Cytology Scores Research Articles

Effect of ear cleaning on treatment outcome for canine otitis externa.

Ear cleaning is often recommended for management of canine otitis externa (OE). Few invivo studies evaluate how ear cleaning affects treatment outcome. To determine the effect of ear cleaning on canine OE by comparing treatment outcome in cleaned versus noncleaned ears. Twenty-three client-owned dogs with ceruminous or purulent OE. Forty ears were randomised to one of two groups: 20 ears were wiped with dry or saline-moistened gauze (grp1), and 20 external ear canals received manual cleaning (grp2) with a commercial product. One millilitre of a commercial otic suspension containing hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate and gentamicin sulfate was applied to affected ears every 24 h for five days. Cytological scores, modified otitis index score (OTIS3), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), modified PVAS and client questionnaire were compared on Day (D)0 and D7. There were no statistical differences between cytological scores, modified OTIS3, PVAS, modified PVAS or client assessments between groups at D7. Both groups had significant reduction in all treatment parameters from D0 to D7 with the exception of cytological rod scores that were only significantly decreased in cleaned ears. There was a significant difference in OTIS3 before and after cleaning on D0. Both groups achieved successful outcome regardless of cleaning. Ear cleaning may be more important when rod-shaped bacteria are present.

Steamed hay and alfalfa pellets for the management of severe equine asthma.

Steaming hay significantly reduces respirable particles and provides a palatable alternative to dry hay for horses with asthma, but there are few prospective studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of steamed hay. To compare the efficacy of alfalfa pellets and steamed hay in improving lung function and inflammation of horses with severe asthma (SEA). Controlled crossover study. Ten horses with SEA were enrolled and nine completed the study. Horses were housed indoors and fed hay. Once in exacerbation, they were fed pellets and steamed hay for 4 weeks, in a crossover design. Weighted clinical scores and lung function were recorded weekly. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and mucus scores were recorded before and after each diet. Based on linear mixed model (LMM) analysis, weighted clinical scores significantly improved over time (p < 0.001, no diet effect or time-diet interactions). With pellets, weighted clinical scores decreased from (median (interquartile range)) 13 (5.5) to 2 (1.5), while with steamed hay, they decreased from 10 (9.5) to 6 (8.5). With pellets, lung resistance decreased significantly from a baseline of (mean (SD)) 2.62 (0.77) cmH2O/L/s to 1.17 (0.66), 0.79 (0.54), 0.70 (0.20), 0.62 (0.18) on Weeks 1-4, respectively (LMM with post hoc tests, p < 0.001). With steamed hay, the resistance decreased significantly from a baseline of 2.34 (0.93) cmH2O/L/s to 1.38 (0.49) and 1.51 (0.66) on Weeks 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.03). Neutrophils BALF decreased significantly with both diets (pellets: 40.2 (24.4) to 20.1 (11.0) %; steamed hay 30.9 (20.2) to 25.7 (17.6) %; LMM, p = 0.006). A small number of horses in a research setting. Dust was not measured in the stalls. Clinical scores, lung function and BALF inflammation of horses with SEA improved with steamed hay and pellets, but the effect on lung function was more pronounced with pellets.

Therapeutic efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma in four golden retrievers with acute otitis externa.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a new therapeutic tool used to treat various skin diseases in humans and animals. To evaluate the effect of CAP in the treatment of canine acute otitis externa (AOE). Four client-owned golden retriever dogs with bilateral AOE. After cleaning with a commercial ear cleanser, right ears (STANDARD group) were treated with an antibiotic/antifungal/corticosteroid combination and left ears (CAP group) were treated with CAP every three days for a total of four treatments. Cytological score and otitis index score (OTIS)3 were recorded for each ear on Day (D)0, D10 and D15. At D10 and D15, owners and investigators recorded an overall assessment. In both groups, OTIS3 and cytological score decreased over the study period. The overall assessment scale ranged from moderate to excellent in both groups. Cold atmospheric plasma treatment showed equal therapeutic effect compared with a commercial topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ear treatment.

