Diagnostic utility of sepsis screening tools, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein in nosocomial fever of unknown origin.

Background: Nosocomial fever of unknown origin (nFUO) is a frequent and challenging diagnostic entity, encompassing diverse infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Timely identification is crucial, yet evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of commonly employed sepsis screening tools and biomarkers remains sparse. We hypothesized that these tools and biomarkers measured at fever onset could distinguish infectious from non-infectious causes of nFUO in critically ill adults.

Type 2 diabetes compromises SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.

Introduction: Despite the success of vaccination, isolated cases of COVID-19 infection are being reported in the vulnerable subjects worldwide. Given that individuals with type-2 diabetes (T2D) often exhibit immune dysregulation, this study aimed to characterize SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination in subjects with T2D.

Methods: We recruited 55 T2D and 60 healthy control (HC) subjects and monitored their immunological parameters at baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 12th month post-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.

Impact of high-dose vitamin D supplementation initiated shortly after diagnosis on residual beta cell function and partial remission rates in children with type 1 diabetes.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the effect of high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation starting soon after diagnosis on residual β-cell function (RBCF) and partial remission (PR) rates in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label study was conducted in children aged 2-12 years with newly-diagnosed T1D. Cases received additional cholecalciferol (60,000 IU every fortnight) for six months, while age-matched controls received standard care.

Comparison of FSH Pre-treatment Versus Upfront hCG and FSH Regimens for Inducing Spermatogenesis in Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Appropriate gonadotropin therapy regimen for the induction of spermatogenesis in congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (HH) patients is a matter of debate. Pre-treatment with hCG is discouraged, while the rationale for FSH pre-treatment is that it mimics minipuberty, thereby being expected to be better than upfront combined hCG and FSH therapy.

Methods: A prospective RCT was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology of a tertiary centre.

Influence of CD16 (FcγRIII) Expression on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells on Response to Treatment with Rituximab in Pemphigus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Rituximab-mediated B-cell depletion in pemphigus patients is majorly caused by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This is mediated by Fcγ receptors on immune cells, particularly FcγRIIIa (CD16) on natural killer (NK) cells. This study investigates the impact of FcγRIII expression on response to rituximab in pemphigus patients.

Effect of recombinant human parathyroid hormone and zoledronic acid on osteoblast gene expression using multifaceted approach: An in vitro study.

Background: Bone is an endocrine organ that despite being inert in appearance constantly undergoes remodeling, in which wear and tear of bone cells occur. With more than two decades of clinical experience, the molecular mechanisms of anti-fracture drugs are not completely understood because they inhibit osteoclastic activity and differentiate the osteoblast cells. Recent studies suggest fundamentally different mechanisms of action for key anti-fracture drugs, bisphosphonates, and recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH) at the tissue level; however, their molecular basis of action has not been explored completely.

Preproinsulin-specific regulatory T cell-derived exosomes loaded with immune-checkpoint ligands can suppress autoimmune responses in type 1 diabetes.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves selective destruction of pancreatic beta (β) cells, mainly by infiltrating CD8+ T cells. These CD8+ T cells also express immune-checkpoint molecules (ICMs) that can be targeted by immune-checkpoint ligands (ICLs) or β cell-specific Tregs. Here, we combined both approaches to suppress autoimmune responses in T1D.

Effect of Imatinib Mesylate on the Ovarian Reserves of Female Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.

Unlabelled: Purpose: Imatinib mesylate (IM) has transformed the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The improved life expectancy of CML patients has led to increased attention to the adverse effects of the drug. There are conflicting reports of the impact of IM on the female reproductive system.

New insights into the mechanisms of modified decoction in alleviating chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.

Chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis (IM) is a prevalent complication affecting up to 80% of cancer patients undergoing treatment. Current therapies focus on symptomatic relief rather than addressing the underlying mechanism. Recent advances in integrative medicine highlight the potential of traditional Chinese medicine formulations as alternatives or adjuncts to existing therapies.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in endocrine tumors: current knowledge and future directions.

Introduction: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that orchestrates gene expression via epigenetic and non-epigenetic mechanisms. EZH2 performs epigenetic functions by methylating histones and/or non-histone proteins and suppressing or activating target genes. Moreover, non-epigenetic functions involve dysregulation of target genes independent of histone methylation, thereby impacting multiple signaling pathways.

Antidesmoglein 1 and 3 serum IgG and positivity by direct immunofluorescence microscopy is associated with relapse in pemphigus in a prospective bicontinental study.

Background: Prospective studies identifying immunological parameters that can predict clinical relapse in pemphigus are scarce.

Objective: To periodically assess immunological parameters in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceous in remission to understand immunological events preceding clinical relapse.

Methods: A total of 105 patients were included.

Long COVID psychiatric sequelae, biochemical markers & tau protein: A 3-year follow-up study.

Background: A significant percentage of COVID-19 survivors experience long-term neuropsychiatric and physical issues. Baseline biochemical parameters may be linked to these psychiatric sequelae.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the association between baseline biochemical parameters and psychiatric outcomes in COVID-19 survivors three years post-infection.

