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* Context.--Hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) is a variant of lichen planus that can be difficult to diagnose based on histopathologic features alone. Thus, patient clinical history and clinicopathologic correlation are essential considerations to make the correct diagnosis. Objective.--To discuss the clinical and histologic presentation of HLP and provide a thorough review of commonly encountered mimickers in the differential diagnosis. Data Sources.--Data were derived from a literature review, personal clinical and research experiences, and a review of cases in the archives of a tertiary care referral center. Conclusions.--In general, HLP involves the lower extremities and is characterized by thickened, scaly nodules and plaques that are often pruritic and chronic in nature. HLP affects both males and females and is most common in adults 50 to 75 years of age. Unlike conventional lichen planus, HLP tends to have eosinophils and classically displays a lymphocytic infiltrate most concentrated around the tips of rete ridges. The differential diagnosis for HLP is broad and encompasses numerous entities in many different categories, including premalignant and malignant neoplasms, reactive squamoproliferative tumors, benign epidermal neoplasms, connective tissue disease, autoimmune bullous disease, infection, and drug-related reactions. Therefore, a high index of suspicion must be maintained to avoid a misdiagnosis and potential inappropriate treatments. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2024;148:659-665; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0515-RA), Hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP), also known as lichen planus verrucosus or lichen planus hypertrophicus, is a variant of lichen planus (LP) not infrequently encountered in routine dermatologic practice. HLP can [...]

Introduction: Although diarrheal diseases are highly preventable, they remain one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population in developing countries. Knowledge of etiological agents is essential to implement public health programs. Viral infections are the most common cause of acute infectious diarrhea among children. There is a paucity of information regarding viral enteropathogens responsible for diarrhea in India, as many hospitals do not routinely carry out diagnostic tests for viral detection. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of viral enteropathogens in children under five years of age presenting with acute diarrhea using real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its correlation with clinico-demographic features. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Maharashtra from January 2016 to June 2019. Our study included 300 children who were under five years old with acute diarrhea. Standard protocols were advocated for the collection and transportation of stool samples. All samples were subjected to real-time multiplex PCR (Light cycler 480 Roche) using Fast Track Diagnostic kits for viral gastroenteritis. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical methods. Results: In our study, 57% of samples were positive for viral enteropathogens. Rotavirus (32%) was the most common isolate, followed by Norovirus Genogroup II (GII) (17%). The majority of pathogens were isolated from children less than 2 years of age. Conclusion: There is a need to test stool specimens of clinically confirmed diarrheal patients for enteric virus. This will avoid blind antibiotic treatment.

Background: Early childhood caries is one of the most serious and high-priced oral health conditions among young children. With advancing dental sciences, the focus of dental caries treatment is shifted from restorative procedures to preventive measures, and a modality grabbing attention is probiotics. Probiotics exert their effects in many ways as chemical inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and stimulation of the immune response through the production of immunoglobulin A and many more. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore the efficacy and safety of probiotics in dental caries in preschool children. Methodology: The study was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42020159058). The search was done for randomized control trials in electronic databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Medline, and Embase. It has further included manual searches of journals, conference abstracts, and books. Three reviewers done the selection of the study as per the criteria and also did the risk of bias assessment independently and wherever required, a fourth reviewer resolved the discrepancy in case of disagreement. Results: The nine randomized control trials were included in the study, and the pooled analysis revealed probiotics as an effective intervention in preschool children with dental caries. Conclusion: The results about the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of dental caries are very encouraging, though the level of evidence is still inadequate.

Mucosal melanoma is a rare and poorly characterized subtype of human melanoma. Here we perform a cross-species analysis by sequencing tumor-germline pairs from 46 primary human muscosal, 65 primary canine oral and 28 primary equine melanoma cases from mucosal sites. Analysis of these data reveals recurrently mutated driver genes shared between species such as NRAS, FAT4, PTPRJ, TP53 and PTEN, and pathogenic germline alleles of BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53. We identify a UV mutation signature in a small number of samples, including human cases from the lip and nasal mucosa. A cross-species comparative analysis of recurrent copy number alterations identifies several candidate drivers including MDM2, B2M, KNSTRN and BUB1B. Comparison of somatic mutations in recurrences and metastases to those in the primary tumor suggests pervasive intra-tumor heterogeneity. Collectively, these studies suggest a convergence of some genetic changes in mucosal melanomas between species but also distinctly different paths to tumorigenesis.

