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Introduction: Dapsone forms the backbone of multi-drug therapy (MDT) in leprosy and many other dermatological disorders. Haemolysis is its common side effect which often necessitates drug stoppage. Currently, wide variation in data of haemolysis with dapsone exists in literature ranging from 24.7% to 83% and none of the studies point towards the timing of onset of haemolysis/timing of maximal haemolysis which is important in therapeutic decision making regarding continuing or stopping the drug. This study aimed to answer such unanswered questions. Objectives: Primary: To estimate the fall in haemoglobin (Hb) levels after administering MDT for 3 months in patients with leprosy. Secondary: To determine factors associated with Hb change -- age, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status, pole of leprosy and duration of MDT taken (if any). Materials and Methods: All freshly diagnosed cases of Hansen's disease were studied for 3 months. At baseline, demographic data (age, sex), skin biopsy, slit skin smear and G6PD were taken. Haemoglobin (Hb), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transferase (SGPT), serum bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear (PBS) along with clinical photography was done at baseline, 1, 2 and 3 months. Results: Out of the 48 patients who completed the study: Mean Hb (g/dL) decreased from 13.37 at baseline to a minimum of 12.08 at 2 months, and then increased to 12.34 at 3 months. Of 42 patients (87.5%) with a fall in Hb, 13 (27.1%) had severe (fall >20%), 17 (35.4%) had moderate (fall 10--20%), 12 (25%) had mild fall (fall <10%) and in 6 (12.5%), there was no haemolysis. Reticulocyte count, LDH, SGOT and SGPT were significantly associated with haemolysis. Severe haemolysis occurred more frequently in the lepromatous spectrum. Conclusion: Dapsone causes maximal fall of hemoglobin by 1.29 g/dl at two months following which it increases. The fall of hemoglobin is reversible and hemoglobin starts to increase by 3 months of therapy making cessation of the drug unnecessary in most of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic lymphatic filariasis patients in Bihar, India, need management of lymphedema to live a disability-free life. For patients who have recurrent attacks of acute dermato-lymphangio-adenitis (ADLA), World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended simple home-based measures that include maintaining hygiene, skin care, and limb movement. However, patients in rural areas are unable to adopt them, resulting in a vicious cycle of ADLA attacks. There might be multiple realities from patients' and healthcare workers' perspectives that were unexplored. Qualitative research was deemed best suitable to identify the barriers to carrying out home-based lymphedema practices that adversely affected quality of life. Methods: The qualitative descriptive study was conducted in two villages in the rural field practice area under a tertiary care hospital in Bihar. Researchers purposively selected ten participants, including patients affected by lymphedema, their caregivers, the grassroots healthcare workers, and the block health manager. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were entered into QDA Miner Lite, where researchers did attribute, in-vivo, process, descriptive, emotion, and holistic coding, followed by content analysis, where categories and themes emerged from the codes. Results: Three themes emerged: the inherent nature of disease, patient-related factors, and healthcare system-related factors. The fifteen identified barriers were low awareness, low adherence, low health-seeking behavior, poor personal hygiene, and categories like signs and symptoms, seasonal factors, hampered activities of daily living, hopelessness from not getting cured, psychosocial difficulty, lack of capacity building and receipt of incentives by healthcare workers, unavailability of laboratory diagnosis and management of complications at the facility, inconsistent drug supply, and no financial assistance. Conclusions: Accessibility to WaSH, regular training of home-based care, increasing the capacity and motivation of grassroots workers, and the generation of in-depth awareness among the patients are required to achieve the elimination of filariasis, with MMDP as a key component of that strategy for endemic districts across the whole country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the little-studied technological practice of instrument making in South India, where the introduction of bovine hide brought new musical possibilities to a community of musicians. It narrates the animal-human relationship embedded in the everyday technology of making and maintaining sound instruments between 1930 and 2010 and how various actors sought to reduce the sound of bovine instruments. Based on fieldwork and historical sources, this article contributes to the discussion of nonlinear chronology in the history of technology, showing how technological processes are centered around local time, seasons, and animal-human (professional) life cycle rather than global standardized time. This micro-history describes how makers combined animals and technology