Effects of a Protocol Combining a Non-Irritating Shampoo and an Adelmidrol-Based Adsorbent Mousse on Seborrhoea and Other Signs and Symptoms Secondary to Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter, Open-Label Uncontrolled Clinical Trial.

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of a gentle shampoo and a mousse containing Adelmidrol, tapioca starch and a non-prescription antimicrobial complex on seborrhoea and other clinical signs secondary to canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Forty-six dogs with cAD-associated seborrhoea and/or pruritus > 4 cm on the pruritus visual analogue scale (P-VAS) and/or bacterial/Malassezia overgrowth were enrolled. The mousse was applied twice daily, and dogs were evaluated at days (D)0, 7, 14 and optionally 28, by means of a skin seborrheic index (SSI), P-VAS, cAD lesion index (CADLI), and a semiquantitative cytological score. The mean SSI value improved during the first two weeks (4.1 ± 0.37 to 1.9 ± 0.30; p < 0.0001). The mean P-VAS score (cm) decreased from 6.6 ± 0.19 at D0 to 3.8 ± 0.31 at D14 (p < 0.0001). The mean CADLI score dropped from 13.7 ± 1.24 to 8.5 ± 1.14 at D14 (p < 0.001). The cytological score for bacteria and Malassezia decreased from 3.2 ± 0.10 and 3.2 ± 0.11, respectively, to 1.2 ± 0.19 and 1.2 ± 0.24 (p < 0.0001). All the investigated signs further improved at D28. Altogether, these observations suggest that the tested protocol might be useful in managing cAD-associated signs.

Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing.

No studies have evaluated the peripartum follicular dynamics resulting in foal heat under tropical environments. We aimed to assess retrospectively the peripartum follicular dynamics in Colombian Paso Fino mares that were inseminated at the foal heat, becoming pregnant or not. Records including follicular dynamics of pregnant mares prepartum and from foaling until foal heat ovulation were assessed in Colombian Paso Fino mares (CPF, n = 24) bred under permanent grazing in a tropical herd in Colombia. The number of ovarian follicles >10 mm before foaling and the largest follicle (F1) growth rate (mm/day) from foaling until the F1 reached the largest diameter (pre-ovulatory size) at the foal heat were assessed. Mares were inseminated at foal heat with 20 mL of semen (at least 500 million live spermatozoa) with >75% motility and 80% viability from a stallion of proven fertility. Ovulation was confirmed the day after follicles had reached the largest diameter. Quantitative data from follicular growth, the day at ovulation, from mares that became pregnant (PM) or not (NPM) at 16 days post-insemination were compared by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (follicle growth rate data) or Chi-square test (edema and cytology scores data). Epidemiological data, gestation length, and the number of follicles on third prepartum days did not significantly differ between PM and NPM (p > 0.05). Seventy-one percent of mares (17/24) got pregnant. Ovulatory follicles grew faster in the NPM group (n = 7), which ovulated between the seventh and ninth postpartum days, compared to PM (n = 17), which ovulated between the 11th and 13th postpartum days. Pre-ovulatory follicle diameter in PM (48.57 ± 0.8 mm) was significantly larger than in NPM (42.99 ± 1.0 mm) (p < 0.05). In addition, the PM edema score (2.93 ± 0.32 mm) on ovulation day was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than NPM (4.47 ± 0.05 mm). First postpartum ovulation occurred at 12.6 ± 0.3 and 8.5 ± 0.4 days (p < 0.05) in PM and NPM, respectively. Colombian Paso Fino mares bred under permanent grazing under tropical rainforest conditions with no foaling or postpartum complications showed a 71% gestation rate when inseminated at foal heat when ovulation occurs between the second and third postpartum week.

Non-invasive evaluation of cytokine expression using the cerumen of dogs with otitis externa.