Context.--Conjunctival melanocytic lesions consist of a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions. These include benign processes such as primary intraepithelial hypermelanosis and melanocytic hyperplasia, secondary forms of intraepithelial hypermelanosis and melanocytic hyperplasia, melanocytic nevi, melanocytic proliferations with malignant potential, and melanoma. Objective.--To provide a concise yet comprehensive resource regarding the histopathologic diagnosis of conjunctival melanocytic lesions. We aim to detail and clarify the numerous classification schemes that exist for junctional melanocytic proliferations of the conjunctiva (known as primary acquired melanosis or PAM; also termed conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial neoplasia or C-MIN). Although not uniformly adopted, C-MIN is classified by using a numeric system based on a defined set of criteria. A less complex scheme (conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial lesion or CMIL) has recently been proposed by the World Health Organization. Additionally, we aim to update the reader regarding molecular features and prognostic indicators. Data Sources.--Peer-reviewed literature and archived cases for illustration. Conclusions.--Accurate histologic classification is essential, as PAM/C-MIN/CMILs that have a significant potential to progress to invasive melanoma may be clinically indistinguishable from low-risk lesions. Conjunctival melanoma (CM) more closely resembles cutaneous melanoma in terms of its pathogenesis and molecular features, compared to melanoma arising at other mucosal sites or to uveal melanoma. Depth of invasion and ulceration status, among other factors, have emerged as important prognostic indicators in CM. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may provide further prognostic information. Lastly, integration of pathologic and clinical findings is essential at this anatomically sensitive location to determine appropriate clinical management. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2022;146:632-646; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0006-RA), The histology of the conjunctiva ranges from a stratified nonkeratinized squamous mucosa to a more columnar epithelium with numerous goblet cells, depending on anatomic location. The subepithelial space (analogous to [...]

Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases of head and neck region. Management of OSCC involves removal of the Submandibular Gland (SMG) along with lymph nodes. The submandibular salivary gland is routinely removed, considering metastatic involvement from OSCC. Many studies showed there is no or rare involvement of the submandibular gland. Aim: To find the incidence of metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the submandibular salivary gland during neck dissection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study will be conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Sawangi, Maharashtra, India. The research started from November 2018. Data will be compilated in tabular form in term of descriptive statistics with frequency and proportion of submandibular gland involvement. It will be conducted on 90 operated cases of OSCC in whom one or both the submandibular glands will be removed during neck dissection. The outcome parameters will be the nature and site of lesion, clinical nodal status, clinical stage of disease, preoperative and postoperative histopathological examination of lesion, histopathological examination of resected lymph nodes and proportion of involvement of submandibular gland.

Karmakar et al produced a dermotropic, live attenuated centrin gene-deleted Leishmania major (LmCen −/− ) vaccine against Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). They demonstrated in hamsters that a single intradermal injection confers robust and durable protection against lethal VL that is transmitted naturally via bites of L. donovani-infected sand flies.

Foreign bodies in common bile duct (CBD) are rare. Obstructive jaundice in patients who have undergone cholecystectomy may be due to a variety of causes. Common causes of obstruction in these cases are residual stones, inflammatory or ischaemic strictures following CBD injury during cholecystectomy or malignant strictures. Foreign bodies in the bile duct in these post cholecystectomy patients are known but reported very rarely. Clinical features and biochemistry of these patients are no different than those due to other causes mentioned above. Imaging studies will show obstruction due to stones or sludge or narrowing but may not give conclusive diagnosis of a foreign body. Endoscopic ultrasound is helpful in these cases as it shows a hyperechoic foreign body within the stone if the substance is a metallic clip. In our current case series, we are presenting eight such cases with post cholecystectomy foreign bodies, in the form of materials used for ligating or clipping the cystic duct before transection during cholecystectomy, or a mistakenly left behind gauze piece, migrating into the bile duct and forming a nidus for stone formation and causing CBD obstruction. To conclude, if a patient presents with biliary obstruction with a history of cholecystectomy, the possibility of foreign body in the CBD must be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

