Evaluating the Safety of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): Intra- and Early Postoperative Complications in Patients Enrolled in the Global Multicentre Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcome Registry (FLEXOR)

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the incidence of the most common intra- and early postoperative complications following RIRS in a large series of patients with kidney stones. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with kidney stones who underwent RIRS across 21 centers from January 2018 to August 2021, as part of the Global Multicenter Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcome (FLEXOR) Registry. Results Among 6669 patients undergoing RIRS, 4.5% experienced intraoperative pelvicalyceal system bleeding without necessitating blood transfusion. Only 0.1% of patients, required a blood transfusion. The second most frequent intraoperative complication was ureteric injury due to the ureteral access sheath requiring stenting (1.8% of patients). Postoperatively, the most prevalent early complications were fever/infections requiring antibiotics (6.3%), blood transfusions (5.5%), and sepsis necessitating intensive care unit admission (1.3%). In cases of ureteric injury, a notably higher percentage of patients exhibited multiple stones and stone(s) in the lower pole, and these cases were correlated with prolonged lasing and overall surgical time. Hematuria requiring a blood transfusion was associated with an increased prevalence of larger median maximum stone diameters, particularly among patients with stones exceeding 20 mm. Furthermore, these cases exhibited a significant prolongation in surgical time. Sepsis necessitating admission to the intensive care unit was more prevalent among the elderly, concomitant with a significantly larger median maximum stone diameter. Conclusions Our analysis showed that RIRS has a good safety profile but bleeding requiring transfusions, ureteric injury, fever, and sepsis are still the most common complications despite advancements in technology.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Aloe Vera Gel and Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1 % in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

A randomized clinical trial is conducted to compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus. The study involved a sample of 30 patients (16 males and 14 females) diagnosed with oral lichen planus clinically and histopathologically, who were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients in Group A were administered Aloe vera gel, while those in Group B received 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide as a local application. After the treatment, the results obtained were statistically analyzed and tabulated. Research results indicate tha t applying Aloe vera topically is just as effective as using topical triamcinolone acetonide, suggesting that Aloe vera may be a preferable replacement due to its safety profile in comparison to 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide.

Se llevó a cabo un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para comparar la eficacia del gel de aloe vera y el acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1% en el tratamiento del liquen plano oral sintomático. El estudio involucró una muestra de 30 pacientes (16 hombres y 14 mujeres) diagnosticados clínica e histopatológicamente con liquen plano oral, que fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos. A los pacientes del grupo A se les administró gel de aloe vera, mientras que los del grupo B recibieron acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1% como aplicación local. Después del tratamiento, los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente y tabulados. Los resultados de la investigación indican que la aplicación tópica de Aloe vera es tan efectiva como usar acetónido de triamcinolona tópico, lo que sugiere que el Aloe vera puede ser un reemplazo preferible debido a su perfil de seguridad en comparación con el acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1%.

Comparison of the Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction through the All-inside and Outside-in Techniques: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial / Comparação dos resultados funcionais da reconstrução artroscópica do ligamento cruzado anterior pelas técnicas all-inside e outside-in: Um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado e duplo-cego

