference was not statistically significant. Diabetic patients were the only ones to experience complications such as fungal abscess and cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery involvement. However, a considerable number of nondiabetic patients (22.5%) also had an intracranial extension of disease. Conclusion?The radiological appearances and common sites of invasion in ROCM are similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The extensive spread of infection to extra-sinus regions can occur in nondiabetic patients with COVID-19 but is less frequent compared with diabetics.

Surveillance for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in India: Consensus Guidelines From the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association

Justification: When developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is diagnosed during infancy, conservative management is often successful, with good long-term outcomes. In India, DDH is often not diagnosed until walking age and there are limited guidelines for its screening. Process: A multidisciplinary Expert Group consisting of members of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association worked collaboratively to develop surveillance guidelines for DDH. Objectives: To enhance the early detection rate of DDH in India through development and implementation of a standardized surveillance care pathway, thus reducing the burden of late-presenting DDH. Recommendations: Routine clinical hip examinations must be performed on all infants at birth and during immunization visits at these approximate time points: 6, 10, and 14 weeks; 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. Assessments include Ortolani and Barlow tests for infants <14 weeks; limited hip abduction and leg length discrepancy for infants >14 weeks; and evaluation of limp in walking children. If clinical examination is abnormal or inconclusive, referral to orthopedics for further evaluation and management is recommended. In infants younger than 6 weeks with positive Barlow test but negative Ortolani test, hip ultrasound is recommended at 6 weeks of age. Infants must also be screened for DDH risk factors: breech presentation, family history of DDH, unsafe hip swaddling, and hip instability at any previous clinical examination. In infants with risk factors but normal clinical examination, further evaluation should include ultrasound taken no earlier than 6 weeks of age for infants younger than 14 weeks, ultrasound or X-ray for infants 14 weeks to 6 months of age, and X-ray for infants older than 6 months. Referral to an orthopedic surgeon is recommended if radiological tests are abnormal.

Effectiveness of Self-directed Learning to Teach Biochemistry in Phase 1 MBBS Students

The effectiveness of introducing Self-directed Learning (SDL) activity in teaching Biochemistry in Phase 1 MBBS Students was studied by measuring learning gain before and after SDL session. The SDL sessions were conducted among 3 groups of Students (Group A, n = 88; group B, n = 66 and Group C, n = 46; Total, n = 200) according to their learning needs. SDL was found to improve test scores significantly in all three groups. The perception of the Undergraduate Medical Students on SDL was also collated in this study by close ended question (in Likert scale) and open-ended questions. Perception analysis showed that majority of the Students agreed that SDL sessions are beneficial and interesting. However, thematic analysis showed that most of the Students considered SDL to be more time consuming. The questions were found to be reliable in present setting by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.893). It seems to be essential to find out the topics where students need special guidance and which topics will be chosen for SDL.

Association of hyperglycaemia at-admission & diabetes mellitus with 28 day mortality in patients admitted with moderate-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective study

Background & objectives: The association between hyperglycaemia at admission, diabetes mellitus (DM) status and mortality in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between DM, at-admission hyperglycaemia and 28 day mortality in patients admitted with moderate-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring intensive care. Methods: All consecutive moderate-to-severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) over six months were enrolled in this single-centre, retrospective study. The predicators for 28 day mortality were analysed from the independent variables including DM status and hyperglycaemia at-admission. Results: Four hundred and fifty two patients with SARS-CoV-2 were admitted to the ICU, with a mean age of 58.5±13.4 yr, 78.5 per cent being male, HbA1c of 7.2 per cent (6.3-8.8) and 63.7 per cent having DM. Overall, 28 day mortality was 48.9 per cent. In univariate analysis, mortality in diabetes patients was comparable with non-diabetes (47.9 vs. 50.6%, P=0.58), while it was significantly higher in hyperglycaemic group (60.4 vs. 35.8%, P<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities, hyperglycaemia at-admission was an independent risk factor of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.06-1.99), P<0.05]. Interpretation & conclusions: This study showed that the presence of hyperglycaemia at-admission in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients was an independent predictor of 28 day mortality. However, the findings may be susceptible to unmeasured confounding, and more research from prospective studies is required.

