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Introduction Schools provide an ideal setting for teaching first-aid skills. A concern is who should train these students when medical doctors and paramedics are busy in hospitals. School teachers can be enabled with instructors’ skills for delivering first-aid training to students under the supervision of one lead instructor. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured first-aid training by trained teachers on knowledge and practice of first aid among school children of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Methods This was a school-based pre- and post-test study. A convenient sample of 109 students (30–40 in each group) were recruited. The first phase was the assessment of needs by focus group discussion with school teachers and students, followed by the development and validation of the module and questionnaire. In the implementation phase, teachers were trained in first aid and facilitation skills, followed by students’ training. Knowledge and skill assessment was carried out. Feedback was noted. Result Need assessment interviews revealed first aid is needed for injuries and bleeding, sprain and fractures, basic life support, choking, nose bleed, animal/insect bites, and lifting/transport of victims. The pretest mean score of students was 6 (2) and increased to 16 (2.1). The relative learning gain was 167%, and absolute was 50%. All students were satisfied with the course and instructors. The facilitation skills score of teachers increased from 39-49 just after training to 67-72 by the end of the second workshop. Conclusion Teachers as facilitators for first-aid training of school students were found to be effective and feasible, and students were highly satisfied with the course and facilitators.

Abstract Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a lethal disease with surgical resection as the only curative treatment. However, many patients are ineligible for surgery, and current adjuvant treatments exhibit limited effectiveness. Next-generation sequencing has improved our understanding of molecular pathways in cancer, sparking interest in microRNA-based gene regulation. The aim of the study is to identify dysregulated miRNAs in GBC and investigate their potential as therapeutic tools for effective and targeted treatment strategies. GBC and control tissue samples were sequenced for miRNA expression using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Biological processes and related pathways were determined using the Panther and Gene Ontology databases. 439 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; 19 of them were upregulated and 29 were downregulated. Key enriched biological processes included immune cell apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) overload response, and negative regulation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. Panther analysis revealed the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade, p38 MAPK pathway, p53 pathway, and FAS (a subgroup of the tumor necrosis factor receptor) signaling pathway as highly enriched among dysregulated miRNAs. Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), AR, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) pathways were identified among the key pathways potentially amenable to targeted therapy. We concluded that a combination approach involving miRNA-based interventions could enhance therapeutic outcomes. Our research emphasizes the importance of precision medicine, targeting pathways using sense and anti-sense miRNAs as potential therapies in GBC.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised an immediate demand for skilled workforce in hospitals. There is limited literature related to perspectives of trainers in this unprecedented situation. This study aimed to examine lived experience of trainers while delivering training to a large number of participants in a challenging situation with the fear of contracting the infection themselves. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological research was conducted in a tertiary care training centre among 21 trainers who trained 8417 healthcare personnel. Data was collected through Google Forms, which consisted of open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA software. Three themes and nine subthemes related to the teaching–learning method, administrative support, and challenges faced by the trainers were extracted. Results: Participants included nurses, nursing tutors, resident doctors, and faculty from nursing and medical specialities. Classroom teaching strategies with demonstration, simulation & hands-on training, and even virtual demonstrations were favoured as the effective teaching methods and modes. Well-planned modules, availability of infrastructure and advanced supporting software facilitated training sessions. Hands-on skill assessment was favoured as the best evaluation method. Trainers also expressed various challenges faced in planning and executing the training. Conclusion: A meticulous planning of preparedness training based on the understanding level of participants and their scope of work led to feasible and fast large-scale capacity building of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. Diverse educational methods, as per demand of situations, online training, and in-person hands-on techniques via simulation lead to more responsive delivery of training and learning than a single method.

Background Primary contraction of full-thickness graft has been traditionally quoted to be 40%. There are lacunae in literature to elaborate on the factors influencing it ever since. Methods About 75 subjects who underwent full-thickness grafting procedures to resurface small defects were included in the study. The initial and final graft dimensions after primary contraction were traced on X-ray templates and the percentage of contraction was evaluated using the graphical method. This was further correlated with age, collagen, elastic matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and -2 content along with dermal thickness of the skin specimen sent from the graft. Results The primary contraction of the graft had a very significant correlation only with the initial size of graft harvested with a linear regression of 33.3% and a Spearman's correlation of 0.587 significant at a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion This study though preliminary tries to highlight an important factor that primary contraction of grafts is a physical phenomenon independent of its contents like collagen, elastin, or MMP-1 and -2 or age and dependent on its initial size of harvest instead.