The development of a non-invasive method to analyze cytokine expression in the skin will provide further understanding of inflammatory skin disorders. This study aimed to evaluate cytokine expression in the skin through cerumen swabbing in dogs with otitis externa (OE) and to investigate whether increased cytokine expression in infected OE reflects the inflammatory status of the ear canal. Three groups consisting of control dogs (n = 24), dogs with ceruminous Malassezia OE (n = 25), and dogs with suppurative bacterial OE (n = 15) were included in the study. The concentrations of keratinocyte-derived cytokines including Interleukin (IL)-8/chemokine ligand (CXCL)8, IL-10, IL-6, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1ß in the cerumen of the ear canal of the included patients were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits. Additionally, correlations between cytokine levels and cytology scores (of Malassezia yeasts, cocci/rod-shaped bacteria, and inflammatory cells) were assessed. IL-8/CXCL8 concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with ceruminous Malassezia OE and dogs with suppurative bacterial OE than in control dogs. Furthermore, IL-8/CXCL8 concentrations positively correlated with Malassezia scores in dogs with ceruminous OE (r = 0.630) and with bacterial scores in dogs with suppurative OE (r = 0.601). In addition, increased expression of IL-6 and IL-1ß were detected in dogs with suppurative bacterial OE compared to those with Malassezia OE and control dogs, and showed positive correlation with inflammatory cell scores IL-6 r = 0.520, IL-1ß; r = 0.680). Therefore, keratinocyte-derived cytokines could be evaluated using non-invasive methods such as cerumen swabbing in dogs with OE.

Efficacy and safety of a hydrocortisone aceponate-containing ear spray solution in dogs with erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa: A randomised, multicentric, single-blinded, controlled trial.

Erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is frequently seen in dogs affected with an allergic skin disease, with recurrent secondary bacteria and yeast overgrowths (detected on cytological examination). The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of an ear spray containing only hydrocortisone aceponate glucocorticoid diester (HCA) to a control product (CTRL), an approved otic formulation containing prednisolone-miconazole-polymyxin combination, in dogs with ECOE. In total, 97 and 104 dogs with ECOE were respectively randomly assigned to the tested ear treatment product group (HCA) or the commercially available ear treatment control product group (CTRL). Dogs were treated for 7-14 days, as needed. At Day (D)0, D7, D14, D28 and D42, Otitis Index Score-3, hearing test, pruritus and pain visual analogue scales, and cytological scores were graded. The overall response to treatment also was assessed. All clinical parameters decreased rapidly and in a similar way without any significant difference at any time between treatment groups. A good-to-excellent response to treatment was seen in >90% of dogs of both groups as early as D14. The treatment was considered safe in all dogs. A 7- to 14-day ear topical application of HCA alone to dogs with ECOE accompanied with bacterial and/or fungal (yeast) overgrowth was safe and led to no statistical difference in improvement of clinical scores relative to the CTRL combination. Based on these results, it may be necessary to reconsider the routine use of antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics and antifungals as a first-line treatment for ECOE that is likely to have been caused by an allergic reaction.

Grading of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in cytology and its association with ultrasonographic and biochemical parameters

Introduction and Aim: In the post-iodization period, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is most likely the most prevalent cause of goitre and hypothyroidism, particularly in women of reproductive years. This study was undertaken to grade HT on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology smears and determine their usefulness in predicting thyroid damage in association with clinical history, radiological and biochemical findings. Materials and Methods: Total of 151 cases were diagnosed cytologically in duration of over 2 years as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis/lymphocytic thyroiditis. Cytology scoring technique was used to analyse smears and were correlated with radiological, biochemical findings and were evaluated statistically by ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: In the current study, the most frequent group of individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were between the ages of 40 and 50. Females (145 cases, 96%) were commonly affected and the commonest presentation was a diffuse (125 cases ,82.8%) thyroid enlargement. Cytological grading of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were as follows,54 (35.8%) patients were Grade I, 81(53.6%) patients were Grade II thyroiditis and 16 (10.6%) patients were Grade III thyroiditis. Biochemically, 78 (56.5%) of the cases were hypothyroid, 51 (37%), euthyroid, and 9 (6.5%) were hyperthyroid. Ultrasonography revealed 76 (50.3%) patients with hypoechoic micronodules, 71 (47%) with echogenic septae, 101 (66.9%) with increased vascularity, and 6 (4%) with normal findings. The grades of lymphocytic thyroiditis and the biochemical data were found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the grades and specific ultrasound findings, such as echogenic septae (p=0.042) and diffuse hypoechogenicity (p=0.046). Conclusion: Cytological scoring system in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can predict thyroid functional status and aid in determining the severity of the disease.

