Search

The treatment of mandibular deviation in a completely edentulous patient (after segmental resection of the mandible) without osseous reconstruction consists of a twin-table maxillary complete denture occluding with a mandibular segmental denture at deviated position. Salivary reservoirs incorporated into the maxillary complete denture provide a potential solution to the ill effects of xerostomia, which is the most common post-irradiation complication. Hereby, the authors presents a case report of 62-year-old male patient with a unique method of incorporating two salivary reservoirs: one in the center of the palatal surface and the second beneath the additional palatal row of prosthetic teeth, with an approximate capacity of 7 mL. The novel design includes a removable silicone lid with an escape hole, allowing the patient’s tongue to control the release of the salivary substitute. It provided ease of removal of the lid, as well as cleaning and refilling of the reservoir. The design allowed area under the second row of teeth was utilised effectively without adding to the bulk of the denture.

Context: Concerns about brolucizumab’s (Pagenax®) association with intraocular inflammation (IOI) limit its use despite its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. This multicentric study analyzes IOI incidence across 21 tertiary eyecare centers in India since its introduction in October 2020. Purpose: To determine the real-world incidence rate of IOI in Indian patients secondary to intravitreal brolucizumab across 21 tertiary eye care centers in India. Settings and Design: Retrospective multicentric, survey-based study. Methods: Data including number of patients treated, clinical indications, side effects encountered, and IOI case details was collected via Google Forms in 21 Indian tertiary eye care centers since October 2020. Mean, median, frequency, and standard deviation were calculated for statistical analysis. Results: All centers used pro re nata protocol for brolucizumab injections with a minimum injection interval of 8 weeks. The incidence of IOI was 0.79% (21 events out of 2655 eyes). Treatment indications included idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and off-label uses. IOI was experienced after the first injection (57%) in majority of cases with a median onset of 14 days (range: 1–65 days). IOI was mild in 28.5%, moderate in 33%, and severe in 38% of cases. Eighteen out of 21 IOI eyes recovered preinjection best corrected visual acuity or better. Conclusions: Our study found a lower IOI incidence (0.79%) with brolucizumab (Pagenax) in Indian patients compared to previously reported literature. IOI events were mostly mild to moderate, and post-treatment, most patients improved or maintained BCVA. Larger prospective multicentric studies with PRN dosing protocol are needed to confirm these findings.

The human monkeypox (mpox) virus is an orthopox virus that can be transmitted to humans. Though the disease has been endemic in Africa, the recent mpox outbreak since May 2022. We attempted to examine differences between the endemic form of mpox and the current outbreak. Review of electronic medical database with relevant keywords. The current outbreak of mpox has disproportionately impacted the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) community. This is also the first time that widespread semen testing has turned up evidence of mpox viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Cases in the present outbreak are more likely to affect adults, involve the genitalia, and have no prodrome. Close diagnostic differentials include varicella and hand-foot-mouth disease. The disease is usually self-limiting; though secondary infections, anorectal pain, pharyngitis, ocular lesions and rarely, renal injury and myocarditis may occur. This review focuses primarily on the novel clinical characteristics and emerging sexual transmission route of the mpox virus, which, although unconfirmed, appears extremely likely as the route of spread. Dermatologists have an important role in this health emergency, as early diagnosis can cause a significant reduction in disease transmission. Keywords: Monkeypox, outbreak, sexual transmission, Author(s): Pankhuri Dudani [1]; Ananya Sharma [1]; Morini S. Tammineni [2]; Somesh Gupta (corresponding author) [1] Introduction Human monkeypox (mpox) is an evolving zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), [...]

