Circulating miRNA-21 Levels in Breast Cancer Patients Before and After Chemotherapy and Its Association with Clinical Improvement.

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women, many patients experience recurrences and metastasis. miR-21 (microRNA-21) as biomarker is under investigation for breast cancer. At present, there is very limited information available regarding effect of chemotherapy on miR-21 expression in breast cancer and its correlation with the clinical improvement. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on miR-21 in metastatic breast cancer and its relationship with the clinical outcome. Females, aged-18-90 years diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of breast and candidate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy including Adriamycin (60 mg/m2), Cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) with or without Taxane (75-175 mg/m2) were included in the study. Before and after 42 days of staring of chemotherapy sample was collected for circulatory miR-21 and RECIST 1.1 criteria was applied to assess the clinical status. Blood samples for routine clinical biomarkers including liver function test and renal function tests was also collected. miR-21 expression before and after chemotherapy was assessed using standard method based on real time PCR. Expression of miR-21, RECIST criteria and other liver and kidney related biomarkers were compared before and after chemotherapy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy expression of miR-21 was significantly increased by 5.65-fold. There was significant improvement in clinical scores based on RECIST criteria (0.046). No significant correlation was observed between miR-21 expression and difference in RECIST score (r = - 0.122, p = 0.570). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy causes clinical improvement in breast cancer patients however it is not correlated with the miR-21 expression which significantly increased after chemotherapy.

Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness of Healthium Theruptor Versus 3M Tegaderm Versus Plain Gauze Dressing for Wound Dressings Used in Abdominal and Joint Surgeries: A Prospective, Multicentric, Randomized Study.

Background In the realm of surgical and postoperative care, the application of wound dressings is a standard practice to facilitate healing, minimize infection risks, and offer a protective barrier against pathogens for optimal recovery. For instance, Theruptor is an active advanced wound care product with patented microbicidal technology. In the present study, we conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Healthium Theruptor, 3M Tegaderm, and plain gauze dressings in patients undergoing abdominal and joint surgeries. Methodology This was a multicenter, prospective, three-arm, randomized, double-blind study conducted between April and November 2022 at three different sites in India, viz., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur; Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry; and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. A total of 210 patients were randomized to receive either of the following three interventions: Theruptor, Tegaderm, and plain gauze dressing (n = 70 each) based on computer-generated randomization sequences using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Demographic data and surgery details were obtained and recorded at baseline. Parameters such as rate of wound healing, incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), adverse events, product performance, and pain score were assessed and compared during the weekly follow-up visits until 28 days. In addition, wound assessments using the Stony Brook Scar evaluation scale, Cardiff Wound Impact Questionnaire, and Modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale were conducted to provide additional insights on the efficacy of the dressings (days 3, 7, 14, and 28). Lastly, the cost of wound management was assessed at the end of the study. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test on GraphPad software. Results All three dressings were equally effective in healing the wound and reducing the incidence of SSIs. The median healing time was estimated to be seven days. Further, no significant difference was observed in wound dehiscence, wound pain, clinical wound parameters, cosmetic assessment, and quality of life among the three groups (p > 0.05) during the follow-up visits. However, the product performance of Theruptor and Tegaderm was significantly better than plain gauze dressing in terms of ease of application (82.87% and 84.13% vs. 71.7%), ease of removal (83.09% and 83.67% vs. 70.79%), comfort to wear (82.59% and 84.47% vs. 72.83%), exudate management (84.35% and 85.7% vs. 77.23%), mean wear time in hours (65.57 and 65.92 vs. 49 hours), and mobility of the patient (p < 0.05). Further, the total cost of wound management with Theruptor dressing was significantly lower than with Tegaderm dressing (₹1117.2 ± 269.86 vs. ₹1474 ± 455.63; p < 0.0001). Conclusions Although all three dressings were equally safe and clinically efficacious, Theruptor was more cost-effective with better product performance. Thus, Theruptor may be a considerate option in the postoperative wound management of abdominal and joint surgeries.

Electronic-PRO Measures for adverse events Of Treatment In ONcology (E-PROMOTION).

