Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: Olanzapine-induced vascular proliferation?

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor) is a reactive vascular lesion of obscure etiopathogenesis, often seen in the head and neck. Its presentation as a scalp swelling, however, is extremely uncommon. We describe the first report in an adult, being treated for bipolar illness. A young male presented with a right frontotemporal scalp swelling since 3 weeks. He was also being treated for bipolar illness with olanzapine. Examination revealed a soft, non-pulsatile swelling. After inconclusive aspiration results, a complete excision was performed. Histopathology revealed proliferating endothelial cells arranged as papillary fronds confined to vessel lumina, devoid of atypia, accompanied by thrombosed vessels facilitating a diagnosis of Masson's tumor. The patient is free of recurrence five months after surgery. Further studies on a possible effect of olanzapine on vascular proliferation in experimental in vivo and in vitro models would definitely aid in elucidating clinical relevance, if any.

A cross sectional study on awareness about cancer screening methods for breast and cervical cancer in women of reproductive age from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 63% of all deaths in India of which 9% are due to cancers according to the World Health Organization (WHO) global profile 2018. One in eight men and one in eleven women have a premature risk of dying from cancer before the age of 75. To reduce the morbidity and mortality due to the disease early diagnosis of disease and risk factors by regular screening of asymptomatic people is recommended. Objectives of the study were: to assess the awareness about methods for breast and cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age, and to assess their readiness to go for screening. Methods: In a health awareness session on cancer screening among women of reproductive age the participants (104 women) were given a self-designed questionnaire which was administered before the session. The questionnaire covered general awareness about cancer, the symptoms and the methods of screening for breast and cervical cancer. The results were expressed in frequency and percentages. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.8 years (range 21 years-45 years). 88% felt that early diagnosis would improve outcome. Only 11% had heard of Pap test and only 3 had gotten it done. Around 21% had heard about mammography and only 4% had heard about breast self-examination. 86% and 90% were ready to get themselves screened for cervical cancer and breast cancer respectively, if given the opportunity. Conclusions: This study highlights both the lack of knowledge and the high acceptance of cancer screening among women. Awareness campaigns at regular intervals backed by immediate access to screening facilities are required to address the problem.

Is clindamycin-modified triple antibiotic paste better than iodoform-based medicament for the treatment of non-vital primary molars using LSTR technique – A randomised clinical trial

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the success rate of local application of iodoform-based obturating material (Pulpotec – [Produits Dentaires S.A., Switzerland]) and clindamycinmodified triple antibiotic paste (ClinM-TAP) in pulp chamber using minimally invasive endodontic treatment of carious primary molars indicated for pulpectomy, for 12 months, using clinical and radiographic parameters. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted in 60 children in the age group of 3–8 years reporting carious primary molars with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis and pulpal involvement clinically, allocated into Group 1 (30) and Group 2 (30). In Group 1, Lesion sterilisation and tissue repair (LSTR) was done using Pulpotec (Produits Dentaires S.A., Switzerland) as medicament and in Group 2, ClinM-TAP (Clindamycinmodified triple antibiotic paste) was used as medicament. Clinical follow-up was done at 3, 6 and 12 months; radiographic follow-up was done at 6 and 12 months. Clinical parameters compared were tenderness on percussion, spontaneous pain, intraoral swelling and sinus/fistula. Radiographic comparison was done based on furcation radiolucency, root resorption and bone regeneration. Both intergroup and intragroup statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test or Fisher exact test, Cochran’s Q Test and Mann–Whitney U-Test for the test of significance. All the statistical tests were performed at 5% significance level. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 5.25 ± 1.3years with 45% males and 55% females. Both groups showed significant improvement in terms of clinical symptoms from baseline to 12 months. On intergroup comparison clinical parameters, TOP was present in 11.2% and 44% of cases at the end of 12 months in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0 0.05). On intergroup comparison of radiographic parameters, at the end of 12 months, furcation radiolucency was seen in 32% and 73% (P < 0.05) and root resorption was seen in 16% and 30% cases in Group 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Overall clinical success rate of Group 1 and Group 2 was 88% and 50%, respectively (P < 0.05) and radiographic success rate was 60% and 27%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: LSTR using Pulpotec as a medicament has shown promising results in the present study. It could be a better alternative to conventional endodontic treatment in primary teeth. In the present study, ClinM-TAP has shown poor radiographic success; hence, it should be used with caution.

