Histopathological study of precursor and neoplastic lesions of endometrium in endometrial samplings

Background: Endometrial lesion presenting as abnormal uterine bleeding, abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities form most common presenting complaint in women of reproductive age group and in premenopausal women. Endometrial sampling is a safe and effective diagnostic step in evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The present study was carried out to establish histopathological diagnosis of precursor and neoplastic lesions of endometrial samplings in correlation with clinical details and other investigations.Methods: A two-year prospective study was carried out in the department of pathology in a tertiary care hospital from June 2013-May 2015 which included endometrial samplings of precursor and neoplastic lesions. All cases were analyzed histopathologically.Results: The study included 46 cases comprising 30% of total 153 endometrial samplings. Out of these, precursor lesions were 36 cases (23.6%) and malignant were 10 case (5.8%). The highest incidence of precursor lesions (endometrial hyperplasia) was in the age group of 41- 50 years. Among the precursor lesions, endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (86%) was the commonest observation followed by atypical hyperplasia (14%).Conclusions: For the correct evaluation of cases presenting with AUB, histopathological evaluation of endometrial samplings is the gold standard method

NOVEL TOPICAL ANTI-AGING HERBAL COMPOSITION

Objective: Anti-aging formulations are among the premier skin care products in the global market that are in huge demand. Different treatments are available to slow down skin aging, but are very expensive and are often found to produce adverse reactions to the skin in prolong use. Hence, present study has been designed to formulate poly herbal anti-aging skin care products and their evaluation thereon. Methods: Anti-aging herbal skin care cream, gel and serum were prepared using two medicinal plants Hippophae salicifolia and Celosia argentea along with three bioactives caffeine, rutin and bakuchiol. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters like pH, texture analysis, acid value, short-term stability study, etc. Phenolics and flavanoid content were determined. Anti-aging potential was gauged by in silico studies using the glide tool of ‘Schrodinger’. Results: Cream, gel and serum showed good physical appearance and were free from gritty particles and with smooth texture. Accelerated stability studies indicated insignificant changes in physicochemical parameters of the formulations. Based on the docking score and interaction with amino acid, compounds present in the plant extracts and bioactive showed good anti-aging activity. Conclusion: The prepared herbal anti-aging formulations were found to be stable and exhibited good potential as an anti-aging combination. So, they can be used as an effective combination to protect skin from aging

High resolution-mass spectrometry (HR-MS) analysis of Bryonia laciniosa L.

617-624Bryonia laciniosa L. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is commonly known as ‘Shivlingi’ and is a highly valued medicinal plant in Ayurveda and Homeopathy systems of medicine particularly as a remedy for infertility. In the present study, sophisticated, highly reliable, and sensitive high resolution-mass spectrometry (HR-MS) was carried out for the determination of chemical constituents present in B. laciniosa. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract showed the presence of saponins, sterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and tannins. TLC of sterol-rich petroleum ether extract (SRPE) produced six major spots on precoated silica gel GF254, using toluene: methanol (96:04 v/v) as mobile phase. The spots showed green, purple, light purple to violet colour spots in the Rf range of 0.2-0.91, after derivatization with the anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent. Further, based on TLC, HR-MS analysis of SRPE was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents, at positive ESI (electron spray ionisation) mode. It indicated the presence of a total of 30 compounds including short fragments of peptides. The major compounds predicted in HR-MS: Q(quadrupole)-TOF(time-of-flight)-MS, as per METLIN database, were swietenine, ergosterol acetate, 4, 4, dimethyl-14α- formyl-5α-cholesta-8,24-dien-3β-ol, L-olivosyl-oleandolide, mitoxantrone, isogedunin, 3S-aminodeconoic acid, and nisoldipine

The Role of Hospital Transfusion Committee in Ensuring Rational Use of Blood

A Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC) is a governance body established within the hospital to ensure appropriate blood product use, auditing blood use in the hospital and monitoring and preventing adverse events. The primary goal of HTC is to promote the safe and effective use of blood and components. It is important to educate the end users of blood components to close the gap in medical education pertaining to transfusion medicine. Comprehensive blood utilization review and reporting to management ensures that corrective actions are taken when needed. Meeting is held annually in our setting to discuss practices within the hospital and scope of improvement. HTC provides an active forum for communication between staff directly involved in clinical and laboratory-based patient blood management and blood transfusion activities, to provide solutions, feedback and education in relation to identified problems and to ensure that transfusion practice accords with best practice and aligns with national standards

A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Association between Bilateral Topical Prostaglandin Analogue Use and Ocular Adnexal Features