PURPOSE: Cancer patients struggle with the trauma of the disease and its treatment. PRO-CTCAE was developed to improve the recording of underreported symptomatic toxicities. We evaluated the improvement and ease in reporting symptomatic adverse events through add-on PRO-CTCAE (via a mobile application) compared to standard clinician-reported outcomes in routine clinical practice. We also evaluated changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: 110 cancer patients were studied for three weeks between their first and second chemotherapy session. HRQoL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-c30. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients self-reported their symptomatic adverse events on the day 7th & day 14th after the first cycle of chemotherapy. For the other fifty-seven patients, recording of adverse events was done by standard clinician-reported outcomes. All the patients in the study group reported adverse events compared to only 21 % in the standard reporting group. All 15 domains of adverse events were reported in the self-reporting group compared to only 5 in the standard reporting group. The self-reporting group had a significantly better overall quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reporting of adverse events using mobile app-based PRO-CTCAE helps patients and clinicians with better documentation of symptomatic toxicities of chemotherapy, reducing the burden on physicians and improving patient satisfaction. Mobile app-based self-reporting empowers cancer patients undergoing treatment, improves their quality of life, and should be implemented in routine clinical practice. Wider implementation can lead to further optimised solutions.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Impact of Internet Socialization on Professional, Academic, Social Lives and Sleep Pattern Among Students and Professionals from Various Fields Across India.

Background: Internet addiction was found to be associated with a variety of psychosocial problems, including academic failure, low self-esteem, poor diet, mental disorders like depression and anxiety, sleep deprivation, and social withdrawal. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of internet addiction and evaluate the impact of internet socialization on professional, academic, social lives and sleep pattern among students and professionals from various fields across India. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2023 among 772 participants who were aged ≥18 years. The study tool consisted of a questionnaire with four parts comprising questions related to demographic characteristics, pattern of use and impact of internet over academic, professional, social life, sleep pattern, and Kimberley Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of Internet addiction was 53.6% among the participants. Participants aged above 30 years demonstrated a decreased risk of internet addiction compared to those aged below 30 years (AOR = 0.35). Participants who reported becoming restless without internet access (AOR = 4.88) and going to bed late because of the use of internet or social media (AOR = 3.01) had a significantly higher risk of internet addiction. Conclusion: Internet addiction is very common among professionals, and students and there is a high risk of internet addiction in persons who get restless when they cannot log in, spend too much time online, stay up late using the internet, and share personal information soon after meeting others on social media sites.

COVISHIELD vaccine-induced thyroiditis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines during the pandemic has left their long-term effects largely unknown. Instances of autoimmune and subacute thyroiditis showing features of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants have been reported post-vaccination. This case report aims to highlight the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants syndrome after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, drawing attention to a possible connection with thyroid dysfunction and urging for further thorough research. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of thyroiditis induced by the COVISHIELD vaccine in a 37-year-old Indian woman. An apparently normal and healthy adult woman developed neck pain and easy fatigability 2 weeks after the second dose of COVISHIELD, which gradually increased and was associated with irritability, decreased sleep, excessive sweating, tremor, palpitation, and weight loss. She presented to the outpatient department after 1 week of symptoms and was evaluated with laboratory tests and imaging. She was diagnosed with thyroiditis due to the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine and was treated with propranolol. CONCLUSION: This case report adds to the growing evidence of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine-related thyroid issues. The development of thyroiditis is rare and underreported post-coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination; hence, research to evaluate the association of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines with thyroid dysfunction needs to be done in the future.

