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Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the noninvasive technique of choice for early detection of cardiac involvement in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively), but is seldom used in routine clinical practice in the Indian context. We sought to determine the prevalence of CMRI abnormalities in patients with DMD and BMD and to compare the CMRI parameters with the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on patients genetically diagnosed with DMD and BMD who could complete CMRI between March 2020 and March 2022. Abnormal CMRI was the presence of any late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) that signifies myocardial fibrosis (LGE positivity), regional wall motion abnormality, or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF Results: A total of 46 patients were included: 38 patients with DMD and eight with BMD. Cardiac abnormality was seen in 23 (50%) patients. LGE was more common than impaired LVEF in DMD (16, 42.1%), while impaired LVEF was more common in BMD (5, 62.5%). LGE was most frequently found in lateral wall (18/19) followed by inferior (6/19), septal (5/19), anterior (2/19), and apex (1/19). Among the various clinicodemographic parameters, only age (r = 0.495, P = 0.002) and disease duration (r = 0.407, P = 0.011) were found to significantly correlate with LGE in patients with DMD. No association was found between the various CMRI parameters and the genotype. Conclusions: The current study highlights the differences in myocardial fibrosis and LV dysfunction between DMD and BMD, along with other CMRI parameters. Notably, a genotype-CMRI correlation was not found in the current cohort, which needs to be further explored. Keywords: Dystrophinopathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, cardiac MRI, Author(s): Manu Santhappan Girija [1]; Deepak Menon (corresponding author) [1]; Kiran Polavarapu [1,2]; Veeramani Preethish-Kumar [1]; Seena Vengalil [1]; Saraswati Nashi [1]; Madassu Keertipriya [1]; Mainak Bardhan [1]; Priya Treesa [...]

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the noninvasive technique of choice for early detection of cardiac involvement in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively), but is seldom used in routine clinical practice in the Indian context. We sought to determine the prevalence of CMRI abnormalities in patients with DMD and BMD and to compare the CMRI parameters with the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on patients genetically diagnosed with DMD and BMD who could complete CMRI between March 2020 and March 2022. Abnormal CMRI was the presence of any late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) that signifies myocardial fibrosis (LGE positivity), regional wall motion abnormality, or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF

Introduction: Surgical removal of the lower jaw is the most common cause of mandibular deviation due to benign or malignant neoplasms. The Palatal Guide Flange Prosthesis (PGFP) is a recommended corrective appliance to reduce this clinical manifestation. The primary goals of rehabilitation with PGFP are to train the mandibular muscles and restore a healthy occlusal relationship so that the patient can effectively control their mouth opening and closing movements. In the present article, the Masticatory Performance (MP) of patients who had undergone hemi-mandibulectomy surgery was evaluated both before and after receiving an interim PGFP. Aim: To clinically evaluate MP pre- and post-mandibular guidance therapy in hemi-mandibulectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients selected from the Outpatient Department of the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, from January 2021 to July 2022, and were included as the sample size for the study. A total of 10 samples were selected. The study design was quasi-experimental. All cancer patients had lost their mandibular continuity and showed mandibular deviation toward the affected side. PGFPs were fabricated using Heat Cure Acrylic Resin (DPI) for each participant (n=10). Corn flakes (Kellogg’s) were given to the participants to chew, and the samples were sieved using a US standard 8-mesh sieve and collected at three different time intervals: T0 (preprosthesis), T1 (8th week), and T2 (16th week post-prosthesis). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel Version 13 and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and frequency analysis for categorical variables. For categorical variables, a Chi-square proportion test was utilised, and MP was evaluated between T0-T1 and T0-T2. We utilised a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: When comparing the MP between T0, T1 and T2 time intervals, it was found that the difference in mean MP was statistically significant (p

Introduction ORAI-1 is a plasma membrane calcium release-activated calcium channel that plays a crucial role in the excitation–contraction of skeletal muscles. Loss-of-function mutations of ORAI-1 cause severe combined immunodeficiency, nonprogressive muscle hypotonia, and anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutation causes Stormorken's syndrome, which includes tubular aggregate myopathy along with bleeding diathesis.