We studied the relation between prostaglandin analogue use and ocular adnexal features. We used a prospective, cross-sectional study involving 157 current, 15 past, and 171 never users of prostaglandin analogues. Patients 50 years of age or older and without conditions affecting ocular adnexal anatomy underwent glaucoma medication use history, external digital photography and systematic external adnexal exam. Two masked readers assessed the digital photos for upper lid dermatochalasis and lower lid steatoblepharon using a validated grading scheme. Another masked clinical examiner also assessed upper lid ptosis, levator muscle function, and inferior scleral show. We performed ordinal logistic regression analysis accounting for multiple covariates to assess the relation between prostaglandin analogue use and adnexal features. Multivariable analyses indicated there was a 230-fold increased risk of incremental involution of dermatochalasis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–3.69; p = 5.44E-04) and a 249-fold increased risk of incremental loss of lower lid steatoblepharon (OR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.54–4.03; p = 1.98E-04) associated with current prostaglandin analogue use (bimatoprost 0.03%, travoprost 0.005%, or latanoprost 0.004%) versus prostaglandin analogue never or past users. Upper lid ptosis (OR = 4.04; 95% CI, 2.43–6.72; p = 7.37E-08), levator dysfunction (OR = 7.51; 95% CI, 3.39–16.65; p = 6.74E-07) and lower lid retraction (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.58–4.28; p = 1.72E-04) were highly associated with current prostaglandin analogue use versus prostaglandin analogue never or past users. The associations between prostaglandin analogue use and deepening of the upper lid sulci and between prostaglandin analogue use and loss of inferior periorbital fat are confirmed in this multivariable analysis. The associations between prostaglandin analogue use and levator muscle dysfunction and between prostaglandin analogue use and upper lid ptosis represent significant side effects that could impact visual function in glaucoma patients

Early Laser for Burn Scars (ELABS): protocol for a multi-centre randomised, controlled trial of both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars with Pulsed Dye Laser and standard care compared to standard care alone [version 1; peer review: 2 approved].

This paper outlines the protocol for a study that is being carried out at multiple centres across the UK in the next three years. It is a Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) study funded by the National Institute for Healthcare Research (NIHR). The aim is to assess the effectiveness of treating hypertrophic burns scars with pulsed dye laser (PDL) at an early stage of scar formation. The objective is to improve Quality of Life for the patient by improving both the appearance and quality of burn scarring, as well as reducing its psychological impact. This is a parallel-arm randomised, controlled trial to compare PDL and standard care against standard care alone. The difference is measured between baseline and six-month follow-up. Recruits are within three months of healing from a burn injury; with wounds showing a defined potential for hypertrophic scarring. A total of 120 patients are recruited in a multi-centre study; with randomisation in a 1:1 allocation to each arm. The treatment arm receives 3 PDL treatments at six-week intervals in addition to standard care, whereas the control arm receives standard care alone. The primary outcome is the patient-rated part of the Patient and Observer Scar Scale (POSAS). Psychological and psycho-social impact is evaluated using the CARe burn scale (UWE, Bristol) and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) is determined using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). The study evaluates both the cost-effectiveness through an economic analysis and the patient-reported experience of the treatment by phone interviews

Pathways to care in first-episode psychosis in low-resource settings: Implications for policy and practice.

