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Objective: Smoking represents a major public health problem among patients with schizophrenia. To this end, some studies have investigated the efficacy of varenicline for facilitating smoking cessation in schizophrenia patients. The present review seeks to synthesize the results of these studies as well as document the reported side effects of using this medication.Methods: An electronic search was performed using five major databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Included in the current analysis were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that have investigated the effect of varenicline in promoting smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia. Risk of bias among included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tool.Results: Among the 828 screened articles, only four RCTs, which involved 239 participants, were eligible for meta-analysis. In patients with schizophrenia, varenicline treatment when compared to placebo significantly reduced the number of cigarettes consumed per day [SMD (95% CI) = 0.89(0.57–1.22)] and expired carbon monoxide levels [SMD (95% CI) = 0.50 (0.06–0.94)] respectively.Conclusion: Despite a limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis, our results suggest that varenicline is an effective and safe drug to assist smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia. Future large-scale well-designed RCTs are required to validate these findings.

As in many other countries, the field of genetic counseling is in its initial stages of development in India, where there are efforts to streamline the profession and to implement graduate‐level training programs. We implemented an elective course on genetic counseling at the undergraduate level in a private university in India to assess students’ interest, to provide early exposure for students interested in pursuing the career, and to aid recruitment. To assess satisfaction with the course and recruitment outcomes, we sent a course evaluation survey to 332 students and received 134 responses. Familiarity with genetic counseling topics increased significantly after completing the course. Of the 42 respondents who reported they were planning to pursue formal genetic counseling training, 21% (n = 9/42) became interested in the profession as a result of taking this course. Survey respondents who were prospective applicants to genetic counseling training programs referred mostly to the websites of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Board of Genetic Counseling for information on genetic counseling and training. Barriers to entry into the field included lack of shadowing opportunities, inadequate coursework, and limited opportunities to interact with practicing genetic counselors. Respondents stated that additional case studies as well as observation of patient interactions would elucidate the role of a genetic counselor and help define the scope of the practice in India and other countries. Overall, genetic counseling education at the undergraduate level is a scalable way to improve understanding of genetic counseling topics, increase professional interest in the field, and support workforce development.

The world of Dermatology is flooded with inflexions among clinical conditions and signs and syndromes; making it interesting, but a tougher subject to remember. Signs and syndromes have always fascinated residents, but simultaneously burdened their minds, as these attractive names are difficult to remember. This work was undertaken to review dermatological conditions and signs based on commonly encountered daily words and objects like animals, etc. Fifty dermatological conditions were found to be based on animal eponyms. For example, the usage of animal terminology in dermatology like leonine facies is present in leprosy, sarcoidosis, mycosis fungoides (MF), and airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD).

BackgroundIt remains unclear if naltrexone combined with psychotherapy is superior to naltrexone alone in treating alcohol use disorders (AUD). The current meta-analysis examined the hypothesis that psychotherapy is a significant moderator that influences AUD-related outcomes and that naltrexone combined with psychotherapy is associated with significantly better AUD-related outcomes than naltrexone alone.MethodsA total of 30 studies (Nnaltrexone = 2317; Nplacebo = 2056) were included. Random effects model meta-analyses were carried out for each of the studied outcomes. Subsequently, the random effects model pooled estimates from studies with and without psychotherapy were compared using a Wald test. A mixed-effect model, incorporating psychotherapy as a moderator, was used to examine the impact of psychotherapy on treatment outcomes.ResultsNaltrexone had a significant treatment effect on abstinence relapse and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase levels, but not cravings. The pooled estimates for studies with and without psychotherapy were not significantly different for any of the studied outcomes. Psychotherapy was not a significant moderator in the mixed effects models for any of the studied outcomes.ConclusionsNaltrexone treatment is efficacious in reducing alcohol consumption, but not reducing cravings. Adding psychotherapy on top naltrexone did not result in any significant additional benefit for AUD patients.

Background: The LRINEC score (laboratory risk indicators for necrotizing fasciitis) was established in 2004 to aid in the differentiation of necrotizing fasciitis from severe soft tissue infections. Methods: The study included all patients hospitalized to the department of general surgery at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Kangra, Tanda, H.P. India with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis for a period of one year, from June 2018 to May 2019. At the time of admission, the patient’s hemoglobin, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, blood glucose level, urea, sodium, potassium and creatinine levels (LIRNEC Score) were calculated. Results: In all the patients LRINEC Score was > 6. Out of 60 patients, 14(23%) patients had LRINEC Score in between 6 to 7 and 46 (76%) patients had LRINEC score >8. Conclusion: The LRINEC score of 6 and above suggest NF and therefore aiding in the early recognition of NSTI and its management.

This survey conveyed to the authors that the nurses of our hospitals were knowledgeable but required further training to update them. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2018;49(3):127-131.