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Introduction: Neuroendocrine differentiation in colorectal carcinomas, detected using immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural techniques, has been studied as a prognostic marker for invention of targeted therapy. There are a few studies done on this aspect which have shown conflicting results ranging from poor prognosis to no prognostic significance. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in colorectal carcinomas using immunohistochemical stains such as chromogranin A & synaptophysin in relation to its prognostic significance. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted wherein all the colorectal carcinomas, received in the Department of Pathology, over a period of 3 years, were reviewed. Neuroendocrine markers were done on 53 cases of moderately, poorly and undifferentiated adenocarcinomas. Based on the degree of immunoreactivity for these markers, tumours were divided into group 0, group 1, group 2, group 3 & group 4. Group 0 & 1 were categorized as neuroendocrine differentiation absent & group 2, 3 & 4 as present. Neuroendocrine differentiation was correlated with age, sex, grade, stage, diagnosis & survival. Follow up data of the cases was recorded. Results: Neuroendocrine differentiation was present in 18 cases (33.9%). The degree of immunoreactivity for neuroendocrine markers in present study were; group 0- 58%, 1- 7.5%, 2- 9%, 3- 13% & 4- 11%. The mean age of patients was 54 years with a slight male preponderance {M:F::1.6:1}. Most of the carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation belonged to Grade II (61%) & Stage II & III (83%). Neuroendocrine differentiation did not show any significant association with age, sex, location, histological type, grade, stage & survival. Conclusion: The above results indicate that the presence of neuroendocrine differentiation cannot be recommended as a prognostic marker in colorectal carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Complete blood picture is the first and foremost investigation ordered for evaluation of acute infectious processes which require early and prompt intervention. With the advent of automated Coulter ® Haematology analysers, the Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters of the leucocytes could be analysed for the early detection of the infections. Introduction: Complete blood picture is the first and foremost investigation ordered for evaluation of acute infectious processes which require early and prompt intervention. With the advent of automated Coulter ® Haematology analysers, the Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters of the leucocytes could be analysed for the early detection of the infections. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples from 94 patients with infections (systemic infections n=36 & localised infections n=58) and 46 control subjects were studied using the Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters by the Coulter Haematology analyser. Results: We observed a significant increase in the mean channel of neutrophil volume & mean channel of monocyte volume from patients with infections (both systemic & localised) as compared with control subjects (Mean Neutrophil Volume: 158.3 ± 13.7 vs 137.2 ± 4.3; p<0.001) & (Mean Monocyte Volume: 177.8± 16 vs 161.7 ± 6.04; p <0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the Mean Neutrophil Volume of patients with systemic infection &localised infections (160.5±17.5 vs 156.8±10.5, p>0.05). Conclusion: The Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters like Mean Neutrophil Volume & Mean Monocyte Volume are more sensitive parameters and could prove to be a quick diagnostic indicator of acute bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the treatment protocol of topical 2.5% Povidone-Iodine (PovI) and 0.1% fluorometholone (FluM) for Adenoviral Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) in reducing the duration and severity of the disease as compared to conventional treatment. This was a retrospective case-control study., Materials and Methods: Cases were defined as patients with EKC receiving the treatment protocol and conjunctival swab taken for polymerase chain reaction. Controls were defined as similar patients receiving conventional treatment protocol. Forty-one cases and 35 controls were identified for analysis. Cases were treated with a protocol using 2.5% povidone-iodine eye drops and 0.1% FluM eye drops. Controls received conventional treatment until resolution of signs and symptoms. Both the groups were followed up for 1 month. Data collected were analyzed for effect of the two treatment protocols on the duration of EKC, rate of recovery, and incidence of complications., Results: The treatment protocol was significantly better than conventional treatment protocol in achieving cure ( P = 0.002) with large effect size. The proportion of cases achieving cure was significantly higher with treatment protocol (64% vs. 11% at 5 days, P < 0.001) by 5 days. There was a significant reduction of the subepithelial infiltrates (SEI) incidence group (10% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). There were no SEI at 1 month in the treatment group (0% vs. 31%)., Conclusion: Treatment protocol used in our study can significantly reduce the severity and duration of EKC. It can prevent chronic keratitis in majority of cases. Since povidone-iodine is nonspecific and virucidal for adenovirus, this therapy can be used for other types of adenoviral conjunctivitis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests of this paper., (Copyright: © 2019 Taiwan J Ophthalmol.)