Search

AbstractUric acid (UA) levels in blood serum have been associated with hypertension, indicating a potential causal relationship between high serum UA levels and the progression of hypertension. Therefore, the reduction of serum UA level is considered a potential strategy for lowering and mitigating blood pressure. If an individual is at risk of developing or already manifesting elevated blood pressure, this intervention could be an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan. By addressing hyperuricaemia, practitioners may subsidize the optimization of blood pressure regulation, which illustrates the importance of addressing UA levels as a valuable strategy within the broader context of hypertension management. In this analysis, we outlined the operational principles of effective xanthine oxidase inhibitors for the treatment of hyperuricaemia and hypertension, along with an exploration of the contribution of nanotechnology to this field.

Introduction: The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced a one-month "Foundation Course (FC)" at the commencement of medical school to promote better adaptation to the new competence-based medical education curriculum starting from the academic year 2019. The effectiveness of the program was studied in previous researches conducted over one month, and it was found to be effective. However, the effectiveness with which students could implement the acquired basic knowledge and skills in subsequent years of study has not been reported. Aim: To explore the effectiveness of various modules and their competencies in the FC immediately at the end of the program and to assess the usefulness of the acquired competencies in subsequent academic years. Materials and Methods: A post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kattangulathur, South India, within the education department over a period of three academic years. A total of 450 student participants from the academic years 2019 to 2022 were involved in two stages. A total of 36 competencies were evaluated across the six prescribed modules by the NMC. A five-point Likert scale was used for the evaluation. Feedback questionnaires were administered immediately at the end of the program and again at the completion of the academic year. Analysis was conducted using the non parametric "Wilcoxon signed-rank test" to determine the usefulness of the program in subsequent years by comparing immediate feedback with responses after one year. Results: The mean scores for various competencies ranged between 3.5 and 4.5 out of 5, indicating that the overall competencies in the FC were very effective. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a p-value of <0.0001, indicating high significance regarding the effectiveness of usage in subsequent years. Out of the 36 competencies, 16 were most frequently used by the students in the following year, 12 were moderately used, and 8 were least used. Conclusion: The evaluation of the NMC-mandated FC program, in terms of overall immediate performance and its effectiveness in subsequent years, yielded very promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cancer treatment landscape is significantly evolving, focusing on advanced radiation therapy methods to maximize effectiveness and minimize the adverse effects. Recognized as a pivotal component in cancer and disease treatment, radiation therapy (RT) has drawn attention in recent research that delves into its intricate interplay with inflammation and the immune response. This exploration unveils the underlying processes that significantly influence treatment outcomes. In this context, the potential advantages of combining bronchoscopy with RT across diverse clinical scenarios, alongside the targeted impact of brachytherapy, are explored. Concurrently, radiation treatments serve multifaceted roles such as DNA repair, cell elimination, and generating immune stress signaling molecules known as damage‐associated molecular patterns, elucidating their effectiveness in treating various diseases. External beam RT introduces versatility by utilizing particles such as photons, electrons, protons, or carbon ions, each offering distinct advantages. Advanced RT techniques contribute to the evolving landscape, with emerging technologies like FLASH, spatially fractionated RT, and others poised to revolutionize the field. The comprehension of RT, striving for improved treatment outcomes, reduced side effects, and facilitating personalized and innovative treatments for cancer and noncancer patients. After navigating these advancements, the goal is fixed to usher in a new era in which RT is a cornerstone of precision and effectiveness in medical interventions. In summarizing the myriad findings, the review underscores the significance of understanding the differential impacts of radiation approaches on inflammation and immune modulation, offering valuable insights for developing innovative therapeutic interventions that harness the immune system in conjunction with RT. Significance Statements: This extensive review offers a comprehensive analysis of conventional radiotherapy and the latest advancements, such as FLASH and spatially fractionated radiation therapy, with the goal of reducing treatment‐related complications. The main goal is to reduce any negative impacts associated with treatment, prioritizing the well‐being of the patient. The article acknowledges the constraints of current radiotherapy methods and emphasizes the need for further research to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In addition, the manuscript highlights the promising prospects of upcoming advancements in cancer treatment. It delves into the realm of molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy, examining the potential synergies between the two. This review methodically examines important aspects of advancing cancer treatment strategies and addressing significant challenges within radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]