bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Indian Patients
Authors: Dhar Sandipan , De Abhishek , Srinivas Sahana M
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is a real challenge for the dermatologists. Dupilumab is the first targeted biologic therapy approved for the treatment of children and adults with moderate-to-severe AD. The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Indian patients is limited to date, it is necessary to assess the performance of this treatment in real clinical practice in the Indian context.

Methodology:

Patients from three centers of India, two from Kolkata and one from Bangalore were included in the study for retrospective chart analysis. Efficacy was assessed by comparing the SCORAD and EASI and impact on quality of life was assessed by DLQI scores. All patients received standard doses of Dupilumab. Any side effect of the treatment was noted in the bi-weekly follow-up visit.

Results:

Twenty-five patients who were treated with dupilumab for at least 6 months were retrospectively included to study. The mean EASI score improved from 19.48 at baseline to 4.84 at six months. Seventeen patients (68%) achieved EASI 75 (≥75% improvement from baseline) at the end of 6 months of treatment. All these patients were earlier treated with at least one systemic immunomodulator without any significant improvement. The mean SCORAD score also improved with dupilumab treatment from 37.32 at baseline to 8.04 at six months. The improvement were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). The quality of life also improved significantly (P < 0.001) from a baseline mean of 17.08 at baseline to 6.52 at 6 months.

Conclusions:

We observed significant efficacy, tolerability, and safety of dupilumab in Indian patients with AD in a real-world setting, which was similar to that shown in clinical trials in the western populations.
Extracorporeal Therapy in Dermatology
Authors: Sen Sumit , Rudra Olympia , Gayen Tirthankar
Published: May 2024

Extracorporeal therapy is a treatment modality where human blood undergoes favorable technical modifications and is reintroduced into the same patient. Since the last four decades this technique has been deployed in the management of difficult and refractory disorders in dermatology. Over a period of time newer techniques like immunoadsorption has emerged and opened new vistas in management of morbid dermatoses. In extracorporeal photopheresis a patient's leukocytes are separated and treated outside with Ultra Violet A in presence of 8-methoxypsoralen. Double filtration plasmapheresis and Immunoadsorption are techniques to remove offending immune complexes. They are safe and reduce the need of toxic medications that are conventionally used in recalcitrant skin diseases. In recent years immunoadsorption is emerging as first-line therapy in condition like immunobullous diseases. High cost is one of the important factors limiting their wider use in developing countries like India. Our review discusses different extracorporeal therapies, their applications, recommendations and guidelines based on various clinical trials.
Frequency and Spectrum of Cutaneous Metastases of Visceral Malignancies
Authors: Rana Vandana , Kulhari Kanchan , Dabbas Disha , Murthy Harish S. , Takkar Puneet
Published: May 2024

Background:

In spite of the skin being the largest organ of the body, cutaneous malignancies are uncommon especially in people of color as compared to the white population. The incidence of cutaneous metastases of visceral malignancies is further low and accounts for 0.5% to 10% of cancer cases as per written literature. Cutaneous metastasis as the presenting sign of underlying internal malignancy is extremely rare and is a marker of poor prognosis. Limited data is available in written literature about the frequency and spectrum of metastatic skin lesions in the Asian population.

Objective:

1) To find the frequency of metastasis of visceral malignancies in skin biopsies. 2) To evaluate the clinicopathological presentation and immunohistochemistry (IHC) profile of cutaneous metastases.

Subjects and Methods:

It is a retrospective analysis of all the skin biopsies received in our department of Pathology for HPE from 01 Jan 2017 till 31 Dec 2019. Cases of cutaneous malignancy were segregated into primary and metastatic categories. Clinical details of the cases of cutaneous metastases were retrieved and analyzed. All the cases of cutaneous metastases were studied in detail for their clinical presentation, histomorphological features, and findings on IHC.

Results:

Out of a total of 484 skin biopsies in 3 years, 9.7% showed features of malignancy. Total ten cases of cutaneous metastases (2%) were found, out of which three were the primary presentation of silent visceral malignancy. The lung, breast, colon, and ovary were the common primary sites to manifest as cutaneous metastases with the abdominal wall being the commonest site. Histomorphological features aided by the IHC panel helped in diagnosing the cutaneous metastases and site of the primary malignancy.

Conclusion:

Cutaneous metastasis as the primary presentation of visceral malignancy is rare and should not be missed as it indicates a poor prognosis. Clinico-pathological correlation and histomorphological features assisted by IHC markers help pathologists in diagnosing the site of primary malignancy in cases of cutaneous metastases.
A Quality of Life Study in Patients with Leprosy Using DLQI and WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaires
Authors: Tare Dakshata A , Viswanath Vishalakshi , Pai Kalpita S , Samel Dinesh R
Published: May 2024

Context:

India accounts for 60% of the global leprosy burden. Deformities lead to a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). There is a paucity of Indian studies evaluating the QoL in patients with leprosy.

