Oral Melatonin for Pain Relief During Venepuncture in Neonates- a Pilot Randomized Control Trial.

Purpose: This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of oral melatonin with placebo in neonates during venepuncture.

Methods: This open-level, pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care neonatal unit. Sixty eligible, non-sick neonates (gestational age ≥ 34 weeks) scheduled for venepuncture were randomized into the melatonin group (MG, n = 30) and the placebo group (PG, n = 30).

Evaluation of Effectiveness and Tolerability of Saroglitazar in Metabolic Disease Patients of India: A Retrospective, Observational, Electronic Medical Record-Based Real-World Evidence Study.

Background Metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic dyslipidemia (DD), and metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), are significant health challenges in India. This study aims to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and tolerability of saroglitazar (4mg) in Indian adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), DD, and MASLD, focusing on changes in glycemic, lipid, and hepatic biomarkers.  Methods This retrospective study included adult patients with metabolic diseases (≥ 18 years) who were prescribed saroglitazar (4 mg) at baseline and continued therapy at least till the next follow-up visit after 90 days.

Understanding late-onset neurological deficit in severe rigid Scoliosis: A comprehensive review.

A neurological deficit (ND) is one of the dreaded complications of spinal deformity. While most are associated with the corrective procedure itself, neurological deficits can also be present preoperatively. Postoperatively, these deficits can manifest either immediately as a perioperative new-onset neuro deficit (PNND) or emerge later as a delayed-onset postoperative neuro deficit (DPND).

Comparison of standard auxiliary (contrast or elastography) endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy in solid pancreatic lesions: A meta-analysis.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/B) is the most common modality for tissue acquisition from pancreatic masses. Despite high specificity, sensitivity remains less than 90%. Auxiliary techniques like elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS may guide tissue acquisition from viable tumor tissue and improve the diagnostic outcomes theoretically.

Outcome of colonoscopic decompression in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is defined as colonic obstruction without a mechanical or extrinsic inflammatory factor. Colonic decompression is advised for patients with ACPO after the failure of conservative and medical management.

Aim: To systematically review and analyze the efficacy and safety of colonoscopic decompression in ACPO.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Non-fermenting Gram-Negative Bacteria Causing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Retrospective Study.

Background And Objectives: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) increase the morbidity and hospital bed occupancy. Cases of LRTI due to non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) are common in healthcare institutions. The common NFGNB found nowadays are , , and .

Decoding breast cancer treatment resistance through genetic, epigenetic, and immune-regulatory mechanisms: from molecular insights to translational perspectives.

Breast cancer continues to be the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with increased rates of incidence and mortality, highlighting the critical need for effective treatment strategies. Recent developments have introduced a variety of treatment options that address the molecular diversity of breast cancer; nonetheless, drug resistance remains a significant barrier to achieving favorable results. This review explains the crucial role of genetic and epigenetic changes in contributing to therapeutic resistance, in addition to other factors such as increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, evasion of senescence, tumor heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Serum Creatine Phosphokinase Level as a Prognostic Marker for Organophosphorus Poisoning and Its Correlation With Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning Scale.

Introduction: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are widely used as insecticides in agriculture. The Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning (POP) scale is a simple and effective system for determining the severity of OP poisoning. An increase in serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels in OP poisoning can be due to persistent oxidative cellular damage to muscle membranes.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Value of Absolute Eosinopenia in Culture-Positive Enteric Fever: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background Enteric fever continues to pose a diagnostic challenge in endemic regions due to the limited availability and delayed results of blood cultures and the poor specificity of serological tests. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC = 0 cells/mm³), a simple and low-cost hematological marker, may offer early diagnostic utility, especially in resource-constrained settings. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of absolute eosinopenia in detecting culture-confirmed enteric fever and compare it with commonly used serological tests such as Widal and Typhidot.