Background Modern human patient simulators (HPSs) could be used for researching critical scenarios such as apnea oxygenation. We aimed to study the use of a high-fidelity HPS to assess prolonged apnea using various oxygenation strategies with a simple high-flow nasal cannula (15 L/min). Methods An experimental simulation study using an HPS (CAE Healthcare™) was conducted after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board. The HPS responded according to real-time physiologically modeled responses to external gases, such as oxygen (O2). Apnea experiments were performed with different physiological settings, such as shunt fraction (5%) and O2 consumption (250, 500, and 750 ml/min). The following four apnea experiments were conducted: no oxygenation (NO), apnea oxygenation alone (AO), preoxygenation alone (PO), and para-oxygenation (PAO). The time to 92%, 75%, and 50% saturation was recorded. Alveolar and arterial gas levels were recorded till 50% saturation. Results At 250 ml/min, PO (1121 s) and PAO (1274.5 s) had a significantly longer time to 50% saturation (400% increase) compared to NO (222.5 s) and AO (239 s). A similar trend was observed for the time to 92% and 75% saturation. At higher O2 consumption rates, a shorter time to desaturation was observed. Conclusions Apnea trends in the HPS correlated with similar prior human experiments. AO without preoxygenation was found to provide no additional benefit. Preoxygenation with high-flow O2 via nasal cannula prolonged the time to desaturation in the PAO more than PO scenario. Therefore, HPSs can be used in future studies where patient safety is a concern.

Objective: The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment protocol depends upon lymph node metastasis. Elective neck dissection for early-stage OSCC (pT1/T2) elective neck dissection reduces the morbidity rate. It also reduces the overall survival and thus it becomes important to detect lymph node metastasis in early-stage OSCC. Material and Method: Various histomorphological parameters have been studied to predict nodal metastasis in early-stage OSCC. We aim to evaluate these parameters in the context of nodal metastasis. 78 cases of early-stage OSCC were included in the study with histopathologic parameters like tumor size, grade, tumor depth of invasion (DOI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), worst pattern of invasion (WPOI), and lymph node level. Results: Out of the 78 patients, 32 patients had lymph node metastasis. T stage, DOI, LVI, and WPOI showed statistically significant deviance from the null model (P-values of 0.007, 0.01, 0.04 and 0.02 respectively). The Odds Ratio (OR) of T stage, DOI, LVI and WPOI were 4.45 (95% C.I =1.47-14.1), 4.4 (95% C.I =1.32-15.88), 8.12 (95% C.I =1.002-198.20), and 3.39 (95% C.I =1.24-9.74) respectively. On multivariate analysis (Firth logistic regression) using DOI, LVI, and WPOI as independent variables, only T-stage and WPOI retained statistical significance. Conclusion: The prognostic information supplied by evaluating DOI, LVI, and WPOI warrants the inclusion of these parameters in the standard reporting format for all cases of OSCC.

Introduction Cancer immunotherapy targeting the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) axis has revolutionized cancer therapy. PD-L1 also serves as a predictive marker for such therapy. To assess the potential of such therapy in any cancer, the positivity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in such cancers needs to be assessed. However, such studies for breast cancer are lacking in South Asia. We aimed to estimate the positivity of PD-L1 and PD-1 receptors in breast cancer and its various clinicopathological groups in our patient population. Materials and Methods We studied the immunoexpression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in 103 histologically proven invasive carcinoma breast cases from October 2018 to April 2019. The percent positivity of PD-1 and PD-L1 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated for all the cases as well as groups defined by stage, grade, molecular subtype, hormone receptor status, Ki-67, and age. Results PD-1 positivity was seen in 72 (69.9%) cases (95% CI: 60.1–78.6). PD-L1 immunoexpression was seen in 61 (59.2%) cases (95% CI: 49.1–68.8) in immune cells and in 39 (37.9%) cases (95% CI: 28.5–50.0) in tumor cells. No significant association was found between PD-1, PD-L1 and age, overall clinical stage, grade, size, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and Ki-67. Moderate-to-high PD-1 and PD-L1 immunopositivity was seen in all subtypes of breast cancer. Conclusion PD-1 and PD-L1 is expressed in all subgroups of breast carcinoma. Patients in all such groups are amenable to immunotherapy, provided they are found suitable otherwise.

Background: Bone marrow metastasis is an uncommon yet significant presentation of many non haematological malignancies. Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim of analysing the clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters of the patients with bone marrow metastases and determines the parameters which could possibly indicate the presence of bone marrow metastases. Patients and Methods: Bone marrow aspirate, imprint and biopsy slides of 22 cases with bone marrow metastases were reviewed and the haematological and biochemical data of all these cases were compared with that of 20 controls without any evidence of metastases. Results: The mean values of mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were found to be significantly different (P < 0.001) between the cases and controls. MPV 3.5 and LDH >452 U/L showed a high likelihood ratio in predicting bone marrow metastases. Conclusion: Parameters such as MPV, NLR and LDH can be used as efficient and easily available methods to predict bone marrow metastasis for a rapid diagnosis.