Biomarkers are fundamental to modern oncology practice, forming a close link to pathology practice. Pathology results must be accurate, timely, comprehensive, and comprehendible. External proficiency testing is a key tool in maintaining biomarker quality. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and utility of a novel end-to-end proficiency testing exercise exploring accuracy, turnaround time, and communication. Challenge specimens were made using resected colon cancer tissue, each paired with a fictional clinical vignette, and distributed to participants who were asked to provide all molecular testing required and return a final report for each case upon completion. Reports were redistributed to an assessor team including medical oncologists, each of whom was asked to recommend a systemic therapy based on each lab’s biomarker report. Participants were graded based on their ability to guide oncologists to the correct treatment. Eight laboratories participated. Three laboratories were found to have suboptimal results, two leading oncologists to incorrect therapeutic prescriptions, and one withdrawn. Turnaround time ranged from 6 to 86 days (median 24). Substantial qualitative reporting differences were identified. This study demonstrates the feasibility of end-to-end proficiency testing. The approach provides considerable value beyond analytic accuracy, including specimen management, turnaround time, and communication of results. Results suggest that reporting differences may lead to treatment disparities. This style of quality assurance will help reinforce good practices critical to the delivery of precision cancer care.

We thank Drs [...]

Abstract Background As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, novel vaccines need to be developed that are readily manufacturable and provide clinical efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the spike antigen at their surface offer remarkable benefits over other vaccine antigen formats; however, current SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccines candidates in clinical development suffer from challenges including low volumetric productivity, poor spike antigen density, expression platform-driven divergent protein glycosylation and complex upstream/downstream processing requirements. Despite their extensive use for therapeutic protein manufacturing and proven ability to produce enveloped VLPs, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are rarely used for the commercial production of VLP-based vaccines. Methods Using CHO cells, we aimed to produce VLPs displaying the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike. Affinity chromatography was used to capture VLPs released in the culture medium from engineered CHO cells expressing spike. The structure, protein content, and glycosylation of spikes in VLPs were characterized by several biochemical and biophysical methods. In vivo, the generation of neutralizing antibodies and protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection was tested in mouse and hamster models. Results We demonstrate that spike overexpression in CHO cells is sufficient by itself to generate high VLP titers. These VLPs are evocative of the native virus but with at least three-fold higher spike density. In vivo, purified VLPs elicit strong humoral and cellular immunity at nanogram dose levels which grant protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions Our results show that CHO cells are amenable to efficient manufacturing of high titers of a potently immunogenic spike protein-based VLP vaccine antigen.

This study examines the relationship between behavioral biases (herd behavior bias, overconfidence bias, and loss aversion bias) and the Big Five Personality traits. An exploratory study is devised to explore the links between biases and personality. The study develops a structured test battery to measure the biases. The items measuring overconfidence, loss aversion, and herd behavior bias was conceptualized and validated in the study. The test battery was sent out to 294 investors, and with a response percentage of 68%, 200 respondents returned the survey. The study employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the psychological biases questionnaire and employed structural equation modeling for path analysis. Two of the big five personality traits, i.e., Extraversion and Openness to experience, reported a significant causal relationship with all three biases., Author(s): Vibhash Kumar [sup.1] , Ria Dudani [sup.1] , Latha K. [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.8195.5, 0000 0001 2109 4999, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, , 110019, New Delhi, India [...]

Data Privacy has increasingly become a matter of concern in the era of large public digital respositories of data. This is particularly true in healthcare where data can be misused if traced back to patients, and brings with itself a myriad of possibilities. Bring custodians of data, as well as being at the helm of disigning studies and products that can potentially benefit products, healthcare professionals often find themselves unsure about ethical and legal constraints that undelie data sharing. In this review we touch upon the concerns, leal frameworks as well as some common practices in these respects.

Abstract Using our strongly immunogenic SmT1 SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen platform, we developed antigens based on the Beta & Delta variants of concern (VOC). These antigens elicited higher neutralizing antibody activity to the corresponding variant than comparable vaccine formulations based on the original reference strain, while a multivalent vaccine generated cross-neutralizing activity in all three variants. This suggests that while current vaccines may be effective at reducing severe disease to existing VOC, variant-specific antigens, whether in a mono- or multivalent vaccine, may be required to induce optimal immune responses and reduce infection against arising variants.