to achieve better sounding instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Facial skin disorders are a major health problem affecting a high proportion of the population in India. Facial skin disorders can place a heavy emotional and psychological burden on patients that may be far worse than the physical impact. Increased consciousness especially among the youth of their body and beauty further aggravates their anxiety. Many factors determine the pattern and prevalence of Facial skin disorders among the youth such as gender, race, personal hygiene, quality of skin care, environmental milieu and diet. Materials an methods: This is an observational study was conducted in all age group patients attending at Department of DVL, Government General Hospital, Guntur for a Period of one year from Dec. 2021 to Dec. 2022. Total 424 patients with facial dermatoses belonging to age group birth to old age above and both sexes were randomly selected and included in the study after taking their consent. Result: Total 424 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed Facial skin disorders attending outpatient department, Government General Hospital, Guntur are examined and data were recorded. In this study, most common facial dermatoses are pigmentary disorders (29.9%), of which melasma constituted the most common, followed by acne, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis (20.3%). 14.6% are infections and 12.7% are eczemas. There is a wide variation in the age group of the cases. In this study, we observed that maximum number of cases are students connective tissue disorders involve Facial skin disorders Conclusion: This study was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of the involvement of the face in various dermatoses at different age and sex. Though the prevalence of various diseases is well known, very few studies exist which have studied face involvement in these. The patients seen in our study were cross sectioned from all age group, both sexes, different socioeconomic status, as well as various geographical areas. It is thus felt that this study provides an insight into various aspects of facial dermatoses encountered in day to day practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mask-related dermatoses among health-care workers can impact their quality of life, work and the safety afforded by the mask. Hence their prompt recognition and remedial measures assume importance during the pandemic. To collect data about-types of masks used, facial skin problems encountered and factors involved, skin care practices followed and attitude to mask-wearing among medical students and healthcare workers of South India, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online structured questionnaire filled by the respondents after informed consent.Data was analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results and Conclusion Of the 576 respondents, majority used unscientific combinations of masks. Most common mask-related dermatosis was new-onset acne. Female gender, younger age, oily skin and longer hours of mask-wearing were predisposing factors. Improper care of skin and mask and reluctance to seek medical advice was observed. Majority had a positive attitude to wearing mask during the pandemic and found several other benefits to mask-wearing. Information about scientific mask-wearing practices and common mask-related skin problems must be disseminated among the medical fraternity and remedial measures offered. A general positive attitude to mask-wearing gives assurance of adherence to mask wearing even during the trough phase of pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Caring for patients with skin disorders is “more than skin deep”. Psoriasis is a systematic immune-mediated disease that generally does not affect survival, but certainly has major negative effects on patients. The previous research has reported that artificial restoration of a permeable barrier by occlusion results in regression of lesions in psoriasis. The aim of this research is to assess the efficacy of cling film dressing versus conventional treatment on palmoplantar psoriatic lesions among patients with psoriasis. Methods: The research design used in the study was a true experimental time series design. Block randomization was used to assign the study participants into either study or control group in a Psoriatic Out-Patient Department of tertiary care center at Southern part of India. As usual, the intervention group participants received the application of topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF with cling film wrap while the control group participants followed the conventional treatment (topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF without occlusive dressing). The modified psoriasis severity index (MPSI) score was used to measure the outcomes. Results: There was a high statistical significance difference on the severity of psoriatic disease level between the control and study groups (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Steroidal cream application with occlusive dressing yielded better results than non-occlusive open treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory condition that adversely affects the quality of life of the individual and gravely impacts the mental and socioeconomic well-being by causing professional hindrance and often leading to loss of wages. Despite being one of the most common skin conditions seen by dermatologists, it is often underreported. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, there is an emphasis on hand hygiene—being a widely publicized and important preventive measure to control the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus. Emphasis on hand hygiene has led to a surge in HD, and the presence of HD, in turn, leads to compromised hand hygiene practices and this breach in the skin barrier contributes to another portal of entry of infective agents. We undertook a comprehensive English literature search across multiple databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane using keywords and MeSH items to obtain and review several relevant articles. Thus, this review focuses on various clinical, diagnostic as well as therapeutic aspects of this much prevalent and debilitating skin condition which deserves more attention especially during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic where the utmost emphasis is being given to handwashing leading to a vicious cycle of a surge in the cases of HD and compromised skin barrier causing increased susceptibility to the COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global racism and colorism, the preference for fairer skin even within ethnic and racial groups, leads millions of women of African, Asian, and Latin descent to use products with chemical ingredients intended to lighten skin color. Drawing from literatures on the impact of chronic and situational disempowerment on behavioral risk-taking to enhance status, we hypothesized that activating feelings of disempowerment would increase women of color's interest in stronger and riskier products meant to lighten skin tone quickly and effectively. In two experiments (Experiment 1: N = 253 women and 264 men; Experiment 2: replication study, N = 318 women) with distinct samples of Indian participants, we found that being in a state of psychological disempowerment (vs. empowerment) increased Indian women's preference for stronger and riskier skin lightening products but not for milder products. Indian men's interest in both types of products was unaffected by the same psychological disempowerment prime. Based on these findings, we recommend increased consideration among teaching faculty, research scholars, and clinicians on how feeling disempowered can lead women of color to take risks to lighten their skin as well as other issues of intersectionality and with respect to colorism. We also encourage the adoption of policies aimed at empowering women of color and minimizing access to harmful skin lightening products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop standard recommendations for skin care in neonates, infants and children to aid the pediatrician to provide quality skin care to infants and children. Justification: Though skin is the largest organ in the body with vital functions, skin care in children especially in newborns and infants, is not given the due attention that is required. There is a need for evidence-based recommendations for the care of skin of newborn babies and infants in India. Process: A committee was formed under the auspices of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in August, 2018 for preparing guidelines on pediatric skin care. Three meetings were held during which we reviewed the existing guidelines/recommendations/review articles and held detailed discussions, to arrive at recommendations that will help to fill up the knowledge gaps in current practice in India. The initial draft of the manuscript based on the available evidence and experience, was sent to all members for their inputs, after which it was finalized. Recommendations: Vernix caseosa should not be removed. First bath should be delayed until 24 hours after birth, but not before 6 hours, if it is not practically possible to delay owing to cultural reasons. Duration of bath should not exceed 5–10 minutes. Liquid cleanser with acidic or neutral pH is preferred, as it will not affect the skin barrier function or the acid mantle. Cord stump must be kept clean without any application. Diaper area should be kept clean and dry with frequent change of diapers. Application of emollient in newborns born in families with high risk of atopy tends to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Oil massage has multiple benefits and is recommended. Massage with sunflower oil, coconut oil or mineral oil are preferred over vegetable oils such as olive oil and mustard oil, which have been found to be detrimental to barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmetic market is considerably improving all over the world. Factors for productive selling should take into consideration the present market trends & demands, regulative framework & compliance necessities, efficacy, safety and scientific learning on performance. The objective is to relate the recent regulatory development of cosmetic products in India and USA. The safety of a cosmetic product is regulated by numerous