Histiocytic sarcoma in renal transplant patients: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is defined as neoplasm resembling morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of mature histiocytes. It is a rare form of lymphoid neoplasms. Despite advances in treatment and diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma, majority of cases had poor prognosis due to progressive nature of the disease. In the following article, all reported cases of histiocytic sarcoma in renal transplant patients are reviewed. METHODS: In our literature review, all relevant reports were collected electronically by entering the necessary keywords. A Boolean approach using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords was implemented. After establishing the inclusion/exclusion criteria, article titles and abstracts were evaluated by Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards for 2020. All cases of histiocytic sarcoma in renal transplant patients were included. RESULT: Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria 4 case reports were yielded in this review. Two were males and 2 were females with the mean age of 42.25 years. Fever was the most common symptom. Although tumor originated from the native kidney on one patient, the site of the primary tumor was thorax, oropharynx, and transplanted kidney in the rest. Metastasis was detected in all cases. Prednisone was used for all cases. EBV was positive in 2 cases and negative in one of them. Histology was diagnostic and similar in all cases. Immunohistochemistry was done for 3 cases. Although chemotherapy was done for 3 patients, all 4 cases ended in mortality. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that neoplasms are post renal transplant complications, histiocytic sarcoma is a scarce and fatal entity in such patients. Histological and immunohistochemistry tests are the corner stone in diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma.

Animal laboratory, interactive and computer based learning, in enhancing basic concepts in physiology: an outlook of 481 undergraduate medical students.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory exercises are intended to illustrate concepts and add an active learning component to courses. Since 1980s, there has been a decline in animal laboratories in medical physiology courses. Other cost-effective non-aninmal alternatives are being sought. The present study was designed to find out the students' opinion regarding the animal versus computer lab and whether innovative teaching methodologies helped students achieve their goals. METHODS: Opinions of 481 female in medical students of 2nd and 3rd year MBBS were included in the study. A questionnaire based on animal/computer based experiments and new teaching methodologies in physiology was voluntarily filled in by the students. RESULTS: Majority of students immensely benefited from both the animal lab and other teaching methodologies. CONCLUSION: Although computer based learning is considered effective in helping students acquire basic concepts, there is evidence that some students acquire a more thorough understanding of the material through more advanced and challenging experience of an animal laboratory. The fact that such labs as well various teaching methods offer distinct educational advantages should be taken into account when courses are designed.