• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1028-1036
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• 2018

Study Design: Single-center, observational, case-control study. Purpose: Comparison and analysis of the metabolic and coagulative profiles in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, patients with congenital scoliosis, and healthy controls. Overview of Literature: Serum melatonin deficiency has been a controversial topic in the etiopathogenesis of scoliosis. Low bone mineral density, low vitamin D3 levels, and high parathyroid hormone levels are common metabolic abnormalities associated with scoliosis that may be responsible for its pathogenesis. In addition to metabolic defects, several studies have shown coagulation defects that either persist from the preoperative period or occur during surgery and usually lead to more than the expected amount of blood loss in patients undergoing deformity correction for scoliosis. Methods: The study population (n=73) was classified into those having congenital scoliosis (n=31), those with idiopathic scoliosis (n=30), and healthy controls (n=12). After detailed clinicoradiological evaluation of all the subjects, 10-mL blood samples were collected, measured, and analyzed for various metabolic and coagulation parameters. Results: The mean serum melatonin levels in patients with idiopathic scoliosis were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls. Although the mean serum melatonin level in the congenital group was also low, the difference was not statistically significant. Serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels were higher in the scoliosis groups, whereas the vitamin D level was lower. No differences were observed in the coagulation profiles of the different groups. Conclusions: Low serum melatonin levels associated with scoliosis can be a cause or an effect of scoliosis. Moreover, low bone mineral density, high bone turn over, and negative calcium balance appear to play an important role in the progression, if not the onset, of the deformity.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.59-60
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• 2020

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3095-3099
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• 2016

Background: Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in India. Understanding quality of life (QOL) in women undergoing chemo-radiotherapy for cervical cancer will help in introducing interventions for better care and outcomes in these women. This study assessed QOL before and after chemo-radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This follow-up study covered sixty-seven newly diagnosed women with advanced cervical cancer (stages 2b to 4b). Structured questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24) were used to assess the change in QOL after 6 months of treatment. Results: The mean age of women at the time of detection of cervical cancer was $52.3{\pm}11.29$ years (Range 30-75 years). Six months survival was 92.53%. The mean global health score of cervical cancer patients after six months of treatment was 59.52, which was significantly higher than the pre-treatment score of 50.15 (p=0.00007). Physical, cognitive and emotional functioning improved significantly (p<0.05) after treatment. Fatigue, pain, insomnia and appetite loss improved but episodes of diarrhea increased after treatment. The mean "symptoms score" using EORTC QLQ-CX24 post treatment was 20.0 which was significantly lower as compared to the pre- treatment score 30.0 (p<0.00001). Sexual enjoyment and sexual functioning decreased significantly after treatment. Conclusions: QOL of newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients improved significantly following chemo-radio therapy. Enhancement was also demonstrated on three of the five functional scales of EORTC QLQ-C30. To further improve QOL, interventions focusing on social and psychological support and physical rehabilitation may be needed.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with an institution-based physical therapy (PT) program for adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of seventy diabetic patients with AC of the shoulder for <6 months were assigned to two groups: PRP group and PT group. In the PRP group, 35 patients were administered a single shot of PRP (4 mL) into the glenohumeral joint. In the PT group, 35 patients were given institution-based PT that included 10 30-minute sessions of planned PT over a 2-week period. After the interventions, all patients were prospectively followed for 12 weeks. Intensity of shoulder pain, function, and range of motion were assessed at baseline and then at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Thirty-three patients in the PRP group and 32 in the PT group completed the 12-week study. At 12 weeks, patients who received PRP injections showed greater improvement in shoulder pain (p<0.001) than those recruited to the PT group. In the range of motion and shoulder function activities, patients in the PRP group showed significant improvement compared with the institution-based PT group (p<0.001). No significant complications were reported from any groups. Conclusions: In a diabetic population, PRP injections significantly improved shoulder pain and function compared with an institution-based PT program for shoulder AC. Additionally, it is a safe and well-tolerated method for AC management for diabetic patients.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.313-321
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• 2021

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a disabling disease resulting from fibrous or bony fusion of the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are essential to prevent facial deformity and other complications. Conventional radiography has limitations in demonstrating the true extent of ankylosis. It is important for surgeons to be aware of the size and degree of bony ankylosis in order to perform complete resection of the ankylotic mass. In addition, a detailed evaluation of the relationship with adjacent vital structures such as the internal maxillary artery, inferior alveolar nerve canal, external auditory canal, and skull base are crucial to avoid iatrogenic injury. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the current imaging modality of choice for preoperative assessments. Herein, the authors propose a structured CT reporting template for TMJ ankylosis to strengthen the value of the preoperative imaging report and to reduce the rates of intraoperative complications and recurrence.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.363-366
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• 2018

Background Camptodactyly refers to permanent flexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Most cases are limited to fifth-finger involvement. Although common, the treatment of camptodactyly is controversial. Many published studies have emphasized conservative treatment, while others have described surgical procedures. The problem with this deformity is that it presents in several forms, which means that there is no single model for effective treatment. The aim of this paper is to present the difficulties encountered with this condition and the management thereof on an individual basis. Methods This is a case series of 14 patients (nine males, five females) who underwent surgical treatment. The results were classified using the method from Mayo Clinic as excellent, good, fair, and poor. Results Fourteen patients with 15 fingers underwent surgery, and the results achieved were as follows: excellent, 0; good, 1; fair, 6; poor, 8. The treatment of camptodactyly still remains controversial, and hence proper planning individualized to each patient is needed to achieve the maximal improvement with realistic goals. Conclusions Although we performed individualised surgery, our careful follow-up was not able to identify any method as superior over another with respect to gain in extension and loss of flexion. We therefore propose that the extensor mechanism should not be disturbed during surgery to treat camptodactyly cases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8259-8263
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• 2014