Abstract Objective To compare the functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft (HA) through the all-inside (AI) technique with adjustable-loop cortical Endobutton (Smith & Nephew, Watford, Hertfordshire, England) on the sides of the femur and tibia and through the outside-in (OI) technique using an interference screw on the tibial side and a cortical Endobutton on the femoral side. Materials and Methods The present is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 44 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction from February 2019 to February 2022 in a tertiary care hospital. As per computer-based randomization, the patients were distributed into two groups: the AI and OI groups. Both groups were evaluated for 12 months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and part I (pain score) and part II (function score) of the Knee Society Score (KSS). Results On postoperative day 2,the VAS score was significantly higher in the OI group (p = 0.0001), but insignificant (p = 0.807) at 6 weeks. At 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, the score on the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the AI group. At 6 months, both parts of the KSS showed a significant difference, with the AI group presenting a better outcome (p = 0.04). However, at 12 months, the AI group presented a better score on part I of the KSS, but no differences were observed regarding part II. Conclusion In a follow-up of 12 months, the patients submitted to the AI technique presented better outcome scores and pain relief than those submitted to the OI technique.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os resultados funcionais da reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) com autoenxerto de isquiotibiais pela técnica all-inside (AI) com Endobutton (Smith & Nephew, Watford, Hertfordshire, Inglaterra) cortical de alça ajustável nos lados do fêmur e da tíbia e pela técnica outside-in (OI) com parafuso de interferência no lado tibial e Endobutton cortical no lado femoral. Métodos Trata-se de um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado e duplo-cego com 44 pacientes submetidos à reconstrução artroscópica do LCA de fevereiro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2022 em um hospital de cuidados terciários. De acordo com a randomização por computador, os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos: AI e OI. Ambos os grupos foram avaliados durante 12 meses pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), a Escala de Pontuação do Joelho de Lysholm e pela parte I (pontuação de dor) e a parte II (pontuação de função) da escala Knee Society Score (KSS). Resultados No segundo dia de pós-operatório, a pontuação média na EVA foi significativamente maior no grupo OI (p = 0,0001), mas insignificante (p 0,807) às 6 semanas. Aos 3, 6 e 12 meses de acompanhamento, a pontuação na Escala de Lysholm (p = 0,001) foi significativamente maior no grupo AI. Aos 6 meses, ambas as partes da KSS apresentam uma diferença significativa, com o grupo AI apresentando um desfecho melhor (p = 0,04). No entanto, aos 12 meses, o grupo AI apresentou uma pontuação melhor na parte I da KSS, mas não foram observadas diferenças na parte II. Conclusão Em um acompanhamento de 12 meses, os pacientes submetidos à técnica AI apresentaram melhores pontuações de desfecho e alívio da dor do que aqueles submetidos à técnica OI.

Effectiveness of virtual teaching programme regarding palliative care on knowledge, self-efficacy and attitude of Nursing Personnel in North India / Efectividad de un programa de enseñanza virtual sobre cuidados paliativos en los conocimientos, la autoeficacia y la actitud del personal de enfermería en el norte de la India / Eficácia de um programa virtual de ensino de cuidados paliativos sobre conhecimento, autoeficácia e atitude da equipe de enfermagem no norte da Índia

Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Teaching (VT) Programme regarding palliative care on knowledge, self-efficacy and attitude among Nursing Personnel working in selected hospitals of North India. Methods. A quasi-experimental study with non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test design was conducted on 121 Nursing Personnel, selected by convenient sampling technique. Knowledge, self-efficacy and attitude were assessed using structured knowledge questionnaire, Palliative Care Self-efficacy Scale, and Frommelt Attitudes toward care of dying scale respectively. Nursing personnel in experimental group received Virtual Teaching Programme regarding palliative care whereas those in comparison group received conventional teaching (CT). The study included a pre-test followed by the teaching (virtual/ conventional) on day one. The post-test was conducted on 15th day after the intervention. Results. The results showed that there was a significant difference in mean post-test knowledge (VT group: 17.11 to CT group: 25.05; t=9.25, p<0.001), self-efficacy (VT group: 39.27 to CT group: 43.38; t=6.39, p<0.001) and attitude (VT group: 108.86 to CT group: 133.23; t=9.27, p<0.001) scores between virtual teaching group and conventional teaching group. ANCOVA test revealed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of knowledge [F (1.11) = 86.61, p<0.001], self-efficacy [F (1.11) = 841.75, p<0.001] and attitude [F (1.11) = 82.92, p<0.001] between the groups, with higher means obtained in the CT group. Conclusion. Virtual Teaching programme and Conventional teaching both were effective in enhancing the knowledge, self-efficacy and attitude among Nursing Personnel regarding palliative care with conventional teaching being more effective.

Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de Enseñanza Virtual (EV) sobre cuidados paliativos en cuanto a conocimientos, autoeficacia y actitud entre el personal de enfermería que trabaja en hospitales seleccionados del norte de la India. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuasiexperimental con un diseño de grupo de control no equivalente. Se realizaron pre y post-prueba a 121 miembros del personal de enfermería, seleccionados mediante una técnica de muestreo por conveniencia. Se evaluaron los conocimientos, la autoeficacia y las actitudes mediante un cuestionario estructurado de conocimientos, una escala de autoeficacia en cuidados paliativos y una escala de actitudes de Frommelt hacia el cuidado de personas al final de su vida. El personal de enfermería del grupo experimental recibió un programa de EV sobre cuidados paliativos, mientras que el del grupo de comparación recibió enseñanza convencional (EC). El estudio incluyó una preprueba seguida de la enseñanza virtual o convencional el primer día y una prueba posterior al decimoquinto día después de la intervención. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que había una diferencia significativa en las puntuaciones medias post-test entre los grupos en: conocimientos (EV: 17.11 y EC: 25.05; t=9.25, p<0.001), autoeficacia (grupo VT: 39.27 y grupo CT: 43.38; t=6.39, p<0.001) y actitud (grupo EV: 108.86 y grupo EC: 133.23; t=9.27, p=<0.001) La prueba ANCOVA también reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las puntuaciones medias de conocimientos [F (1.11) = 86.61, p=<0.001], autoeficacia [F (1.12) =841.75, p=<0.001] y actitud [F (1.11) = 82.91, p<0.001] entre los grupos, obteniéndose medias más altas en el grupo CT. Conclusión. Tanto el programa de enseñanza virtual como la enseñanza convencional fueron efectivos para mejorar los conocimientos, la autoeficacia y la actitud del personal de enfermería en relación con los cuidados paliativos, siendo el beneficio mucho mayor la enseñanza convencional.

Objetivo. Avaliar a eficácia de um programa de Aprendizagem Virtual (VE) sobre cuidados paliativos em termos de conhecimento, autoeficácia e atitude entre a equipe de enfermagem que trabalha em hospitais selecionados no norte da Índia. Métodos. Um estudo quase experimental foi conduzido com um desenho de grupo controle não equivalente. Foram realizados pré e pós-testes em 121 membros da equipe de enfermagem, selecionados por meio de técnica de amostragem por conveniência. Foram utilizados os instrumentos: questionário de conhecimento estruturado, escala de autoeficácia em cuidados paliativos e escala de atitudes de Frommelt em relação ao cuidado de pessoas em fim de vida. A equipe de enfermagem do grupo experimental recebeu um programa de VE sobre cuidados paliativos, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu ensino convencional (CE). O estudo incluiu um pré-teste seguido de ensino virtual ou convencional no primeiro dia e um pós-teste no 15º dia após a intervenção. Resultados. Os resultados mostraram que houve diferença significativa nas médias dos escores pós-teste entre os grupos em: conhecimento (EV: 17.11 e EC: 25.05; t=9.25, p<0.001), autoeficácia (grupo VT: 39.27 e grupo CT: 43.38; t=6.39, p<0.001) e atitude (grupo EV: 108.86 e grupo EC: 133.23; t=9.27, p=<0.001). O teste ANCOVA também revelou diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas pontuações médias de conhecimento [F (1.11) = 86.61, p=<0.001], autoeficácia [F (1.12) =841.75, p=<0.001] e atitude [F (1.11) = 82.91, p<0.001] entre os grupos, obtendo maiores médias em o grupo CT. Conclusão. Tanto o programa de ensino virtual quanto o ensino convencional foram eficazes na melhoria do conhecimento, da autoeficácia e da atitude da equipe de enfermagem em relação aos cuidados paliativos, sendo o benefício muito maior com o ensino convencional.

