Abstract: Background: Vitamin D is increasingly being recognized for a role beyond calcium homeostasis, with accumulating evidence suggesting it may influence the prognosis of breast cancer. The current study aimed to investigate whether serum vitamin D levels affect prognosis in breast cancer patients by modifying several prognostic factors, such as tumour grade, stage, receptor status, and lymph node involvement.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 breast cancer patients. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured at diagnosis and categorized as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), or sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Statistical analysis was done to check the correlation between vitamin D levels and prognostic factors.

Results: Patients with normal vitamin D concentrations had significantly lower grades of tumours, smaller-sized tumours, and less lymph node positivity when compared with patients with deficient levels (p < 0.05). Vitamin D sufficiency was also associated with favorable receptor profiles, including higher rates of estrogen receptor positivity.

Conclusion: These results open a very promising window where vitamin D would emerge as the first modifiable prognostic factor for breast cancer, so there is definitely a lot more research needed on therapeutic and preventive perspectives.

Abstract: Oral strip technology, characterized by dissolvable films designed to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) directly through the mucosal tissues in the mouth, presents a novel approach in drug delivery systems. This technology enhances patient compliance due to the ease of administration and the elimination of the need for water, making it especially beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties. Rapid absorption into the bloodstream facilitates immediate therapeutic effects, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing the first-pass metabolism, thereby improving the bioavailability of medications. Current advancements focus on incorporating a variety of APIs into these films, exploring innovative materials for improved film properties and dissolution rates. Despite the promising benefits, challenges such as cost efficiency, consumer acceptance, and regulatory hurdles persist. Future directions aim at expanding the range of treatable conditions and enhancing film formulations to include multi-drug combinations for complex therapies.

ABSTRACT: Aim: To investigate the role of anatomical variations in the physiological response to exercise-induced cardiac stress, focusing on their impact on cardiovascular performance, recovery, and abnormalities observed during exercise.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 90 participants (45 males and 45 females) aged 18–60 years. Participants underwent graded treadmill exercise testing (Bruce Protocol) with continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption (VO₂), and electrocardiogram (ECG). Baseline anatomical variations, such as chamber dimensions, valvular morphology, and coronary artery anatomy, were assessed using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data analysis involved one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation to assess relationships between anatomical variations and physiological responses.

Results: Participants showed balanced demographics with no significant differences in baseline characteristics (e.g., resting heart rate: 72.15 ± 8.22 bpm; systolic BP: 118.23 ± 12.56 mmHg). VO₂max was slightly higher in males (43.45 ± 7.89 ml/kg/min) than females (41.23 ± 6.89 ml/kg/min). Coronary artery variations were the most common anatomical finding (25.56%), followed by valvular abnormalities (18.89%) and chamber enlargement (12.22%). ECG abnormalities, including arrhythmias (14.44%) and ischemic changes (10.00%), were relatively infrequent and similar between genders. Post-exercise recovery parameters showed no significant gender differences, with heart rate recovery averaging 23.45 ± 5.12 bpm.

Conclusion: Anatomical variations play a significant role in modulating responses to exercise-induced cardiac stress, affecting cardiovascular performance and recovery. Although no significant gender-based differences were observed, variations such as coronary artery configurations and chamber dimensions influenced individual responses. These findings underscore the importance of personalized exercise regimens and the need for further research, especially in populations with cardiovascular conditions, to enhance exercise safety and optimize performance.

Objective: To investigate university medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) regarding vitamin D in Kalaburagi.

Design: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, surveying 265 medical students at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Science, Kalaburagi, India. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the students' knowledge, awareness, and practices related to vitamin D.

Results: The survey revealed significant gaps in knowledge regarding vitamin D among medical students. Only 49% of students considered vitamin D very important for maintaining good health, and 55% correctly identified bone health as its primary function. Additionally, only 16% of students correctly identified blood tests as the primary method for diagnosing vitamin D deficiency. These findings highlight the need for improved education and training on vitamin D among medical students.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved education and training on vitamin D among medical students. Enhancing their knowledge and awareness of vitamin D can help ensure that future healthcare professionals are equipped to diagnose and manage deficiency effectively.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the patterns of cervical Pap smear cytology among women attending a tertiary care hospital and evaluate the associations between cytological findings and demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors.

Material and Methods: The study included 120 women attending the gynecology outpatient department for routine cervical cancer screening or presenting with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, postcoital bleeding, pelvic pain, or menstrual irregularities. Demographic and clinical data, including age, parity, contraceptive use, and smoking, were collected using a pre-structured proforma. Cervical smears were obtained and evaluated using the Papanicolaou staining technique, and findings were categorized according to the 2014 Bethesda System.

Results: The majority of participants (37.50%) were aged 30–39 years, followed by 40–49 years (25.00%). A significant relationship was observed between cytological patterns and age (p = 0.045). Half of the participants (50.00%) had 1–2 children, while 25.00% were nulliparous and 25.00% had parity ≥3, with parity significantly associated with abnormal findings (p = 0.032). Vaginal discharge (41.67%) was the most common clinical presentation, followed by asymptomatic cases (33.33%), with symptoms significantly influencing cytological outcomes (p = 0.021). NILM was the most prevalent finding (66.67%), followed by LSIL (12.50%), ASC-US (8.33%) and HSIL (8.33%). Cytological abnormalities were significantly associated with smoking, contraceptive use, and higher parity (p < 0.05). Infections such as bacterial vaginosis (12.50%) and HPV-related changes (8.33%) were also identified.

Conclusion: Pap smear cytology effectively identified cervical abnormalities and infections, with significant associations observed between cytological patterns and demographic and clinical factors. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening programs to improve early detection and reduce the burden of cervical cancer, particularly in resource-constrained settings.