Context: Automated cell counters have revolutionised laboratory medicine and are being used worldwide. They give accurate results, can run large number of samples and generate accurate results within a short span of time. Quality check procedures in this equipment ensure accuracy of results. However, for platelet counts, the pathologist is still dependent on confirming the results by manual methods, especially in situations of low platelet count and flagging by the electronic counter. Different laboratories use different methods for manual estimation of platelet counts. Aims: This study was done to compare the platelet counts assessed on peripheral smear examination by different multiplication factors, and to identify the multiplication factor which derives the most accurate platelet count. Settings and Design: This was an observational study. Methods: Peripheral smears prepared from 100 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-anticoagulated blood samples were manually examined under oil immersion field (OIF) for platelets. Platelet count was further calculated by multiplying the number of platelets per OIF using multiplication factors of 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. This was compared with platelet (PLT)/red blood cell (RBC) method and automated platelet counts. Accuracy of various manual methods was evaluated by calculating the per cent difference of the methods with automated analyser counts. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics was used for statistical analysis. Results: Manual platelet count estimation on peripheral smear employing multiplication factor of 15,000 was found to have comparable accuracy to analyser counts, followed by the PLT/RBC ratio method. Conclusions: This study confirms that for manual estimation of platelet counts on peripheral smear, a standard multiplication factor of 15,000 on OIF gives the most accurate result, which is closest to counts obtained by automated analysers.

The use of simulation is a unique teaching–learning approach in medical and nursing education to empower undergraduates with desired clinical skills. Simulation duplicates the events from the real world and influences the learner in a naturalistic setup and evokes a real experience to the learner. This method of learning facilitates students to practice multiple times to attain proficiency in a particular technique without compromising on patient safety. They can rely on simulation exercises in clinical skill laboratories (CSL), which boost their confidence level, reduce anxiety, and promote satisfaction before performing or dealing in real clinical settings. Simulation has been widely used for formative evaluation and is a reliable assessment tool as it ensures a high level of objectivity. The simulation-based approach in undergraduate medical and nursing education is an effective way of learning that can be incorporated into the educational strategy. This article presents the evolutionary growth, modalities, prerequisites, usefulness, and challenges for simulation-based learning.

Background and Purpose: The healthcare system in India collapsed during the secondwave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A fungal epidemic was announced amid the pandemic with several cases of COVID-associated mucormycosis and pulmonary aspergillosis being reported. However, there is limited data regarding mixed fungal infections in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, we present a series of ten consecutive COVID-19 patients with mixed invasive fungal infections (MIFIs).Materials and Methods: Among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in May 2021 at atertiary care center in North India, 10 cases of microbiologically confirmed COVID-19-associated mucormycosis-aspergillosis (CAMA) were evaluated.Results: All patients had diabetes and the majority of them were infected with severeCOVID-19 pneumonia (6/10, 60%) either on admission or in the past month while twowere each of moderate (20%) and mild (20%) categories of COVID-19; and were treatedwith steroid and cocktail therapy. The patients were managed with amphotericin-B along with surgical intervention. In total, 70% of all CAMA patients (Rhizopus arrhizus with Aspergillus flavus in seven and Aspergillus fumigatus complex in three patients)survived.Conclusion: The study findings reflected the critical importance of a high index ofclinical suspicion and accurate microbiological diagnosis in managing invasive dualmolds and better understanding of the risk and progression of MIFIs among COVID-19patients. Careful scrutiny and identification of MIFIs play a key role in theimplementation of effective management strategies.

Objective:The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused delaying breast cancer management, increasing time interval in chemotherapy cycles and surgery. This has implications on radiological manifestation of cancer. Further, we evaluated changes observed in mammography.Materials and Methods:This case control study was conducted from March 25th, 2020 to August 15th, 2020 at the Integrated Breast Care Centre, All India Institute of Medical Science Rishikesh (AIIMS), Rishikesh. Sonomammography was performed on follow-up patients who were on chemotherapy and were scheduled for surgery. Moreover, duration of delay from the last neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) cycle was recorded. Similar data in the pre-COVID-19 period from November 4th, 2019 to March 24th, 2020 was compared with post-COVID-19 data and was analyzed by SPSS Version 23.Results:The study included 54 patients who presented between March 25th, 2020 and August 15th, 2020. Furthermore, the delay in NACT cycles has been shown to be associated with disease progression (p = 0.045). Subgroup analysis of treatment duration with various parameters revealed significant correlation between size, appearance of ulceration, and response evaluation (p0.05). A substantial difference was seen in the evaluation of NACT response in pre- and post-COVID-19 time, with partial response (n = 39, 58.24%) seen as the most common response in pre-COVID-19 time and progressive disease (n = 28, 51.9%) as the most common response in post-COVID-19 time (p