Aims:

This study was undertaken to assess QoL in leprosy patients with two different questionnaires, correlate QoL with demographic and clinical profile and evaluate the impact on health-related QoL scores.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study to evaluate the QoL was conducted in the dermatology OPD of a tertiary center in Maharashtra, India.

Materials and Methods:

Demographic and clinical profile along with evaluation of QoL using DLQI and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires was conducted in 60 leprosy patients.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Parametric test, R test, Chi-square test, Z test, Student's t-test (t), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used.

Results:

The mean DLQI score was 8.4 ± 4.4 and 40% of patients had moderate impact on QoL, and the mean WHOQOL-BREF score was 3.13 ± 0.9. The demographic profile, type of leprosy and reactions did not have a statistically significant correlation with DLQI. Presence of deformity had significant impact on DLQI and a statistically significant impact on physical, psychological, and environmental domain in WHOQOL-BREF analysis.

Conclusions:

Deformities have a profound impact on QoL in leprosy patients on evaluation with DLQI and WHOQOL- BREF questionnaires. The social domain was least affected, whereas severe impact was noted in psychological domain. DLQI is a practical and simple questionnaire, whereas WHOQOL- BREF provides a comprehensive approach on all domains.
Comparison of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix and Transplantation of Autologous Noncultured Epidermal Cell Suspension in the Treatment of Chronic Non Healing Ulcer
Authors: Singh Satyendra K. , Rupa Sri
Published: May 2024

Context:

Chronic non-healing ulcer causes significant morbidity, high cost and reduced quality of life.

Aims:

To compare autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix and transplantation of autologous non-cultured epidermal cell suspension in the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers.

Methods:

The study was single-centre, prospective, randomised comparative study conducted in a tertiary care center in North India. Patients with chronic non-healing ulcer were included and randomly divided into two treatment groups- Group 1: Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) procedure was done every 2 weeks with maximum three sittings and in Group 2: Transplantation of autologous noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) procedure was done once. Follow-up was done every 2 weeks for 8 weeks then monthly for up to 5 months to evaluate the healing of the ulcer. The data were analysed by statistical package for social science (SPSS) trial version 22. To find out a significant difference in mean value between groups, the Chi-square test, student's t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used.

Results:

A total of 41 patients were included in the study. Complete healing of ulcers occurred in 89.5% of the patients in the PRFM group and 93.8% of the patients in the NCES group at the end of 5 months (P = 0.33). The mean duration of complete healing in PRFM was 1.7 months and in NCES was 2.13 months (P = 0.20).

Conclusions:

Both procedures were effective, and there was no significant difference between the two procedures.
A Joint Consensus of Rheumatologists and Dermatologists on Early Detection and Effective Management of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Chatterjee Manas , Nayak Chitra , De Abhishek , Rajadhyaksha Samir , Singh G. K. , Kumar Phani , Balameena S. , Kumar M. Harish , Hema M , Choudhury Gautam Dhar , Pangtey Ghan Shyam , Singh Jatinder , Jain Neeraj
Published: May 2024

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with clinical manifestations, including inflammatory arthritis and the presence of psoriasis (PsO). The present consensus statement evaluated the early diagnosis and treatment approaches in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by rheumatologists and dermatologists. For PAN India representation, a panel of eight rheumatologists and five dermatologists from different institutes in India were constituted. These thirteen experts were divided into two groups (rheumatologists group and dermatologist group) who received a set of questionnaires each for diagnosis and treatment approaches in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Based on the responses received, a panel discussion took place, where the experts identified the early diagnostic criteria for PsA considering: Clinical signs and symptoms, and questionnaire-based PsA screening, which includes Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) for dermatologists and Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) for rheumatologists. The experts also recommended shift from conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biologics like secukinumab, when there is extensive skin involvement and TNF inhibitors when there is extensive joint involvement. Overall, the objective of the consensus was to assist rheumatologists and dermatologists in the early diagnosis and management of patients of PsA and PsO in their clinical practice.
Prospective Study to Evaluate the Role of Dual Point Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiation of Brain Tumoral from Nontumoral Tissue: A Magnetic Resonance/PET Study
Authors: Mangalore Sandhya , Pradeep Guddanti Venkata Naga , Murthy Venkatesh K. S. , Bairwa Pawan , Kumar Pardeep , Saini Jitender , Prasad Chandrajit , Sadashiva Nishanth , Beniwal Manish , Santosh Vani
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose:

Follow-up imaging of gliomas is crucial to look for residual or recurrence and to differentiate them from nontumoral tissue. Positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the problem-solving tool in such cases. We investigated the role of dual point contrast (DPC)-enhanced MRI to discriminate tumoral from the nontumoral tissue compared to PET-MRI taken as the gold standard.

Materials and Methods:

The institutional ethics committee approved the study, and consent was obtained from all the patients included in the study. We prospectively did immediate and 75-min delayed contrast MRI in glioma cases who came for follow-up as a part of PET-MRI study in our institute. Subtracted images were obtained using immediate and 75-min delayed contrast images. Color-coded subtracted images were compared with PET-MRI images. 75-min delayed contrast MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) images with Gray Scale inversion were compared with PET attenuation-corrected images.