regulative organisations around the globe with their respective regulations. The United States of America have considerably strict regulation in order to manage the usage of Cosmetic product. To form the laws, work on a regular basis, US Congress authorizes certain government agencies like Food and Drug Administration, to make rules. Indian regulatory development has major problems; the current Indian cosmetic regulations are complex under different bodies. Indian cosmetic definition is not broader; including different probable formulations, lack of implementation guiding principles of the CDSCO, BIS Standard's progress. The global personal care ingredients market is expected to experience an increase in demand from the skincare segment. The comparison is made between the safety issues, labelling, premarket approval, animal testing, expiry date, labelling declaration, and colour additives safety requirement. A significant change has been found in regulations of India and the United States. US FDA has a solid command in the cosmetic regulations, while in India regulations are not so much stringent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal pharmaceutical companies are dependent on plant parts which are used as raw materials in their products. The naturally available herbal raw material does not meet the demand of industries. This can lead to exploitation of nature and affect the biodiversity in various ways. In vitro plant micropropagation and conservation can be a successful alternative to minimize this environmental exploitation. Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) is a plant endemic to India, known for its anti-aging benefits. Apical leaf explants were used to generate calli which was achieved in Murashige Skoog medium with 0.25 mg-l 2,4,5-T and 0.10 mg-l 6-BAP. Callus was sub cultured continuously for six months and retrieved every month for in vitro studies (WSC 1-WSC 6). Among them, WSC-3 (callus extract of third month) increased the collagen production by 60.67 ± 4.2% in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Collagen-I and elastin gene expression was increased in WSC-3 treated HDF. WSC-3 inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) induced cellular senescence in HDF. LC–MS analysis of WSC-3 upheld the presence of polyphenols like gallic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl glucose, glucogallin, and other phytoconstituents. The results of the in vitro experiments were on par with the extracts obtained from flowers of W. fruticosa. IC 50 values in HDF showed that callus cell extract is non-toxic (IC 50 : > 1000 μg/ml) whereas, the flower extracts were moderately toxic (IC 50 278.25 ± 1.85 μg/ml). Woodfordia fruticosa callus extract is a potential ingredient for skin care formulations, can be a strong substitute to conventional flower extract and warrants further clinical studies. • Conservation of Woodfordia fruticosa plant is essential as flowers are being used unsustainable, leads degradation of flora. • W. fruticosa callus was generated in successive month, callus extracts were explored for anti-ageing assay. • The callus extract of 3rd month has effective skin care activity, it can be used as substitute for flower extract. • LC-MS study of the 3rd month callus extract confirmed the presence of polyphenols, which are potent anti-aging compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the BeautyMap, a groundbreaking DNA-based test offered by MapMyGenome in India, which provides personalized recommendations for skincare and haircare products based on an individual's genetic profile.

Ethnopharmacological relevance ‘Ubtan’ is a traditional herbal formulation in the Indian system of medicine being used in India and its subcontinent for a long time. Several commercial skin care formulations are marketed throughout this region as the name of Ubtan. Therefore, it is worthwhile to evaluate Ubtan in respect of its efficacy as skin care formulation. Aim of the study The present study was designed for the preparation of Ubtan and standardization through the chromatographic techniques by using suitable phyto-markers. Further, its antioxidant, sun protection factor (SPF) and anti-tyrosinase potential have been explored. Materials and methods Four in-house formulations (UF-1, UF-2, UF-3 and UF-4) were prepared by mixing a varied quantity of each powdered plants, i.e. turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.), Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) and sandalwood ( Santalum album L.). Optimization of the formulations was made by evaluating its biological activity through in vitro assay. Evaluation of physicochemical properties of the optimized formulation (UF-1) has been carried out by analysis of pH, flow properties and stability. Moreover, RP-HPLC (reverse phase - high performance liquid chromatography) and HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) standardization of UF-1 was performed for its quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results Ubtan formulations (UF-1to UF-4) showed free radical scavenging and ferric reducing potential. It may be due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. Statistically, significant Pearson's