Abstract Deep neural networks (DNNs) have shown success in image classification, with high accuracy in recognition of everyday objects. Performance of DNNs has traditionally been measured assuming human accuracy is perfect. In specific problem domains, however, human accuracy is less than perfect and a comparison between humans and machine learning (ML) models can be performed. In recognising everyday objects, humans have the advantage of a lifetime of experience, whereas DNN models are trained only with a limited image dataset. We have tried to compare performance of human learners and two DNN models on an image dataset which is novel to both, i.e. histological images. We thus aim to eliminate the advantage of prior experience that humans have over DNN models in image classification. Ten classes of tissues were randomly selected from the undergraduate first year histology curriculum of a Medical School in North India. Two machine learning (ML) models were developed based on the VGG16 (VML) and Inception V2 (IML) DNNs, using transfer learning, to produce a 10-class classifier. One thousand (1000) images belonging to the ten classes (i.e. 100 images from each class) were split into training (700) and validation (300) sets. After training, the VML and IML model achieved 85.67 and 89% accuracy on the validation set, respectively. The training set was also circulated to medical students (MS) of the college for a week. An online quiz, consisting of a random selection of 100 images from the validation set, was conducted on students (after obtaining informed consent) who volunteered for the study. 66 students participated in the quiz, providing 6557 responses. In addition, we prepared a set of 10 images which belonged to different classes of tissue, not present in training set (i.e. out of training scope or OTS images). A second quiz was conducted on medical students with OTS images, and the ML models were also run on these OTS images. The overall accuracy of MS in the first quiz was 55.14%. The two ML models were also run on the first quiz questionnaire, producing accuracy between 91 and 93%. The ML models scored more than 80% of medical students. Analysis of confusion matrices of both ML models and all medical students showed dissimilar error profiles. However, when comparing the subset of students who achieved similar accuracy as the ML models, the error profile was also similar. Recognition of ‘stomach’ proved difficult for both humans and ML models. In 04 images in the first quiz set, both VML model and medical students produced highly equivocal responses. Within these images, a pattern of bias was uncovered–the tendency of medical students to misclassify ‘liver’ tissue. The ‘stomach’ class proved most difficult for both MS and VML, producing 34.84% of all errors of MS, and 41.17% of all errors of VML model; however, the IML model committed most errors in recognising the ‘skin’ class (27.5% of all errors). Analysis of the convolution layers of the DNN outlined features in the original image which might have led to misclassification by the VML model. In OTS images, however, the medical students produced better overall score than both ML models, i.e. they successfully recognised patterns of similarity between tissues and could generalise their training to a novel dataset. Our findings suggest that within the scope of training, ML models perform better than 80% medical students with a distinct error profile. However, students who have reached accuracy close to the ML models, tend to replicate the error profile as that of the ML models. This suggests a degree of similarity between how machines and humans extract features from an image. If asked to recognise images outside the scope of training, humans perform better at recognising patterns and likeness between tissues. This suggests that ‘training’ is not the same as ‘learning’, and humans can extend their pattern-based learning to different domains outside of the training set.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a direct measurement technique for chemical characterization of aerosols that can be applied without solvent extraction thermal treatment a priori. This technique has been used for chemical speciation, source apportionment, and detailed characterization of the complex organic fraction of atmospheric particles. Currently, most IR analyses are performed by transmission through porous membranes on which the particles are collected via filtration. The membrane materials interfere with the IR spectra through scattering and absorption that not only make extracting the chemical information on aerosol harder but also limit the lower extent of detection. An alternative IR measurement method that does not inherit such limitations is to collect the particles on an IR transparent material. We present an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) design that enables such measurements by collection on a zinc selenide (ZnSe) crystal. Through numerical simulations and rapid prototyping with 3D printing, we design and fabricate a device which is tested with polydispersed ammonium sulfate particles to evaluate the quantitative chemical composition estimates against particle count reference. Furthermore, with an image analysis procedure and using variable aperture of the IR spectrometer, we analyze the radial mass distribution. The collector has high collection efficiency (82 ± 8 %) and linear response to mass loading (R2 > 0.94) with a semi-uniform deposition. The method of design and fabrication is transferable to other applications, and the current ESP collector can provide directions for further design improvements.