A multicentric case study of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions.

Spindle cell lesions comprise a vast plethora of benign and malignant lesions with similar clinical and radiographic features. Their overlapping histopathologic features ensure a diagnostic dilemma. The current multicentric study aims to delineate fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions based on cytomorphology and comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis. The experimental study was conducted at MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, and All India Institute of Applied Sciences, Delhi. A comprehensive histological scoring criteria and panel of immunohistochemical makers (STAT6, CD31, CD34, S100, SMA, vimentin, pan-CK, HHF-35, Ki67, ALK, desmin, HMB-45, SATB2, ERG, EMA and CD99) were employed concurrently for the first time for fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions. The data obtained was tabulated and studied. NA. Results: Using cytological scoring criteria and panel of immunohistochemical makers, the cases analysed and characterized were desmoplastic fibroma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, nodular fasciitis, neurofibroma and epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS). The diagnostic strategies need to be upgraded for the diagnosis of spindle cell lesions. Emphasis must be placed on cytomorphology, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel of markers is imperative for the accurate diagnosis of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions.

Topical Bacteriophage Therapy for Staphylococcal Superficial Pyoderma in Horses: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

Increased antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriophages, which are benign viruses that kill bacteria, are promising. We studied the efficacy of topical bacteriophages for treating equine staphylococcal superficial pyodermas. Eight Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested against a bacteriophage bank, and a cocktail consisting of two bacteriophages was prepared. Twenty horses with clinical and cytological evidence of superficial pyoderma and confirmed S. aureus infection based on swabbed culture were enrolled in the study. Each horse received both the bacteriophage cocktail and the placebo at two different infection sites, once daily for four weeks. Clinical lesions and cytology were evaluated weekly by an investigator who was unaware of the treatment sites. All infection sites were swabbed and cultured at the end of the study. A linear mixed model showed no significant differences between the placebo and treatment sites in terms of clinical signs, cytological scores of inflammation, and bacterial counts at the end of the study. It is possible that the bacteriophage cocktail killed S. aureus, but cytology scores did not change as new populations of cocci took over. The study limitations included a small sample size and inconsistent control of the underlying causes of pyodermas.

Bronchoalveolar lavage hemosiderosis in lightly active or sedentary horses.

Hemosiderophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) are commonly ascribed to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Little information exists regarding the presence of these cells in horses that perform light or no work and that are referred for respiratory problems. Evaluate the presence of hemosiderophages in BALF of horses suspected of respiratory disease without history of or risk factors for EIPH and determine predictors of hemosiderophages in BALF in this population. Observational retrospective cross-sectional study using STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology reports of 353 horses evaluated for respiratory disease between 2012 and 2022 at the Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine were reviewed retrospectively. Horses with a history or likelihood of having performed past strenuous exercise were removed, and the remaining 91 horses were divided into hemosiderin-positive (HSD-POS) and hemosiderin-negative groups based on Perls' Prussian blue staining. Potential predictors for the presence of hemosiderophages in BALF (history, clinical evaluation, baseline lung function, airway reactivity, BALF cytology, and hemosiderin score) were compared between the 2 groups, using univariate and multivariate analyses. Horses with a diagnosis of severe equine asthma (sEA; odds ratio, 11.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.2-38.5; P< .001) were significantly more likely to be HSD-POS than horses with mild-to-moderate equine asthma. Hemosiderophages were found in the BALF cytology in a subset of horses that perform light or no work and presented for respiratory signs; these cells were found more frequently in horses with sEA. The link between hemosiderophages and sEA highlights previously unstudied pathology associated with this common disease.

