Indian J Med Res
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Background & objectives Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) cause progressive symptoms and decline in lung functions which impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although HRQoL is gaining wider acceptance as an endpoint for disease perception, limited data is available regarding the same in Indians with ILD. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess HRQoL and its correlation with lung function parameters in individuals with ILD in a tertiary care setting in south India. ⋯ Type of ILD and disease duration did not have a significant association with HRQoL measures. Interpretation & conclusions 'Breathlessness and activity' domain of HRQoL was affected the most in participants with ILD. Forced vital capacity, six-minute walk distance and exercise induced desaturation were independent predictors of HRQoL among individuals with ILD.
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Background & objectives India accounts for about seven per cent of the global cancer burden with the highest cancer incidence reported from the North-Eastern Region (NER), including Meghalaya. Despite this, there is paucity of published studies on health seeking behaviour for cancer in the NER. To address this gap, this study used a qualitative approach to document patient, caregiver and provider perspectives to understand the factors influencing healthcare seeking for cancers in Meghalaya. ⋯ A general reluctance to discuss cancer diagnoses, perceived stigma, apprehension of treatment methods influenced their decision. Other factors included negligence and misinterpretation of early symptoms of cancer, self-management, preference for traditional medicines, financial constraints and health system-related factors. Interpretation & conclusions This study underscores the importance of addressing barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment in indigenous populations in northeast India, advocating for culturally appropriate messaging, capacity building for healthcare workers, integration of traditional healers, and community involvement to enhance early healthcare seeking and improve outcomes.
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Background & objectives Subclinical joint bleed is a matter of concern in individuals with hemophilia on prophylaxis. Ultrasonography (USG) is mostly used for the screening of subclinical bleeds in such individuals but it has its own limitations. Thus a more comprehensive technology is required for the detection of the same. ⋯ Subclinical bleeds were detected in 23.9, 7.29 and 27.08 per cent participants by IRT, USG and MRI respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of IRT and USG was detected to be 88.4 and 97.67 per cent, and 26.9 and 99 per cent, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that IRT is an effective tool for detection of subclinical joint bleeds in individuals with hemophilia and can be used for the monitoring of the joints in such individuals.
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Observational Study
An analytical observational study for diagnostic accuracy of volume, conductivity & scatter (VCS) indices of neutrophils for diagnosis of sepsis in an emergency hospital setting.
Background & objectives The newer technique using an innovative volume conductivity scatter (VCS) technology is emerging as a surrogate for sepsis diagnosis. The VCS technology offers a more objective method to measure cell volume (V), characterize conductivity (C) and light scatter (S) directly from more than 8,000 white blood cells (WBCs). However, diagnostic performance of VCS parameters in sepsis has not been extensively tested in routine hospital emergency settings. ⋯ Results The mean neutrophil volume (MNV) values were not significantly different between cases and controls (P 0.138) whereas mean neutrophil conductance (MNC) and mean neutrophil scatter (MNS) measurements were significantly higher among cases as compared to controls (both P-values <0.001). According to Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROCs) curve analysis, MNV in our study failed to show statistically significant discriminatory ability in sepsis (AUC 0.54) whereas MNC (AUC 0.98) and MNS (AUC 0.95) showed marked discriminatory ability in diagnosing sepsis in this study cohort. Interpretation & conclusions Among VCS parameters, MNV failed as a standalone biomarker of sepsis in routine emergency setting whereas MNC and MNS had statistically significant diagnostic and discriminatory accuracies among hospitalized affected individuals with sepsis.
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Background & objectives Overcoming the challenge of early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) by exploring molecular biomarkers is urgently needed. With this objective, this study was designed to explore the biomarker and therapeutic potential of miRNA (miR)-363-3p in PCa pathogenesis. Methods Total participants (n=188) were enrolled, and blood and tissue samples were collected from individuals categorized into the control group (n=55), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) group (n=60), PCa group (n=48), and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) group (n=25). ⋯ The expression analysis of the target genes showed a significant tumour-suppression of PTEN gene and significant upregulation of oncogenic genes such as NRAS, E2F3, MDM2, and CCNE2. Interpretation & conclusions Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that miR-363-3p may be a potential biomarker in differentiating individuals with PCa and CRPC from healthy controls. The miR-363-3p triggers various oncogenic genes (MDM2, NRAS, E2F3, CCNE2) and tumour suppressor genes (PTEN) that are actively involved in PCa progression and development.