Introduction: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing various immunomodulating therapies can vary. Individuals on B-cell therapy, such as rituximab, may be more susceptible to infection compared to those treated with natalizumab. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients receiving rituximab, natalizumab, and healthy controls. Methods: This retrospective multicentric study included data derived from a centralized MS registry of four centers in South India. Data of patients on rituximab and natalizumab recruited between 2020 February and 2022 December were extracted from the registry and analyzed. The outcomes studied were the occurrence of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, death, post-COVID-19 relapses, and post-vaccine relapses. These outcomes were compared between the treatment groups and the matched controls. Results: COVID-19 infection occurred in 49.1% (26/53) of those on rituximab, 19.2% (5/26) of those on natalizumab, and 11.5% (6/52) of healthy controls. In addition, 8/53 (15.1%) in the rituximab group and 1/26 (3.8%) in the natalizumab group were hospitalized. All 6/52 (11.5%) in the control group had mild infection, and none were hospitalized. No deaths occurred in any group. On statistical analysis, the occurrence of COVID-19 infection in the rituximab group was significantly higher when compared to natalizumab (P = 0.0141) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Hospitalizations were significantly higher in the rituximab group when compared to healthy controls (P < 0.006). Conclusion: MS patients treated with rituximab were more likely to experience COVID-19 infection compared to those treated with natalizumab and healthy controls. Hospitalization was more frequently seen in patients treated with rituximab compared to healthy controls.

Background: Electrocardiography (ECG) remains an excellent screening tool for cardiac assessment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but an accurate interpretation requires comparison with age-matched healthy controls. Objective: We examined various ECG parameters in children with DMD, in comparison with age-matched controls. Methods: Standard 12-lead ECG tracings of serial patients were screened for quality and selected. Controls were healthy, age-matched school-going children. Both quantitative and qualitative ECG parameters were analyzed. Results: After screening, ECGs from 252 patients with DMD (8.32 ± 3.12 years, 2–21 years) and ECGs from 151 age-matched healthy controls (9.72 ± 2.23, 4–19 years) were included. A significantly higher heart rate, shorter R–R interval, and taller R wave in V1 were seen across all age group of DMD in comparison to controls, with the difference increasing with age. While QT prolongation was seen in all age groups of DMD, QTc prolongation was seen only at 10 years or more. Incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and pathological Q waves in inferolateral leads were exclusive in DMD, with the latter declining with age. Evidence for left ventricular (LV) pathology, such as tall R in V5/V6, increase in SV1 + RV6 height, and QRS complex duration, were seen only in the age group of 10 years or more. Conclusion: Stratification based on age and comparison with age-matched healthy subjects showed that several ECG parameters were influenced by age, and it also identified age-dependent evidence for LV pathology and QTc prolongation in DMD.

BackgroundAim Arthralgia characterized by joint pain can significantly impact the quality of life and work performance especially among individuals engaged in occupations requiring prolonged sitting or driving such as male drivers aged 30-50 years. However there is limited research specifically examining the severity of arthralgia in this demographic group. This observational study aimed to assess the severity of arthralgia in male drivers aged 30-50 years through the utilization of a comprehensive pain questionnaire.Methods A sample of male drivers within the specified age range were recruited from various transportation sectors. Participants completed a validated pain questionnaire designed to evaluate the intensity frequency and impact of joint pain on daily activities and driving performance.Results Preliminary analysis of collected data revealed varying degrees of arthralgia severity among male drivers aged 30-50 years. The pain questionnaire provided insights into the prevalence and distribution of joint pain as well as its interference with driving tasks and overall well-being. Factors such as driving duration ergonomic conditions and lifestyle habits were also considered in understanding the observed severity of arthralgia.Conclusion This observational study sheds light on the understudied aspect of arthralgia among male drivers aged 30-50 years and underscores the importance of assessing and addressing joint pain in this population. Further research and interventions aimed at mitigating arthralgia severity and improving the occupational health and well-being of male drivers are warranted based on these findings.

Byline: Manu. Girija, Deepak. Menon, Kiran. Polavarapu, Veeramani. Preethish-Kumar, Seena. Vengalil, Saraswati. Nashi, Madassu. Keertipriya, Mainak. Bardhan, Priya. Thomas, Valasani. Kiran, Vikas. Nishadham, Arun. Sadasivan, Akshata. Huddar, Gopi. Unnikrishnan, Ganagarajan. [...]

While aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2) is a tumor suppressor, its exon 2-depleted splice variant (AIMP2-DX2 or shortly DX2) is highly expressed in human lung cancer, and the ratio of DX2 to AIMP2 increases according to the progression of lung cancer. In this study, pyrimethamine inhibited the level of DX2 (IC50 = 0.73 µM) in A549 cells expressing nanoluciferase-tagged DX2. In a panel of 5 lung cancer cell lines with various DX2 levels, pyrimethamine most potently suppressed the growth of H460 cells, which express high levels of DX2 (GI50 = 0.01 µM). An immunoblot assay in H460 cells showed that pyrimethamine decreased the DX2 level dose-dependently but did not affect the AIMP2 level. Further experiments confirmed that pyrimethamine resulted in ubiquitination-mediated DX2 degradation. In an in vivo mouse xenograft assay using H460 cells, intraperitoneal administration of pyrimethamine significantly reduced the tumor size and weight, comparable with the effects of taxol, without affecting body weight. Analysis of tumor tissue showed a considerably high concentration of pyrimethamine with a decreased levels of DX2. These results suggest that pyrimethamine, currently used as anti-parasite drug, could be repurposed to treat lung cancer patients expressing high level of DX2.

Abstract Background We sought to determine the utility of PET-MRI in diagnosing Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis (IIM), and look for association between FDG uptake and clinical, pathological and laboratory parameters. Methods A retrospective, observational study was conducted on IIM patients having positive serum autoantibodies and who underwent PET-MRI (3-Tesla SIEMENS Biograph MR scanner) between 2017 and 2021. Thirty patients who underwent PET-MRI to detect systemic metastasis without muscle involvement formed the control group. Results In the IIM cohort, female: male sex ratio was 1.73, mean age at diagnosis was 40.33 years, and the mean duration of illness was 7 months. 33.33% of patients had severe limb weakness. Mi2B (43.33%), Mi2A (43.33%), PL-7(10%), PL-12(6.67%), SRP (16.67%), Tif1gamma (3.33%), NxP2 (3.33%), Ro-52(40%), PM-Scl, U1-RNP, ANA (26.67%) were the serum autoantibodies identified. Using SUV max Ratio to quantify FDG uptake, PET-MRI showed a sensitivity of 100% with 93.3% specificity in diagnosing IIM.FDG uptake was maximum in proximal lower limb region followed by proximal upper limb. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the severity of muscle weakness, serum Mi2B antibody positivity and serum creatinine kinase levels had a significant positive correlation with FDG uptake (value of 0.005, 0.043, 0.042, respectively for whole-body FDG uptake). FDG uptake also showed good correlation with histopathological features and muscle MRI, but there was no significant association with treatment response. Three female patients in our cohort had primary malignancy involving the breast, uterus, and cervix. Conclusions PET-MRI is a promising diagnostic modality for IIM. PET-MRI reflects the severity of muscle inflammation, showing good association with various clinical/laboratory parameters, histopathology, and muscle MRI. Parameters associated with severe muscle inflammation in PET-MRI—clinical severity of muscle weakness, Mi2B positivity, and serum creatine kinase levels—may be used as clinical/laboratory markers of disease severity in IIM. PET-MRI has the added advantage of detection of systemic malignancy.

Introduction: The novel Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) spreads through respiratory droplets, and various strategies have been developed to reduce its spread. One of these strategies is the use of oral rinses, such as chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), to reduce the viral load. However, while these rinses have advantages in preventing the spread of the virus, they may also have adverse effects on restorative materials in the oral cavity, particularly dental ceramics. The usage of mouthwashes during the pandemic may affect the surface roughness of dental ceramics, leading to plaque accumulation. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of ceramics after immersion in different oral rinses for seven, 15, and 30 days. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted over a period of four months, from October 2021 to January 2022. A total of 51 specimens of dental ceramics were fabricated using a mold with dimensions of 10 mm diameter x 2 mm height. These specimens were randomly divided into three groups based on the immersion solution: distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, and povidone iodine. Each immersion cycle lasted for one minute, and the immersion was performed for 30 days. Surface analysis was carried out using a Surftester at intervals of seven, 15, and 30 days. The data were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Intergroup comparison (>2 groups) was performed using the Kruskall-Wallis test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise comparison using the Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value of