Apremilast Add-On Benefits Over Conventional Drugs (ABCD) in Unstable Non-segmental Vitiligo: A 12-Week Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 enzyme inhibitor that modulates the immune system by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines synthesis. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of add-on apremilast in combination therapy with standard treatment in patients with unstable, non-segmental vitiligo. Methods The study was a 12-week randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-labeled trial. The control group received standard treatment (n=15), and the intervention group received 30 mg apremilast twice daily in addition to standard treatment (n= 16). Time to the first sign of re-pigmentation, halt in progression, and change in vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) score is the primary outcomes. Normality was assessed, and appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests were undertaken. Results Thirty-seven participants were randomized into two groups, and analysis was done on thirty-one participants. Over the treatment duration of 12 weeks, the median time to observe the first sign of re-pigmentation was four weeks in the add-on apremilast group compared to seven weeks in the control group (p=0.018). The halt in progression was observed more in the add-on Apremilast group (93.75%) compared to the control group (66.66%) (p=0.08). The VASI score decreased by 1.24 in the add-on apremilast group and 0.05 in the control group (p= 0.754). Parameters including body surface area, dermatology life quality index, and body mass index reduced significantly, while the visual analog scale increased significantly in the add-on apremilast group. However, results were comparable between groups. Conclusions Treatment with add-on apremilast accelerated clinical improvement. It also reduced disease progression and improved the disease index among participants. However, add-on apremilast had a lower tolerability profile than the control group.

Correction: Ameliorations in dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic plaque by the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd in rabbits.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264646.].

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibitors: A systematic review and quantitative analysis.

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) rarely cause euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) in diabetic patients. The aim was to identify demographic, clinical, and predisposing factors for euDKA from published case reports. Methods: A systematic review of published case reports of euDKA in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors and meta-analysis of clinical trials to quantify the risk ratio (RR) of DKA in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for the case reports of and clinical trials from January 2010 to August 2020. Studies published in English language were included and other languages were excluded. Data related to patients' demography, clinical presentation, drug and dose of SGLT2 inhibitors, and concomitant medication were extracted. Incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) extracted from clinical trials. Data related to demographic, clinical, and other parameters presented as ratios and proportions and incidence of DKA in RR using Review Manager 5.3. Results: Forty-seven of 160 reports with an aggregate of 77 patients were included in the analysis. The majority of the patients were females (67.53%), with T2DM and with gastrointestinal symptoms (58%). Surgery was the most common precipitating factor (n/N = 15/77). Canagliflozin (n/N = 34/77) was the commonest SGLT2 inhibitor reported along with metformin as the concomitant medication (63.6%). The pooled RR of DKA was 3.70 (95%CI 2.58, 5.29) and I2 = 0%. Conclusion: euDKA is commonly seen in middle-aged female, T2DM patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors along with metformin. The risk of DKA in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors increases by 3.7 times than the other medication.

Demand of COVID-19 medicines without prescription among community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India: Findings and implications.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic led to increased self-medication of antimicrobials, vitamins, and immune boosters among the common people and consuming without prescription can lead to adverse consequences including antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India. They were inquired regarding the prescription and increased sales (<25%, 25-50%, 50--75%, or 75--100%) of various medicines (Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Ivermectin, and Vitamin C) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between requests for certain COVID-19 medications and an increase in their sale. Results: A total of 204 pharmacies took part, and 88.23% reported patients to approach them without prescriptions. Most of the pharmacies revealed that <25% of patients came without prescription. The majority came for azithromycin (68%) and vitamin C (92%). Increased sales of the four targeted medications were seen by 85.92% of pharmacies compared to last year. A majority (51.5%) reported <25% increased sales of azithromycin, but no change in the sale of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. However, 39.6% reported >75% increase in vitamin C sales. Conclusion: There was an increase in the demand for COVID-19 medications without prescription. This study was unable to detect a significant increase in sales of antimicrobials, which is encouraging.

Ameliorations in dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic plaque by the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd in rabbits.

The assigned work was aimed to examine the capability of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and regression of the atherosclerotic plaque. The chemical fingerprinting of the test extract was assessed by LC-MS/MS. Consequently, the analyses of in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico were executed by using the standard protocols. The in-vitro assessment of the test extract revealed 74.1% inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. In-vivo assessments of the test extract indicated that treated hypercholesterolemic rabbits exhibited a significant (P≤0.001) amelioration in the biomarker indices of the dyslipidaemia i.e., atherogenic index, Castelli risk index(I&II), atherogenic coefficient along with lipid profile. Subsequently, significant reductions were observed in the atherosclerotic plaque and antioxidant levels. The in-silico study of molecular docking shown interactions capabilities of the leading phytoconstituents of the test extract i.e., eicosanoic acid, linoleic acid, and flavan-3-ol with target protein of HMG-CoA reductase. The values of RSMF and potential energy of top docked complexes were show significant interactions. Accordingly, the free energy of solvation, interaction angle, radius of gyration and SASA were shown significant stabilities of top docked complex. The cumulative data of results indicate phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal have capabilities to inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase and improve the levels of antioxidants.

