BackgroundCigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. Smoking cessation is challenging for many patients. Regardless of available treatment options, most quit attempts are unaided, and it takes multiple attempts before a patient is successful. With the ever-increasing use of smartphones, mobile apps hold promise in supporting cessation efforts. This study evaluates the ease of use and user satisfaction with the Pfizer Meds app to support smoking cessation among patients prescribed varenicline (Chantix).ObjectiveStudy participants included varenicline users who downloaded and used the app on their personal smartphone. The main objectives were to report mobile app download frequency and usage details and to describe the participant-reported satisfaction with and usefulness of the app over the 14-week follow-up study period.MethodsAdults aged 18 years or older who had been prescribed varenicline were identified from the Express Scripts Incorporated pharmacy claims database. After meeting privacy restrictions, subjects were sent an invitation letter and second reminder letter with instructions on how to download the Pfizer Meds mobile app. Participants received a push notification to complete a smartphone-enabled survey regarding the utility of the app 12 weeks after downloading the app. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographics, use of varenicline, and details of use and satisfaction with the mobile app.ResultsOf the 38,129 varenicline users who were sent invitation letters, 1281 participants (3.35%) downloaded the Pfizer Meds app. Of the 1032 users with demographic and other data, 585 (56.68%) were females, and 446 (43.22%) were males; mean age was 46.4 years (SD 10.8). The mean number of app sessions per participant was 4.0 (SD 6.8). The end-of-study survey was completed by 131 survey respondents (10.23%, 131/1281); a large number of participants (117/131, 89.3%) reported being extremely, very, or moderately satisfied with the app. A total of 97 survey respondents (97/131, 74.0%) reported setting up a quit date in the app. Of those, 74 (74/97, 76%) reported quitting on their quit date.ConclusionsPositive patient engagement was observed in this study based on app download and usage. This study quantified how the Pfizer Meds app performed in an observational real-world data setting. The findings demonstrate the willingness of participants to set a quit date and use the app for support in medication adherence, refill reminders, and information regarding how to take the medication. This study provides real-world evidence of the contribution apps can make to the continued encouragement of smokers to improve their health by smoking cessation.

The incidence of liver disease increases throughout the years due to many lifestyle factors; thus, the only definite treatment available for chronic liver disease is a liver transplant. However, the liver has a natural ability to repair itself and regenerate its hepatic tissue from stem cells. It is hypothesized that by inducing the liver with specific growth factors and cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) compared to general growth factors like growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), it can regenerate, decreasing the need for liver transplant procedures. MEDLINE, the Journal of Hepatology, and Google Scholar were used to find articles. Various studies, including epidemiological studies dated from the year 2000 and greater, were used for the introduction. The results used only randomized control trials, experimental studies, and primary articles published since 2000. This compared the results of manipulating variables to determine the effects of hepatic regeneration by either specific hepatocyte growth factors or general growth factors like GDF-15. A total of 10 collected studies showed increased levels of gene expression and function, improved gross morphology, and histological appearance of the liver when induced by cytokines and specific growth factors versus general growth factors. Overall, the hypothesis was proven. The effects of GDF-15 were not significant compared to the effects of hepatocyte-specific growth factors and cytokines like IL-6 because they have two different effects on the liver after liver injury. Future studies should investigate this topic on the human hepatic regenerative ability, plus compare the effects of general growth factors like GDF-15 and specific hepatocyte growth factors and cytokines such as IL-6 in human liver tissue.

“MASK-NE”-Mask associated Acne, is a common form of acne during COVID-19 pandemic. It is type of acne mechanica seen when external factor occludes the skin, leads to irritation, inflammation and starts/aggravates all grades of acne.We conducted a cross-sectional study among 773 participants, using a Self-administered, aim oriented, questionnaire which includes demographic data, acne related history, type and duration of wearing mask & other mask related skin problems in COVID-19 pandemic during 15 October to 15December,2020.: Among 773 participants, age ranged 18-45 years with mean 30.69 (SD: 61.30) and M:F was 1:1.78. After starting of Pandemic, occurrence of new development of mask associated Acne/ Maskne was higher among Health Care Workers (HCW) (34.98%) as compared to non- Health Care Workers (non-HCWs) (17.36%). Moreover, more number of HCWs had aggravation of their pre-existing acne and/or development of new of acne during pandemic (81.2%) than non-HCWs (61%). Wearing N95 type of mask showed the highest aggravation (82%) of Maskne as compare to wearing Surgical mask (75.5%) and wearing cloth (cotton) mask (65.6%).Wearing a face mask for 4 to 8 hours/day and >8 hours/day showed increase in the aggravation of Maskne as compared to wearing a facemask <4 hrs/day.Though wearing face masks can be the best strategy against COVID-19 infection, HAZARD OF THIS SAFETY is not negligible especially in front-line workers-doctors, nurses, pharmacist, policemen, hospital staff who are at higher risk due to several factors including type of mask use, duration of mask use etc.

No abstract

INTRODUCTION: Linear morphea is rare localized form of scleroderma. The lesions are characterized by localized hard/smooth ivory-coloured immobile areas of skin. The appearance is hidebound skin, known as andrew's disease of skin. These linear lesions often develop along the line of blaschko. METHOD: A cross-sectional,hospital-based clinical study of patients with linear morphea attending the Outpatient Department of tertiary care centre was done over a span of 3 months. Detailed history was taken along with clinical examination. After counselling and after recording their consent, skin biopsy done along with routine investigations and results were evaluated. RESULTS: We have come across six cases in 3 months. Age group ranged from 10-20 years with 2 male and 4 female patients. Average age of onset was 14.5 years. Two cases had lesions involving limbs, two had lesions on forehead and one patient had extensive lesions involving entire right half of body including face. Serum ANA titre was positive in one case,which also showed changes in CT scan and bone scan. EEG changes were seen in two out of three cases of facial lesions. Skin biopsy in all cases were consistent with morphea. CONCLUSION: Though linear morphea is a local disorder without systemic association generally,patients with Serum ANA positivity and EEG changes in facial lesions need to be observed for permanent CNS damage if not counteracted with immunosuppressives. As it has higher morbidity and predilection in younger population,cosmetic and functional disability caused by it affects the quality of life.