Indian J Med Res
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Review Meta Analysis
Burden of hepatitis B in asymptomatic blood donor population of India: A systematic review & meta-analysis.
Background & objectives India has been classified as an intermediate Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) endemic country, and the transmission is believed to mostly occur horizontally. However, community-based data on HBV prevalence among blood donors in India are limited. The burden of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is unknown in the asymptomatic blood donor population. ⋯ The included studies exhibited a high level of heterogeneity, probably due to different diagnostic approaches followed in different studies. Interpretation & conclusions The burden of hepatitis is profound, impacting public health, economies, and societies in India. The outcome of this study would help address such a burden and develop comprehensive strategies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and necessary collaboration to achieve significant reductions in hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality.
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Background & objectives Overcoming the challenge of early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) by exploring molecular biomarkers is urgently needed. With this objective, this study was designed to explore the biomarker and therapeutic potential of miRNA (miR)-363-3p in PCa pathogenesis. Methods Total participants (n=188) were enrolled, and blood and tissue samples were collected from individuals categorized into the control group (n=55), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) group (n=60), PCa group (n=48), and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) group (n=25). ⋯ The expression analysis of the target genes showed a significant tumour-suppression of PTEN gene and significant upregulation of oncogenic genes such as NRAS, E2F3, MDM2, and CCNE2. Interpretation & conclusions Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that miR-363-3p may be a potential biomarker in differentiating individuals with PCa and CRPC from healthy controls. The miR-363-3p triggers various oncogenic genes (MDM2, NRAS, E2F3, CCNE2) and tumour suppressor genes (PTEN) that are actively involved in PCa progression and development.
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Background & objectives Timely detection of population with β-thalassemia trait (BTT) followed by genetic counselling is an advocated method of preventing the birth of a child with β-thalassemia major. In this study we aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Gazelle, a point-of-care (POC) testing device, in screening for BTT in hospital laboratory setting. Methods Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) guidelines were followed in developing study design, recruiting study participants and sample size calculation for the current research. ⋯ When analyzed by the serum ferritin level the diagnostic accuracy was found to be 94.7 per cent (91.1% - 97.1%) and 95.7 per cent (91.8% - 98.1%) for participants with serum ferritin level as > 15 ng/ml and < 15 ng/ml, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions This study found Gazelle to be a good screening tool for β-thalassemia trait with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. However, it is recommended that the final confirmation of the diagnosis done by a diagnostic test like HPLC or Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE).
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Background & objectives India accounts for about seven per cent of the global cancer burden with the highest cancer incidence reported from the North-Eastern Region (NER), including Meghalaya. Despite this, there is paucity of published studies on health seeking behaviour for cancer in the NER. To address this gap, this study used a qualitative approach to document patient, caregiver and provider perspectives to understand the factors influencing healthcare seeking for cancers in Meghalaya. ⋯ A general reluctance to discuss cancer diagnoses, perceived stigma, apprehension of treatment methods influenced their decision. Other factors included negligence and misinterpretation of early symptoms of cancer, self-management, preference for traditional medicines, financial constraints and health system-related factors. Interpretation & conclusions This study underscores the importance of addressing barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment in indigenous populations in northeast India, advocating for culturally appropriate messaging, capacity building for healthcare workers, integration of traditional healers, and community involvement to enhance early healthcare seeking and improve outcomes.
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Background & objectives Cancer contributes to decreasing life expectancy, especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) and countries in transition where resources for diagnosis and care are limited. As the world population is ageing, and by 2050, two-thirds of the population in LMIC will be elderly, the greater impact of cancer on the expectation of life in years at a given age of an adult will be seen in these countries. Methods Estimated cancer mortality for older adults (60 yr or above) was estimated using statistics available on Globocan 2020 platform (gco.iarc.fr). ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions The projected mortality increase will challenge existing healthcare systems, especially in lower or lower medium-income countries where resources are limited. Elderly patients are at an elevated risk of adverse outcomes due to the high prevalence of co-morbid conditions. Geriatric oncology will play an important role in the coming years to ensure the overall health and well-being of elderly patients, which needs to be supported by good stratified data on elderly cancer.