Results:

We included 23 PET MRI cases done with different radiotracers in our study. Overall, we found PET-DPC correlation in (20/20 ~ 100%) cases of enhancing tumors. In two cases (DOPA and fluorodeoxyglucose), since they were nonenhancing low-grade gliomas and the other one was melanoma with intrinsic T1 hyperintensity and the DPC technique could not be used. DWI-PET correlated in 17/19 (~89.4%) cases, and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)-PET dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)/ASL correlated in 14/18 (~77.7%) cases after cases with hemorrhage were excluded.

Conclusion:

DPC MRI showed a good correlation with PET MRI in discriminating tumoral from the nontumoral tissue. DPC MRI can act as a potential alternative to PET MRI in peripheral hospitals where PET is not available. However, the DPC technique is limited in low-grade nonenhancing gliomas.
Fluorine-18 FDG PET/CT and New NIMS Grading System for Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer
Authors: Vakati Geethika Reddy , Ratnagiri Ranganath , Srivastava Madhur Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background:

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) using fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) is increasingly used to stage patients with locally advanced breast cancer and for assessing treatment response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between PET-CT parameters and pathologic response of breast primary after NACT in breast cancer patients and to devise a grading system called NIMS grading system for response assessment using PET quantitative parameters.

Materials and Methods:

55 patients who underwent F-18 FDG PET-CT before starting the therapy and again after completion of therapy were identified and included in the study. The clinical data and the histopathologic findings were recorded. All the patients received chemotherapy followed by surgery with axillary lymph node dissection. The PET-CT results were interpreted both qualitatively by visual analysis and quantitatively by estimating maximum Standardized uptake values(SUVmax) and other parameters – SUVmean, SUL, SUVBSA, Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and Total lesion glycolysis (TLG).

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity of F-18 FDG PET-CT to detect the residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 75.6% & 92.8% respectively. Differences between complete response and residual disease were significant for ΔSUVmax(p=0.005), ΔSUVmean(p=0.006), ΔSUL (0.005) and ΔSUVBSA(0.004), while ΔMTV and ΔTLG were not significantly different between the two groups. The new NIMS grading system included scoring of ΔSUVmax, ΔSUVBSA, ΔTLG and ΔMTV on scale of 1 to 4 and correlated well with PERCIST criteria.

Conclusion:

F-18 FDG PET-CT had a good accuracy in the detection of residual disease after completion of NACT. Pre chemotherapy PET-CT is not adequate to predict the response of primary tumour to chemotherapy. However, changes in the values of various PET-CT parameters are a sensitive tool to assess the response to chemotherapy. The new grading system is easy to use and showed good correlation to PERCIST.
Small Cell Carcinoma Prostate: A Case Report with Findings on 18-F FDG PET/CT
Authors: Sarswat Sulochana , Das Kalpa Jyoti , Kaushal Seema , Singhal Abhinav , Sharma Aparna
Published: May 2024

Small-cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCCP) is a rare and very aggressive malignancy with neuroendocrine differentiation. In contrast to conventional prostate adenocarcinoma, SCCP is an aggressive carcinoma and portends to have a poor prognosis. Around 50% of these patients have metastatic disease at the first clinical presentation. We report the findings of 18-F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a case of histologically proven SCCP with an unusual finding of the left internal mammary lymph node.
Metallosis: A Rare Complication to Common Procedure with Its Imaging Finding
Authors: Suthar Ritesh Ramesh , Bharwani Nandlal , Salunke Abhijeet Ashok
Published: May 2024

Metallosis is a medical condition that shows local and systemic clinical symptoms due to the deposition of heavy metal debris in soft tissues and bones due to metallic prostheses. The estimated incidence of Metallosis is around 5%. Clinical presentation and imaging findings can mimic tumor likely situation, However local reactions of Metallosis shows some peculiar features on cross-sectional imaging, and here we present two such cases of Metallosis with its imaging findings.
A Rare Presentation of Extrahepatic Biliary Neuroendocrine Tumor Diagnosed using 68Ga-DOTA-TOC Imaging, But Undetectable on 68Ga-FAPI Imaging
Authors: Harini Koorma , Jayanthi Mohan Roop , Hari K. S. Vishnu , Batchu Suneetha
Published: May 2024

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are commonly seen in the small intestine and rarely found within the bile ducts. This low incidence is due to a smaller number of Kulchitsky cells in the extrahepatic biliary tree, which predisposes to the disease. The diagnosis of biliary tree carcinoid preoperatively is very rare, with most cases in the literature being incidentally diagnosed during surgery or being identified on the histopathology report postoperatively. Here, we present an interesting case of an extrahepatic biliary NET which was diagnosed preoperatively.
FDG Avid Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm Mimicking Hepatic Metastasis in a Patient with Head-and-neck Cancer
Authors: Norman Jordan , Ellison Elizabeth , Kendrick Jamie , He Jing , Bhargava Peeyush
Published: May 2024