Screening and Bioinformatics Analyses of Key miRNAs Associated with Toll-like Receptor Activation in Gastric Cancer Cells

Background and Objectives: To screen key miRNAs and their target genes related to Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation in gastric cancer (GC) cells and analyze them bioinformatically. Materials and Methods: Venn diagrams were obtained to screen miRNAs that were upregulated/downregulated in both GSE54129 and GSE164174. The miRTarBase database was used to predict the target genes of upregulated miRNAs. The differentially expressed genes in the regulatory network were analyzed. miR-16-5p expression in different tissue samples and the variations in the methylation states of four hub genes were measured. Results: We found that GSE54129 included 21 normal gastric tissues and 111 gastric cancer tissues, GSE164174 included 1417 normal gastric tissues and 1423 gastric cancer tissues. Venn diagram analysis results showed that compared with the control group, a total of 68 DEmiRNAs were upregulated in the GSE54129 and GSE164174 datasets, and no common downregulated DEmiRNAs were found. On further analysis of the GSE108345 dataset, we obtained the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network associated with the activation of TLRs, and listed the top 10 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, including 10 miRNAs, 86 mRNA and 134 lncRNAs. Cytological HuBBA scores yielded a total of 1 miRNA, 16 mRNAs and 45 lncRNAs, of which miR-16-5p scored the highest as it was considered a key miRNA for TLR activation in GC cells, which are important in response against microorganisms. The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that endocytosis, microRNAs in cancer and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway are related to TLR signaling. The results of in vivo experiments indicated that miR-16-5p was highly expressed in gastric cancer cells and tissues. Conclusions: Hsa-miR-16-5p's target genes mainly play a role by regulating the expression of four genes-MCL1, AP2B1, LAMB1, and RAB11FIP2. The findings provide a scientific basis for the development of immunotherapy for GC.

Conventional Adenomatous Polyps: Study of Histomorphological Features Using a Novel Scoring System

Introduction: Conventional adenomatous polyps are dysplastic proliferations that arise from the surface of the mucosa and grow in a top-down fashion. Dysplasia is graded as low-grade and high-grade using a two-tiered grading system. Aim: To grade the dysplasia in conventional adenomatous polyps by applying a novel scoring system. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, ESIC Medical College and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science and Research (PGIMSR), Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A total of 46 cases reported as conventional adenomatous polyps were reviewed from January 2020 to June 2022. A cytological grading system was applied, evaluating eight parameters consisting of architectural and cytological features. Each parameter was scored, resulting in a total score ranging from 8 to 24. The final diagnosis was determined based on the histological pattern and the total cytological score. The results were tabulated in an excel sheet and analysed using mean, standard deviation, percentage, and frequency tables. The relationship between the independent variables was evaluated using the Chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of the 46 cases, most presented in the 4th decade of life 12 (32.61%) cases. The mean age of presentation was 54.56±11.91 years (mean±SD) with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The most common site was the sigmoid colon 17 (36.96%) cases. There were 26 cases of low-grade dysplasia with a mean score of 9.1 and 20 cases of high-grade dysplasia with a mean score of 15.2. The most common type was tubular adenoma with low-grade dysplasia 24 (52.17%) cases and a mean cytological score of 9. The high-grade dysplasia in tubular adenomas 7 (15.22%) cases, tubulovillous adenomas 11 (23.19%) cases, and villous adenomas 2 (4.35%) cases had mean scores of 13.3, 15.2, and 18, respectively. Conclusion: Dysplasia in adenomatous polyps is an independent risk factor for malignancy. The cytological scoring system helps in accurately diagnosing the grade of dysplasia and simplifies the process. The present study emphasizes the need for objective criteria, paving the way for implementing relevant surveillance and clinical protocols.

Evaluation of hypochlorous acid as an ear flush in dogs with chronic otitis externa.