Early hydrocortisone verses placebo in neonatal shock- a double blind Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare early hydrocortisone (initiated along with vasoactive therapy) vs. placebo for all-cause mortality within next 14 days among neonates with fluid-refractory shock.

Study Design: Neonates with fluid-refractory shock were randomly assigned to receive hydrocortisone or saline placebo alongside vasoactive drugs.

Elastographic evaluation for fatty liver disease in north Indian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Objectives: The prevalence and predisposing factors to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in children with type 1 Diabetes (T1D) living in developing countries are unknown.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in children with T1D. The presence of liver fat and tissue stiffness were assessed by ultrasonography and shear-wave elastography (SWE), respectively.

A double-blinded randomised control study to compare the effectiveness and safety of intralesional vitamin D with intralesional triamcinolone and its correlation with tissue expression of vitamin D receptors in patients with keloid.

Intralesional steroids commonly used for keloid treatment have adverse effects like cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasias. Safer and more effective therapies are needed. Preliminary studies suggest intralesional vitamin D as a potential alternative treatment.

Effect of Combined Low Dose Human Gonadotropic Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, and Testosterone Therapy (LFT Regimen) Versus Conventional High Dose Human Gonadotropic Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone on Spermatogenesis and Biomarkers in Men With Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.

Objective: In male congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), it was observed that lower dose human gonadotropic hormone (hCG) can maintain normal intratesticular testosterone levels. We propose this study to compare the low-dose hCG, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (T) [LFT Regimen] to conventional treatment to induce virilization and fertility.

Design: This open-label randomized pilot study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2021.

Calcifediol boosts efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine by upregulating genes promoting memory T cell responses.

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (COVISHIELD) vaccine has emerged as a pivotal tool in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In our previous study eligible subjects were supplemented with calcifediol, a direct precursor to the biologically active form of vitamin D, calcitriol with an objective to enhance the immunogenicity of the COVISHIELD vaccine. Herein we investigated the effects of calcifediol supplementation on gene expression profiles in individuals who received the COVISHIELD vaccine.

Basal and FSH-stimulated Inhibin B in Precocious Puberty.

Objective: To evaluate the role of basal and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated inhibin B in differentiating premature thelarche from gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (GDPP).

Methods: This was a prospective interventional study. Basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin B levels were estimated in girls presenting with thelarche < 8 years age (n = 10), healthy girls with normal pubertal development (pubertal control) (n = 8) and healthy prepubertal girls (prepubertal control) (n = 7).

Normative Data for Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Healthy Children and Adolescents From India.

Background: Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an important biochemical tool to diagnose and monitor growth hormone (GH)-related disorders. However, ethnicity-specific Indian data, following consensus criteria for the establishment of normative data, are not available. Our objective was to generate chronological age (CA)-, bone age (BA)- and Tanner stage-specific normative data for IGF-1 in healthy Indian children and adolescents.

Supplementation of High-Strength Oral Probiotics Improves Immune Regulation and Preserves Beta Cells among Children with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomised, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial.

Objectives: To investigate the mechanism of glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) following high-strength probiotics supplementation by assessing immune-regulatory markers.

Methods: In this single-centre randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled study, children with new-onset T1D on regular insulin therapy were randomised into probiotic or placebo groups with 30 children each. The probiotics group received oral powder of Vivomixx, and the placebo group received corn starch for six months.

Impact of short-term application of continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS) on long-term glycemic profile in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: An open-label randomized control cross over study.

Aims: The use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) improves glycemic parameters in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D), but the cost is prohibitive. Here, we investigated the effect of short-term application of real-time and intermittently-scanned CGMS (rt and is-CGMS) in T1D individuals on change in HbA1c at the end of 3 months.

Methods: T1D individuals were randomized into three groups in a ratio of 1:1:2 - Group A (rt-CGMS for 2 weeks initially, followed by is-CGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months), Group B (is-CGMS for 2 weeks initially followed by rt-CGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months) and Group C (only self-monitoring of blood glucose), respectively.

Differences among Indian and European pemphigus patients based on demographics, clinical parameters and propensity for relapse: results of a prospective bicontinental cohort study.

Limited studies have explored pemphigus variations among different ethnic groups residing in their respective geographical locations. This bicontinental study aimed to compare clinical and immunological parameters in Indian and European pemphigus patients in complete remission, off therapy, or on minimal therapy. 105 patients (India, n= 75; Bulgaria, n=15; Greece, n=15) with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) or pemphigus foliaceous (PF) in complete remission on minimal therapy (n=64) or complete remission off therapy (n=41) were recruited.

Efficacy, safety, and dose-response effects of calcifediol supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in healthy adults: An open-label, interventional pilot study.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent across the globe. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) fails to attain sufficient serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in a significant proportion of supplemented individuals. Calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) is less studied in healthy adults and its effects on 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) at higher doses are not well known.