Characterizing the third wave of COVID-19: An analysis from the National Clinical Registry of COVID-19

Background & objectives: Data from the National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 (NCRC) were analyzed with an aim to describe the clinical characteristics, course and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the third wave of the pandemic and compare them with patients admitted earlier. Methods: The NCRC, launched in September 2020, is a multicentre observational initiative, which provided the platform for the current investigation. Demographic, clinical, treatment and outcome data of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were captured in an electronic data portal from 38 hospitals across India. Patients enrolled during December 16, 2021 to January 17, 2022 were considered representative of the third wave of COVID-19 and compared with those registered during November 15 to December 15, 2021, representative of the tail end of the second wave. Results: Between November 15, 2021 and January 17, 2022, 3230 patients were recruited in NCRC. Patients admitted in the third wave were significantly younger than those admitted earlier (46.7±20.5 vs. 54.6±18 yr). The patients admitted in the third wave had a lower requirement of drugs including steroids, interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors and remdesivir as well as lower oxygen supplementation and mechanical ventilation. They had improved hospital outcomes with significantly lower in-hospital mortality (11.2 vs. 15.1%). The outcomes were better among the fully vaccinated when compared to the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.Interpretation & conclusions: The pattern of illness and outcomes were observed to be different in the third wave compared to the last wave. Hospitalized patients were younger with fewer comorbidities, decreased symptoms and improved outcomes, with fully vaccinated patients faring better than the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated ones.

Psychological Morbidities and Coping Styles: A Rural Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Comparative Study between Undergraduate Medical Students Undergoing Different Phases of Training

Background?Psychological morbidities are high among undergraduate medical students. They experience the transition between pre-/para-clinical and clinical training as a stressful period, and cope differently. Research studies from India in this regard are lacking. Aims?The aim of this study is to assess and compare the prevalence of psychological morbidities and their respective associated factors and coping styles between pre-/para-clinical and clinical undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods?This institution-based cross-sectional observational design study was conducted among undergraduate medical students (a total of 382) in pre-/para-clinical and clinical years by using a questionnaire in the period between April and June 2019. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The survey included standard self-administered questionnaires like General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Lin–Chen's coping inventory to assess psychological morbidities and coping styles, respectively. Associated factors for psychological morbidities and coping styles between two groups were compared using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression analysis. Results?Out of the 382 responders, psychological morbidities (GHQ-28 score?>?23) were found in 61% participants. Both groups reported high levels of psychological morbidities; a slightly higher preponderance in clinical (61.5%) than in pre-/para-clinical students (60.6%) with a nonsignificant difference. Compared with the pre-/para-clinical group, the clinical group was found to have more substance consumption behavior (p?<?0.001), dissatisfaction with academic performance (p?<?0.001), sought psychiatric consultation (p?<?0.004), and at that time on psychiatric treatment (p?<?0.04). Active problem coping behavior was more significantly used by the pre-/para-clinical group, while passive problem coping and passive emotional coping behaviors were positively significantly correlated with psychological morbidities in the clinical group. Conclusion?This study suggests a significant correlation between psychological morbidities and passive coping styles in the clinical group. These students need interventions to encourage the use of more active coping styles during training to provide advances in future career. A strong correlation between psychological morbidities and dissatisfied academic performance may be a call for an efficient and more student-friendly curriculum.