Efficacy of pulmonary telerehabilitation on exercise tolerance, fatigue, perceived exertion, depression, and quality of life in COVID-19 survivors / Eficácia da telereabilitação pulmonar na tolerância ao exercício, fadiga, percepção de esforço, depressão e qualidade de vida em sobreviventes de COVID-19

INTRODUCTION: Telerehabilitation advanced significantly with the emergence of COVID-19 and the recommendation of limiting physiotherapist-patient contact time whenever practicable. The effectiveness of telerehabilitation on those who had a longer stay in hospital and on oxygen support following discharge is still under question. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects after six weeks of pulmonary telerehabilitation on exercise tolerance, fatigue level, perceived exertion, symptoms of depression and quality of life in patients surviving COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 25 post-COVID-19 patients following discharge in a home environment setting. The participants were advised to prepare equipment such as oxygen concentrator, B-type oxygen cylinder (backup), lengthy oxygen tubes, finger pulse oximeter, mini static pedal exerciser, incentive spirometry, weight cuffs or water bottles and sandbags. After six weeks of telerehabilitation, the patients underwent assessments including initial oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate, peak oxygen demand during exercise to maintain baseline SPO2, peak heart rate, maximum drop in SPO2, recovery time to baseline SPO2 measured with a pulse oximeter and stopwatch, peak perceived exertion using the Borg Dyspnea Scale, peak fatigue score using the visual analog scale (VASF), quality of life assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, and mental health status evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). One-way repeated measure ANOVA and paired t-test were used. RESULTS: Significant improvements following the intervention on the initial SPO2 (F (2.12, 23.13) = 21.0, p< 0.05) and quality of life also showed significant improvement (mean difference =29.92, p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Six weeks of comprehensive pulmonary telerehabilitation with simple equipment improved tolerance to exercise, fatigue, perceived exertion, symptoms of depression and quality of life for post-COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: A telereabilitação avançou significativamente com o surgimento da COVID-19 e a recomendação de limitar o tempo de contato entre fisioterapeutas e pacientes sempre que possível. A eficácia da telereabilitação em pacientes que permaneceram mais tempo no hospital e necessitaram de suporte de oxigênio após a alta ainda está em questão. OBJETIVO: Para avaliar os efeitos após seis semanas de telereabilitação pulmonar na tolerância ao exercício, nível de fadiga, percepção de esforço, sintomas de depressão e qualidade de vida em pacientes sobreviventes de COVID-19. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo quase-experimental com dezesseis pacientes pós-COVID-19 selecionados de um hospital multispecializado. Os participantes foram orientados a preparar equipamentos como concentrador de oxigênio, cilindro de oxigênio tipo B (reserva), tubos de oxigênio longos, oxímetro de pulso, exercitador de pedal estático, espirômetro incentivador, pesos de tornozelo ou garrafas d'água e sacos de areia. Após seis semanas de telereabilitação, os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliações, incluindo saturação inicial de oxigênio (SPO2), frequência cardíaca, demanda máxima de oxigênio durante o exercício para manter a SPO2 basal, frequência cardíaca máxima, queda máxima na SPO2, tempo de recuperação para SPO2 basal medido com um oxímetro de pulso e cronômetro, esforço percebido máximo usando a Escala de Dispneia de Borg, pontuação máxima de fadiga usando a escala analógica visual (VASF), qualidade de vida avaliada com o questionário SF-36 e estado de saúde mental avaliado com a Escala de Depressão de Hamilton (HAMD). RESULTADOS: Melhorias significativas após a intervenção foram observadas na SPO2 inicial (F (2,12, 23,13) = 21,0, p <0,05) e na frequência cardíaca (F (1,839, 20,23) = 43,73, p <0,05), demanda máxima de oxigênio durante o exercício para manter a SPO2 basal (F (1,487, 16,36) = 8,96, p <0,05), esforço percebido máximo (F (5, 55) = 112,51, p <0,05), pontuação máxima de fadiga (F (1,755, 19,30) = 67,44, p <0,05), frequência cardíaca máxima (F (1,798, 19,78) = 50,99, p <0,05), queda máxima na SPO2 (F (2,467, 27,14) = 41,46, p <0,05) e tempo máximo de recuperação para alcançar a SPO2 basal (F (5, 55) = 78,89, p <0,05). A análise de seis semanas pós-intervenção nos sintomas depressivos (diferença média = 11,25, p <0,05) e na qualidade de vida também mostrou melhoria significativa (diferença média = 29,92, p <0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Seis semanas de telereabilitação pulmonar abrangente com equipamentos simples melhoraram a tolerância ao exercício, a fadiga, a percepção de esforço, os sintomas de depressão e a qualidade de vida em pacientes pós-COVID-19.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India