Abstract With the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the emergence of novel variants, the development of novel vaccine formulations with enhanced immunogenicity profiles could help reduce disease burden in the future. Intranasally delivered vaccines offer a new modality to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections through the induction of protective immune responses at the mucosal surface where viral entry occurs. Herein, we evaluated a novel protein subunit vaccine formulation containing a resistin-trimerized prefusion Spike antigen (SmT1v3) and a proteosome-based mucosal adjuvant (BDX301) formulated to enable intranasal immunization. In mice, the formulation induced robust antigen-specific IgG and IgA titers, in the blood and lungs, respectively. In addition, the formulations were highly efficacious in a hamster challenge model, reducing viral load and body weight loss. In both models, the serum antibodies had strong neutralizing activity, preventing the cellular binding of the viral Spike protein based on the ancestral reference strain, the Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants of concern. As such, this intranasal vaccine formulation warrants further development as a novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) and mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) are two analytical methods for characterizing the chemical composition of organic matter (OM). While AMS provides high-temporal-resolution bulk measurements, the extensive fragmentation during the electron ionization makes the characterization of OM components limited. The analysis of aerosols collected on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters using MIR, on the other hand, provides functional group information with reduced sample alteration but results in a relatively low temporal resolution. In this work, we compared and combined MIR and AMS measurements for several environmental chamber experiments of combustion-related aerosols to achieve a better understanding of the AMS spectra and the OM chemical evolution with aging. Fresh emissions of wood and coal burning were injected into an environmental simulation chamber and aged with hydroxyl and nitrate radicals. A high-resolution time-of-flight AMS measured the bulk chemical composition of fine OM. Fine aerosols were also sampled on PTFE filters before and after aging for the offline MIR analysis. After comparing AMS and MIR bulk measurements, we used multivariate statistics to identify the functional groups associated the most with the AMS OM for different aerosol sources and oxidants. We also identified the key fragment ions resulting from molecules containing each functional group for the complex OM generated from biomass and fossil fuel combustion. Finally, we developed a statistical model that enables the estimation of the high-time-resolution functional group composition of OM using collocated AMS and MIR measurements. AMS spectra can be used to interpolate the functional group measurements by MIR using this approach. The latter allows us to better understand the evolution of OM during the aging process.

The treatment of mandibular deviation in a completely edentulous patient (after segmental resection of the mandible) without osseous reconstruction consists of a twin-table maxillary complete denture occluding with a mandibular segmental denture at deviated position. Salivary reservoirs incorporated into the maxillary complete denture provide a potential solution to the ill effects of xerostomia, which is the most common post-irradiation complication. Hereby, the authors presents a case report of 62-year-old male patient with a unique method of incorporating two salivary reservoirs: one in the center of the palatal surface and the second beneath the additional palatal row of prosthetic teeth, with an approximate capacity of 7 mL. The novel design includes a removable silicone lid with an escape hole, allowing the patient's tongue to control the release of the salivary substitute. It provided ease of removal of the lid, as well as cleaning and refilling of the reservoir. The design allowed area under the second row of teeth was utilised effectively without adding to the bulk of the denture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The undergraduate medical curriculum is vast and knowledge-intensive, leading to stress in medical students. Stress at the time of exam assessment is seen to be prevalent in medical students across the globe. The stress may be so great as to cause severe physical and psychological harm. Objective: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken to study the prevalence of exam stress, gender differences in anxiety scores, and coping strategies employed by students using a self-administered questionnaire. Methods: The study consisted of 104 undergraduate medical students at the end of the 5th semester examination in a medical college in North India. Results: 36.5% of students reported >36 anxiety score indicating high levels of stress. Females had significantly higher anxiety scores (35.05 ± 8.62) as compared to males (30.63 ± 9.32) (p=0.014). Hostelers vs. day scholars did not show significant differences in anxiety scores. 37% of students had a panic attack before an exam, 35.6% of students had trouble sleeping the night before the exam. Females were 2.171 times (95% CI 0.950 – 4.961) more likely to have anxiety >36 than males. Listening to music and sleeping were the most frequent coping strategies employed. Students who could alleviate their stress were 3.636 times more likely to have low anxiety. Males were 3.254 times (95% CI 1.233 – 8.585) more likely to have the stress alleviated than females. Conclusion: Medical students experience increased stress during exams which need to be urgently addressed.

The increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors across cancer programs has created the need for standardized patient assessment, education, monitoring, and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). At William Osler Health System in Brampton, Ontario, a practical step-wise approach detailing the implementation of cancer immunotherapy in routine practice was developed. The approach focuses on four key steps: (1) identification of patient educators; (2) development of patient education materials; (3) development of patient monitoring tools; (4) involvement and education of multidisciplinary teams. Here, we provide an in-depth description of what was included in each step and how we integrated the different elements of the program. For each step, resources, tools, and materials that may be useful for patients, healthcare providers, and multidisciplinary teams were developed or modified based on existing materials. At our centre, the program led to improved patient comprehension of irAEs, the ability to act on symptoms (patient self-efficacy), and low rates of emergency room visits at first presentation for irAEs. We recognize that centres may need to tailor the approaches to their institutional policies and encourage centres to adapt and modify the forms and tools according to their needs and requirements.

Purpose: Biomarker data are critical to the delivery of precision cancer care. The average turnaround of next-generation sequencing (NGS) reports is over 2 weeks, and in-house availability is typically limited to academic centers. Lengthy turnaround times for biomarkers can adversely affect outcomes. Traditional workflows involve moving specimens through multiple facilities. This study evaluates the feasibility of rapid comprehensive NGS using the Genexus integrated sequencer and a novel streamlined workflow in a community setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the early experience and performance characteristics of a novel approach to biomarker testing at a large community center. This approach to NGS included an automated workflow utilizing the Genexus integrated sequencer, validated for clinical use. NGS testing was further integrated within a routine immunohistochemistry (IHC) service, utilizing histotechnologists to perform technical aspects of NGS, with results reported directly by anatomic pathologists. Results: Between October 2020 and October 2021, 578 solid tumor samples underwent genomic profiling. Median turnaround time for biomarker results was 3 business days (IQR: 2–5). Four hundred eighty-one (83%) of the cases were resulted in fewer than 5 business days, and 66 (11%) of the cases were resulted simultaneously with diagnosis. Tumor types included lung cancer (310), melanoma (97), and colorectal carcinoma (68), among others. NGS testing detected key driver alterations at expected prevalence rates: lung EGFR (16%), ALK (3%), RET (1%), melanoma BRAF (43%), colorectal RAS/RAF (67%), among others. Conclusion: This is the first study demonstrating clinical implementation of rapid NGS. This supports the feasibility of automated comprehensive NGS performed and interpreted in parallel with diagnostic histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This novel approach to biomarker testing offers considerable advantages to clinical cancer care.

Liposomes composed of sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) have been shown to be a safe and effective vaccine adjuvant with a multitude of antigens in preclinical studies. In particular, SLA-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines based on trimeric spike protein antigens were shown to be immunogenic and efficacious in mice and hamsters. With the continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, we sought to evaluate next-generation vaccine formulations with an updated antigenic identity. This was of particular interest for the widespread Omicron variant, given the abundance of mutations and structural changes observed within its spike protein compared to other variants. An updated version of our resistin-trimerized SmT1 corresponding to the B.1.1.529 variant was successfully generated in our Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell-based antigen production platform and characterized, revealing some differences in protein profile and ACE2 binding affinity as compared to reference strain-based SmT1. We next evaluated this Omicron-based spike antigen for its immunogenicity and ability to generate robust antigen-specific immune responses when paired with SLA liposomes or AddaS03 (a mimetic of the AS03 oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant system found in commercialized SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccines). Immunization of mice with vaccine formulations containing this updated antigen with either adjuvant stimulated neutralizing antibody responses favouring Omicron over the reference strain. Cell-mediated responses, which play an important role in the neutralization of intracellular infections, were induced to a much higher degree with the SLA adjuvant relative to the AddaS03-adjuvanted formulations. As such, updated vaccines that are better capable of targeting towards SARS-CoV-2 variants can be generated through an optimized combination of antigen and adjuvant components.