Background: Internship is a facilitatory period that hones skills and helps in the evolution of a qualified medical student to a competent doctor. The feeling of a final year student joining as a fresh intern after successfully completing the final professional examination will be directionless without a bridging initiative through a buffer program. Fresh interns need to be oriented to the fundamentals of working effectively with a patient as a whole and not as a separate discipline. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the internship orientation program and to assess the feedback of participants about this program. Methodology: This was a study conducted on 235 freshly joined medical interns. The process included evaluation of a well-structured seven-day orientation program by prevalidated structured Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and feedback. Results: All interns performed satisfactorily in the post-test with a mean score of 74.13 ± 7.18. Post-test scores were highest for procedure skills and communication skills, including medical ethics. Overall, 232 (99%) of interns responded that the program was useful and it successfully enhanced their clinical skills; 221 (94%) of interns expressed that the content of the program was excellent to good; and 228 (97%) of interns felt that the method used for training was appropriate. Interns also documented that there were a few new skills that were acquired by attending this program. Conclusion: There is an unmet need for an internship orientation program across all medical colleges to lay a strong foundation for naive interns. Based on the results, we recommend an internship orientation program for a smooth and swift transition from that of a medical student to professional life. It will orient the interns and lay the foundation for the next level of assignment in building their professional career. Key Messages: Internship orientation programs are recommended for a smooth and swift transition from that of a medical student to professional life.

Background Due to the risk of viral transmission during in-person training, a shift toward online platforms is imperative in the current pandemic. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of an in-person interactive course with a structurally similar online course designed to improve cognitive skills among clinical health professionals in arterial blood gas analysis, management of electrolyte imbalances, and approaches to mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. Methods In an observational, outcome assessor-blinded, cohort trial, group A included participants enrolled prospectively in an online course, while group B included those who took part in an in-person course (retrospective arm). The primary objective was comparison of cognitive skills through a pre and post-test questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t-test. Results In total, 435 participants were analyzed in group A, while 99 participants were evaluated in group B. The mean pre-test score was 9.48±2.75 and 10.76±2.42, while the mean post-test score was 11.94±1.90 (passing rate, 64.6%) and 12.53±1.63 (passing rate, 73.3%) in groups A and B, respectively. Group B scored significantly higher in both pre-test (P=0.001) and post-test evaluations (P=0.004). The improvement in post-test score was significantly greater (P=0.001) in group A (2.46±2.22) compared to group B (1.77±1.76). The medical specialties fared better in group B, while surgical specialties scored higher in group A. The pre-test vs. post-test scores exhibited a moderate correlation in both groups (P3.5 for most points in both groups. Conclusions The online teaching module exhibited a significant benefit in terms of participant sensitization and knowledge sharing.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is recommended for diagnosing bronchial neoplasms and evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes. However, it may not be possible to subtype or definitely categorize many bronchial neoplasms on FNAC smears alone. Obtaining adequate diagnostic material is often a problem. In such cases, cell blocks made from FNAC material may serve as a useful adjunct. Aim: To study the value and limitations of cell blocks in adding diagnostic information to EBUS guided FNAC smears. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty-five cases of EBUS guided FNAC having concomitant cell blocks were reviewed. The cases were evaluated for the extent of adequacy, of definite benign/malignant categorization and of definite subtyping in malignant tumors in these cases. The proportion of cases in which cell blocks added information to FNAC smears alone for the above parameters were calculated. Results: Cell blocks provided additional information in 31 out of 185 cases. Cell blocks were necessary for subtyping 24/59 malignant tumors, definite categorization into benign and malignant in 10/140 adequate samples, and increasing adequacy in 6/185 total samples. A total of 45 samples were inadequate in spite of adding information from cell blocks to smears. Conclusion: Cell blocks added clinically significant information to EBUS guided FNAC and should be used routinely. To make it more useful, alternative methods of cell block preparation (including proprietary methods) may be evaluated.

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic, aggressive, and angioinvasive fungal infection associated with a high mortality rate as it disseminates and infects the whole body if not treated early. Most conventional diagnostic methods require time and may also generate false-negative reports due to the several lacunae associated. On the other hand, molecular methods are rapid, reliable, and can be applied to different biological samples, such as fresh tissue, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks, serum, and urine. Mucorales are angio-invasive, and many studies have found the circulating fungal DNA (a non-invasive form of DNA) in the blood and urine of the patient. In addition, with the increase in the usage of steroid drugs in this COVID scenario, the rate of mucormycosis infection has taken a sudden rise. In light of this situation, there is an imperative need to diagnose these infections at the earliest.Studies on the diagnosis of mucormycosis were explored and retrieved from Pubmed and Google Scholar. Histopathology and culture reports of patients diagnosed with mucormycosis in 2019-2020 were searched and retrieved from the hospital database (ethically permitted) to find the rate of concordance between the techniques.In this review study, different tested molecular techniques are encapsulated, and various primers are documented that are used to identify and classify different Mucoromycota fungi.An attempt has been made to compare the feasibility, accuracy adaptability, and time frame used among molecular and conventional methods for the diagnosis of mucormycosis.