With a high mortality rate that accounts for millions of cancer-related deaths each year, breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in women. Chemotherapy has significant potential in the prevention and spreading of breast cancer; however, drug resistance often hinders therapy in breast cancer patients. The identification and the use of novel molecular biomarkers, which can predict response to chemotherapy, might lead to tailoring breast cancer treatment. In this context, accumulating research has reported microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection, and are conducive to designing a more specific treatment plan by helping analyze drug resistance and sensitivity in breast cancer treatment. In this review, miRNAs are discussed in two alternative ways-as tumor suppressors to be used in miRNA replacement therapy to reduce oncogenesis and as oncomirs to lessen the translation of the target miRNA. Different miRNAs like miR-638, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-342, miR-484, miR-21, miR-24, miR-27, miR-23 and miR-200 are involved in the regulation of chemoresistance through diverse genetic targets. For instance, tumor-suppressing miRNAs like miR-342, miR-16, miR-214, and miR-128 and tumor-promoting miRNAs like miR101 and miR-106-25 cluster regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and other pathways to impart breast cancer drug resistance. Hence, in this review, we have discussed the significance of miRNA biomarkers that could assist in providing novel therapeutic targets to overcome potential chemotherapy resistance to systemic therapy and further facilitate the design of tailored therapy for enhanced efficacy against breast cancer.

Objective: To compare the micro-leakages of fiber post luted and core buildup performed with ParaCore (Coltene) and LuxaCore (DMG) resin cement. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were selected and treated with root canal treatment and fiber post cementation with two types of resin cement (LuxaCore and ParaCore). Samples were exposed to 500 cycles of thermocycling, immersed in 2% methylene dye and centrifuged and sectioned longitudinally, and checked under a stereomicroscope. Results: LuxaCore and ParaCore showed a mean of 0.39250 mm and 0.47500 mm micro-leakage, respectively. Conclusion: There was a statistically non-significant difference seen with group 3 (LuxaCore) versus group 4 (ParaCore) (P > 0.05).

Byline: D. Sindhu, Akshata. Huddar, Jitender. Saini, Seena. Vengalil, Saraswati. Nashi, Mainak. Bardhan, Gopikrishnan. Unnikrishnan, Rahul. Rajula, Thennarasu. Kandavel, Lokesh. Bathala, Leo. Visser, Atchayaram. Nalini Background and Purpose: Cross-sectional area [...]

BackgroundThe Spinnaker study evaluated survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy in the real world. This sub-analysis assessed the immunotherapy-related adverse effects (irAEs) seen in this cohort, their impact on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and related clinical factors.MethodsThe Spinnaker study was a retrospective multicentre observational cohort study of patients treated with first-line pembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy in six United Kingdom and one Swiss oncology centres. Data were collected on patient characteristics, survival outcomes, frequency and severity of irAEs, and peripheral immune-inflammatory blood markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).ResultsA total of 308 patients were included; 132 (43%) experienced any grade irAE, 100 (32%) Grade 1–2, and 49 (16%) Grade 3–4 irAEs. The median OS in patients with any grade irAES was significantly longer (17.5 months [95% CI, 13.4–21.6 months]) than those without (10.1 months [95% CI, 8.3–12.0 months]) (p

Calpainopathy is caused by mutations in the CAPN3. There is only one clinical and genetic study of CAPN3 from India and none from South India. A total of 72 (male[M]:female [F] = 34:38) genetically confirmed probands from 72 independent families are included in this study. Consanguinity was present in 54.2%. The mean age of onset and duration of symptoms are 13.5 ± 6.4 and 6.3 ± 4.7 years, respectively. Positive family history occurred in 23.3%. The predominant initial symptoms were proximal lower limb weakness (52.1%) and toe walking (20.5%). At presentation, 97.2% had hip girdle weakness, 69.4% had scapular winging, and 58.3% had contractures. Follow-up was available in 76.4%, and 92.7% were ambulant at a mean age of 23.7 ± 7.6 years and duration of 4.5 years, remaining 7.3% became wheelchair-bound at 25.5 ± 5.7 years of age (mean duration = 13.5 ± 4.6), 4.1% were aged more than 40 years (duration range = 5–20). The majority remained ambulant 10 years after disease onset. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) detected 47 unique CAPN3 variants in 72 patients, out of which 19 are novel. Missense variants were most common occurring in 59.7% (homozygous = 29; Compound heterozygous = 14). In the remaining 29 patients (40.3%), at least one suspected loss of function variant was present. Common recurrent variants were c.2051–1G > T and c.2338G > C in 9.7%, c.1343G > A, c.802–9G > A, and c.1319G > A in 6.9% and c.1963delC in 5.5% of population. Large deletions were observed in 4.2%. Exon 10 mutations accounted for 12 patients (16.7%). Our study highlights the efficiency of NGS technology in screening and molecular diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy with recessive form (LGMDR1) patients in India.