Introduction: Although diarrheal diseases are highly preventable, they remain one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population in developing countries. Knowledge of etiological agents is essential to implement public health programs. Viral infections are the most common cause of acute infectious diarrhea among children. There is a paucity of information regarding viral enteropathogens responsible for diarrhea in India, as many hospitals do not routinely carry out diagnostic tests for viral detection. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of viral enteropathogens in children under five years of age presenting with acute diarrhea using real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its correlation with clinico-demographic features. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Maharashtra from January 2016 to June 2019. Our study included 300 children who were under five years old with acute diarrhea. Standard protocols were advocated for the collection and transportation of stool samples. All samples were subjected to real-time multiplex PCR (Light cycler 480 Roche) using Fast Track Diagnostic kits for viral gastroenteritis. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical methods. Results: In our study, 57% of samples were positive for viral enteropathogens. Rotavirus (32%) was the most common isolate, followed by Norovirus Genogroup II (GII) (17%). The majority of pathogens were isolated from children less than 2 years of age. Conclusion: There is a need to test stool specimens of clinically confirmed diarrheal patients for enteric virus. This will avoid blind antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : : Having a clean esophagus is an integral part of the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure for ensuring safety and success. Conventional preparation is a tricky, because there is no defined definite timeline of fasting for the different types of achalasia. The present study introduces a simple yet effective preparation of esophageal clearance. Methods : : All patients who underwent POEM were included. Patients were stratified in novel and conventional preparation groups by a random selection. In the novel preparation, the cases were maintained on lukewarm water and carbonated drink followed by nil per oral (NPO) prior to the procedure. In conventional preparation, the controls were maintained on clear liquid followed by NPO. Success rate of preparation and procedure related outcomes were compared using independent t tests and chi-squared tests. Results : : A total of 150 patients (male 54.0%; mean age 41.2 ± 15.5 years) were included in the study. Known baseline and clinical factors which could affect esophageal clearance were evenly distributed between the two groups. Novel preparation had provided absolute esophageal clearance (97.3%) without the requirement of pre-POEM endoscopic cleaning. Moreover, Novel preparation demonstrates several advantages over the conventional preparation: decreased anesthesia aspiration risk (P < 0.0001), reduced preoperative hospitalization (P < 0.0001), and hospital stays (P < 0.005). Conclusion : : Evidently, the novel preparation is very simple, efficient, safe and appropriate for all types of achalasia. Moreover, novel preparation provides absolute esophageal clearance without requiring prolonged period of liquid diet, fasting and pre-POEM endoscopic cleaning.

Background : : To assess the usefulness of endoscopic pancreatography without contrast agents and efficacy of transpapillary intervention for pancreatic duct (PD) rupture in chronic pancreatitis. Methods : : We retrospectively analyzed all cases of chronic pancreatitis with ductal rupture causing ascites, effusions and pseudocysts. We performed magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) without contrast. Results : observed based on the possibility of wire crossing the leak or not and their resolutions were noted. Results : : We performed ERP in 1,324 patients. Ductal disruptions in 321/1,324 (24.2%). We divided cases into two groups. Group 1 involves disruptions causing ascites in 60 cases (18.7%) and effusions in 34 cases (10.6%), and group 2 involves pseudocysts in 227 cases (70.7%). In group 1, 82 patients (87.2%) experienced successful cannulation of PD. Leak crossed in 70 (74.5%) with complete resolution in all. Leak did not cross in 12 cases of which 8 (8.5%) installed stents resolved while four (4.3%) did not resolve. In group 2, 219 (96.5%) PD cannulated. Leak did not cross but stents put in cyst (176, 77.5%). Complete resolution occurred without infection. Leaks were crossed in 43 (18.9%); complete resolution, 14 (32.6%). Complete regression was not achieved in 19 (8.3%). Eight cysts were not resolved (3.5%). Transmural drainage was done. Infection was noted in 2 cases (0.9%). Sites of leak in pseudocysts were jenu & body, 167 (73.6%); tail, 60 (26.4%). We recorded pancreas divisum in 24/321 (7.5%). ERP failed in 20 (6.2%). Three were managed medically (1.3%), 5 with distal pancreatectomy (2.2%), 4 with lateral pancreatico jejunostomy (1.8%), and 8 with transmural drainage (3.5%). Conclusion : : PD rupture in chronic pancreatitis can be managed transpapillary, without any contrast during ERP. In majority, endosonography aspiration and transmural drainage are needed only when transpapillary fails. Leak from tail responded better than those from proximal duct with ERP.