Post-Expansion and End of Treatment Outcomes of Semi-Rapid Maxillary Expansion with a Modified Removable Appliance

Context: Maxillary expansion is the mainstay therapy for maxillary transverse deficiency. There has been a constant search for the most effective yet biologically friendly method of maxillary expansion, alternatives being, slow, rapid and semi rapid. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the outcome of palatal expansion achieved using a removable plate and low continuous forces brought about by a semi rapid screw activation protocol. Settings and Design: Retrospective study. Methods and Material: Plaster models of 56 consecutive patients treated for maxillary expansion were obtained pre?treatment (T0), post?expansion (T1), and post fixed appliance treatment (T2). The radiographic images of the models were traced using Image J software. Linear and angular measurements were evaluated to measure transverse change. Statistical Analysis Used: Interclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] and Dahlberg’s formula were used for reliability test. The differences in the mean values between the three duration groups [T0, T1 and T2] were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). For multiple comparisons, a post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test was performed. Results: Significant increase in inter?molar, alveolar and palatal linear widths were observed from T0 to T1 with significant relapses from T1 to T2, with an overall net gain remaining at T2. Similarly, significant increases in all angular measurements were observed from T0 to T1 with significant relapses from T1 to T2 and an overall insignificant change at T2 as compared to T0. Conclusion: The appliance and protocol were effective in producing transverse expansion with minimal molar and alveolar tipping.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome – An unusual case of primary amenorrhea

The onset of menstruation is a significant milestone of sexual maturation in a girl child. Although there are numerous causes of primary amenorrhea, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, also known as Müllerian aplasia, is one of the extremely rare causes of primary amenorrhea which is usually picked up by suitable imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging. Affected females have a normal female hormonal function and a normal karyotype but non-functional vagina and uterus which make it an interesting entity. Although specific treatment is not known for this entity except for vaginoplasty and creation of a neovagina for sexual gratification, the clinical and diagnostic workup of these patients has evolved in recent years and infertility treatment and child-bearing through in vitrofertilization have become a part of the long-term treatment plan for these females.

Um estudo randomizado controlado sobre a eficácia da diatermia de ondas longas na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento em pacientes com dor cervical / A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of longwave diathermy on pain, disability and range of motion in the patients with neck pain

INTRODUÇÃO: A cervicalgia é uma importante causa de incapacidade em todo o mundo, causada por várias condições como doenças de base, anormalidades mecânicas e neuropáticas. A Diatermia por Ondas Longas (LWD) é uma modalidade de aquecimento terapêutico usada para tratar muitas condições musculoesqueléticas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da LWD na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento (ADM) na dor no pescoço. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: O estudo foi conduzido após aprovação ética da universidade e registro em registro de ensaio clínico (PTY/2022/155 e CTRI/2022/06/043033). 30 pacientes com cervicalgia de 20-60 anos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo controle (n=15) realizou exercícios domiciliares simples, enquanto no grupo experimental (n=15) a diatermia de ondas longas também foi administrada juntamente com exercícios domiciliares, 3 vezes/semana por 2 semanas. As medidas de resultado, como a escala visual analógica (EVA), índice de incapacidade do pescoço (IIP) e amplitude de movimento do pescoço, foram avaliadas na linha de base, no final de 2 semanas (pós-tratamento) e após um acompanhamento de 2 semanas. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Houve melhora significativa da dor, incapacidade e ADM pós-intervenção no grupo controle e no grupo experimental. Além disso, houve diferença significativa na dor após o acompanhamento em ambos os grupos. A comparação entre os grupos sugeriu que houve uma diferença significativa para EVA, IIPe ADM de extensão do pescoço (p<0,05), mas não para ADM em outras direções. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a LWD é uma intervenção terapêutica eficaz para melhorar a dor, a incapacidade do pescoço e a amplitude de movimento do pescoço, juntamente com exercícios de pescoço em pacientes com dor no pescoço.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a significant cause of disability worldwide, caused by various conditions like underlying diseases, mechanical and neuropathic abnormalities. Longwave Diathermy (LWD) is a therapeutic heating modality used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of LWD on pain, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in neck pain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was conducted after ethical approval from the university and registration in clinical trial registry (PTY/2022/155 & CTRI/2022/06/043033). Thirty patients with neck pain of 20-60 years were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n=15) performed simple home-based exercises, while in the experimental group (n=15) longwave diathermy was also given along with home exercises, 3 times/week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures like the Visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and Neck range of motion were assessed at baseline, at the end of 2 weeks (post-treatment), and after a followup of 2 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in pain, disability, and ROM post-intervention in the control group and experimental group. Additionally, there was a significant difference in pain after follow-up in both groups. The between-group comparison suggested that there was a significant difference for VAS, NDI, and neck extension ROM (p<0.05) but not for ROM in other directions. Therefore, it can be concluded that LWD is an effective therapeutic intervention for improving pain, neck disability, and neck range of motion along with neck exercises in patients with neck pain.