Introduction: Surgical removal of the lower jaw is the most common cause of mandibular deviation due to benign or malignant neoplasms. The Palatal Guide Flange Prosthesis (PGFP) is a recommended corrective appliance to reduce this clinical manifestation. The primary goals of rehabilitation with PGFP are to train the mandibular muscles and restore a healthy occlusal relationship so that the patient can effectively control their mouth opening and closing movements. In the present article, the Masticatory Performance (MP) of patients who had undergone hemi-mandibulectomy surgery was evaluated both before and after receiving an interim PGFP. Aim: To clinically evaluate MP pre- and post-mandibular guidance therapy in hemi-mandibulectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients selected from the Outpatient Department of the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, from January 2021 to July 2022, and were included as the sample size for the study. A total of 10 samples were selected. The study design was quasi-experimental. All cancer patients had lost their mandibular continuity and showed mandibular deviation toward the affected side. PGFPs were fabricated using Heat Cure Acrylic Resin (DPI) for each participant (n=10). Corn flakes (Kellogg's) were given to the participants to chew, and the samples were sieved using a US standard 8-mesh sieve and collected at three different time intervals: T0 (preprosthesis), T1 (8th week), and T2 (16th week post-prosthesis). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel Version 13 and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and frequency analysis for categorical variables. For categorical variables, a Chi-square proportion test was utilised, and MP was evaluated between T0-T1 and T0-T2. We utilised a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: When comparing the MP between T0, T1 and T2 time intervals, it was found that the difference in mean MP was statistically significant (p<0.05), with MP increasing from 26.2% to 43% to 61.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The occlusion restored with the guide flange prosthesis, along with continuous use over a longer period, helped correct the deviated mandible and, in turn, improved the MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The changes in pulmonary functions and fatigue; occurring in the months and years following cancer therapy have been well documented. The changes that occur in the hours of the cancer treatment are less clear. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The changes detected in the early stage of cancer treatment may help to prevent late pulmonary & associated complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pre and post scores were taken after 3 days of treatment. PFT was recorded by vitalograph & peak flow meter, fatigue levels were assessed by FACIT-F scale and functional capacity was assessed by distance covered in 6- minute walk test. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with head and neck cancer were recruited 108 were males and 09 females with mean age of 52.2 years; there is a significant statistical reliable difference between the pre & post treatment values, with P-value is 0.001< 0.05. It justifies the deuteriations in health outcome post intervention. CONCLUSION: There is significant deterioration seen in the PFT, fatigue levels, functional capacity; could cause significant clinical problems. Early detection of all these changes can helps the patients as well as therapist to avoid or minimal late complications.

Introduction: Breast cancer is a common cancer seen in women. The awareness of breast cancer plays an important role in the early detection and prevention of the disease, but due to lack of awareness regarding breast cancer screening, most of the cases are detected at later stages, which leads to lower rates of recovery. The presently aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among the Muslim female population in Belagavi city, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 97 Muslim Women, and a direct semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data. Results: Our results indicated a low knowledge about breast cancer, breast self-examination, mammogram, and clinical breast examination. In total, 29% of women had knowledge regarding breast self-examination, but due to lack of practice, they never performed self-examination. The most common barrier for screening methods of breast cancer was that women were unaware of half of the screening methods and other barriers were related to their religious beliefs. Social media was found to be the main source of information among the female. Conclusions: In conclusion, the majority of women showed poor knowledge about breast cancer and screening methods. Additional effort should be put forth through women to increase the awareness of breast cancer screening, indicating the need to continue emphasizing the importance of early detection of breast cancer in the early stages.