@#Objective: To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. Methods: A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.

Deceptive brown adipose tissue / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#A 23-year-old female presented with headache, palpitation, and hypertensive spells. There was no similar family history. Twenty-four (24) hour urine testing showed elevated normetanephrine level with normal metanephrines [metanephrines 123 mcg/24 hrs (74-297); normetanephrines 5321.16 mcg/24 hrs (73-808)]. A biochemical diagnosis of normetanephrine-secreting pheochromocytoma was made. Considering the age and urine reports, a functional scan was ordered. Imaging with 18-FDG PET CT was done which showed uptake indicative of a large left adrenal mass, as well as uptake in the mediastinal, abdominopelvic, lymph nodes and metabolically active mesenteric, peritoneal and omental thickness. This suggested a left adrenal pheochromocytoma with the possibility of an associated lymphoproliferative disorder or active lesions in brown fat. To describe these extra-adrenal lesions, a Ga-68 This work DOTANOC PET CT was obtained which showed a diffuse somatostatin receptor-expressing large soft tissue mass lesion in the left adrenal likely to be pheochromocytoma without any other lesion elsewhere in the whole body survey. This depicts the confusion created by the metabolically active brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the FDG PET scan. Brown fat is involved in non-shivering thermogenesis and is typically located in the cervical, supraclavicular, mediastinal, and abdominal regions. High uptake in the BAT can make interpretation of the FDG PET report difficult and misleading. Some precautions like avoidance of cold and beta blockers can minimize BAT uptake in FDGPET scans.

Survival Analysis and Prognostic Factors for Peri-ocular Malignancies in Malaysia

@#Introduction: This study aims to determine the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients that underwent this surgery. Method: A retrospective review of 43 patients who underwent exenteration for periocular malignancies over a 14-year period was carried out. Patient demographics, tumour histology, treatment details, surgical margins’ status and post-operative survival were recorded. The survival outcome examined was the overall survival (OS) rate. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to evaluate post-exenteration survival. Results: In total, 20 females and 23 males with a median age of 62 ± 17.3 years were identified. The most common indication for exenteration was basal cell carcinoma (20.9%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (18.6%), adenocystic carcinoma (14%), malignant melanoma (14%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (11.6%). The independent predictors for worse OS on multivariate analysis were Chinese ethnicity (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.95, p =0.017), sebaceous gland carcinoma (aHR 57.61 p=0.006), adenocystic carcinoma (aHR 45.87, p=0.008), clear surgical margins (aHR 5.41, p=0.025), receiving only chemotherapy (aHR 169.13, p=0.004), and receiving both adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (aHR 41.51, p=0.010). Conclusion: We recommend targeted public health initiatives for Chinese patients due to their increased mortality risk from peri-ocular malignancies. In addition, we advise comprehensive adjuvant therapy for all patients regardless of whether a clear surgical margin is achieved. Basal cell carcinoma and adenocystic carcinoma may also benefit from genetic research. We advocate more training for ophthalmologists to identify periocular malignancies earlier for better treatment options and increased chances of survival.

