Primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of appendix

Primary lymphomas of appendix are extremely rare tumors. The first case of primary lymphoma of appendix was reported by Warren in the year 1898. Incidence of primary lymphoma of appendix is 0.015% of all gastrointestinal lymphomas. This is a report of primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of appendix which presented as appendicular mass. As some cases are incidentally discovered, this case emphasizes that histological examination of all appendicectomy specimens is mandatory.     

Urodynamic Evaluation Following Bladder Reconstruction

Bladder reconstruction for storage or emptying failure involves augmenting the size of the native bladder or replacing it with a bladder substitute. The properties of the reconstructed bladder should resemble closely those of the “ideal” native bladder: high capacity and compliance, absence of detrusor overactivity, outlet competence, and ease of regular emptying. As in evaluations of the native bladder, urodynamics may assist in providing useful information regarding the status of the reconstruction. Available data indicate that enterocystoplasty, orthotopic neobladders, and continent catheterizable reservoirs all approach the “ideal” criteria in long-term follow-up. On the other hand, the role of urodynamics in troubleshooting the failed augment is still not well defined. While ambulatory urodynamics may one day yield valuable information, its utility remains in question.     

Role of FNAC and antithyroid antibodies in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders

Multiple parameters are needed to diagnose thyroid disorders. 100 cases of thyroid swellings were studied by clinical assessment, hormonal assay, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), antithyroglobulin (Tg) and antimicrosomal (Tm) antibodies and histopathology. The cases were divided into four groups. Cases of thyroiditis on FNAC showed predominance of lymphocytes (76%), hurthle cells (77%), epithelioid cells and giant cells (31%) and high titres of Tg (66%) and Tm (92%). Non toxic goitre was characterized by colloid and foam cells (100%) and low positivity for Tg and Tm (25%). Toxic goitre showed colloid (30%). Hurthle cells, anisonucleosis of acinar cells (38%), fire flare (62%) and high positivity for Tg and Tm (73%). Neoplasia was diagnosed mainly by cell morphology on FNAC and a low positivity for Tg and Tm (30%). FNAC in correlation with thyroid antibodies is useful in diagnosing autoimmune thyroiditis, goitre, Grave's disease and malignancy of thyroid. Antibodies have a specific role in the diagnosis of early stage of thyroiditis.     

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes from West Java,Indonesia

West Java Health Laboratory (WJHL) is one of the many institutions in Indonesia that have sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genome. Although having submitted a large number of sequences since September 2020, however, these submitted data lack advanced analyses. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the variant distribution, hotspot mutation, and its impact on protein structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 from the collected samples from WJHL. As many as one hundred sixty-three SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences submitted by West Java Health Laboratory (WJHL), with collection dates between September 2020 and June 2021, were retrieved from GISAID. Subsequently, the frequency and distribution of non-synonymous mutations across different cities and regencies from these samples were analyzed. The effect of the most prevalent mutations from dominant variants on the stability of their corresponding proteins was examined. The samples mostly consisted of people of working-age, and were distributed between female and male equally. All of the sample sequences showed varying levels of diversity, especially samples from West Bandung which carried the highest diversity. Dominant variants are the VOC B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, B.1.466.2 variant, and B.1.470 variant. The genomic regions with the highest number of mutations are the spike, NSP3, nucleocapsid, NSP12, and ORF3a protein. Mutation analysis showed that mutations in structural protein might increase the stability of the protein. Oppositely, mutations in non-structural protein might lead to a decrease in protein stability. However, further research to study the impact of mutations on the function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins are required.     

The Prognostic Value of the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in Acute Pancreatitis: Identification of an Optimal NLR

Introduction

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), calculated from the white cell differential count, provides a rapid indication of the extent of an inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the NLR in acute pancreatitis (AP) and determine an optimal ratio for severity prediction.

Materials and Methods

NLRs were calculated on days 0, 1, and 2, and correlated with severity. Severity was defined using the Atlanta classification.

Results

One hundred forty-six consecutive patients managed were included, 22 with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). NLR in SAP was significantly higher than in the favorable prognosis group on all 3 days (day 0, 15.5 vs. 10.5; day 1, 13.3 vs. 9.8; day 2, 10.8 vs. 7.6). The optimal cut-offs from ROC curves were 10.6 (day 0), 8.1 (day 1), and 4.8 (day 2) giving sensitivities of 63–90 %, specificities of 50–57 %, negative predictive value of 89.5–96.4 %, positive predictive values of 21.2–31.1 %, and accuracies of 57.7–60 %.

Conclusions

Elevation of the NLR during the first 48 h of admission is significantly associated with severe acute pancreatitis and is an independent negative prognostic indicator in AP.     

Multimodality imaging review of complex pelvic lesions in female pelvis

Complex pelvic lesions can originate from various anatomical structures in the pelvis and pose a diagnostic dilemma due to a wide range of possible diagnoses. Accurate characterisation of these lesions would often require an algorithmic approach, which incorporates clinical findings, sequential use of multiple imaging modalities and a multiparametric approach. This approach usually aims at identifying key imaging features, which aid in anatomical localisation, morphology and tissue characterisation. There have been various attempts to standardise the lexicon used for describing adnexal masses in female patients; stratify their risk of cancer and suggest appropriate next steps in the management pathway. Through this review, we extend this approach to complex pelvic masses in female pelvis in general and will focus on optimal use of different imaging modalities to arrive at definitive diagnosis or meaningful differential diagnosis. We will also discuss potential pitfalls of imaging diagnosis and common mimics.     

Training of residents in peripheral nerve blocks during anesthesiology residency

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To survey American anesthesiology residency program directors to determine the availability and extent of training in peripheral nerve block techniques. DESIGN: Survey questionnaire was mailed and faxed to 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors and followed up 4 weeks later with another mailing to nonresponders. SETTING: University medical center. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors surveyed, 69 (52%) responded. Of the responders, 40 (58%) offered a specific peripheral nerve block rotation. The rotation was of 1 month's duration in 61% of these programs. Formal instruction was administered during the rotation in 69%. The regional instruction approach consisted of a nerve stimulator (98%), paresthesia (75%), and transarterial (85%). Multimedia, mannequins, and cadaver dissection were used infrequently (13-25%). During the rotation, residents performed a variety of blocks, but the number of each block varied from 2 (supraclavicular) to 10 (axillary). These blocks were performed in the operating room in 48% of programs. Finally, in the programs with a specific peripheral nerve block rotation, residents were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Specific peripheral nerve block rotations are not always included in anesthesiology residents' curriculum. In addition, residents in programs with a specific nerve block rotation are exposed to a greater number of peripheral nerve block techniques than those who do not have such a rotation included in their curriculum.