Background: Occupational health hazard pertaining to health care providers is one of the neglected areas that need serious attention. Any compromise in their safety would result in reduction in workforce, which may affect patient care, keeping in mind the wide gap between the required number and actual health care workers (HCWs) available in the world over.Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate the change in knowledge through a sensitization training program on occupational health hazards and vaccination for HCWs.Materials and Methods: Participants of the study included nursing and allied HCWs of a tertiary care health institute in Uttarakhand, India. Multiple training sessions, each of around 180 min, were held periodically in small groups with 20–40 participants over 2 years. Participants were assessed with pretest and posttest questionnaires, and feedback was taken. Questionnaires comprised three categories: general safety and ergonomics, biological hazards, and chemical and radiation hazards. Data of incident reporting for needlestick injury from 2017 to 2019 were retrieved. All data were compiled in Excel sheet and analyzed.Results: A total of 352 participants were included in the study. Mean ± SD for pretest and posttest scores were 5.3 ± 2.13 and 11.22 ± 2.15, respectively. There was considerable improvement in knowledge, which was found to be statistically significant with p-value of 0.001 for all categories. Participants in their feedback suggested for inclusion of psychosocial aspect in further training programs.Conclusion: Low baseline knowledge prior to attending the course highlights a need for an intervention through such structured sensitization program to create awareness and educate HCWs on common occupational health hazards and vaccination. Statistically significant improvement in posttest knowledge highlights effectiveness of the training program. A drastic rise in incident reporting for needlestick injury reflects fairly good impact of training program. Regular and appropriate form of training can reduce injuries resulting from occupational hazards and ensure healthy workforce contributing toward a positive impact on national economy.

Introduction: Adnexal masses have a wide spectrum with respect to the age of presentation, signs and symptoms, imaging findings, and histopathology report. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional diagnostic study, conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The data were collected from department of gynecology over a period of 1½ years from June 2017 to December 2018. All women who were diagnosed to have an adnexal mass irrespective to age, parity, and menopausal status were included in the study. Ultrasonography of the abdomen with the pelvis was ordered in all patients followed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in selective patients. Tumor markers such as Ca-125 was measured, and risk of malignancy index (RMI) was calculated for each tumor. The clinical and imaging findings were correlated with intra-operative findings and finally with the histopathology examination report. Results: A total of 171 women were included in the study who were diagnosed to have adnexal mass. A total of 137 women (80.1%) had benign tumor (Group B), whereas 34 women (19.9%) were found to have malignant tumor (Group M). Mean age in Group B was 35.85 ± 12.46 and in Group M was 46.12 ± 13.46 (P = 0.001). Ca-125 was significantly higher in Group M (1350 U/ml) than Group B (175 U/ml) (P = 0.008). The RMI score was also found to significantly increased in Group M than Group B (P = 0.007). Conclusion: With respect to adnexal masses, both Ca-125, as well as RMI scoring, are important diagnostic tools. RMI scoring has a better overall diagnostic performance than Ca-125 in predicting malignancy.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer related mortality in Indian women. Aim: To evaluate the imaging characters of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) on Mammography and Ultrasonography (USG), with the major goal of identifying imaging predictors of TNBC. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective case-control study was conducted at AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, over a period of one year from September 2018 to August 2019. The imaging findings of 50 cases of histopathologically proven TNBC were retrospectively evaluated by two breast radiologists. This was compared with 50 age matched blindly chosen cases of non-TNBC. The statistically significant imaging characters of TNBC were identified by Chi-square test. The imaging predictors of TNBC were identified by regression analysis. Results: The most common mammographic presentation of TNBC was mass without calcification (64%) with round/oval shape (54%) and lobulated margins (38%). The most common ultrasonographic presentation was hypoechoic mass (76%) with round/oval shape (52%) and lobulated margins (44%) with Posterior Acoustic Enhancement (PAE) (54%). PAE (p

BACKGROUND: Video-based teaching has become rapidly popular during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of a hybrid video-based teaching module of oxygen therapy and critical care troubleshooting in nursing professionals managing COVID-19 patients in our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analytical study (pretest and posttest design) was conducted in our medical education department in March 2022 using the data from a workshop conducted on oxygen therapy and critical care area troubleshooting during COVID-19 patient management for 296 nursing professionals. A hybrid video-based teaching module was used. Pretest and posttest data were compared along with subgroup analysis. P value

