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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.

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.

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.

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.

CONTEXT: Student approaches to learning are a significant determinant of success in the medical profession. AIM: This study assesses the study processes utilized by undergraduates in a medical college in North India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. METHODOLOGY: The study process questionnaire by Biggs et al. was adapted to Google forms and administered to 313 medical students. Individual domain scores assessing deep-motive, deep-strategy, surface-motive, and surface-strategy approaches were obtained. Other variables measured included gender, year of training, whether the student found online distance learning useful, and students' perceptions of their academic performance compared to their peers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The association between the categorical variables was assessed using a Chi-square test. The continuous measures were compared using a t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for multiple groups. RESULTS: Deep approach to learning was the most popular overall (66.1%). Females significantly favored deep approaches compared to males. There was no association between the year of training and the study process. The deep approach was associated with better academic performance. Online learning was significantly favored by females, students with a deep learning approach, and better academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and academic performance are associated with the study process adopted by medical students. An understanding of the learning methods used by students is helpful in training well-rounded health-care professionals.

Stress is one of the major problems globally, associated with poor sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction. Modern society is plagued by sleep disturbances, either due to professional demands or lifestyle or both the aspects, often leading to reduced alertness and compromised mental function, besides the well documented ill effects of disturbed sleep on physiological functions. This pertinent issue needs to be addressed. Yoga is an ancient Indian science, philosophy and way of life. Recently, yoga practice has become increasingly popular worldwide. Yoga practice is an adjunct effective for stress, sleep and associated disorders. There are limited well controlled published studies conducted in this area. We reviewed the available literature including the effect of modern lifestyle in children, adolescents, adults and geriatric population. The role of yoga and meditation in optimizing sleep architecture and cognitive functions leading to optimal brain functioning in normal and diseased state is discussed. We included articles published in English with no fixed time duration for literature search. Literature was searched mainly by using PubMed and Science Direct search engines and critically examined. Studies have revealed positive effects of yoga on sleep and cognitive skills among healthy adults as well as patients of some neurological diseases. Further, on evaluating the published studies, it is concluded that sleep and cognitive functions are optimized by yoga practice, which brings about changes in autonomic function, structural changes, changes in metabolism, neurochemistry and improved functional brain network connectivity in key regions of the brain.

Context: Medical students are more anxious and depressed than their peers, and the prevalence of various mental health problems is on the rise. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had far-reaching psychosocial consequences on the Indian population. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the mental health status of Indian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of medical students from across India. Methodology: The general health questionnaire with 28 items (GHQ-28) was adapted to GoogleForms® and circulated extensively to medical students in various colleges across India among the nationwide lockdown that began from March 22, 2020. A total of 1000 responses were collected for a period of 1 month from May 12 to June 11. Other questions included uncertainty due to the pandemic about one's career as a medical student, satisfaction with the field of medicine, the year of training, and how long the student believed the effects of the pandemic would last. Statistical Analysis Used: A Chi-square test was applied to compare the proportions, and Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the continuous variables between the groups. Results: A total of 60.3% (57.2–63.2) of students had GHQ-28 scores above the cutoff of >23 and had mental health problems. Female sex, smoking, alcohol, dissatisfaction with medicine, and uncertainty due to the pandemic were associated with mental distress. GHQ-28 scores increased uniformly with the year of training of the student, except in the case of IInd year, where scores were the least. Similar trends existed for the somatic, anxiety, social-dysfunction, and depression score components of the GHQ-28. Conclusions: Mental health issues are very common among medical students, particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early identification along with guidance and counselling is essential for all-round development of medical professionals.

Context: Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs as a consequence of dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation. Cardiovascular disease mortality is on the rise in India. Aims: Explore the utility of simple markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDLc) ratio, to study the extent of coronary lesions as seen on angiography. Settings and Design: Observational study in a tertiary-care hospital in North-India. Methodology: Coronary angiograms of 126 outpatients were graded as per Friesinger Index. Lipid profile was analyzed for each patient, along with complete blood count parameters, including total leukocyte count (TLC), absolute neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts and mean platelet volume (MPV). Statistical Analysis Used:Comparison of groups was done using a Mann–Whitney U test, of continuous variables using a correlation coefficient, and of categorical variables using a Chi-square test, and odds ratios were estimated. Receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed, and cutoffs were obtained. Results: TG/HDLc-ratio was associated with severe coronary lesions (Friesinger-Index ≥5) [odds ratio (OR): 3.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–9.10], which was stronger than the association of TG [OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.33–7.42] or HDLc [OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 0.81–3.82] alone. No association existed for total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. NLR was significantly higher among patients with severe lesions. NLR and MPV were significantly correlated with TG/HDLc ratio. Area under curve for TG/HDLc ratio and NLR was 73.7 and 60.8. Cutoff values were 2.53 (Sensitivity (SN) = 83.1%, Specificity (SP) = 56.7%) and 1.84 (SN = 61.0%, SP = 49.3%), respectively. Conclusions: TG/HDLc ratio and NLR are associated with CAD severity, more so than TG or HDLc alone, or TLC. They are easily accessible and inexpensive markers that may be utilized in identifying patients at risk for heart disease.