Background This study was aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of Z–peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM; submucosal tunneling endoscopic myotomy) for Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). Methods This is a retrospective study at a single tertiary care center in India. The Z-POEM technique was performed using principles of submucosal tunneling endoscopy with prior experience from POEM technique for achalasia cardia Results Sixteen patients (male, 62.5%; mean age, 73.2 ± 5.2 years) were included with a mean Charleson’s comorbidity index of 4.32. The mean size of ZD was 34.8 ± 10.0 mm. The technical success rate was 100%. Clinical success was achieved in 100% (16/16) with a decrease in mean dysphagia score from 2.9 to 0.2 (p

Aim To assess the feasibility and amount of cyanoacrylate glue that can be injected safely per session, complications, and long-term results in GOV1, GOV2 and IGV1 varices, using a modified method. Method All patients from October 2008 to December 2019 presenting to us with variceal bleeding were included. We injected 0.5 mL of cyanoacrylate glue followed by 1.5 mL to 3 mL distilled water in all GOV 1, GOV 2 and IGV varices. Number of glues used were not restricted. Esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) was done for esophageal varices. Follow-up was done at 4 weeks and 3 to 6 months and analyzed. Results 2299 patients received therapy. Male:female, 69%:31%. Causes of varices–cirrhosis (84.9%) and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) (15.1%). Causes of cirrhosis–alcohol (38.4%), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (29%), hepatitis B (19.9%), hepatitis C (10.1%), Wilson’s disease (1.8%), and autoimmune diseases (0.9%). As much as 41.1% had blood in stomach and 10.2% had active spurt on index endoscopy. As much as 14.5% required endotracheal intubation (active bleed [53.1%], encephalopathy [40.5%], respiratory distress [6.6%]). As much as 30.9% had GOV1 + GOV2, 1.5% had GOV2 + IGV1, 21.3% had GOV1 + IGV1 and 16.4% had GOV1 + GOV2 + IGV1. Hemostasis could be achieved in 99.2% on index endoscopy. A total of 18 (0.8%) patients had uncontrolled bleed of whom 10 (55.6%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Ongoing bleed was treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) (61.1%) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coiling (38.8%). Amount of glue required for gastric variceal obturation was 3.6 on index endoscopy, 1.6 on follow-up at 4 to 6 weeks, and 1.2 at 3 months follow up. Glue extrusion with ulcers were seen in 6.4% at 4 to 6 weeks and 4.3% at 3 months. Rebleed occurred in 2.1% and 0.7% patients before 4 weeks and 3 months follow-up, respectively. As much as 1.3% and 1.2% patients were lost to follow-up before 4 weeks and 3 months follow-up sessions, respectively. Complications include pulmonary aspiration in 0.9% and bleeding from ulcers 2.8%. No evidence of pulmonary embolism was seen. In two endoscopic procedures, glue splashing into operator’s eyes occurred. Incidents of needle getting stuck in the varix occurred in three patients. Conclusions Our modified protocol for glue in gastric varices is safe and feasible, as it has less rebleed, no pulmonary embolism and less ulcers with glue extrusion as compared with available literature.