Chronic otitis externa (OE) in dogs frequently requires anaesthetised ear flushing. To evaluate hypochlorous acid as an ear flushing and antimicrobial agent in dogs with chronic OE. Twenty dogs with chronic OE caused by the same organisms bilaterally. One ear was flushed under anaesthesia with hypochlorous acid, the other with saline solution. Subsequently, the ear flushed with hypochlorous acid was cleaned with the same solution twice daily for 2 weeks, the other ear with a commercial ear cleaner. An ear medication containing miconazole, polymyxin B and prednisolone was used once daily in both ears. Clinical scores were determined before the flush. Ear cytological results were obtained, a hearing test was conducted before and after the ear flush, and a culture was taken directly after flushing. Ears were evaluated after 2 weeks of therapy. Yeast was present in the ears of 11, cocci in one and a mixed infection in eight dogs. Five ears were negative on culture after flushing with hypochlorous acid, one after the saline flush. Clinical and cytological scores decreased significantly with both solutions after 2 weeks of treatment. There was no difference between treatments in any of the scores at any time point between treatments and in the results of the hearing test before and after the flushing procedure. Adverse effects were not seen. Hypochlorous acid is a suitable cleaning solution for canine OE.

Clinical and Microbiological Performances and Effects on Lipid and Cytokine Production of a Ceruminolytic Ear Cleaner in Canine Erythemato-Ceruminous Otitis Externa.

Erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is the most common type of otitis in dogs and is generally associated with bacterial and/or yeast infections. The performance of an ear cleaner was assessed over two weeks in canine ECOE, associated with a mild or moderate secondary infection, in a prospective open-label study. Forty ear canals with ECOE that did not receive any type of aural treatment and were not cleaned for 7 days were included. Pruritus (PS), 0–3 Otitis Index Score (OTIS-3) and 0–4 scale cytology (CYTO) scores were assessed on Day (D) 0, D7 and D14. Concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines on the ear canal surface and the lipid profile of the exudate were measured on D0 and D14. From D0 to D12 or D13, the dogs’ ears were cleaned daily if the secretion score (SEC) was 3/3, every second day if the score was 2/3 and every third day if the score was 1/3. PS, OTIS-3, SEC and CYTO were significantly lower on D7 compared to baseline (−40%, −31%, −36%, −34%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The same parameters decreased further on D14 (−60%, −53%, −61%, −73%, respectively; p < 0.0001) and amounts of interleukin 8 and chemokine KC-like were also reduced compared to baseline (−45%, p < 0.01; −36%, p = 0.3, respectively). The lipid profile was also modified, with a decrease in free lipids and an increase in bound lipids.

A comparison of cytology and radiological score with histology in patients with breast lumps: what guides the clinicians best?

Journal of Diagnostic Pathology is a peer reviewed journal published biannually by the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka. The journal publishes manuscripts dealing with all aspects of pathology. The aim of the journal is to update knowledge and encourage original research in the field of pathology.

Evaluation of Cytological Scoring and Comparison with Histopathological Finding in a Palpable Breast Lump

Introduction: Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy worldwide in women. Preoperative evaluation of breast lump plays a major role in the early diagnosis and management of the breast lesions. This study helps in subgrouping the breast lesions into various categories and provides the line of management of each category accordingly. Aim: To evaluate the cytomorphology of various breast lesions, to compare with histopathological findings and to assess the usefulness of Modified Masood’s Scoring Index (MMSI) in palpable breast lumps. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in 61 female patients presented with palpable breast lump between March 2019 and February 2021 at Pathology Department, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry, India. Cytological examination along with MMSI was applied on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) aspirates, followed by histological confirmation. Under MMSI, the breast lesions were categorised into four groups: Non Proliferative Breast Disease (Non PBD), PBD without atypia, PBD with atypia and carcinoma breast. The data were collected and complied in Microsoft excel programme, appropriate graphs were made and percentages were calculated. Results: Total of 61 cases were analysed, females with age range of 23 to 64 years, mean age of 38 years. Majority of the cases presented with unilateral breast lump (92.5%). In MMSI Scoring, 15/61 (24.5%) were found with the score of 6 followed by 12/61 (19.6%) score of 8 which falls under NPBD. Total of cases 2/61 (3.2%) score of 24 while 3/61 (4.9%) with the score of 23 fell under Carcinoma breast category. Overall concordance observed between MMSI and histopathology was 59/61 cases which is 96.72%, which indicates the high degree of concordance with histopathological diagnosis. Conclusion: MMSI is a simple and reliable scoring system and can be applied on FNAC aspirates. MMSI increase the diagnostic accuracy and provide better concordance with histopathology.