An immunocompetent, 25-year-old gentleman with bilateral chronic uveitis presented to various uveitis clinics at different points of time with documented typical clinical features of Toxoplasma Chorioretinitis (Headlight in fog appearance), Behcet's Disease (Hypopyon with peripheral retinal vasculitis), and Presumed Ocular Tuberculosis (Granulomatous Intermediate Uveitis with positive Interferon-gamma release assay) and had been treated with anti-toxoplasma drugs, oral prednisolone, and immunomodulation with oral Mycophenolate/oral Azathioprine to no avail. After cytological examination of vitreous aspirate, he was found to have non-Langerhans cell Histiocytosis which responded to chemotherapy with Vinblastine and Cyclophosphamide.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is characterized by villous/nodular proliferation of the synovial membrane affecting commonly the knee joint. Involvement of the hip ankle, shoulder, and elbow joint is distinctly uncommon. Young adults are mainly affected and present with localized pain with/without joint stiffness and swelling. Etiology thought to be due to synovial hyperplasia following chronic inflammation. The role of trauma is controversial. Radiography and computed tomography scan are not diagnostic in the early stages. MRI is useful in the diagnosis and follow-up. Histology reveals nodular proliferation lined by hyperplastic synovium beneath which are sheets of histiocytes, hemosiderin laden macrophages and osteoclast-like giant cells. Colony-stimulating factor 1 gene overexpression is seen in histiocytic cells. Syniovectomy is the mode of treatment. Total hip arthroplasty may be required for extensive disease. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose this rare disease to prevent the limitation of joint mobility and destruction.

Xanthogranulomatous endometritis (XGE) is an uncommon but well-established histopathological entity seen affecting the kidney and gallbladder. Involvement of the endometrium is very rare, with only a few case reports in world literature till date. Histologically, it is characterized by the replacement of the endometrium by sheets of foamy histiocytes, plasma cells, lymphocytes, giant cells, and siderophages. We present a case of a 74-year-old female who presented with foul-smelling discharge and postmenopausal bleeding of a short duration. Clinical examination and imaging studies revealed a pyometra, cervical stenosis. A suspicion of carcinoma was raised. Since XGE may mimic an endometrial carcinoma clinically and pathologically, knowledge of this unusual and rare inflammatory pathology is important for both the gynecologists and the pathologists.

Aim: Determination of the plane of occlusion in completely edentulous patients with the help of the ala-tragus line (Camper′s plane) may be questioned. An attempt to devise an alternative method to determine the orientation of the plane of occlusion was made. Materials and Methods: Cephalometric analysis was used to identify whether a correlation exists between the plane of occlusion of dentulous Indian individuals and other stable cranial landmarks. Results: A negative correlation was found to exist between the occlusal Plane-FH plane angle and the porion-nasion-anterior nasal spine (PoNANS) angle. Conclusions: From the derived mathematical correlation, it was concluded that the angulation of the occlusal plane in completely edentulous subjects may be determined by taking a cephalogram at the diagnostic stage. Further, the clinical applicability of the derived mathematical formula (while determining the plane of occlusion) was tested on completely edentulous patients.

Background: Transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an established and safe technique for diagnosis of thoracic mass lesions. Computed tomography (CT) scan depicts clear anatomical details and provides access to any area of the body. It is, however, expensive and the needle is not passed in real time. Ultrasound is cheaper, radiation free, and allows real time monitoring. Its limitations are obscurement of lesions by aerated lung, smaller, deep seated, and cavitary lesions. Aims: This study aims to compare sensitivity and specificity of CT scan and ultrasonography (USG) in thoracic FNAC. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on patients who presented with thoracic mass lesions in lungs, mediastinum, hilar lymph nodes, thoracic vertebrae, paraspinal soft tissue, and pleura. One hundred and twenty patients were studied. Only those cases in which sonographic guidance was not possible were taken up for CT guided FNAC. The lesions were assigned to benign and malignant categories and into specific diagnoses where possible. Biopsy correlation was available in 113 cases. Patients were lost to follow-up in five lung and two mediastinal masses. Statistical Analysis: Statistical tests applied included diagnostic tests for sensitivity and specificity. Results: An accuracy of 70.8% was found for image guided FNACs with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.2% and 100%, respectively. CT had a sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 100%. For USG guidance, the same was 91.3% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Precision of USG and CT scan is comparable for guidance in FNAC from thoracic mass lesions.

Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by the genus Paragonimus. Fresh water snails, crabs, and crayfish are the first and second intermediate hosts, respectively. Humans acquire this infection by ingesting uncooked/undercooked crustaceans. Laboratory diagnosis of Paragonimiasis is done by demonstration of ova in the sputum/feces/pleural fluid or by serology. A case of pulmonary Paragonimiasis is presented herewith; the patient having been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis earlier. The aim of this presentation is to highlight this entity so that it is considered in the differential diagnosis in a case of hemoptysis.

Carcinosarcoma (CS) or Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) of the prostate is a very rare malignant tumor of the prostate having an aggressive clinical course and dismal prognosis. The adenocarcinomatous element is usually of the acinar type and closely admixed with a sarcomatous component. We report a case of α-methyl-CoA-racemase (AMACR)-negative pseudohyperplastic variant of adenocarcinoma in CS. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no published case reports of this variant in CS till date. An accurate diagnosis is essential as this uncommon, aggressive cancer has limited therapeutic options

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of wheat gluten and related proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies. Duodenal biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. Correlation of clinical, serologic, and histological features is essential for a definitive diagnosis. The ratio of diagnosed versus undiagnosed cases is quite high. Aims: This study aimed to correlate the degree of mucosal damage with anti-tTG levels, mean baseline hemoglobin and endoscopic findings. Setting and Design: Two hundred twenty six adults suspected to have celiac disease were studied. Marsh grades were compared with anti-tTG levels, hemoglobin, endoscopy, and clinical presentations. Materials and Methods: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, serum levels of anti-tTG, complete hematologic work-up, and duodenal biopsy were performed in all 226 cases (including three siblings of confirmed patients) with well-defined symptom groups. Histopathological grading was done as per modified Marsh system. Correlation of all the parameters was performed with Marsh grades. Statistical Analysis : Performed on SPSS version 15.0. Tests applied include one way ANOVA, Chi-square test, repeated measure analysis, and Bonferroni′s method for comparison. Results were considered significant when P

Background : Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy globally. Cytological evaluation in breast lesions is largely subjective. Gradual progression of cells from normal to invasive involves nuclear changes that need to be viewed objectively. Aims : This study aims to apply nuclear morphometry on cytological breast aspirates. It evaluates its utility in differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions and correlates it with cytologic grading in malignant cases. Setting and Design : Nuclear morphometric parameters of malignant and benign cases were compared. Parameters of malignant cases were correlated with cytologic grading. Materials and Methods : Cytology was used to categorize aspirates from breast lumps into malignant (53 cases) and benign (29 cases). One hundred cells per case in both groups were mapped on DEBEL Cytoscan and six geometrical and three textural parameters obtained were compared. In malignant cases, morphometry was correlated with Robinson′s cytologic grading, which was further correlated in tissue sections (45 cases) with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson histologic grading. Statistical Analysis : Students "t"-test was applied for comparison between benign and malignant cases. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni′s post hoc comparison was applied to compare the three cytologic grades. Results were considered significant when PResults : Nuclear morphometry successfully differentiated between benign and malignant aspirates and correlated significantly with cytologic grades. Morphometry was especially useful in the diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ. Useful parameters were mean nuclear area, long axis, short axis and total run length. Cytohistologic correlation was 83.3%, 88.9% and 88.9% for cytological grades 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Conclusions : Nuclear morphometry was thus a useful objective tool in the evaluation of breast masses.

Preservation of fertility is an important issue in the management of young cancer patients. Though embryo cryostorage is a well-established procedure, it can only be availed by couples. Recent studies have indicated increasing success rates with mature and immature oocyte cryopreservation. Cryostorage induces injuries on the human oocytes which can be minimized by slow freezing and vitrification. Selection of candiidates is crucial so that the most suitable technique can be offered without any delay in initiation of cancer therapy. Factors affecting suitability are age of patient, assessment of ovarian reserve, hormonal status and type and stage of neoplastic disease. Encouraging results have been obtained with oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) followed by vitrification for cryostorage. Data on the use of vitrified eggs in routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) show that pregnancy rates can be comparable to those achieved with fresh oocytes.