Progressive Changes of Colitis Into Colorectal Cancer Associated With Changes in Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Serum, Micrornas and Infiltrate Neutrophils

@#Introduction: Understand the progression of colorectal cancer from the beginning until the advance stages is difficult and challenging. However, this could be overcome with a good animal model. Methods: In this study, a modified approach had been used to develop colorectal cancer model. The model was developed and monitored from colitis formation until the late stage of colorectal cancer. The changes of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), serum microRNAs and infiltrate neutrophil in different stages of colorectal cancer were assessed in this study. Results: Results showed that the progression of the disease is correlated with NLR as early as the formation of colitis (r=0.121, p<0.026). Meanwhile, the size of the tumor at each stage is also associated with the NLR value (r=0.185, p<0.0012). In the serum microRNAs study, it was found microRNAs expression in blood serum change in different stages of colorectal cancer. In the early stage of colitis formation, miR223 (> 3 fold expression, p < 0.0025) were abundantly found in the blood serum. Meanwhile in others stage mild (miRNA345 > 2.5 fold, p<0.0011), moderate (miRNA347 & miR512 > 3 fold, p<0.002) and severe (miR31 & miR145 > 2 fold, p<0.0001) microRNAs were also found expressed differently. The quantities of infiltrate neutrophil were varied in different stages of the disease. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into the immunity and molecular level of colorectal cancer and it allows a progressive monitoring on the changes in the molecular, cellular and histological level.

Role of Demographic Factors on Academic Motivation of Medical Students in a Malaysian Private University

@#Introduction: Medical students are highly motivated compared to other students in higher education. Various factors internal and external to the students can affect their academic motivation. It has direct bearing on their performance as well as their professional development. The present study aims to validate the adapted questionnaire on academic motivation of medical students in Malaysia and to study the influence of gender, ethnicity, and year of study on it. Methods: The quantitative research approach using the cross-sectional survey design is used in the present research. Stratified random sampling method used to collect data from 318 participants using adapted academic motivation scale for college students. The reliability and construct validity of the instrument was evaluated. The data was analysed, for inferential statistics using SPSS version 26. Results: The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation was higher in female medical students. However, the male students are significantly amotivated. Variation in different types of motivation was observed among three ethnic groups. A significant (p<0.005) difference was found in Introjected regulation and amotivation among ethnic groups. Medical students of clinical years had higher score for Intrinsic motivation and lower score for extrinsic motivation. Amotivation was comparable in medical students of all years with lowest in year 2 students. The level of different types of motivation differs among the medical students of different gender, ethnicity, and year of study. Conclusion: The educators and the curriculum designers need to strategize to improve the motivation of the medical students which will improve their academic performance and well-being.

Targeted biotherapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic airway disease. The current status of treatment based mainly on bronchodilators and ICS is not sufficient for all of COPD patients. Various studies have attempted to use biologics targeting specific cytokines and their receptors in COPD patients to alleviate respiratory symptoms or reduce the risk of acute exacerbations. However, they failed to bring significant clinical benefits. More studies are needed to further determine the efficacy of targeted biotherapy for COPD.

Impact of a Tailored Self-Management Education Programme for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis in a Multi-Ethnic Country / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Self-management education program (SMEP) is essential in the knee osteoarthritis (OA) management. While the benefits of tailored SMEP have been highlighted in the literature, evidence on the effects of tailored knee OA SMEP for multiethnic populations, such as in Malaysia, remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct an intervention study on a tailored SMEP among Malaysian older adults who aged 60 years and above with knee OA. Participants aged 60 years and over with a diagnosis of knee OA were recruited. The intervention comprised four weekly structured group SMEP which was developed specifically for the multicultural population in Malaysia. Symptom’s severity and functional performance were assessed at baseline and six-week follow-up using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS), 30 seconds sit to stand (30sST), time up and go (TUG), chair sit and reach (CSR), back stretch (BS), handgrip strength (HGS) and two-minute walk (2MW) tests. Of the 32 individuals recruited, 30 participants, mean age of 66.77 (±6.42) years, completed the post-intervention assessment. Improvements in mean KOOS domains scores were observed by between 1.3% - 8.6% from baseline to follow-up. Significant differences between baseline and followup scores were identified for 30sST (p < 0.05), TUG ( p < 0.001) and 2MW (p < 0.001) tests. A 4-week tailored SMEP delivered face to face by a physiotherapist, improved lower limb muscle strength, mobility, balance and endurance. Larger randomized controlled trials regarding the long-term effects of SMEP for older adults with OA is warranted.