Context: Accurate diagnosis may be challenging in nonneoplastic lung diseases. Newer techniques such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial brushing (BB), and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) have been studied mainly in lung cancers. Aim: This study assesses the efficacy of BAL, BB, and TBNA in non-neoplastic lung diseases, against a gold standard of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Settings and Design: Three-year prospective study in a tertiary care center in North India. Methodology: Adult patients (n = 137) with nonimproving respiratory complaints and clinical and radiological suspicion of having a pulmonary pathology were recruited. Patients of malignancy were excluded. Patients for whom all four samples of BAL, BB, TBNA, and TBLB were unavailable were excluded. Statistical Analysis Used: Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for all tests were computed and represented with 95% confidence intervals. TBLB was taken to be the gold standard. Two or more tests taken in combination were also analyzed. Results: We studied the patients of tuberculosis, interstitial pneumonia, acute and chronic nonspecific inflammation, sarcoidosis, fungal infection, interstitial lung disease, eosinophilic pneumonitis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in this study. TBNA had higher SN and SP (59.8% and 96.7%) than BB (57.0% and 93.3%) or BAL (54.2% and 86.7%). When combined, SN increased to 68.2% and SP decreased to 76.7%. Diagnostic yield for interstitial pneumonia and chronic inflammation was relatively high but poor for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Conclusions: TBNA had the highest SN and SP in diagnosing the various nonneoplastic lesions. However, BAL and BB are useful and complementary tools in the definitive diagnosis of localized and diffuse pulmonary infections.

Introduction: HIV-positive patients are at risk of developing various opportunistic infections, including disseminated histoplasmosis, the incidence of which is 29% in India. Diagnosis is usually delayed as the clinical manifestations are diverse and mimic other common diseases endemic to this region such as tuberculosis and visceral leishmaniasis. This leads to preventable morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective data analysis of 1280 HIV positive patients' who were on treatment at our centre between 2016 and 2020., of which 8 cases of confirmed histoplasmosis were identified. The clinicopathological spectrum and outcomes of these patients were analyzed and presented as a case series. Results: The median age of patients was 39.5 years. In six out of eight patients, disseminated histoplasmosis was the initial presentation of HIV. Fever, weight loss, macular-papular skin lesions, bicytopenia, and respiratory system involvement were the most common clinical manifestations. Pulmonary lesions included patchy areas of consolidation, miliary nodules, and pleural effusion. Gastrointestinal symptoms were uncommon. In six out of eight patients, CD4 count was

Genital ulcer disease (GUD) continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is an important risk factor for the acquisition of HIV. GUD is mainly caused by five sexually transmitted infections. Three pathogens most frequently associated with GUD are herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), Treponema pallidum, and Haemophilus ducreyi. Although their prevalence varies among different geographical regions, HSV-2 is the leading cause of this syndrome globally. In recent years, there has been an epidemiological transition of HSV-1 with a growing role of this virus as a causative agent of GUD. GUD may present with unique features depending on the etiological agent that can help clinicians identify the etiology and start treatment. However, owing to atypical presentations and co-infections, an accurate clinical diagnosis is often a challenge without confirmatory laboratory tests. Standard methods used to detect the causative pathogens of GUD have limitations. Molecular methods can provide a more sensitive and rapid microbiological diagnosis, with detection of the pathogen from the clinical sample directly. In situations where no laboratory support is available, the syndromic approach for management should be followed. The current scenario, clinical presentation (typical and atypical), laboratory diagnosis, and management of GUD will be discussed in this review. We searched PubMed literature and Google search engine using the terms “genital ulcer disease,” “epidemiology of genital ulcer disease,” and “clinical features of genital ulcer disease and atypical presentations” and relevant literature was selected to provide current perspectives of GUD.