A 75-year-old male with head-and-neck squamous cell cancer received a staging f-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scan which showed additional focal abnormal uptake in the right hepatic lobe. The patient was treated for probable metastatic disease. Restaging FDG PET/CT scan revealed resolution of uptake in the head-and-neck and persistent focal uptake in the presumed liver metastasis. An abdominal CT with intravenous contrast revealed an enhancing mass in the gallbladder, without extension into the liver. Cholecystectomy revealed an intracholecystic papillary neoplasm of the gallbladder. The initial appearance of hepatic metastasis was due to a misregistration artifact.
Lead-203 VMT-α-Neuroendocrine Tumor Scintigraphy: A Promising Theranostics Agent
Authors: Thakral Parul , Sen Ishita Barat , Das Subha Shankar , Schultz Michael K , Kumari Jyotsna , Virupakshappa CB , Malik Dharmender
Published: May 2024

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) using lead-212 (Pb-212)-labeled peptides presents an attractive option for the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). As Pb-203 presents an accurate diagnostic surrogate to Pb-212, imaging with Pb-203-labelled peptides can be an important prerequisite to assess the feasibility of TAT with Pb-212-labelled agents. Here, we present the imaging data of a patient with metastatic NET with Pb-203 VMT-α-NET, a somatostatin receptor targeting agent, and demonstrate the matching distribution of Pb-203 VMT-α-NET with Ga-68 DOTANOC.
Uncommon Site of Metastasis: A Case Report of Breast Carcinoma Spreading to the Pancreas
Authors: Bishnoi Komal , Agrawal Kanhaiyalal , Mishra Sourav Kumar , Purkait Suvendu
Published: May 2024

The metastatic lesions to pancreas are reported in various malignancies. However, pancreatic metastasis from breast cancer is rare and difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and imaging findings. At the time of diagnosis, there may already be an associated widespread metastasis. In this case report, a woman in her forties with a history of breast cancer was found to have widespread metastases, including in the pancreas. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Intra-arterial PRRT with Lu-177 DOTATATE in Liver-dominant Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Early Assessment of Efficacy and Toxicity
Authors: Puranik Ameya D , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Shetty Nitin Sudhakar , Gala Kunal , Kulkarni Suyash , Mohite Ashish , Marotkar Mandar , Gawale Yogesh , Dev Indraja D , Shrikhande Shailesh V , Chaudhari Vikram , Bhandare Manish , Agrawal Archi , Shah Sneha , Purandare Nilendu C , Ghosh Suchismita , Choudhury Sayak
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

We proposed to administer Lu-177-DOTATATE in intra-arterial (IA) mode for higher first-pass localization to somatostatin receptors, higher residence time in liver metastases, and more radiation to tumor. This study aimed at assessing early hematological, renal and hepatotoxicity; and objective response to IA peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen patients (4 females and 10 males) were prospectively assessed. 5/14 patients underwent 2 cycles, whereas 3/14 underwent 3 cycles, and 6/14 received 1 cycle of IA PRRT. 200 mCi of Lu-177-DOTATATE was administered in 15–20 min by IA route under angiographic guidance. Patients were asked to follow-up at 4 and 8 weeks with hematological, liver, and renal functional parameters, and Ga-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) after 8 weeks. Response was assessed using RECIST 1.1 and EORTC PET criteria.

Results:

Safety: 2/14 patients had high total and direct bilirubin, which reverted to normal after IA PRRT. Three patients had low albumin, which improved after 1 cycle. Nine patients showed no worsening of liver function. Two patients showed Grade 1 hematotoxicity which reverted to normal. Five patients showed high creatinine, but preserved glomerular filtration rate and EC clearance. On follow-up at 8 weeks, serum creatinine reverted to normal. Efficacy: In five patients who underwent 2 cycles of IA PRRT, 3 showed partial response (PR) on RECIST 1.1 and partial metabolic response (PMR) on EORTC criteria, whereas 2 showed stable disease (SD). In patients who underwent 3 cycles, 1 showed SD, whereas other patient showed PMR on DOTANOC PET/CT, with PR in size. Among the remaining seven patients, 5 showed PMR, whereas the other 2 showed SD. Thus 9/14 patients showed PR, whereas 5 showed SD on metabolic and size criteria.

Conclusions:

IA PRRT is a safe and efficacious approach for the treatment of liver dominant metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Effect of one Year of Yoga Therapy on Glycemic Control among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kulkarni Rajesh , Walvekar Padmaja
Published: May 2024

Context:

India is well-endowed in using yoga therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is a safe, effective, and easy-to-learn alternative treatment that can be practiced by elderly and persons with disabilities.