Evaluation of high-fluorescence body fluid (HF-BF) parameter as a screening tool of malignancy in body fluids

Introduction: Automated body fluid (BF) analysis is gradually replacing the traditional methods of cell counting in all BFs. This study was done to analyze the high-fluorescence (HF)-BF parameter generated on Sysmex XN-1000 and study its correlation with the presence of malignant cells in the body fluids. A correlation between manual and automated differential counts was also done. Materials and Methods: A total of 1985 samples including 797 ascitic fluids (AF), 532 pleural fluids (PF), and 656 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) were run on Sysmex XN-1000 in BF mode and cytopathology was available for 924 BFs including 389 AF, 379 PF, and 156 CSF. Both manual and automated methods were used for cell differential and cell morphology. Results: Of the 924 samples with corresponding cytopathology, malignancy was found in 59 samples. The HF-BF%/100 WBCs (24.8 ± 72.5) and HF-BF#/?L (329.86 ± 932.35) for malignant BF samples were found to be significantly higher than the nonmalignant samples (4.41 ± 8.1) and (19.57 ± 61.91), respectively. Receiver–operator-characteristic curve cutoffs for all BF for percentage and absolute HF-BF were 2.85%/100 WBCs and >12/?L. A good correlation was found between the manual and automated WBC differential counts in all fluids except CSF with total count <5/?L. Conclusions: BFs can be reliably analyzed on automated analyzers. HF-BF parameter is helpful in identifying malignant samples but cannot be totally relied upon. If HF-BF%/# are above the lab-generated cutoffs, microscopy should be done. A complete validation study on HF-BF parameter in BF mode is desired to set the standards for the analysis of serious effusions.

Early thrombolysis is associated with decreased operative mortality in postinfarction ventricular septal rupture

Background Post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (PMI-VSR) is a dreaded mechanical complication of acute coronary syndromes. Given that surgical mortality approaches 50%, it is pragmatic that the risk factors for mortality and outcomes after surgical correction of PMI- VSR are carefully scrutinized. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 35 patients presenting for surgical closure of post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture over six years. We reviewed patient characteristics, clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic and perioperative risk factors which may affect mortality after surgical repair of PMIVSR and 30 day and one year mortality rates of these patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic and cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify predictors of operative and overall mortality. Long term survival was presented with Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve. Results Sixteen patients (46%) were in cardiogenic shock. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was done in 22 patients (63%) but did not influence survival. Preoperative thrombolysis was done in 12 patients (34%) out of which 10 (53%) survived Operative mortality was 46% and one-year mortality was 49%. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative thrombolysis: Hazards ratio, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.61; p value of 0.01, as significant independent predictor of survival in PMIVSR cohort. Conclusions Preoperative thrombolysis is associated with decreased odds of operative and overall mortality after surgical repair in PMIVSR patients.

Age effects on the pharmacokinetics of tityustoxin from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in rats

The pharmacokinetics of scorpion venom and its toxins has been investigated in experimental models using adult animals, although, severe scorpion accidents are associated more frequently with children. We compared the effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of tityustoxin, one of the most active principles of Tityus serrulatus venom, in young male/female rats (21-22 days old, N = 5-8) and in adult male rats (150-160 days old, N = 5-8). Tityustoxin (6 µg) labeled with 99mTechnetium was administered subcutaneously to young and adult rats. The plasma concentration vs time data were subjected to non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis to obtain estimates of various pharmacokinetic parameters such as total body clearance (CL/F), distribution volume (Vd/F), area under the curve (AUC), and mean residence time. The data were analyzed with and without considering body weight. The data without correction for body weight showed a higher Cmax (62.30 ± 7.07 vs 12.71 ± 2.11 ng/ml, P < 0.05) and AUC (296.49 ± 21.09 vs 55.96 ± 5.41 ng h-1 ml-1, P < 0.05) and lower Tmax (0.64 ± 0.19 vs 2.44 ± 0.49 h, P < 0.05) in young rats. Furthermore, Vd/F (0.15 vs 0.42 l/kg) and CL/F (0.02 ± 0.001 vs 0.11 ± 0.01 l h-1 kg-1, P < 0.05) were lower in young rats. However, when the data were reanalyzed taking body weight into consideration, the Cmax (40.43 ± 3.25 vs 78.21 ± 11.23 ng kg-1 ml-1, P < 0.05) and AUC (182.27 ± 11.74 vs 344.62 ± 32.11 ng h-1 ml-1, P < 0.05) were lower in young rats. The clearance (0.03 ± 0.002 vs 0.02 ± 0.002 l h-1 kg-1, P < 0.05) and Vd/F (0.210 vs 0.067 l/kg) were higher in young rats. The raw data (not adjusted for body weight) strongly suggest that age plays a pivotal role in the disposition of tityustoxin. Furthermore, our results also indicate that the differences in the severity of symptoms observed in children and adults after scorpion envenomation can be explained in part by differences in the pharmacokinetics of the toxin.