Analysis of Neurological Adverse Events Reported in VigiBase From COVID-19 Vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Fifteen COVID-19 vaccines have been granted emergency approval before the completion of conventional phases of clinical trials. The present study aimed to analyze the neurological adverse events (AEs) post-COVID-19 vaccination and focuses on determining the association of AEs with the vaccine. METHODOLOGY: The neurological AEs reported for COVID-19 vaccines in the WHO pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase) were extracted from the System Organ Classes - neurological disorders and investigations. Descriptive statistics are reported as percentage and frequency and the disproportionality analysis was also conducted. RESULTS:  For the neurological system, 19,529 AEs were reported. Of these, 15,638 events were reported from BNT162b2 vaccine, 2,751 from AZD1222 vaccine, 1,075 from mRNA-1273 vaccine, eight from Vero vaccine, two from Covaxin, and for 55 AEs, vaccine name was not mentioned. The reason for more AEs reported with BNT162b2 can be maximum vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccine in the study period. According to the disproportionality analysis based on IC025 value, ageusia, anosmia, burning sensation, dizziness, facial paralysis, headache, hypoaesthesia, lethargy, migraine, neuralgia, paresis, parosmia, poor sleep quality, seizure, transient ischemic attack, and tremor are some of the AEs that can be associated with the administration of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: The vaccines should be monitored for these AEs till the causality of these AEs with COVID-19 vaccines is established through further long-term follow-up studies. These neurological AEs reported in VigiBase should not be taken as conclusive and mass vaccination should be carried out to control the pandemic until a definite link of these adverse effects is established.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) with COVID-19 vaccination - A case report.

The case report evaluates shoulder injury related to COVID-19 vaccine administration. A 26-year-old female patient presented with shoulder pain, which increased on extension and overhead abduction in routine work. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done based on which, a diagnosis of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) was reported. Significant improvement was seen after Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical diclofenac ointment, and serratiopeptidase tablets. Physical muscle strengthening exercises were advised. Based on Naranjo and World Health Organization (WHO) casualty assessments, the adverse drug reaction (ADR) was categorized under probable. Preventability, Hartwig's scales for severity was assessed, which showed preventability and moderate grade in severity. The total cost (direct and indirect) for management was found to be rupees 7021 and 41,781 in government and private hospital respectively. Thus ADRs not only add to patient suffering but also increase the economic burden. Health care professionals (HCPs) need to be made aware of potentially fatal ADRs associated with the administration of vaccines and should be keen to report such ADRs to drug safety authorities.

Adverse Drug Reactions Associated With Drugs Prescribed in Psychiatry: A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Psychiatric disorders are chronic in nature which often require long and continuous medications. These medications are known to cause adverse effects on their use. Their monitoring and prevention are crucial for the practicing family and community physicians. Method This is a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted to analyze all the spontaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported from the psychiatry department to the ADR Monitoring Center, Department of Pharmacology, AIIMS Jodhpur during the time period from 2014 to 2020. Results A total of 334 ADRs were reported. The majority of the ADRs were reported from antipsychotics (60.6%) followed by antidepressants (25.5%) and antiepileptic drugs (5.8%). On further subgroup analysis of the drug classes among antipsychotics, Clozapine (15.8%) was the leading offending agent. Similarly, among Antidepressants, Escitalopram (6.1%) was causing the most side effects. The most common ADR reported was sedation (7.26%) followed by salivary hypersecretion (6.7%), akathisia (5.52%), and weight gain (5.52%). Conclusion Knowledge of common ADRs help in better management of the diseases and psychotropics as a class has various frequents ADRs. Early detection and suitable intervention can help the community physicians in the proper care of the patients and rational use of drugs.