Aim:

Effect of 1 year of yoga therapy on glycemic control among patients having T2DM: A randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Settings and Design:

RCT conducted at and Urban Health Centre (UHC) for 1 year.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and twenty diagnosed and registered for T2DM from UHC enrolled as participants who were divided into exercise and yoga interventional group by computer-generated, randomized number sequence method. The yogic practice was advised to 60 study participants and the reaming 60 participants were advised to do exercises for 1 year. The glycemic outcome was evaluated by Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and HbA1c which were examined at baseline, 6 months, and at the end of 1 year.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Paired and unpaired (independent) t-test. Generalized estimating equations models were performed on the glycemic control variables to assess the differences between the two intervention groups.

Results:

The post hoc analysis of 120 T2DM patient's data inferred that yoga and exercise have shown statistically significant (P < 0.05) effect on reducing HbA1C. However, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed when the yoga group was compared with the exercise group on glycemic control (reducing HbA1c).

Conclusions:

Yoga is as effective as exercise, hence people with morbidities or who are unable to go for exercise can practice yoga at home which will help them for proper control of HbA1c and RBS.
Impact of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression on Cognition and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Varshney Nishi
Published: May 2024

Context:

The pandemic has resulted in rapid spread of disease-causing fear in adults, children and unhealthy people. The enactment of national policies resulted in reduced outpatient visits in hospitals and perceived stress, anxiety and depression have become very common in neurological ill patients impacting their cognition and affecting their quality of life (QOL). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a sort of neuropsychiatric treatment which helps patients to cope up with stress, anxiety, and depression and it needs further research.

Aim:

The present study focuses on the understanding the effect of anxiety, stress, and depression on the cognition and QOL of neurological ill patents and the influence of CBT in improving the cognitive ability of stroke patients.

Settings and Design:

This experimental study was conducted on neurologically ill patients

Materials and Methods

Thirteen subjects diagnosed with stroke were given 3-week protocol for CBT. Pre- and postassessment was done to evaluate depression, stress, anxiety, cognition and QOL on the basis of outcome measures including Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test for cognition and Neuro-QOL Brief for QOL.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Correlation between DASS-21 and MoCA was done using Pearson's correlation coefficient test.

Results:

40% of the patients suffered from depression, stress, and anxiety. The results of paired t-test for pre- and poststress, depression, and anxiety showed a significant result. There was a significant difference in the scores of precognition and postcognition.

Conclusion:

CBT is effective in reducing perceived stress, depression, and anxiety and thereby improving cognition and QOL of stroke patients.
Effect of Core and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Khan Seemab , Agrawal Ronika , Syed Ayesha
Published: May 2024

Context:

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been associated with a negative impact on quality of life in women which needs to be addressed. The commonly followed treatment includes only pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises with lack of importance given to the abdominal muscle strengthening.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to find the combined effects of core muscle and pelvic floor exercises on SUI in women.

Study Setting and Design:

This study was a single-group pre–post study design with females having SUI from communities of Pune city, India.

Subjects and Methods:

Sixty females between 30 and 45 years of age experiencing SUI were recruited for the study. PFM exercises along with core muscle exercises were given as intervention for 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures used were Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale (RUIS) and Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), which were taken before and on completion of 6 weeks of intervention.

Statistical Analysis:

Student's t-test was used to study the pre- and postintervention difference in the parameters.

Results:

Significant improvement was noted in the symptoms of SUI as the value of the RUIS reduced from 7.75 ± 2.419 to 3.90 ± 1.100 (P = 0.0015). The quality of life as assessed by UDI-6 also improved significantly after exercise intervention with P = 0.0010.

Conclusion:

The study showed a significant reduction in symptom severity of urinary incontinence and improvement in quality of life in females suffering from SUI.
Global Effect of Novel Coronavirus on Physiotherapy Profession
Authors: Kaushik Himani , Gupta Sachin , Singla Deepika
Published: May 2024

IndiaPhysiotherapy (PT) is a well-established profession throughout the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed several elements of PT and has had a personal and professional influence on physiotherapists (PTs). This article aims to discuss the impact of novel coronavirus (nCov) on physical therapists and to emphasize the relevance of physiotherapy. Health-care providers were severely impacted in every aspect, including physically, psychologically, socially, and financially. Using keywords such as coronavirus, physiotherapy, exercise, and rehabilitation, a search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database. Forty-eight reviews were identified, out of which 22 were included in the study. PTs have a crucial role in the physical recovery of patients with nCov during the pandemic, which necessitates a multidisciplinary approach by the rehabilitation team. Telephysiotherapy is a new scope of practice for physical therapists to provide health-care services to patients. Exercises improve immune response and mental health while minimizing the consequences of viral infection. As a result, physical therapists assist in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and provide support to the health-care system.
Correlation between International Classification of Functioning and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors in Indian Population
Authors: Pattanshetty Renu B. , Bambolkar Sailee K. , Karampure Karrishma , Karnik Mansi
Published: May 2024

Context:

Cancer is counted as the second most leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer adversely affects one's physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being.

