Risk Assessment Model for Breast Cancer in Women Using MERIT Cohort Study

https://openworks.mdanderson.org/sumexp22/1121/thumbnail.jp

Fourth dimension in reconstruction of defects following excision of basal cell carcinoma of head and neck!

Background: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common skin tumors of the face. Excision results in soft tissue defects that require reconstruction with the focus on form, function, and patient satisfaction. Aim: To analyze the reconstruction of BCC excision defects of the head and neck region using local flaps and skin grafts with respect to the four dimensions of oncological reconstruction: clearance, form, function, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted on 88 patients who presented with BCC of the head and neck region and who were operated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months up to June 2017. All patients underwent wide local excision and reconstruction using appropriate local flaps or split-thickness skin graft (SSG). Patients were analyzed with respect to age, sex, site, size, reconstruction method, complications, and patient satisfaction using the customized Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), derived from PSQ III. Results: A total of 77.3% defects were immediately reconstructed using local flaps and 18.2% underwent SSG. All flaps and grafts survived well with a complication rate of 6.8%. Approximately 72.7% of patients had good satisfaction with the medical care and reconstruction. Conclusion: Post-excisional defects of BCC in the head and neck region have to be reconstructed with equal weightage to the four pillars of oncological reconstruction: clearance, form, function, and patient satisfaction. Flap reconstruction is ideal as it brings about reconstruction with patient satisfaction, which is indeed the fourth dimension in any reconstructive surgery

Scope and challenges in the implementation of Time Bank in India: a qualitative study

Abstract This paper explores the scope of services and challenges in implementing Time Bank in India. This community-based initiative allows people to exchange skills and services without the involvement of money. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 participants aged 18 to 35. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: Services, Challenges, and Limitations of Time Bank, Factors Affecting Help-Seeking Behavior, and Community and Gender Dynamics. Participants expressed interest in offering a wide range of services, from household tasks to professional services. However, challenges and limitations were also identified, such as a lack of awareness and understanding of the concept, social stigma, and concerns about trust, privacy, and safety issues. The study underscores the need to consider cultural and social factors while implementing community-based initiatives. Despite these challenges, participants believed Time Bank could be a valuable platform for building social connections and community support. The study’s implications highlight the need for further research on the impact of Time Bank on social capital and the sustainability of the initiative in different cultural contexts

THE ROLE OF HERBAL IMMUNOMODULATORS AS ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR ASYMPTOMATIC AND MILDLY SYMPTOMATIC COVID-19: AN EXPLORATORY CLINICAL STUDY

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate herbal immunomodulators (Septilin and Bresol) as a possible adjuvant therapy for the treatment of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19. Methods: Randomized, open-label, comparative clinical study. Subjects were randomized to either arm I [Septilin and Bresol+standard of care (SOC)] or arm II (SOC). This study was registered on CTRI (CTRI/2020/06/025801). Results: Subjects in arm I showed a greater reduction in levels of interleukin-6 tumor necrosis factor-α following treatment than in arm II. Subjects in arm I showed a greater increase in levels of interferon (IFN)-β and IFN-λ than those in arm II. There was a greater reduction in D-dimer in arm I than in arm II subjects (64.28% vs. 35.59%) and all arm I subjects had D-dimer values in the normal range compared to 70% of arm II subjects. There were statistically significant reduction in lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in arm I (p<0.016 and p<0.013, respectively). Clinical assessments during the post-illness convalescence period showed significant improvements in fatigue assessment scores and quality of life. Conclusion: This herbal combination as an adjuvant to SOC may provide additional long-term benefits in COVID-19 infection by reducing inflammation. This treatment may offer a good addendum for the management of post-COVID-19 illness

The Effect of Polymers on Drug Release Kinetics in Nanoemulsion In Situ Gel Formulation

Glaucoma is an ocular condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Conventional treatments of glaucoma face poor corneal permeability and bioavailability. To address these issues, a nanoemulsion in situ gel of Timolol maleate was developed in this study by adding the polymer Carbopol 934p. Using Carbopol 934p, a novel ophthalmic pH-induced nanoemulsion in situ gel was formulated. The formulation was liquid at pH 4 and quickly gelled when the pH was raised to 7.4 (Lacrimal pH). The pH-triggered in situ gelling mechanism demonstrated continuous drug release over a 24 h cycle. A total of nine trial formulations were prepared (NEI1–NEI9) and subjected to various physicochemical and in vitro evaluations. According to the in vitro release kinetics, the drug release of Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI5 followed zero-order kinetics, with a release exponent value of 0.902, indicating that the mechanism of release was non-Fickian diffusion regulated. In vivo results showed that Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI5 provided a better-sustained release of the drug, compared with the Timolet OD eye drops. The formulation is stable in storage, with no distinguishable change in appearance, physical properties, quality, and percentage drug release. NEI5 also reduces drug administration frequency, which improves patient compliance. Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI5 achieved the goal of controlled drug delivery with extended-release and cost-effectiveness, lowering the dosage and frequency of drug administration, and thus may improve patient compliance. In conclusion, the stable nanoemulsion in situ gel of Timolol maleate NEI5 decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) over a prolonged period