Tocilizumab in COVID-19: a study of adverse drug events reported in the WHO database.

BACKGROUND: Elevated inflammatory cytokines in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affect the lungs leading to pneumonitis with a poor prognosis. Tocilizumab, a type of humanized monoclonal antibody antagonizing interleukin-6 receptors, is currently utilized to treat COVID-19. The present study reviews tocilizumab adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacovigilance database. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: All suspected ADEs associated with tocilizumab between April to August 2020 were analyzed based on COVID-19 patients' demographic and clinical variables, and severity of involvement of organ system. RESULTS: A total of 1005 ADEs were reported among 513 recipients. The majority of the ADEs (46.26%) were reported from 18-64 years, were males and reported spontaneously. Around 80%, 20%, and 64% were serious, fatal, and administered intravenously, respectively. 'Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications' remain as highest (35%) among categorized ADEs. Neutropenia, hypofibrinogenemia were common hematological ADEs. The above 64 years was found to have significantly lower odds than of below 45 years. In comparison, those in the European Region have substantially higher odds compared to the Region of Americas. CONCLUSION: Neutropenia, superinfections, reactivation of latent infections, hepatitis, and cardiac abnormalities were common ADEs observed that necessitate proper monitoring and reporting.

The Satisfaction Level of Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Students Regarding Distant Preclinical and Clinical Teaching Amidst COVID-19 Across India.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the educational system and led to a drastic shift of professional undergraduate teaching for medical and nursing students into online mode. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational questionnaire-based study to assess the satisfaction level of the students. The questionnaire had 25 items of which 23 were questions with responses on the Likert scale and two items on views and suggestions were open-ended. The online questionnaire was shared through various messaging/mailing platforms. Overall satisfaction was assessed, and a satisfaction index was calculated for each item. Data are presented in frequencies and percentages, and SPSS was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 1068 students participated in the study. The majority were from the age group 21-23 years (54%) and there was almost the same number of participants from both genders. The majority of the students were medical undergraduates (n=919), were in their second year (n=669), belonged to a government institution (n=897) and used a mobile phone for their online classes (n = 871). The majority of the students were dissatisfied (42%) with no significant difference between medical and nursing students (p = 0.192). First-year students were significantly dissatisfied compared with other senior students (p = 0.005). The maximum satisfaction index (78.23%) was observed with faculties being supportive and responsive in resolving the queries and the minimum (46.39%) was observed with issues related to communication and discussion with peer students. There were 662 responses as views which mostly contained negative comments regarding interaction and focus, practical learning, teaching content, and technological/infrastructural flaws. There was major dissatisfaction regarding the practical and clinical learning. CONCLUSION: Online learning is essential at current times but is not an effective alternative for medical and nursing education. Face-to-face classes and practical sessions along with online learning can be a viable option.

Renal Histopathological Changes in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data.

The major targets of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are the respiratory and immune systems. However, a significant proportion of hospitalized patients had kidney dysfunction. The histopathological surveys have principally focused on respiratory, hematopoietic, and immune systems, whereas histopathologic data of kidney injury are lacking. Our study aimed to summarize the renal histopathological findings in COVID-19 from the published case report and case series. We conducted a systematic searching of databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for published reports of COVID-19 patients with renal histopathological changes from autopsy studies and from "for cause" indication biopsies. Included in our study are case reports and case series with extractable quantitative data on patient demographics such as age, sex, ethnicity, as well as data on renal function tests, their comorbidities, and biopsy to study the histopathological changes. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. To evaluate the methodological quality, we chose the framework for appraisal, synthesis, and application of evidence suggested by Murad et al. Systematic searches of literature found 31 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These studies included a total of 139 cases, where individual case details including clinical and histopathological findings were available. The median age of the cases was 62 years with a male:female ratio of 2.5:1. Associated comorbidities were noted in 78.4% of cases. The majority of the cases had renal dysfunction with proteinuria which was documented in more than two-thirds of the cases. The histopathological findings observed the frequent tubular involvement manifested by acute tubular injury. Regarding glomerular pathology, collapsing glomerulopathy emerged as a distinct lesion in these patients and was noted among 46.8% of cases with glomerular lesions. A small subset of cases (4.3%) had thrombotic microangiopathy. Collapsing glomerulopathy emerged as a hallmark of glomerular changes among COVID-19 patients. Tubular damage is common and is linked to multiple factors including ischemia, sepsis among others. In the form of thrombotic microangiopathy seen in a subset of patients, vascular damage hints toward the hyper-coagulable state associated with the infection. The demonstration of viral particles in renal tissue remains debatable and requires further study.