Aim:

The objective of the present study was to determine a correlation between components of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and quality of life (QOL) in head and neck cancer survivors in the Indian population.

Settings and Design:

This was an observational study undertaken in a tertiary health care and cancer hospital for a period of 6 months.

Subjects and Methods:

Fifty-two head and neck cancer patients were evaluated for their QOL using the Functional Activity of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Cancer (FACT-HNC) and impairments and disabilities given by ICF.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Test like Karl Pearson's coefficient for correlation between ICF and FACT-H and N was used.

Results:

There was a negative correlation between the physical and emotional well-being of FACT-H and N and ICF component of body function (r = −4.25, P ≤ 0.002, r = 27.8, P ≤ 0.046). Activities and participation of ICF also demonstrated similar results (r = −49.5, P ≤ 0.001and r = −40.0, P ≤ 0.003). No correlation was found between environmental factors of ICF and FACT-H and N scores.

Conclusions:

The study concluded that there was a strong negative correlation in terms of emotional well between ICF and FACT-H and N.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Berg Balance Scale in Hindi
Authors: Shah Shweta Ravindra , Joshi Vasanti , Snowdon Nicky J.
Published: May 2024

Context:

Use of outcome measurement is an important part of modern professional practice. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) appears to be used in many Indian rehabilitation centres, but no official version has been previously available in Hindi. The BBS was translated into Hindi by the current authors according to accepted guidelines and tested for reliability.

Aims:

To translate the Berg Balance Scale into Hindi and investigate the inter-rater reliability when applied to geriatric patients.

Setting/Design:

Translation of BBS in Hindi according to guidelines for cross-cultural validation of an outcome measurement was conducted at a renowned institute for orthopedic and rehabilitation in India.

Methods and Materials:

The study was approved by the University Research Ethics Committee. The study involved an initial cross-cultural translation following four stages: 1) Forward Translation 2) Synthesis of translation 3) Backward Translation 4) Expert Committee. Expert committee was formed by purposive sampling comprising of experienced health professionals and language experts. For reliability testing, thirty patient participants were recruited from an Indian Orthopaedic hospital. Reliability testing was done by two experienced physiotherapists.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Weighted Kappa (Kw) was used to assess inter-rater reliability for the total scores and each individual item of BBS. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to make comparisons of the inter-rater reliability with results of other studies.

Results:

The Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total score of the BBS was 0.977(95% Confidence Interval= 0.951-0.989). The Kw for total score of BBS was 0.819 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.734-0.905).

Conclusion:

Hindi version of BBS appears to have excellent inter-rater reliability when used by experienced physiotherapists for rehabilitation of geriatric patients.
Existence Of Manual Therapy
Authors: Semwal Bhini
Published: May 2024

In the treatment of musculoskeletal condition, manual therapy is a frequently utilized therapeutic strategy. There is growing evidence for the efficacy of different manual therapy concepts which are into practice. With evolving science and technology, paradigm shifts are blooming, but at the same time, they cannot conceal the importance and existence of older concepts. This article debates on the existence of manual therapy.
Role of Exercise Prescription to Improve Handwriting Speed in Healthy Children
Authors: Monsara Disha R. , Limbasiya Rajiv D.
Published: May 2024

Context:

Currently, multiple kinds of research are done on undergraduate students for improving handwriting speed. This study will help to provide planned exercises for effective handwriting speed and to have a better outcome in the field of academics.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effects of an upper limb resistance and coordination Exercise program on handwriting speed in healthy school-aged children.

Setting and Design:

A randomized control trial was conducted in the schools of Surat city.

Materials and Methods:

Healthy school-going children aged 10–12 years with slow handwriting speed (n = 62), i.e., average word per minute (WPM) of 10 or less than that of a 10-year-old, 12 or less than that of an 11-year-old, and 14 or less than that of a 12-year-old, were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, both resisted and coordination exercises were given. In the control group, handwriting practice was given for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed as WPMs and Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (HPSQ) at baseline, after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The mean difference within and between groups was determined using a repeated-measure analysis of variance.

Results:

There was a significant difference within the group for both the outcome measures and both the groups (P < 0.05). For between-group analysis, the experimental group showed a significant difference in WPMs (P = 0.001) and handwriting proficiency screening score (P = 0.250) compared to the control group after 4 weeks of intervention.

Conclusion:

Upper limb resisted, and coordination exercise improves handwriting speed in school-going children.
Cervical Cancer Screening in Patients with Total Hysterectomy in a Diagnostic Center at Mexico City
Authors: Ortiz-Mendoza Carlos Manuel
Published: May 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to outline the Pap smears rate done in women with total hysterectomy, sent to an urban diagnostic center that attends Mexican Government workers in the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE: State´s Employees´ Social Security and Social Services Institute) at Mexico City.

Methods:

It was a retrospective study on Pap smear reports taken in 2017. The reports came from users of four family medicine clinics and a general hospital´s gynecology service. Demographic facts, instruments for collection, kind of insurance (ISSSTE-insurance or non-insurance), and total hysterectomy history were evaluated.

