Need for a paradigm for application of outcome measure (QOL scales) in head and neck cancer patients in India

Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional construct that minimally includes broadly defined assessments of the physical, psychological, and social domains of functioning. However, measuring this QOL is complicated by the fact that there are many different validated questionnaires available. In India, with people now wanting self-directed care and greater autonomy, we must direct increased efforts towards QOL and its assessment. We propose the Assessment, Translation & Validation, Application and Audit method to increase the use of QOL scales in our country

GREEN ARCHITECTURE AS AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO PRESERVE CULTURE HERITAGE - SPECIAL MENTION “VANCOUVER CITY - CANADA”

Culture heritage provides us an automatic sense of unity and belonging, which allows us to better understand previous generation and history of where we come from. The preservation of heritage is closely linked to the culture of society where culture plays a vital role in urban, economic and social development. The research aim is to overview the main principles of green architecture and identify the main heritage conservation approaches as a theoretical approach to identify the most suitable conservation approach that applies all the principles of the green architecture. The chosen approach will be applied on our case study “Vancouver city in Canada” to verity our conclusion from the theoretical study

Current status and future prospects in prosthetic voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy

Total laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy remains the procedure of choice for advanced-stage (UICC T3 and T4) laryngeal carcinoma around the world despite advances in conservative laryngeal surgery and radiotherapy. However, it has profound effects on respiration and deglutition, in addition to the most disabling effect-the loss of verbal communication. Successful voice restoration can be attained with any of three speech options, namely esophageal speech, electrolarynx, and tracheoesophageal (TO) speech using an artificial valve. Although, no single method is considered the best for every patient, the tracheoesophageal puncture has become the preferred method in the past decade. Several types of voice prostheses have been produced since the first prosthesis was introduced in 1980 by Blom and Singer. However, eventually all prostheses are confronted by the same problem, i.e., the development of a biofilm, leading to deterioration and ultimately to dysfunction of the prostheses, necessitating replacement. This article attempts to sum up the historical background as well as the current state of surgical voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy; we review the recent major advances as well as the future prospects. Data was collected by conducting a computer-aided search of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases, supplemented by hand searches of key journals. Over 50 articles published in the last three decades on the topic have been reviewed, out of which about 20 were found to be of relevance for this article

Risk Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment аmong Apparently Healthy People and the Role of MicroRNAs

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal ageing and the serious decline of dementia. AIM: To identify risk factors and role of miRNAs associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among employees. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 186 employees aged between 40 and 65 years. Cognitive function was evaluated using ACEIII, MoCA, and Quick cognitive tests. Medical history and lifestyle were assessed. Family 132 & 134 miRNA expressions were assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: MCI was detected among 14 / 186 (7.5%). miRNA 132 expression was the only significant miRNAs to detect MCI with low sensitivity and specificity (70%). The logistic analysis revealed that higher miRNA132 expressions, low monthly intake of; vegetables, unroasted nuts, low education and higher ALT levels were predicting factors for MCI with AOR 1.1 (1.01-3.3), 1.2 (1.04-1.43), 0.8 (0.8-0.98), 2.7 (1.9-7.4) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3) respectively. CONCLUSION: MiRNAs expression showed low sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI; only miRNA 132 might be used. Several modifiable factors seem to reduce the risk of MCI

Computational analysis of low velocity impacts on Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) composite

This paper is to investigate the impact response on peak force behavior of the material at low velocity impact EFB composite. This is because impact damage on EFB composite is not well-known using quasi-static indentation. Series of quasi-static indentation was conducted in experiment to obtain the impact result. However, more experimental results are required to gain an accurate result. Simulation is useful to predict results at a reduced cost and time. Mesh has been created to simulate EFB composite rectangular panel using LS-Dyna. Material properties of EFB composite obtained from three point bending test experiment using Instron 3367. Mesh density on EFB composite rectangular panel is differed, which are 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, and 2.5 mm, and results from the simulation is compared to the experimental results which show the same pattern as the simulation result. From the study, the result proved that the simulation is in good agreement and has the same trend as the experimental result

MoO3 altered ZnO: A suitable choice for the photocatalytic removal of chloro-acetic acids in natural sunlight exposure

The MoO3 coated ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized for the optimum harvesting of the absorbed ultraviolet sunlight photons by initially permeating Mo6+ ions at the surface of pre-synthesized ZnO and finally transformed to MoO3 by thermal treatment in the air. The absorption spectra of the synthesized powders revealed the extension of the absorption edge in the visible region whereas, the photoluminescence spectroscopy established the supporting role of the MoO3 coating in gradually plummeting the excitons recombination. The growth of additional peaks in Raman as well as X-ray photoelectron spectra and the appearance of the corresponding low-intensity reflection substantiated the surface prevalence of MoO3. The absence of the individual particles of MoO3 in FESEM and the verification of coated layer by HRTEM images validated the authenticity of the adopted synthetic route. The electrochemical evaluation of the synthesized powders under illumination revealed the complete elimination of photocorrosion and the synergic role of the MoO3 layer for improved trap and transfer of charge carriers. The evaluation of the flat-band potentials of the coated powders by Mott-Schottky analysis revealed the suitability of the conduction band edges for the generation of superoxide anion radicals. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized powders was assessed for the removal of chloro derivatives (mono-, di-, trichloroacetic acids) in comparison to pure acetic acid. A significant effect of the stability, polarity and stereochemical structure of the substrate on the photocatalytic removal process was observed and discussed. The experimental evidences from the time-scale chemical analysis were interpreted for the identification of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the degradation/mineralization process. The validation of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model was also examined. Efforts were made to estimate the plausible route of the degradation/mineralization process

A rare myoepithelioma of the sinonasal cavity: case report

Myoepithelioma is a rare benign neoplasm. Pure accounting for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Only three cases of sinonasal myoepithelioma have been reported in the literature. Diagnosis of myoepithelioma through light microscopy is possible and immunohistochemistry is done to facilitate the diagnosis. The lesion is so rare that there are no specific indications/guidelines for its treatment. We report to you a rare case of sinonasal myoepithelioma in a 57 year old Asian female

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, where have all the STEMIs gone?

In the midst of current pandemic individuals with all sorts of medical ailments are afraid to venture into health-care settings and risk contracting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Irrespective of the inherent thromboembolic risks associated with COVID-19, this puts patients at high risk of cardiac complication