correlation (r) was confirmed the positive correlation between phenolic content and SPF of the formulations. The tyrosinase inhibition study indicated that the formulations showed both diphenolase and monophenolase inhibitory activity. Among four formulations, UF-1 showed notable biological activity ( p <0.05). The content of curcumin and ascorbic acid was found to be 1.6% and 2.1% w/w respectively in UF-1 through RP-HPLC estimation. Physiochemical properties of the UF-1 exhibited good flow rate and aqueous solubility. From the stability studies, it can be anti cipated that the UF-1 was stable at 40 °C for longer periods. Microbial load count and heavy metal content (lead-Pb, arsenic-As, mercury-Hg and cadmium-Cd) of the formulation was also within the permissible limit of a pharmacopeial standard. Conclusion This scientific exploration helps to set the quality and safety standard of traditional cosmetic formulation, Ubtan and its further use as an herbal skin care product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Topical emollient application reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in preterm neonates. Coconut oil used traditionally for infant massage in India has not been evaluated for the same.Patients and Methods: Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates were randomized at 12 h of age to Oil (n = 37) or Control (n = 37) groups. Oil group neonates received twice-daily coconut oil application without massage, and Control group received standard care. TEWL was measured every 12 h using an evaporimeter till Day 7 when skin swabs were obtained for bacterial growth and skin condition was assessed using a validated score.Results: Birth weight (g; mean ± SD: 1213 + 214 vs. 1164 + 208, p = 0.31), gestation [week; median (interquartile range): 32 (31-33) vs. 32 (29-33), p = 0.10] and other baseline variables were comparable. TEWL was significantly reduced (g/m(2)/h, mean difference: -6.80, 95% confidence interval: -3.48, -10.15; p < 0.01) with better skin condition and lower bacterial growth in the Oil group (20% vs. 60%, p < 0.01).Conclusion: Coconut oil application reduced TEWL without increasing skin colonization in VLBW neonates.Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01758068. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) has high demand in traditional medicine, skin care, pharmaceutical industries and as a leafy vegetable. India and Madagascar are its key producers. Due to its ever growing demand, CA is collected at an uncontrolled rate from its natural habitats, and this results in destruction of its wild genotypes. Here we report the screening of 106 CA accessions collected from their natural habitats in a wide geographical area in south India for their ASI and MAD contents by HPTLC-densitometry. The edaphic-ecologic parameters of the collection locations of CA accessions were recorded and correlated with their saponin (ASI, MAD) contents. Multilocation trials of CA elite lines at four different agro-climatic locations in Kerala were conducted, and their saponin-biomass yields were determined. Crucially, of these 106 CA accessions, only 6 showed saponin contents above the elite benchmark of industries (ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%), viz. , 45/Ca-55 (6.18 ± 0.26%), 46/Ca-56 (5.88 ± 0.11%), 48/Ca-58 (4.64 ± 0.15%), 49/Ca-59 (6.94 ± 0.23%), 53/Ca-63 (5.59 ± 0.20%), 55/Ca-65 (5.94 ± 0.18%). Multilocation trials of these elite lines revealed highest saponin contents in Plot 1, characterized by sandy soil (pH 6.0), organic carbon 2.71%, nitrogen 74.20 Kg/ha, phosphorous 100.70 Kg/ha and potassium 23.52 Kg/ha. GC-MS and ICP-MS analyses showed absence of pesticides in CA elite lines and heavy metal contents were within the permissible levels. Highest (ASI+MAD) content (7.55%, dry wt.) and biomass yield (7534.73 Kg/ha) at Plot 1 were shown by the elite line, 49/Ca-59. Average (ASI+MAD) content and biomass yield at Plot 1 were 5.38 ± 1.82% (dry wt.) and 3462.39 ± 2032.54 Kg/ha (n = 6). Noticeably, all six CA elite lines with high ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) contents were originally collected from high altitude (700–1700 m) locations. This ASI, MAD screening of CA accessions over a wide geographical area and multilocation trials of elite lines reveal its edaphic and ecological preferences. Our study discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in south India. This and our previous two reports on a total of 216 accessions provide the range of ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) in CA accessions in south India. Further, these studies urge the restriction of random (uncontrolled) collections of CA from its natural habitats, and for the development of cultivation practices of the elite lines for commercial purposes. Overall, this study provides collection, cultivation and conservation strategies towards sustainable management of the resources of this high value medicinal herb. [Display omitted] • Centella asiatica accessions (106) from south India were screened for ASI, MAD. • Of 106 CA accessions, only 6 satisfied the elite benchmark of ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%. • In multilocation trials, elite line showed ASI+MAD 