A Cocktail of Natural Compounds Holds Promise for New Immunotherapeutic Potential in Head and Neck Cancer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain detailed understanding on the gene regulation of natural compounds in altering prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC).@*METHODS@#Gene expression data of HNSC samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HNSC patients were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential gene expression analysis of GEO datasets were achieved by the GEO2R tool. Common differentially expressed gerres (DEGs) were screened by comparing DEGs of HNSC with those of PBMCs. The combination was further analyzed for regulating pathways and biological processes that were affected.@*RESULTS@#Totally 110 DEGs were retrieved and identified to be involved in biological processes related to tumor regulation. Then 102 natural compounds were screened for a combination such that the expression of all 110 commonly DEGs was altered. A combination of salidroside, ginsenoside Rd, oridonin, britanin, and scutellarein was chosen. A multifaceted, multi-dimensional tumor regression was showed by altering autophagy, apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and inflammatory cytokines production.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study has helped develop a unique combination of natural compounds that will markedly reduce the propensity of development of drug resistance in tumors and immune evasion by tumors. The result is crucial to developing a combinatorial natural therapeutic cocktail with accentuated immunotherapeutic potential.

Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of common mental disorders (CMDs) symptoms in a rural adult population of Haryana, North India / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objectives: Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, affect all stages of life and impact individuals, families, and communities. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of CMDs and their sociodemographic determinants in the adult population of a rural block in North India.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, community-based study was conducted among adult residents of a rural block in Haryana, North India, using a multistage random sampling technique. The Hindi version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), a well-validated tool, was used to screen participants for CMDs. Scores of 4 or above denoted the presence of CMDs. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between CMDs and sociodemographic characteristics.Results: Of the 180 residents selected for the study, most were women (60.0%) and aged between 31 and 50 years (52.3%). The prevalence of CMDs symptoms in the study population was 20.0%. The presence of CMDs symptoms was significantly higher among those who were aged 60 years or older [OR=12.33, 95% CI 3.21–47.38], widowed, divorced or separated [OR=7.50, 95% CI 1.09–51.52], illiterate [OR= 6.25, 95% CI 2.84–13.77], had monthly family income below 10,000 INR [OR=3.33, 95% CI 1.54–7.20], had any chronic physical illness [OR=8.28, 95% CI 3.70–18.56] and had a family history of any psychiatric illness [OR=5.56, 95% CI 1.52–19.42].Conclusion: The burden of CMDs was quite high among adults in rural North India. The presence of CMDs was closely associated with sociodemographic characteristics. Primary care and community-based settings need to screen for, diagnose, and manage CMDs to address this growing problem.

Opioid-free anesthesia using a combination of ketamine and dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Background@#Opioids administered as bolus doses or continuous infusions are widely used by anesthesiologists worldwide for major and day care surgeries. Opioid-free anesthesia is a multimodal anesthesia and analgesia technique that does not use opioid drugs, thereby benefitting patients from opioid-related adverse effects. In this study, we compared the postoperative analgesic requirements of patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under opioid-free and opioid-based anesthesia. @*Methods@#This study included 88 patients aged 18–60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomly divided into two groups with forty-four participants in each group. The opioid-free anesthesia group was administered an intravenous bolus of ketamine and dexmedetomidine, whereas the opioid-based group was administered fentanyl with conventional general anesthesia. The primary outcome was to compare the total amount of fentanyl consumed by both groups during the 6 h postoperative period following extubation. Episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and vital signs were noted throughout the postoperative period to analyze the secondary outcomes. @*Results@#Both the groups had similar demographic characteristics. The opioid-free group required less postoperative analgesia within the first 2 h (61.4 ± 17.4 vs. 79.0 ± 19.4 of fentanyl, P < 0.001), which was statistically significant. However, fentanyl consumption was comparable between the groups at the sixth postoperative hour (opioid-free group 152 ± 28.2 vs. opioid group 164 ± 33.4, P = 0.061). Compared with 4.5% of the participants in the opioid-free group, 34% of those in the opioid-based group developed moderate PONV. @*Conclusions@#The opioid-free anesthesia technique in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduced the requirement of analgesia in the first two hours of the postoperative period and was associated with decreased PONV.