Introduction: Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer (PABC) is any breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 12 months after delivery. PABC is a rare, having an incidence of approximately 0.3/1000 pregnancies, however it’s incidence is increasing as more and more women are delaying childbearing. Aim: To evaluate the radiological features of pregnancy associated carcinoma and spread awareness of this entity, as knowledge of PABC will help in its early diagnosis and decrease mortality. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Integrated Breast Care Centre (IBCC) in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, from 1st January 2019 to 30th June 2019. Pre designed proforma was used to collect all relevant information, which included patient data, clinical and examination finding and provisional diagnosis. Brief history regarding any risk factors was taken. All pregnant/lactating patients who presented with breast lump were evaluated by Ultrasonography (USG) and/or mammography and appropriate BIRADS was assigned. In selected patients CEMRI breasts was also done. The histopathologically proven malignant lesions were included in the study. Results: From 1st January 2019 to 30th June 2019, 196 cases of carcinoma breast came to IBCC, out of which seven cases were of PABC. Average age of presentation was 35 years. Most of the patients presented during lactation. It was found that most of the cases presented in advanced stage with large lump, involvement of skin and axillary lymph nodes. This was attributed to aggressive nature of these tumour, triple negative status on immunohistopathology, which was seen in all cases in our study and lack of awareness, un-education, low socio-economic status and reluctance of patients to perform imaging or invasive procedures during pregnancy, precluding timely management. On USG larger lesion showed cystic changes and smaller lesions parallel orientation with posterior acoustic enhancement, mimicking benign lesion. Mammography act as complimentary imaging modality and MRI helps in better evaluation of disease extent and multi-centricity. Conclusion: Incidence of PABC is increasing as more women are delaying child birth. USG is the imaging modality of choice for breast lumps presenting during pregnancy and lactation. Mammography act as a complimentary imaging modality. Imaging features of small lesions may mimic benign lesion, thus new palpable complex cystic masses or any mass persisting for more than two weeks during pregnancy and lactation warrant tissue sampling and should not be disregarded as a galactocele or an abscess. Most of the lesions are triple negative on immuno-histochemistry. Delay in diagnosis and aggressive nature of lesion attribute to most lesions presenting with large size, axillary lymph nodes and skin involvement. Thus, it is important to spread awareness of this entity and its radiological features, which will aid in its early diagnosis and management.

Plasma cell osteomyelitis, characterised by abundance of plasma cells in the lesional bone is a rare entity. We report a case of chronic plasma cell osteomyelitis in a 14-year-old male child who presented with complaints of pain in right leg and fever. The X-ray AP view of right leg revealed a cavitary lytic lesion with a sclerotic border in proximal one third of right tibia. A clinical diagnosis of Brodie’s abscess was favoured. Histopathological examination revealed sheets of plasma cells, many neutrophils and lymphocytes, areas of fibrosis and spicules of dead bone. Immunohistochemistry revealed polyclonal population of plasma cells which were both Kappa and Lambda light chain positive. We recommend diligent histopathological examination and correlation with clinico-radiological profile for a correct diagnosis and in order to avoid an over diagnosis of neoplastic plasma cell lesion.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in lacrimal gland is a rare entity unlike its salivary gland counterpart. This rare tumor poses a diagnostic challenge to clinicians as pre-operative diagnosis is difficult and diagnosis is only by careful pathological assessment. We report this uncommon lesion in a 62-year-old lady, wherein the malignant component was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The elderly patient remained clinically and radiologically free of the tumor for two years after complete excision of the tumor but computed tomography at the end of two and a half years showed a recurrent lesion in the region of the lacrimal gland. This makes long term follow up of patients with these rare lacrimal tumors imperative with a minimum period of at least five years.

Background: Bronchial wash cytology of lung lesions is a non/minimally invasive procedure utilized for diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bronchial wash cytology in the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary lesions and assess the role of morphometry in categorizing dysplastic/malignant lesions. Materials and Methods: All cases of bronchial wash cytology received from January 2006 to June 2010 were retrieved and reviewed. Cases with adequate clinical data or a subsequent biopsy were selected for the study and cytodiagnosis was correlated with available clinical details. Morphometry was done on alcohol fixed hematoxylin and eosin stained cytosmears using computer assisted Image Pro software. Results: One hundred and seventy-six cases of the 373 cases of bronchial cytology received were included for the study. Bronchial wash cytology technique showed high specificity. Cytohistopathology correlation showed 62.06% concordance rate. Cells from normal epithelium, reactive atypia, neoplastic atypia, squamous metaplasia, non-small cell and small cell carcinoma showed a mean nuclear diameter of 7.4 μm, 11.7 μm, 13.9 μm, 13.0 μm, 10.7 μm, and 17.7 μm, respectively, which was statistically significant with P < 0.05. Multiple comparisons between various groups using analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests also showed remarkable statistical significance. Conclusions: Bronchial wash cytology has low sensitivity in detecting pulmonary lesions. It can be of value in patients with contraindication for biopsy. Morphometry can be a useful adjunct to cytomorphology, especially in situations where biopsy is contraindicated.

