Dynamics of oral human papillomavirus infection in healthy population and head and neck cancer.

The recent increase in high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-associated oral and oropharyngeal cancers has gained considerable importance due to their distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. However, the natural history of oral HPV from acquisition to persistence and malignant transformation is still unclear. The global prevalence of oral HPV infection in healthy individuals ranges from 0.67% to 35%, while 31%-38.5% in head and neck cancer (HNC). The persistence rate of oral HR-HPV infection is 5.5% -12.8% globally. India has the highest HNC burden due to apparent differences in predisposing factors compared with the West. The prevalence of oral HPV in healthy individuals and its contribution to HNC is less evident in Indian studies. HR-HPV-associated HNC in this region accounts for 26%, with an active infection in 8%-15% of these tumors. There is a lack of concordance in the expression of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV detection in HNC because of differences in behavioral risk factors. Due to a lack of evidence, treatment de-escalation cannot be implemented despite the improved outcome of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. This review critically analyzes the existing literature on the dynamics of oral HPV infection and HPV-associated HNC, identifying potential avenues for future research. A better understanding of the oncogenic role of HR-HPV in HNC will help to formulate novel therapeutic approaches and is expected to have a significant public health impact as preventive strategies can be implemented.

Intrathecal Nalbuphine and Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine versus Plain Bupivacaine for Orthopedic Surgeries under Subarachnoid Block: A Comparative Study.

Background: In long bone surgeries, the severity of pain is more, demanding good intraoperative anesthesia, and prolonged postoperative analgesia. This is achieved in spinal anesthesia with adjuvants to local anesthetics, which act synergistically. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to bupivacaine versus bupivacaine alone in lower limb orthopedic surgeries under the subarachnoid block (SAB). Settings and Design: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind control study conducted on 60 patients belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II, undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries under SAB. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were divided into three groups by computer-generated randomization. Group A received 2.7 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 1.5 mg nalbuphine, Group B received 2.7 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 10 µg dexmedetomidine, and Group C received 2.7 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.5 mL of normal saline (total volume made to 3.2 mL in all groups with normal saline). Time of onset of block, duration of sensory, and motor blocks were noted. Changes in hemodynamic parameters, postoperative first rescue analgesia requirement, and side effects were recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 version software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no significant difference in the onset of sensory or motor blocks in the three groups. However, the time taken for regression of sensory block was longer in Group B that was statistically significant. Conclusion: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine acts as a better adjuvant with bupivacaine in providing quality anesthesia, prolonged sensory and motor block, and good postoperative analgesia with less incidence of adverse effects compared to nalbuphine and bupivacaine alone.