Integration of cancer-related genetic landscape of Eph receptors and ephrins with proteomics identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR.

Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are viewed as promising targets for cancer treatment; however, targeting them is hindered by their context-dependent functionalities. To circumvent this, we explore molecular landscapes underlying their pro- and anti-malignant activities. Using unbiased bioinformatics approaches, we construct a cancer-related network of genetic interactions (GIs) of all Ephs and ephrins to assist in their therapeutic manipulation. We also apply genetic screening and BioID proteomics and integrate them with machine learning approaches to select the most relevant GIs of one Eph receptor, EPHB6. This identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR, and further experiments confirm the ability of EPHB6 to modulate EGFR signaling, enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor development. Taken together, our observations show EPHB6 involvement in EGFR action, suggesting its targeting might be beneficial in EGFR-dependent tumors, and confirm that the Eph family genetic interactome presented here can be effectively exploited in developing cancer treatment approaches.

Vocal Health Care amongst Hindustani Classical Singers- A Mixed Methods, Cross-Sectional Survey.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present survey was to profile the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards vocal health care amongst Hindustani classical singers. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. METHODS: A self-reported questionnaire was developed and used to gather data on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Hindustani classical singers towards vocal health care. An online survey link was generated, and responses were collected from self-identified trained Hindustani classical singers. Descriptive statistics was carried out for the closed-ended questions and inductive approach was used to analyse the responses of open-ended questions. RESULTS: Ninety-four self-identified trained Hindustani classical singers participated in the study. The responses indicate good knowledge towards vocal health measures and positive attitudes towards vocal health care. The open-ended responses were analysed using an inductive approach. Although, 70% were aware about role of a speech language pathologist, only 9.7% reported of consulting one in the event of voice problem. Further, 70% singers reported of following precautions to avoid voice problems while 85.1% considered voice rest as necessary before a performance. The singers reported of using home remedies, vocal and non-vocal measures as a part of vocal health measures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study helps to profile the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards vocal health care amongst Hindustani classical singers. It also helps to provide a basis for further studies to establish an empirical basis for the reported practices towards vocal health care.

Tracheo Esophageal Prosthesis Insertion Under Endoscopic Guidance and Local Anaesthesia- Feasibility and Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy is by tracheo esophageal puncture (TEP) and prosthesis insertion. Secondary TEP is very difficult due to neck fibrosis. Puncture under local anaesthesia with endoscopy guidance is a feasible option. METHODS: Retrospective review of all laryngectomy patients from March 2009 till March 2019 was done and the methods of voice rehabilitation were assessed. The patients undergoing the procedure were classified according to the timing of insertion and type as primary insertion under general anaesthesia (Group P), secondary insertion under local anaesthesia (Group L), secondary insertion under general anaesthesia (Group G). The speech outcome and the procedure outcome were compared. RESULTS: There were 148 patients who underwent laryngectomy, of which groups P, G, L were 12, 12 and 11. The rate of successful insertion was 100% in primary, 91.6% in secondary in general anaesthesia and 91% in secondary under local anaesthesia. All secondary TEP were done after surgery and radiotherapy. Complications related to the insertion techniques were minimal. Speech outcome were similar on intelligibility rating scale and longevity was not affected by the method. CONCLUSION: TEP in local anaesthesia is feasible and has comparable outcome with TEP in general anaesthesia. Financial burden was very much less in group L compared to the other two groups.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Vocal Health Care Amongst Indian Carnatic Singers.

OBJECTIVE: The knowledge, attitudes and practices of Indian Carnatic singers is a dimension that yet to be explored in detail. The aim of the current study was to explore these knowledge, attitudes, and practices amongst Indian Carnatic singers towards vocal health care. STUDY DESIGN:   Cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study. METHOD: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study design was used to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Indian Carnatic singers towards vocal health care. The study was conducted in two phases, phase I involved questionnaire development and validation while phase II involved collection of data and further analysis. RESULTS: One hundred trained self-identified Indian Carnatic singers participated in this study. These singers displayed good knowledge and positive attitudes towards vocal health care. A preference (73%) towards home remedies was noted as compared to seeking medical attention. The measures reported by the singers for maintaining good vocal health revealed use of several home remedies, vocal as well as non-vocal measures. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study reveal the knowledge and attitude of Indian Carnatic singers towards vocal health care as well as highlight several interesting practices.