Results:

From 4989 reports, 600 (12%) had a total hysterectomy history. In the patients with ISSSTE-insurance, 586 of 4618 (12.68%) had a Pap smear whereas in the patients with non-insurance, only 14 of 371 (3.7%) had it, and this difference was significant (P < 0.00001; OR 3.7, 95% IC 2.15-6.36).

Conclusions:

Although Pap smear is not indicated in women with total hysterectomy, this study is still carried out frequently.
Comparison of Repair Index in Cigarette and Waterpipe Smokers
Authors: Jalili Sana , Naderi Noushin Jalayer
Published: May 2024

Background:

Repair index (RI) using DNA changes reveals the activity of carcinogenesis. Cigarette and waterpipe smoking are important contributors to oral cavity malignancy. The RI in cigarette and waterpipe smokers has not been compared so far. The aim of this study was to compare the RI in cigarette and waterpipe smokers using the human exfoliated buccal mucosa cells.

Methods:

The exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of 60 cigarette and waterpipe smokers and 20 nonsmokers were evaluated in a case-control study. The number of micronuclei (MN), broken egg (BE), karyorrhexis (KR), and karyolysis (KL) were counted in 1000 cells from randomly selected fields. The RI = (KL + KR)/(MN + BE) was calculated and compared between subjects and controls. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD), and Spearman's correlation coefficient test at P < 0.05 probability level.

Results:

The difference of MN (P < 0.0001), BE (P < 0.0001), KR (P < 0.0001), and KL (P < 0.0001) count was significant between cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, and nonsmokers. The RI was significantly different between groups (P = 0.007). The RI was significantly higher in cigarette smokers compared to waterpipe smokers (P = 0.04) and nonsmokers (P = 0.009).

Conclusions:

The RI was significantly higher in cigarette smokers compared to waterpipe smokers. The finding suggests that due to higher interrupted cellular hemostasis, the risk of carcinoma in waterpipe smokers can be greater than that in cigarette smokers.
Nutritional Health in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Esen Selin Akturk , Esen İrfan , Açikgöz Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional habits of premenopausal women using the Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ) and to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measurements, lipid parameters, and the presence of anemia with the findings obtained.

Methods:

This study was carried out in the internal medicine outpatient clinics of the Health Sciences University Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training Research Hospital (located in Yıldırım districts) and Gürsu State Hospital (located in Gürsu districts) of Bursa province between 1 June–31 August 2019. We used clustered sampling in patient selection. One hundred seventy-one premenopausal participants aged between 18 and 55 who were known to be healthy and who came for routine control to the internal medicine outpatient clinics were included in the study. The FCFQ was used to determine how often the participants consumed different food groups in the last 1 month.

Results:

Overweight participants were 29.20% and 17% were obese. 43.90% of the women had anemia and 65.50% of the women had iron deficiency. The milk-dairy products nutrition score of the group with triglycerides (TG) <150 mg/dL was higher than the group with TG ≥150 mg/dL (P = 0.029). The meat-egg-legumes nutrition score (2.11 ± 0.57) of the group with high density lipoprotein (HDL) ≥50 mg/dL was higher than the group with HDL <50 mg/dL (1.91 ± 0.58) (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Anemia and obesity are high in premenopausal women. Community-based screening programs are needed to evaluate premenopausal women for anemia and obesity. Scales to assess the nutritional habits of the population are also needed in screening programs.
Role of Nutritional and Environmental Factors in the Development of Essential Hypertension among School-going Adolescents in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Baskar Shreemathee , Nisha B , Parasuraman Gomathy , Dutta Ruma , Jain Timsi
Published: May 2024

Background:

Essential hypertension is one of the fastest rising noncommunicable diseases among adolescents and poses a major public health issue globally. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among school-going adolescents in Chennai and also to delineate the role of nutritional and environmental determinants in the development of hypertension.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 14 to 18 years in northern Chennai. Four schools (two private, two public) out of 21 were selected randomly using probability proportionate to sampling size and 401 students were recruited after consent. Data were collected using an adapted modified World Health Organization (WHO) Global School-based student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire; anthropometry and blood pressure measurements were done by trained healthcare professionals using standard procedures. Prehypertension was defined when systolic or diastolic pressure >90th percentile and <95th percentile; hypertension when systolic or diastolic pressure >95th percentile. Data were analyzed using SPSS, descriptive statistics like frequencies, mean, and percentages were used and inferential statistics like Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to elicit predictors of essential hypertension.

Results:

Out of 401 participants, 185 (46.1%) were males and 216 (53.9%) were females. Overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 14.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Gender (P = 0.039), overweight/obese (P = 0.000), junk food intake for >3 days/week (P = 0.000), physical inactivity for <3 days/week (P = 0.000), and parent's history (P = 0.005) were significant determinants in the development of prehypertension and hypertension.