Developing countries such as India face a major mental health care gap. Delayed or inadequate care can have a profound impact on treatment outcomes. We compared pathways to care in first episode psychosis (FEP) between North and South India to inform solutions to bridge the treatment gap. Cross-sectional observation study of 'untreated' FEP patients (n = 177) visiting a psychiatry department in two sites in India (AIIMS, New Delhi and SCARF, Chennai). We compared duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), first service encounters, illness attributions and socio-demographic factors between patients from North and South India. Correlates of DUP were explored using logistic regression analysis (DUP ≥ 6 months) and generalised linear models (DUP in weeks). Patients in North India had experienced longer DUP than patients in South India (β = 17.68, p < 0.05). The most common first encounter in North India was with a faith healer (45.7%), however, this contact was not significantly associated with longer DUP. Visiting a faith healer was the second most common first contact in South India (23.6%) and was significantly associated with longer DUP (Odds Ratio: 6.84; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.77, 26.49). Being in paid employment was significantly associated with shorter DUP across both sites. Implementing early intervention strategies in a diverse country like India requires careful attention to local population demographics; one size may not fit all. A collaborative relationship between faith healers and mental health professionals could help with educational initiatives and to provide more accessible care. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparative study between the Hybrid Capture II test and PCR based assay for the detection of human papillomavirus DNA in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Oral malignancy is a major global health problem. Besides the main risk factors of tobacco, smoking and alcohol, infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genetic alterations are likely to play an important role in these lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of HC-II assay and PCR for the detection of specific HPV type (HPV 16 E6) in OSMF and OSCC cases as well as find out the prevalence of the high risk HPV (HR-HPV) in these lesions.</p> <p>Methods and materials</p> <p>Four hundred and thirty patients of the potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions were taken from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, India from Sept 2007-March 2010. Of which 208 cases were oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and 222 cases were oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The HC-II assay and PCR were used for the detection of HR-HPV DNA.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>The overall prevalence of HR-HPV 16 E6 DNA positivity was nearly 26% by PCR and 27.4% by the HC-II assay in case of potentially malignant disorder of the oral lesions such as OSMF. However, in case of malignant oral lesions such as OSCC, 32.4% HPV 16 E6 positive by PCR and 31.4% by the HC-II assay. In case of OSMF, the two test gave concordant result for 42 positive samples and 154 negative samples, with an overall level of agreement of 85.4% (Cohen's kappa = 66.83%, 95% CI 0.553-0.783). The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 73.7% and 92.05% (p < 0.00). In case of OSCC, the two test gave concordant result for 61 positive samples and 152 negative samples, with an overall level of agreement of 88.3% (Cohen's kappa = 79.29, 95% CI 0.769-0.939) and the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 87.14% and 92.76% (p < 0.00).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study concluded that slight difference was found between the positivity rate of HR-HPV infection detected by the HC-II and PCR assay in OSMF and OSCC cases and the HC II assay seemed to have better sensitivity in case of OSCC.</p

Hyperimmune immunoglobulin for hospitalised patients with COVID-19 (ITAC): a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3, randomised trial

BACKGROUND: Passive immunotherapy using hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) to SARS-CoV-2, derived from recovered donors, is a potential rapidly available, specific therapy for an outbreak infection such as SARS-CoV-2. Findings from randomised clinical trials of hIVIG for the treatment of COVID-19 are limited. METHODS: In this international randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who had been symptomatic for up to 12 days and did not have acute end-organ failure were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either hIVIG or an equivalent volume of saline as placebo, in addition to remdesivir, when not contraindicated, and other standard clinical care. Randomisation was stratified by site pharmacy; schedules were prepared using a mass-weighted urn design. Infusions were prepared and masked by trial pharmacists; all other investigators, research staff, and trial participants were masked to group allocation. Follow-up was for 28 days. The primary outcome was measured at day 7 by a seven-category ordinal endpoint that considered pulmonary status and extrapulmonary complications and ranged from no limiting symptoms to death. Deaths and adverse events, including organ failure and serious infections, were used to define composite safety outcomes at days 7 and 28. Prespecified subgroup analyses were carried out for efficacy and safety outcomes by duration of symptoms, the presence of anti-spike neutralising antibodies, and other baseline factors. Analyses were done on a modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population, which included all randomly assigned participants who met eligibility criteria and received all or part of the assigned study product infusion. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04546581. FINDINGS: From Oct 8, 2020, to Feb 10, 2021, 593 participants (n=301 hIVIG, n=292 placebo) were enrolled at 63 sites in 11 countries; 579 patients were included in the mITT analysis. Compared with placebo, the hIVIG group did not have significantly greater odds of a more favourable outcome at day 7; the adjusted OR was 1·06 (95% CI 0·77–1·45; p=0·72). Infusions were well tolerated, although infusion reactions were more common in the hIVIG group (18·6% vs 9·5% for placebo; p=0·002). The percentage with the composite safety outcome at day 7 was similar for the hIVIG (24%) and placebo groups (25%; OR 0·98, 95% CI 0·66–1·46; p=0·91). The ORs for the day 7 ordinal outcome did not vary for subgroups considered, but there was evidence of heterogeneity of the treatment effect for the day 7 composite safety outcome: risk was greater for hIVIG compared with placebo for patients who were antibody positive (OR 2·21, 95% CI 1·14–4·29); for patients who were antibody negative, the OR was 0·51 (0·29–0·90; pinteraction=0·001). INTERPRETATION: When administered with standard of care including remdesivir, SARS-CoV-2 hIVIG did not demonstrate efficacy among patients hospitalised with COVID-19 without end-organ failure. The safety of hIVIG might vary by the presence of endogenous neutralising antibodies at entry. FUNDING: US National Institutes of Health