Phototherapy with Topical Minoxidil in Vitiligo: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Phototherapy is the most commonly used treatment for vitiligo, with initial pigment appearing at the perifollicular site, eventually coalescing into uniform pigmentation due to melanocyte migration from hair follicles. Melanocyte activity is higher during the anagen phase of the hair cycle, which is prolonged by minoxidil.

Aim: To assess if topical minoxidil enhances the rate of pigmentation during phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) of Patients With and Without Diabetic Neuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Objectives: Diabetic neuropathy is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), like diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. The neutrophil count is raised during infection and inflammation, and the lymphocyte count is decreased in immunocompromised patients. The platelet count suggests the thrombotic and inflammatory conditions.

Modified Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System Technique for Fixation of Distal Radius.

Aim & Background: Distal radius fractures are among the most frequently encountered bone injuries. Percutaneous pinning with a modified minimally invasive technique offers a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical interventions. This study aims to evaluate the early functional outcomes of this technique in managing distal radius fractures.

Neonatal Anemia in Preterm Infants: Are We Overtransfusing?

Aims And Objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the appropriate packed red blood cell transfusion (PRBCT) practice for preterm infants consistent with multiple international guidelines.

Method: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India from February 2019 to December 2020. All preterm neonates born at <32 weeks of gestation who received PRBCTs during the study period were included.

Expert Consensus Statement on Simplified Glycemic Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The growing burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in India, characterized by rising prevalence, complex treatment regimens, and substantial economic and psychological impact, necessitates a simplified, patient-centered approach to glycemic management. This expert consensus document presents evidence-based recommendations for streamlined glycemic care focused on enhancing treatment adherence, minimizing pill burden, and improving clinical outcomes. An expert panel of endocrinologists and diabetologists convened across eight advisory board meetings to review current evidence and generate practical strategies.

Capacity building models for managing multiple long-term conditions in low-and-middle-income countries: a systematic review and gap analysis.

Background: The global prevalence of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) is increasing, challenging healthcare providers worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), healthcare professionals face additional obstacles in managing MLTCs due to the presence of disease-specific guidelines. This issue is exacerbated by the limited emphasis on both pre-service and in-service training of healthcare professionals on MLTCs within LMICs.

Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objectives Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may coexist. Their co-occurrence and impacts on renal and pulmonary functions have not been explored in detail. We planned this study to evaluate urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) levels among patients with COPD.

Economic costs of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and healthcare utilization patterns post animal bites: An experience from a private healthcare facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Introduction: Rabies remains a public health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in countries like India, where it is responsible for a significant number of human fatalities. Despite being a preventable disease, rabies continues to exert a heavy toll on the population, largely due to delays in seeking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and the economic burden associated with treatment.

Objective: 1.

Diagnostic Performance of Mean Neutrophil Volume in Neonatal Sepsis.

This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of mean neutrophil volume (MNV) in culture-positive neonatal sepsis. MNV (index test), measured using an automated hematology analyzer, was compared to blood culture (reference test) in a study including 535 neonates; 86 were culture-positive sepsis, 192 were probable sepsis, and 257 were not septic. The median (Q1, Q3) MNV (fL) was higher in culture-positive septic neonates compared to non-septic neonates [154 (152, 157) vs.

Incidence and Outcome of HTG-AP at a Tertiary Care Center in Eastern India: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia-associated pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is a notable cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) due to high triglyceride (TG) levels. It is associated with more complications than non-hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis (non-HTG AP). Current treatments include supportive care, insulin infusion, and plasmapheresis.

Dermoscopic Analysis of Patients with and without Poor Prognostic Indicators in Alopecia Areata - A Comparative Study.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an unpredictable disease that manifests as rapid and patchy hair loss and may involve any hair-bearing part of the body. We used dermoscopy to compare the dermoscopic findings of AA in patients with and without poor prognostic indicators.

Aims And Objectives: To compare the key variations in dermoscopic features between patients of AA with and without poor prognostic indicators.