Context: The term, “Small Round – Cell Tumours” (SRCT) describes a group of highly aggressive malignant neoplasms which are composed predominantly of small and monotonous undifferentiated cells with high nucleocytoplasmic ratios. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a crucial role in catagorizing the small round – cell tumours. Aims: This study was done to analyse the spectrum of small round cell tumours over a period of five years at a tertiary care centre and to study the relevance of immunohistochemistry in making precise diagnoses of the small round cell tumours. Material and Methods: Formalin – fixed, paraffin – embedded sections of tumours which were diagnosed as small round cell tumours on small biopsies and resected specimens were retrieved from the files of the Department of Pathology of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research institute, in the period from January 2005 to December 2009. This study was confined to the bone and the soft tissues. Decalcification was performed on the bony tissues before the routine processing was done. The patients belonging to all age groups were included in this study. The small round cell tumours of the bone marrow, the spleen and the lymph node was excluded from our study. Immunohistochemical stains were performed to differentiate and categorise the small round blue cell tumours. The immunomarkers which were utilised in this study included CD45/LCA (the lymphocyte common antigen), CD20, CD3, CD99 (cluster of differentiation 99 also known as MIC2), desmin, EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), CK(cytokeratin), synaptophysin, chromogranin and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). Results: Forty three cases of small round cell tumours were analysed, which included 19 cases of NHL (non Hodgkin’s lymphoma), 6 cases of Ewing/PNETs (primitive neuroectodermal tumours), 3 cases of atypical carcinoid, 3 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, 2 cases each of rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma and synovial sarcoma and 1 case each of small cell osteosarcoma, small (oat) cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma and hepatoblastoma. By using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, we could arrive at a final diagnosis for all the 40 cases in which immunohistochemistry was performed. Conclusion: Our study showed that the use of immunohistochemistry was extremely beneficial. A majority of the small round cell tumours occurred between the ages of 15-45 years and the most common small round cell tumour was NonHodgkins lymphoma (extra lymphoreticular).

Introduction: Quality monitoring in histopathology unit is categorized into three phases, pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical, to cover various steps in the entire test cycle. Review of literature on quality evaluation studies pertaining to histopathology revealed that earlier reports were mainly focused on analytical aspects with limited studies on assessment of preanalytical phase. Pre-analytical phase encompasses several processing steps and handling of specimen/sample by multiple individuals, thus allowing enough scope for errors. Due to its critical nature and limited studies in the past to assess quality in pre-analytical phase, it deserves more attention. Aim: This study was undertaken to analyse and assess the quality parameters in pre-analytical phase in a histopathology laboratory. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done on pre-analytical parameters in histopathology laboratory of a tertiary care centre on 18,626 tissue specimens received in 34 months. Registers and records were checked for efficiency and errors for pre-analytical quality variables: specimen identification, specimen in appropriate fixatives, lost specimens, daily internal quality control performance on staining, performance in interlaboratory quality assessment program {External quality assurance program (EQAS)} and evaluation of internal nonconformities (NC) for other errors. Results: The study revealed incorrect specimen labelling in 0.04%, 0.01% and 0.01% in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. About 0.04%, 0.07% and 0.18% specimens were not sent in fixatives in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. There was no incidence of lost specimen. A total of 113 non-conformities were identified out of which 92.9% belonged to the pre-analytical phase. The predominant NC (any deviation from normal standard which may generate an error and result in compromising with quality standards) identified was wrong labelling of slides. Performance in EQAS for pre-analytical phase was satisfactory in 6 of 9 cycles. Conclusion: A low incidence of errors in pre-analytical phase implies that a satisfactory level of quality standards was being practiced with still scope for improvement.

Background: Synovial lipomatosis is a rare disorder of the synovium, commonly affecting the knee joint, resulting in joint pain, swelling, and effusion. The etiology of this condition still remains unclear. Aim: This was a study done to evaluate the disease process in synovial lipomatosis, with respect to the clinical parameters and pathological features. Materials and Methods: Case files of synovial lipomatosis diagnosed on histopathology between 2007 and 2009 were perused, to study the case history, and tissue sections were reviewed for the histomorphological changes. Results: Eight cases of synovial lipomatosis were diagnosed on histopathology from year 2007 to 2009, of which one occurred in the wrist joint and the rest were localized to the knee joint. Age ranged from one year to seventy-three years, with a male preponderance. Pain and swelling were major complaints. Three had a significant past history, one occurring post-trauma, one following chikungunya, and another with septic arthritis. Three of the cases had osteoarthritis. Body mass index was elevated in four cases and one case had protein energy malnutrition. On histopathological examination, all the cases showed villous proliferation of the synovium, with focal and diffuse infiltration by mature adipocytes. Four cases showed focal hyperplasia of the lining epithelium and five cases revealed variable fibrosis. Conclusion: Synovial lipomatosis may mimic tumorous, lesion-like synovial lipoma or hemangioma and its distinct histomorphology helps in distinguishing it from these lesions. It possibly represents a secondary phenomenon following the degenerative process of articular disease of the joints.