Chronic fistula in ano associated with adenocarcinoma: a case report with a review of the literature

The malignant transformation of chronic fistula in ano is rare, accounting for 3% to 11% of all anal canal malignancies. It results from long-standing inflammation and chronic irritation. No guidelines are available for the management of these cases. We herein present a case report of a 55-year-old man who presented with a history of constipation, perianal pain, and discharging fistula in ano of 4-year duration and underwent fistula surgery with recurrence. Biopsy of the fistulous tract revealed adenocarcinoma. He received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by abdominoperineal excision including excision of the fistulous tract. After 18 months of follow-up, he is free of recurrence. We present this case with a review of the literature, highlighting the management strategies.

Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in the Himalayan Range and Sub-Himalayan region: A Retrospective Hospital Data-Based Study

Objective@#To compile epidemiological characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the Northern Indian Himalayan regions and Sub-Himalayan planes. @*Methods@#The present study is a retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive analysis based on hospital data conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spine Unit of Trauma Centre in a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India. People hospitalized at the tertiary care center between August 2018 and November 2021 are included in the study sample. A prestructured proforma was employed for the evaluation, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics. @*Results@#TSCI was found in 167 out of 3,120 trauma patients. The mean age of people with TSCI was 33.5±13.3, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. Eighty-three participants (49.7%) were from the plains, while the hilly region accounts for 50.3%. People from the plains had a 2.9:1 rural-to-urban ratio, whereas the hilly region had a 6:1 ratio. The overall most prevalent cause was Falls (59.3%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) (35.9%). RTAs (57.2%) were the most common cause of TSCI in the plains’ urban regions, while Falls (58.1%) were more common in rural plains. In both urban (66.6%) and rural (65.3%) parts of the hilly region, falls were the most common cause. @*Conclusion@#TSCI is more common in young males, especially in rural hilly areas. Falls rather than RTAs are the major cause.

Finite Element Analysis Comparing the Biomechanical Parameters in Multilevel Posterior Cervical Instrumentation Model Involving Lateral Mass Screw versus Transpedicular Screw Fixation at the C7 Vertebra

Methods@#Four FE models of multilevel posterior cervical fixation were created and tested by FEA in various permutations and combinations. Generic differences in fixation were determined, and the following parameters were assessed: (1) maximum moment at failure, (2) maximum angulation at failure, (3) maximum stress at failure, (4) point of failure, (5) intervertebral disc stress, and (6) influence of adding a C2 pars screw to the multilevel construct. @*Results@#The maximum moment at failure was higher in the LMS fixation group than in the TPS group. The maximum angulation in flexion allowed by LMS was higher than that by TPS. The maximum strain at failure was higher in the LMS group than in the TPS group. The maximum stress endured before failure was higher in the TPS group than in the LMS group. Intervertebral stress levels at C6–C7 and C7–T1 intervertebral discs were higher in the LMS group than in the TPS group. For both models where C2 fixation was performed, lower von Mises stress was recorded at the C2–C3 intervertebral disc level. @*Conclusions@#Ending a multilevel posterior cervical fixation construct with TPS fixation rather than LMS fixation at the C7 vertebra provides a stiff and more constrained construct system, with higher stress endurance to compressive force. The constraint and durability of the construct can be further enhanced by adding a C2 pars screw in the fixation system.