Conclusions:

Nutritional and environmental determinants play a critical role in influencing blood pressure status among adolescents, this requires lifestyle and behavioral modification.
Lived Experiences of Diabetes Team and Patients about Diabetes Care System after Redesigning Delivery System and Supporting Self-Management in Iran
Authors: Molayaghobi Nasrin Soltani , Abazari Parvaneh , Taleghani Fariba , Iraj Bijan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Diabetes as a chronic disease requires a change in the paradigm of treatment and health care system based on acute illnesses to chronic conditions. Chronic Care Model has been designed to address this need. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of the diabetes team and diabetic patients regarding the health care system after redesigning delivery system and supporting self-management based on the Chronic Care Model in Iran.

Methods:

Research was conducted with a qualitative descriptive approach in one of the Isfahan city clinics in 2018. The participants were diabetes team (composed of diabetes physician, nurse, assistant nurse and dean of the clinic) and 17 type- 2 diabetic patients who were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews and then were analyzed using content analysis with an inductive approach.

Results:

The findings of this study were composed of the following two main categories: (1) educational function change, including the sub-categories of evidence-based nurse education and patients’ demand to ongoing participation in the training classes; and (2) treatment and care method upgrade, including the sub-categories of nurse's role change in a team approach, continuity in cares and upgrading patients’ self-care behaviors.

Conclusions:

Delivery system redesign and diabetes self-management support based on Chronic Care Model changed organizational structure and performance of the diabetes care system. It also reformed the structure of treatment providers from a vertical and hierarchical form to a team arrangement. Nurse's educational function became evidence-based and patients’ self-care behaviors upgraded.
Fracture Risk Factor in Post-Menopausal Women with Deterioration of Bone Density
Authors: Md. Isa Muhammad Lokman , Mohd Hatta Nik Noor Kaussar Nik , Nurumal Mohd Said , Sharifudin Mohd Ariff
Published: May 2024

Background:

Most of the aged women experience the deterioration of bone due to the gradual decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). According to different studies, a continuous progressive decline in bone density results in risks of fractures.

Aims:

The study aimed to identify the fracture risk factors among post-menopausal women with the deterioration of bone density.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional study design was used, and was conducted clinic at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Methods:

In total, 116 post-menopausal women were selected as a sample from a public hospital in Malaysia. An assessment checklist on fracture risks; including age, menopause year, BMD, serum calcium level, balance and gait score, body mass index (BMI) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to analyze data.

Results:

Findings showed that 87.1% participants confidently performed daily activities. Normal TUG score was revealed for 76.7%, and Fall Free Prevention Questionnaire (FFPQ) findings show that no risk of falling prevailed. Pearson correlation showed negative weak correlation between BMD with the age of respondents, year of menopause and TUG (r = –.373), (r = –. 284) and (r = –.237). Moderate correlation was found between BMD in BMI status (r = .343) and weak correlation was found between BMD and ABC scale (r = .200).

Conclusions:

The study emphasized on instigation of the intervention to improve population literacy related to menopause and bone density deficiency.
Pregnancy History, Oral Contraceptive Pills Consumption (OCPs), and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , Mohammadi Aida , Shahraki Zahra , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Mohammadifar Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Background:

To estimate the pooled odds of oral contraceptive pills consumption (OCPs) use as well as pregnancy history and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, and gray literature including references of the references as well as conference papers. The search strategy in PubMed was ((Oral contraceptive pills) OR OCP) AND (Multiple Sclerosis OR Sclerosis, Multiple) OR Sclerosis, Disseminated) OR Disseminated Sclerosis) OR MS (Multiple Sclerosis)) OR Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating) AND (gravidity) OR (pregnancy).

Results:

Four studies were included. The pooled odds of developing MS in women with pregnancy history compared with nulligravid women was 0.64 (95%CI = 0.53 − 0.78) (I
2 = 0, P = 0.5), which means that pregnancy reduces the risk of MS by 36%. The pooled odds of OCP consumption and risk of MS were 1.09 (95% CI = 0.67 − 1.76). By comparing the pooled odds of OCP consumption and risk of MS according to the country of the origin, we found that the pooled odds in Iranian studies was 1.03 (95% CI = 0.31 − 3.45) and the pooled OR in studies that were conducted in the United States was 1.13 (95% CI = 0.65 − 1.98), which showed that the country of the origin was not the cause of heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

The results of this systematic review show that pregnancy history is a protective factor for MS development, whereas OCP use has no significant effect.
Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Condition and Mental Health of Different Types of Population
Authors: Zeverdegani Sara Karimi
Published: May 2024

One of the most important occupational and environmental pollutants are biological agents such as various types of viruses. Recently the 2019-nCoV causes lower respiratory tract disease, called novel coronavirus pneumonia that in addition to causes physical disorders, can lead to mental health problems. This study looks at some of the articles that deal with psychological problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic in different groups of people. For this purpose, a review of the published literature was performed in some databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier) and related references were used.