Aim: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a condition that occurs due to exacerbated activity of the parathyroid glands. According to the etiology it may be primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT, sHPT, tHPT). This is a study done to document and evaluate the presentations of primary and secondary HPT, with the associated complications and the approach to management in these patients, at our hospital. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with HPT were encountered at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute between January 2000 and January 2010. Operative notes, histopathology files, and medical records were used for the retrospective analysis of the patients with HPT. Parathormone, calcium, and phosphate levels were estimated on all the patients, to determine the primary or secondary etiology of this endocrine abnormality. Furthermore, these patients were subjected to ultrasonography (USG) of the neck and Technetium (99 mTc) scan of the neck to identify the parathyroid gland. Results: This study revealed that about 76, 19, and 5% of the patients suffered from pHPT, sHPT, and tHPT, respectively, with a female preponderance (62%).The neoplasm in all patients with pHPT was parathyroid adenoma. The patients presented with renal, bony, and menstrual abnormalities. Cases with sHPT had a 15 - 20 year history of chronic kidney disease and they subsequently developed bony abnormalities. Even as all the patients with pHPT were managed with parathyroidectomy, individuals with sHPT were treated conservatively. Postoperative features of hypocalcemia were noted in only one patient. Conclusion: This study re-emphasizes that pHPT is more common and is often due to an adenoma. Recent advances in parathormone sampling operatively and minimal access surgery, along with accurate and prompt clinical diagnosis, is necessary for the cure of these patients presenting with obscure abdominal, bony, and renal ailments.

Objectives: Renal cell carcinoma is the most lethal of all urologic malignancies. Several parameters such as histological subtype, nuclear grade and TNM staging help in determining the prognosis and treatment options. A newer therapeutic modality has been suggested based on expression of c-kit antigen by the tumor cells. This study was designed to evaluate various histological parameters and correlate them with c-kit expression. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 40 consecutive cases of renal epithelial tumors. Histological sections were reviewed and reclassified according to WHO (2004) classification and nuclear grade assessed. Hale′s colloidal iron stain was done to identify the chromophobe variant. Immunostaining with c-kit was done and its expression was studied. The results were correlated and statistical significance was assessed. Results: The age range was 31-81 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Seventy per cent of the cases were clear cell RCC (ClRCC), 17.5% were chromophobe type, 7.5% were papillary RCCs and 5% cases were oncocytomas. Fuhrman nuclear grading revealed 60.5% cases to be of low grade and 39.5% high grade. Hale′s colloidal iron staining was positive in chromophobe RCC and oncocytomas, while it was negative in ClRCC. Immunostaining with c-kit was positive only in oncocytomas. Conclusions: Clear cell RCC was the most common histological subtype of RCC. Clear cell RCC known to have a poor prognosis, showed a statistically significant higher nuclear grade than chromophobe and papillary RCCs which have a better prognosis. Hale′s colloidal iron staining was extremely useful in distinguishing chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma from the granular cell variant of clear RCC. Our study revealed c-kit negativity in all RCC. As Imatinib could be ineffective in such tumors, its clinical activity has to be carefully assessed in such tumors through further studies.

A 63-year-old male presented with sudden increase in size of a right inguinal swelling which was present for the past 10 years. Clinical diagnosis of inguinal soft tissue mass/lymph node enlargement was made and patient was investigated further for a conclusive diagnosis. Ultrasound examination suggested it to be a lymph node and guided fine needle aspiration cytology was performed. Cytology was suggestive of a reactive lymph node. Subsequently, an excision biopsy was performed that revealed a granular cell tumor with many lymphoid aggregates. On reviewing the cytosmears, we realised that the granular neoplastic cells were mistaken for histiocytes; and the lymphoid background and bare nuclei mislead us to consider it a reactive lymph node. Since granular cell tumor can occur almost anywhere, a careful examination of cytosmears and knowledge of its distinctive cyto-morphological features would be helpful in providing an accurate diagnosis on cytology.

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) of tongue is a rare neoplasm originating from minor salivary glands. We present a case of HCCC involving the base of tongue, in a 73-year-old male, clinically diagnosed as fibroma. Laser excision of the mass was done. Histopathological examination showed an infiltrating lesion composed predominantly of clear cells. The differential diagnosis included other salivary gland lesions having a clear cell component and metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was useful in ruling out these lesions exhibiting clear cell component from clear cell carcinoma. Imaging studies revealed no lesion in either kidney. Since, HCCC has a better prognosis and the adequate treatment is wide excision, it needs to be differentiated from other carcinomas with clear cells. No further therapy was given to the patient. One year after the surgery, the patient is symptom free without local recurrence and on regular follow up.