Aims: To determine the clinical characteristics, pathological features, local and distant failure patterns in patients with carcinoma of major salivary glands treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 106 cases of major salivary gland tumor seen at our centre (1998-2008). Sixty five cases of major salivary gland carcinoma were selected for analysis (exclusions: benign, palliative, non-carcinomas). The patient population treated by surgery and PORT was divided into two groups: 1) Patients who underwent surgery and immediate PORT (Primary PORT); 2) Patients with recurrent carcinoma who underwent at least two surgeries and received PORT in the immediate post-operative period of the last performed surgery (Recurrent PORT). Recurrence free survival (RFS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median age was 35 years with a male: female ratio of 1.3:1. The majority of cancers were located in the parotid gland (86.2%) and the most common histology was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (43%). Thirty nine cases (60%) were primary while 26 (40%) were recurrent. Optimal surgery was performed in 59/65 patients (90.8%). 43 patients (66.2%) underwent neck dissection, of which 14 (32.5%) had nodal metastasis. Overall, 61 (93.8%) patients complied with the prescribed radiotherapy. Median dose of PORT was 60 Gy. Median follow-up was 13.1 months (range 2-70). Relapse free survival was 50.4% at 60 months. Some 12 cases (18.5%) recurred with a median time to recurrence of 16.9 months. Conclusions: Surgery and PORT is an effective treatment for major salivary gland carcinoma with over 90% compliance and <20% recurrence. Early treatment with postoperative radiotherapy may increase the survival rate in major salivary gland carcinoma patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.1989-1992
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the response rates (clinical and pathological ) with docetaxel and epirubicin combination chemotherapy and its effect on outcome. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients who received NACT from January 2008 to December 2012 in our tertiary care centre. LABC constituted 37% of all breast cancer cases and 120 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The regimens used for NACT were, six cycles of DEC (docetaxel $75mg/m^2$, epirubicin $75mg/m^2$, cyclophosphamide $50mg/m^2$ on Day 1, 3 weekly) and a sequential regimen (4 cycles of FEC, 5-flurouracil $600mg/m^2$, epirubicin $75mg/m^2$, cyclophosphamide $600mg/m^2$ followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel $85mg/m^2$). Results: The median age was 47 years (range 23-72). Ninety six ( 80 %) had T4 disease and 90% had clinically palpable lymph nodes at diagnosis. The median size of primary tumor at presentation was 5.9 cm. Hormone receptor positivity was seen in 55% and HER2/neu positivity, in 25%. Triple negative breast cancers constituted 25 % of the cases. The overall clinical response rate (complete or partial ) was 85% and pathological complete responses were obtained in 15%. Four cases defaulted, 5 patients died of treatment related toxicity and 15% developed febrile neutropenia on DEC. The median duration of follow up was 22 months. The median time to relapse was 20 months and the 3 year relapse free and overall survival rates were 50% and 70% respectively. Conclusions: LABC constituted 37% of all breast cancer cases at our institute. With NACT, pCR was seen in 15% of the cases. Sequential chemotherapy was better tolerated than concurrent anthracyline and taxane chemotherapy with a similar pCR.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric variations in patients of head and neck cancer treated with definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy using optimized non-coplanar (ncVMAT) beams with coplanar (cVMAT) beams using volumetric arc therapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients of head and neck cancer that had received radiotherapy using VMAT in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Each of the patients was planned using coplanar and non-coplanar orientations using an optimized couch angle and fluences. We analyzed the Conformity Index (C_IRTOG), Dose Homogeneity Index (DHI), Heterogeneity Index (HI_RTOG), low dose volume, target and organs-at-risk coverage in both the plans without changing planning optimization parameters. Results: The prescription dose ranged from 60 Gy to 70 Gy. Using ncVMAT, C_IRTOG, DHI and HI_RTOG, and tumor coverage (ID_95%) had improved, low dose spillage volume in the body V_5Gy was increased and V_10Gy was reduced. Integral dose and intensity-modulated radiation therapy factor had increased in ncVMAT. In the case of non-coplanar beam arrangements, maximum dose (D_max) of right and left humeral head were reduced significantly whereas apex of the right and left lung mean dose were increased. Conclusion: The use of ncVMAT produced better target coverage and sparing of the shoulder and soft tissue of the neck as well as the critical organ compared with the cVMAT in patients of head and neck malignancy.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.168-177
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• 2019

Background: Brennan's rodent paw incision model has been extensively used for understanding mechanisms underlying postoperative pain in humans. However, alterations of physiological parameters like blood pressure and heart rate, or even feeding and drinking patterns after the incision have not been documented as yet. Moreover, though eicosanoids like prostaglandins and leukotrienes contribute to inflammation, tissue levels of these inflammatory mediators have never been studied. This work further investigates the antinociceptive effect of protein C after intra-wound administration. Methods: Separate groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used for quantitation of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and leukotriene B4 level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as well as estimation of cardiovascular parameters and feeding and drinking behavior after paw incision. In the next part, rats were subjected to incision and $10{\mu}g$ of protein C was locally administered by a micropipette. Both evoked and non-evoked pain parameters were then estimated. Results: COX, particularly COX-2 activity and leukotriene B4 levels increased after incision. Hemodynamic parameters were normal. Feeding and drinking were affected on days 1 and 3, and on day 1, respectively. Protein C attenuated non-evoked pain behavior alone up to day 2. Conclusions: Based upon current observations, Brennan's rodent paw incision model appears to exhibit a prolonged period of nociception similar to that after surgery, with minimal interference of physiological parameters. Protein C, which is likely converted to activated protein C in the wound, attenuated the guarding score, which probably represents pain at rest after surgery in humans.