7.55%, biomass 7534.73 Kg/ha. • Altitudes of CA collection locations were correlated to ASI, MAD, ASI+MAD contents. • Discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in a vast geographical area in south India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narayana Hrudayalaya Cardiac Hospital (NHCH) in Bangalore, India (now known as the Narayana Institute o f Cardiac Sciences), is one of the world's largest and busiest cardiac hospitals. In early 2009, NHCH experienced a sharp increase in the number of surgical procedures performed and a corresponding rise in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The hospital sought to reduce pressure ulcer prevalence by implementing a portfolio of quality improvement strategies. Baseline data showed that, over the five-month observation period, an average of 6% of all adult and pediatric surgical patients experienced a pressure ulcer while recovering in the NHCH intensive therapy unit (ITU). Phase 1 implementation efforts, which began in January 2010, focused on four areas: raising awareness, increasing education, improving documentation and communication, and implementing various preventive practices. Phase 2 implementation efforts, which began the following month, focused on changing operating room practices. The primary outcome measure was the weekly percentage of ITU patients with pressure ulcers. By July 2010, that percentage was reduced to zero; as o f April 1,2014, the hospital has maintained this result. Elements that contributed significantly to the program's success and sustainability include strong leadership, nurse and physician involvement, an emphasis on personal responsibility, improved documentation and communication, ongoing training and support, and a portfolio of low-tech changes to core workflows and behaviors. Many of these elements are applicable to U.S. acute care environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Cosmetics are a multi-billion dollar industry today. The present study was designed with an objective to know the extent, purpose, type and awareness for cosmetic in people's daily life in Surat city. Materials & Methods:The study was conducted among 500 randomly selected people from the Surat city through convenience sampling. All the participants were interviewed personally, using structured questionnaire. The whole study was conducted from December, to March, 2008.Results;Around 73% of the population used cosmetics for protection purpose, while only 37% used it for attraction and 19% for fashion. Only 31% checked whether cosmetic they used were tested on animals or not. 89% of the people are concerned about the brands of the cosmetic and advertisement is an important source in the selection of the cosmetics. People still prefer ayurvedic products which comprise of 44% of the total population. Only 9% of the people use the expired products suggesting that people are aware that expired products cannot be used. 77% of the people are aware about the side effects of the cosmetics. Conclusion:Overall prevalence of cosmetic product use is increasing among both males and females. Though, associated increase in awareness regarding safe use of the same was not present widely. The use of other cosmetic services like skin specialist visits, contact lenses usage is also increasing slowly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Methodological study was conducted to develop a Peristomal skin assessment tool for patients with colostomy in selected hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. The sub objectives were to select and tool items to assess Peristomal skin for patient with colostomy, to construct a Peristomal skin assessment tool for patients with colostomy, to check the validity of newly devised Peristomal skin assessment tool for patient with colostomy. The tool was developed under three phases. And under each phase some steps had been taken- Phase1 - PRELIMINARY PREPARATION During this phase the investigator developed the preliminary Peristomal skin assessment tool for which the following steps were taken: Step-1: Review of literature- Step-2: Items selected and pooling- Step-3: Preparation of draft- Selected items which seemed to represent parameters for Peristomal skin assessment was organized. PHASE II- VALIDATION OF FIRST DRAFT AND SUBSEQUENT DRAFTS Step-1: Selection of Panel- There were 10 (ten) experts in all Delphi rounds. Step-2: Delphi Rounds- The modified Delphi technique was used to validate the draft Step-3: Modification- As per the expert's opinion the modifications in the tool (PSAT) were made. The final result was formulation of PERISTOMAL SKIN ASSESSMENT TOOL (PSAT).it consisted of 6 parameters such as colour, tissue type, and type of exudate, bleeding, wound edges and hydration. The CVI OF TOOL WAS 0.8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research paper that aims to develop strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LA) in remote islands of the Bay of Bengal caused by Nicobarese. It informs that the National programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (PELF) was launched by the Directorate of Health Services in India in 2004 through mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole.