Blood cancers such as leukemia are a public health crisis globally. 2018 cancer statistics reveal 437,033 new cases with leukemia accounting for 2.6% of all cancers, worldwide. Conventional medical science manages the disease quite effectively by targeting the signaling pathways causing leukemogenesis, but with serious side effects as it also damages healthy cells. In this context, a systematic review was carried out to understand the role of Ayurvedic interventions for the management of Rakta arbuda in context to leukemia. Articles were searched using the keywords “only Raktarbuda or leukemia” and “Ayurveda” and “management” or “case report” or “case series” or “in vivo” or “in vitro” “research or review” or “leukemia and Ayurveda” and their different combinations and permutations. Articles from 2000 to 2018, published in only English language, and related to the topic were screened for their contents, and finally, 88 articles were included in this review, which was studies exclusively focused on leukemia done using an Ayurvedic intervention in the form of case reports or case series, in vivo, in vitro studies, or review article. Some case reports were found which documented the beneficial effect of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of leukemias. Scientific researches documented that drugs such as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), Curcuma longa (Haridra), Zingiber officinale (Adrak), Berberis aristata (Daruharidra), and Moringa oleifera (Sahijan) are efficient inducers of apoptosis. Cell line studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Andrographolide and methanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh), Semecarpus anacardium (Bhallataka), and Curculigo orchioides (Kali musli) against leukemia cell lines.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic lesions and skin barrier dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a quinazoline derivative, SH-340, on TSLP expression and signaling in human primary keratinocytes. Our results demonstrated that SH-340 significantly increased factors for differentiation and skin barrier function including KRT1, KRT2, KRT10, IVL, LOR, CLDN1, OVOL1, and FLG, whereas it inhibited TSLP expression in a dose-dependent manner, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, SH-340 was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT6, a downstream signaling molecule of IL-4 and IL-13, in keratinocytes. These findings suggest that SH-340 may suppress TSLP expression by inhibiting the IL-4/IL-13-STAT6 signaling pathway. Finally, SH-340 may potentially contribute to both the alleviation of inflammation and the restoration of skin barrier function.

ObjectiveThe world continues to face the COVID-19 crisis, and efforts are underway to integrate traditional medicine interventions for its effective management. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the “AYURAKSHA” kit in terms of post-interventional percentage of COVID-19 IgG positivity, immunity levels, and quality of life (QoL) against COVID-19.MethodThis was a non-randomized controlled, prospective intervention trial, done after the distribution of 80,000 AYURAKSHA kits (constituent of Sanshamani Vati, AYUSH Kadha, and Anu Taila) among Delhi police participants in India. Among 47,827 participants, the trial group (n = 101) was evaluated with the positivity percentage of IgG COVID-19 and Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ) scores as a primary outcome and the WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (QOL BREF) scores along with hematological parameters as a secondary outcome in comparison to the control group (n = 71).ResultsThe data showed that the percentage of COVID-19 IgG positivity was significantly lower in the trial group (17.5 %) as compared to the control group (39.4 %, p = 0.003), indicating the lower risk (55.6%) of COVID-19 infection in the trial group. The decreased incidence (5.05%) and reduced mortality percentage (0.44%) of COVID-19 among Delhi police officers during peak times of the pandemic also corroborate our findings. The ISQ score and WHO-QOL BREF tool analysis showed the improved scores in the trial group when compared with the controls. Furthermore, no dysregulated blood profile and no increase in inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed in the trial group. However, significantly enhanced (p = 0.027) IL-6 levels and random blood sugar levels were found in the control group (p = 0.032), compared to a trial group (p = 0.165) post-intervention. Importantly, the control group showed more significant (p = 0.0001) decline in lymphocyte subsets CD3+ (% change = 21.04), CD4+ (% change = 20.34) and CD8+ (% change = 21.54) levels than in trial group, confirming more severity of COVID-19 infection in the control group.ConclusionThe AYURAKSHA kit is associated with reduced COVID-19 positivity and with a better quality of life among the trial group. Hence, the study encourages in-depth research and future integration of traditional medicines for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic.Clinical trial registrationhttp://ctri.nic.in/, identifier: CTRI/2020/05/025171.