Context: Medical education. Aims: This study was an effort to sensitize students and faculty with an active learning technique known as jigsaw method and study its effectiveness and feasibility. Settings and Design: A prospective observational study was conducted for 2nd-year medical undergraduates in a 2 h long session. Subjects and Methods: Eighty out of 100 students of entry batch 2017 during the third semester in 2018 participated in this study with the supervision of five faculty members. The session was evaluated using prevalidated anonymous questionnaires filled by faculty and students. Statistical Analysis Used: Questionnaire used comprised nine questions for students and seven for faculty questionnaire to which the responses were to be marked on a 5-point Likert scale. The percentage of students/faculty with each response was calculated and analyzed. Results: More than 85% of the class agreed that jigsaw classroom guided them to take responsibility of their own learning and was helpful in developing their information-synthesizing skills. Almost the same percentage of students was interested in participating in a similar active learning technique in future as well. Conclusions: Student-centered learning approaches like jigsaw technique aim to develop learner autonomy and independence by putting responsibility for the learning path in the hands of the student. Such techniques promote learning and foster respect among students from diverse backgrounds.

Abstract The huge worldwide demand for vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 has necessitated the continued development of novel improved formulations capable of reducing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we evaluated novel protein subunit vaccine formulations containing a resistin-trimerized spike antigen, SmT1. When combined with sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) archaeosome adjuvant, formulations induced robust antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Antibodies had strong neutralizing activity, preventing viral spike binding and viral infection. In addition, the formulations were highly efficacious in a hamster challenge model reducing viral load and body weight loss even after a single vaccination. The antigen-specific antibodies generated by our vaccine formulations had stronger neutralizing activity than human convalescent plasma, neutralizing the spike proteins of the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants of concern. As such, our SmT1 antigen along with SLA archaeosome adjuvant comprise a promising platform for the development of efficacious protein subunit vaccine formulations for SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose: This study aimed at psychiatric evaluation of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and its association. Material: Consecutive patients diagnosed to have CSCR were included in the study. The participants underwent a routine eye examination. After informed consent, participants were subjected to psychiatric evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist. Details of evaluation and psychiatric disorders were documented and if treatment required were given by the psychiatrist. The outcome measure was the incidence of psychological disorder. Results: Cross-sectional observational data analysis of 40 patients diagnosed to have treatment-naive CSCR who agreed to undergo psychiatric evaluation were included in the study. The ethnic origin of the patients was Asian Indian. The mean age was 39.55 ± 8.33 years with a male to female ratio of 33:7. After a thorough psychiatric evaluation, 31 individuals (77.5%) diagnosed to have mixed anxiety disorders, 4 (10%) had the major depressive disorder, and 5 (12.5%) had adjustment disorder. All 40 patients had stressed personality. All 40 patients had treatment with anti-anxiolytics and advised lifestyle modification. Of these 40 patients, one patient (2.5%) underwent treatment additionally with an antidepressant. Conclusion: All patients with acute CSCR had some form of psychiatric disorder. Psychiatric evaluation in acute treatment naïve CSCR may contribute to the management besides other factors known in the management.

Introduction: Tuberculosis mastitis is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. Clinical manifestations can be variable and unusual. Routine laboratory and imaging tests may yield nonspecific results making diagnosis challenging. Clinical details: A 33-year-old, healthy, nonlactating, female presented with a 15-day history of high fever, pain, and swelling of the left (Lt) breast. Examination revealed tender breast swelling with erythema of overlying skin. No breast lump/axillary lymphadenopathy was palpable. Nipple and areola were normal. No sinus/ulcer present. X-ray chest was normal. No tuberculous focus is present. Differential diagnosis includes breast abscess, mastitis, fungal infections, and granulomatous diseases. Mammography and ultrasound are not diagnostic of breast tuberculosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is useful only in presence of a breast lump. Open biopsy/surgical debridement may be required for confirmation. Conclusion: A high index of clinical suspicion with appropriate diagnostic tests and a standard antitubercular drug regimen is needed for a complete cure.

Introduction: Capillary hemangiomas are benign vascular neoplasms seen in the head, face, and neck regions of infants and children. Pyogenic granulomas commonly occur in the oral cavity in adults. Clinical details: We report a case of a 46-year-old male who presented with a rapidly growing mass on the toe which was clinically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma but was confirmed to be capillary hemangioma on histopathology. Conclusion: A high index of clinical suspicion for lesions at unusual sites along with caution is required during surgery of these neoplasms due to the risk of excessive bleeding.