Objective: Two-thirds of women globally give birth at home, yet little data are available on use of skin-to-skin care (STSC) in the community. We describe the acceptability of STSC in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, and measured maternal, newborn, and ambient temperature in the home in order to inform strategies for introduction of STSC in the community. Study design: Community-based workers in intervention clusters implemented a community mobilization and behavior change communication program that promoted birth preparedness and essential newborn care, including adoption of STSC, with pregnant mothers, their families, and key influential community members. Acceptance of STSC was assessed through in-depth interviews and focus groups, and temperature was measured during home visits on day of life 0 or 1. Results: Incidence of hypothermia (<36.5°C) was high in both low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) infants (49.2%, (361/733) and 43% (418/971), respectively). Mean body temperature of newborns was lower (P<0.01) in ambient temperatures <20°C (35.9±1.4°C, n=225) compared to ⩾20°C (36.5±0.9°C, n=1450). Among hypothermic newborns, 42% (331/787) of their mothers had a lower temperature (range -6.7 to 0.1°C, mean difference 0.4±1.2°C). Acceptance of STSC was nearly universal. No adverse events from STSC were reported. STSC was perceived to prevent newborn hypothermia, enhance mother's capability to protect her baby from evil spirits, and make the baby more content. Conclusion: STSC was highly acceptable in rural India when introduced through appropriate cultural paradigms. STSC may be of benefit for all newborns and for many mothers as well. New approaches are needed for introduction of STSC in the community compared to the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 56-year-old patient who was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and underwent surgical cytoreduction of all intra-abdominal and pelvic disease and intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy (IPHC). A tag team care model was used to the patient with the following goals including establishing effective communication, maintaining skin integrity, and avoiding systemic infections. The benefits of the said care approach are also mentioned.

Background: Minimal erythemal dose (MED) for narrow band-ultraviolet B radiation (NB-UVB) varies with race and skin type. The aim was to estimate the MED for NB-UVB and compare visual readings with those from a Dermaspectrometer in a north Indian patients as the available data is sparse.Methods: Forty one patients who visited the dermatology outpatient department were recruited for this study. Skin type was grouped as per Fitzpatrick skin type scale. Patients' upper backs were irradiated after applying a novel template with 8 windows of 2 x 2 cm each, with a test dose ladder of 250-1500 mJ/cm2 in a Waldmann (700K) TL-01 chamber. MED and erythema index were read after 24 hours, the latter by using Dermaspectrometer.Results: Forty one patients (10 males, 31 females) with mean age of 30.5 (14-65) years were recruited. 23 patients were of skin type 5, 17 of type 4 and one of skin type 3. The estimated MEDs were 1000 mJ/cm2 in 17, 750 mJ/cm2 in 19, 1100 mJ/cm2 in four and 500 mJ/cm2 in one patient. The median and mode MED was 1000 mJ/cm2. There was an exponential rise in the erythema index with increase in irradiation (17.18-26.25/250-1500 mJ/cm2). Student's t-test applied to detect differences between the visual and Dermaspectrometer readings was found to be statistically not significant.Conclusion: The estimated MED for NB-UVB varied from 500 to 1100 mJ/cm2, the median MED being 1000 mJ/cm2. The darker skin types did not have low MED while some patients with lighter skin type displayed lower MED. There was no significant difference in MED determined by visual and Dermaspectrometer readings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using a proper cleanser for bathing neonatal and infant skin is of prime importance considering the anatomical differences with regard to adult skin. Choosing the right cleanser requires knowledge of the composition of a cleanser as well as the properties of the individual ingredients.Methods: The article discusses the guidelines for cleansing the skin of neonates and infants. The characteristics of an ideal cleanser for pediatric skin have also been enumerated.Results: In India, majority of cleansers recommended for babies do not mention their active ingredients. Their claims of "mildness" have not been substantiated with clinical studies. Cetaphil, a non-soap, lipid-free liquid cleanser, has been clinically proven to be non-irritating by the Chamber Scarification Test. Moreover, Cetaphil also has a pH of less than 7, which does not alter the physiological pH of skin.Conclusion: Hence, Cetaphil should definitely be considered while choosing a cleanser for neonates and infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the work of the International Skincare Nursing Group (ISNG) globally. It says that the organisation provides skin care and dermatology nursing in various countries including Ethiopia, India, and the U.S. It mentions that the group has been invited to organise various events such as the World Congress of Dermatology Nursing symposium and scientific session for nurses at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) annual meeting.