Bendamustine in combination with ifosfamide, etoposide, and vinorelbine (VIBE) is an effective salvage regimen for heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma:a single-center experience

Background@#This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with refractory/relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (RRHL) treated with a bendamustine-based regimen in combination with ifosfamide, etoposide, and vinorelbine (VIBE). @*Methods@#Consecutive RRHL patients who were treated with the VIBE regimen were identified and studied for clinicopathologic characteristics, response to VIBE regimen, event-free survival (EFS), and feasibility of an autologous stem-cell transplant (autoSCT). @*Results@#In total, 24 patients received the VIBE regimen, and a median of 3 cycles were administered. In this cohort, 80% of the patients had received ≥2 prior lines of therapy. The overall and complete response rates with VIBE were 79% and 42%, respectively. After a median follow-up (following VIBE regimen) of 14 months (range, 3‒76), the 3-year EFS and OS were 46% and 74%, respectively. Of the eligible patients, 92% underwent successful AutoSCT. The mean CD34+ cell count in the autograft was 5.5×106/kg (SD 2.07). Neutropenia was the commonest hematologic toxicity and it was observed in 42% of the patients. However, only 9% of the patients developed grade III/IV febrile neutropenia. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting were the second most common grade III/IV toxicities in our cohort of patients. @*Conclusion@#In this retrospective analysis, the combination regimen, VIBE, has shown good efficacy in heavily pre-treated patients with RRHL without compromising stem cell collection. These encouraging results provide a rationale for further development of this regimen.

Bendamustine in combination with ifosfamide, etoposide, and vinorelbine (VIBE) is an effective salvage regimen for heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma:a single-center experience

Background@#This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with refractory/relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (RRHL) treated with a bendamustine-based regimen in combination with ifosfamide, etoposide, and vinorelbine (VIBE). @*Methods@#Consecutive RRHL patients who were treated with the VIBE regimen were identified and studied for clinicopathologic characteristics, response to VIBE regimen, event-free survival (EFS), and feasibility of an autologous stem-cell transplant (autoSCT). @*Results@#In total, 24 patients received the VIBE regimen, and a median of 3 cycles were administered. In this cohort, 80% of the patients had received ≥2 prior lines of therapy. The overall and complete response rates with VIBE were 79% and 42%, respectively. After a median follow-up (following VIBE regimen) of 14 months (range, 3‒76), the 3-year EFS and OS were 46% and 74%, respectively. Of the eligible patients, 92% underwent successful AutoSCT. The mean CD34+ cell count in the autograft was 5.5×106/kg (SD 2.07). Neutropenia was the commonest hematologic toxicity and it was observed in 42% of the patients. However, only 9% of the patients developed grade III/IV febrile neutropenia. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting were the second most common grade III/IV toxicities in our cohort of patients. @*Conclusion@#In this retrospective analysis, the combination regimen, VIBE, has shown good efficacy in heavily pre-treated patients with RRHL without compromising stem cell collection. These encouraging results provide a rationale for further development of this regimen.

Effect of intracanal cryotherapy on postendodontic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of cryotherapy in the reduction of postendodontic pain. The review question was, "What will be the success rate of cryotherapy technique among human patients with postendodontic pain?”. The review protocol was framed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Six studies were included in the review, and quantification of five studies was performed through a meta-analysis. In the forest plot representation of the studies comparing the control and cryotherapy groups in terms of the success rate in the management of postendodontic pain, the combined risk ratio (RR) was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.56 to 1.13) with a P value of 0.20. Based on the quantitative analysis, it can be suggested that intracanal cryotherapy does not play a significant role in reducing postendodontic pain.