Particulate matter (PM) affects visibility, climate, and public health. Organic matter (OM), a uniquely complex portion of PM, can make up more than half of total atmospheric fine PM mass. We investigated the effect of aging on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) concentration and composition for wood burning (WB) and coal combustion (CC) emissions, two major atmospheric OM sources, using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy and aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS). For this purpose, primary emissions were injected into an environmental chamber and aged using hydroxyl (diurnal aging) and nitrate (nocturnal aging) radicals to reach an atmospherically relevant oxidative age. A time-of-flight AMS instrument was used to measure the high-time-resolution composition of non-refractory fine PM, while fine PM was collected on PTFE filters before and after aging for MIR analysis. AMS and MIR spectroscopy indicate an approximately 3-fold enhancement of organic aerosol (OA) concentration after aging (not wall-loss corrected). The OM:OC ratios also agree closely between the two methods and increase, on average, from 1.6 before aging to 2 during the course of aging. MIR spectroscopy, which is able to differentiate among oxygenated groups, shows a distinct functional group composition for aged WB (high abundance of carboxylic acids) and CC OA (high abundance of non-acid carbonyls) and detects aromatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in emissions of both sources. The MIR spectra of fresh WB and CC aerosols are reminiscent of their parent compounds with differences in specific oxygenated functional groups after aging, consistent with expected oxidation pathways for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of each emission source. The AMS mass spectra also show variations due to source and aging that are consistent with the MIR functional group (FG) analysis. Finally, a comparison of the MIR spectra of aged chamber WB OA with that of ambient samples affected by residential wood burning and wildfires reveals similarities regarding the high abundance of organics, especially acids, and the visible signatures of lignin and levoglucosan. This finding is beneficial for the source identification of atmospheric aerosols and interpretation of their complex MIR spectra.

Objective: Breast Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst Indian females. Breast self-examination (BSE) as an early detection modularity can have a profound effect on lowering mortality, if it is practiced regularly. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Breast Self-examination amongst Indian women, aged 30 years and above. Methods: A validated questionnaire, consisting 35 questions measuring ‘Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Breast Self-Examination’ was widely circulated amongst 1000 females throughout India and responses were collected for a duration of 3 weeks, from 2nd, September 2020 to 23rd,September 2020. Results: Despite having knowledge about the technique of performing BSE, the respondents did not have a positive attitude towards it and were reluctant to practice BSE. A total of 54.4%, 15.1%, 21.3% and 9.2% of respondents were from the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern regions of India, respectively. The overall median (IQR) KAP score was 70.0 (16.0) out of a maximum of 110. The knowledge, attitude and practice domain scores were 22.0 (5.0), 36.0 (7.0), and 13.0 (8.0) out of a maximum of 30, 52 and, 28, respectively. All three individual score domains were significantly correlated with each other and the total score. Conclusion: Despite having knowledge about the technique of performing BSE, the respondents did not have a positive attitude towards it and were reluctant to practice BSE.

Vaccines play an important role in maintaining human and animal health worldwide. There is continued demand for effective and safe adjuvants capable of enhancing antigen-specific responses to a target pathogen. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious calicivirus that often induces high mortality rates in rabbits. Herein, we evaluated the activity of an experimental sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) archaeosome adjuvant when incorporated in subunit vaccine formulations targeting RHDV. The subunit antigens consisted of RHDV–CRM197 peptide conjugates or recombinant RHDV2 VP60. SLA was able to enhance antigen-specific antibody titers and cellular responses in mice and rabbits. Three weeks following immunization, antigen-specific antibody levels in rabbits vaccinated with RHDV2 VP60 + SLA were significantly higher than those immunized with antigen alone, with geomean titers of 7393 vs. 117. In addition, the SLA-adjuvanted VP60-based formulations were highly efficacious in a rabbit RHDV2 challenge model with up to 87.5% animals surviving the viral challenge. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of SLA adjuvants in veterinary applications and highlight its activity in different types of mammalian species.