Comparative evaluation of Midazolam and Propofol as intravenous sedative agents in the management of unco-operative children.

Dental treatment of very young children (toddlers) as well as children with highly negative behaviour is known to be difficult. Management of these children requires special skill and at times the support of pharmacological means. A study was planned and carried out to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of Propofol and Midazolam as Intravenous sedative agents in the management of uncooperative children belonging to age group 2-5 years, ASA I Category and Frankl's behaviour rating 1 and 2. The results showed both agents to be effective sedative agents, for short pedodontic procedures with minimal side effects.

Midazolam sedation in mechanically ventilated newborns: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of midazolam as a sedative in mechanically ventilated newborns. DESIGN: Double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. SETTING: Neonatal Unit of Tertiary Hospital. OUTCOME: Sedation over 48 h of observation. METHODS: Neonates with birth weight less than 2000 g who were mechanically ventilated within 7 days of life were randomly assigned to midazolam and placebo group. Midazolam and placebo were administered as bolus (0.2 mg/kg) followed by continuous infusion (0.06 mg/kg/h). Both groups received morphine infusion (10 microg/kg/h). Sedation score was noted at 6 hourly intervals for 48 hours. Hemodynamic variables, ventilatory variables, complications and side effects of treatments were also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three neonates were enrolled (17 in midazolam, 16 in placebo group). The groups were comparable for birth weights and gestation. The midazolam group had significantly better sedation from 18-24 hours after enrollment compared to placebo group. At 48 h there were no significant differences in proportion of infants with adequate sedation between midazolam and placebo group. The two groups were comparable with respect to heart rate, perfusion, ventilatory indices and blood gas parameters. None of the infants were noted to have hypotension on loading with midazolam or placebo. Seizures were noted in 2 neonates in placebo group 24 hours after enrollment (insignificant statistically). CONCLUSION: Sedation provided by continuous infusion of midazolam and morphine appears to be comparable to morphine alone in newborn babies on mechanical ventilation, with no significant adverse effects. The course of mechanical ventilation is not influenced by use of midazolam.

Nitroimidazoles, Part XXIII--activity of satranidazole series against anaerobic infections.

A large number of nitroimidazoles have been examined for in vitro activity against three anaerobes - Bacteroides fragilis (Bf), a strain of Bf resistant to metronidazole (16a) and Clostridium perfringens and many found to be active. Among these may be mentioned 1-methyl-5-nitroimidazoles carrying N - bound hetetocycles at position 2, such as satranidazole 1a, 1b, 1c, 1k, 1n and 1v which are at least twice as active as metronidazole (16a), ornidazole (16b) and tinidazole (16c). Even more active are 5-nitroimidazolyl benzimidazole 5d, -thiazolidinone 6b and thiadiazolidine dioxide 8a. Many other types of compounds derived from 1-methyl-2-amino-5-nitroimidazole are feebly active. Among 5-nitroimidazoles with a carbon substituent at position 2, 16a, 16b and 16c are equiactive while dimetridazole 14f is more active than 16a against Bf. Some 2-vinyl derivatives are very potent, with 18f and 18i being outstanding. Activity better than that of metronidazole is seen for nitroimidazooxazepines, e.g. 29d. 5-Nitroimidazoles are more active against anaerobes than 4-nitro isomers. Antianaerobic and antiamoebic activities generally run parallel in these classes of compounds. The study has led to the elaboration of the antianaerobic profile of satranidazole 1a.