A prospective, cross-sectional study on association of serum vitamin D level with musculoskeletal symptoms and blood pressure in adult population.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is an important vitamin required to maintain an important physiological function of the body. The body should maintain an optimal level of vitamin D to maintain skeletal and metabolic functions. It was observed that inverse relationship is maintained by vitamin D level in the body with musculoskeletal symptoms and metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE: The study is conducted to associate between serum levels of vitamin D with self-reported symptoms (musculoskeletal) and blood pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Venous blood sample was collected from 126 adults with musculoskeletal symptoms. The subjects were stratified based on their vitamin D levels. Groups were tested for the frequency of symptoms and the relationship of different parameters with vitamin D. RESULTS: The frequency of subjects in the study was more in the deficient category (<20 ng/dL). In the study, vitamin D was found to have a significant association with "weakness." Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were found to have an inverse relation with serum vitamin D level. CONCLUSION: The study showed the effect of vitamin D level in musculoskeletal symptoms and inverse association of vitamin D with BMI and blood pressure.

Medication Errors: Is it the Hidden Part of the Submerged Iceberg in Our Health-care System?

Medication error (ME) is an adverse preventable event which happens due to the inappropriate use of medication that leads to patient harm. Such events may be related to professional practice, health-care products, procedures, and systems including prescribing, communication, product labeling, packaging, and nomenclature, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administration, education, monitoring, and use. A major ME is the one, which results in either permanent harm or transfer to the intensive care units or death. When an error is identified, it shall be reported immediately. It must also be nonpunitive so that staff does not have to be afraid of repercussions. An error shall be reported to the concerned consultant immediately. Continuous monitoring and frequent assessments shall be done for the patient. A root cause analysis shall be done for all serious MEs.

An open-label, randomized, 10 weeks prospective study on the efficacy of vitamin D (daily low dose and weekly high dose) in vitamin D deficient patients.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is an important vitamin required to maintain normal skeletal as well as nonskeletal functions. The daily supplementation of vitamin D not only have poor adherence to the regimen but also of doubtful efficacy in deficient patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of oral high-dose vitamin D regimens (60,000 IU weekly) and daily low-dose vitamin D regimen of 1000 IU in mitigating symptoms and increase in serum levels of vitamin D in patients with hypovitaminosis D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients aged 18-60 years with vitamin D deficiency (serum levels < 30 ng/mL) were enrolled. A total of 38 subjects received 60,000 IU of vitamin D weekly with 500 mg/day calcium and 40 subjects received a dose of 1000 IU of vitamin D daily with 500 mg/day calcium for 10 weeks. Baseline and follow-up total serum vitamin D levels and improvement in symptoms were measured within and between groups. RESULTS: For high-dose vitamin D (60,000 IU weekly), the increase in mean serum vitamin D levels from baseline was 28.33 ng/mL over 10 weeks' treatment period; whereas for the low-dose group (1000 IU daily) the mean increment in serum vitamin D was 6.79 ng/mL for the same period. The mean difference in increase in serum vitamin D between two groups was highly significant (P < 0.001). In both the groups, decrease in myalgia as evaluated on visual analog scale was observed after 10 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose vitamin D (60,000 IU weekly) regimen rapidly normalized 25(OH) D levels and ensure symptomatic relief earlier than daily dosing of 1000 IU vitamin D for same duration.