In vivo and in vitro efficacy of florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate topical otic solution for the treatment of canine otitis externa

This study evaluated the efficacy of a new, single-dose otic solution combining florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate for the treatment of canine otitis externa (OE) in vitro and in vivo. Forty-one client-owned dogs with OE were included in the study and divided into a treatment group that received the test solution and a negative control group that received a normal saline solution. On day 0, the dogs were treated either with the test or the control solution and evaluated over 30 days. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by clinical signs and cytological organism counts. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). After treatment with the test solution, clinical signs continuously decreased and cytological scores were significantly reduced. The results of MIC testing showed that the test solution was potent against the common pathogenic causes of canine OE. In this study, the most common causative pathogens were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas spp. and Malassezia pachydermatis. No issues related to safety were identified. Based on these results, this new ototopical drug can be used as first line treatment for canine OE.

Effect of platelet lysate on uterine response of mares susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis

Many mares are susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE), an important cause of reduced fertility. Platelet lysate (PL) derives from freeze-thawing platelets after concentration, so that growth factors are released from the platelets. Among the advantages of PL compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it can be frozen stored and allogenic use for PL might also be conceivable. Platelet-rich plasma beneficially reduced inflammatory response in PMIE mares when administered 24 h pre- or 4 h post-AI. The aim of this study was to test the effect of PL on inflammatory uterine response in mares susceptible to PMIE. A total of 14 mares susceptible to PMIE (based on presence of fluid or inflammatory cells 24 h after AI) underwent an untreated (Ctr) cycle followed by a treated (PL) cycle. From each mare, 100 mL of citrated whole blood was obtained for PRP production by centrifugation. The resultant PRP was brought to a final volume of 10 mL with platelet poor plasma and frozen at −80 °C to obtain PL. On untreated cycles, mares were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen 36 h after ovulation induction. On treated cycles, PL was thawed, infused into the uterus 12 h after ovulation induction, and AIs were performed 24 h later. The number of neutrophils in uterine cytology (score 1(normal)-3(severe inflammation)) evaluated by optical microscopy, uterine fluid accumulation (height x width) and uterine edema (score 0–3) observed in ultrasonography, were analysed. Pregnancy was evaluated by ultrasonography 14 days after ovulation. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed on cytology score (PL 1.3 ± 0.1 vs Ctr 2.0 ± 0.1), fluid accumulation (PL 79.5 ± 30.1 mm2 vs Ctr 342.7 ± 52.9 mm2) and edema score (PL 1.8 ± 0.2 vs Ctr 2.3 ± 0.2) in treated mares. Pregnancy rate in PL-treated cycles (3/12) and control cycles (2/14), were not significantly different (P > 0.05). According to the results, we conclude that treatment with PL in mares classified as susceptible to PMIE appears to reduce the inflammatory response after breeding, based on clinical signs of uterine edema, IUF accumulation and PMNs migration.

Cytological scoring for pancreatic specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration.

Cytological diagnosis of pancreatic specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is often challenging because of the small sample size or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with weak cytological atypia. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis for pancreatic cancer should be improved. Hence, we aimed to clarify the utility of cytological scoring to distinguish malignant from benign lesions for cytological diagnosis of pancreatic EUS-FNA specimens. Seven reviewers, including four cytotechnologists and three medical doctors, evaluated 20morphological indices in pancreatic specimens obtained by EUS-FNA (malignant, n=111; benign, n=31). Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test, logistic regression analysis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and Youden index. Among the 20 indices, there was a high incidence rate (>40%) of the following 13 indices in malignant cases: irregular structure, hyperchromatic nucleus, irregular cell polarity, unclear cell boundaries, nuclear membrane thickening, anisonucleosis, overlapping, irregular nuclei, high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, binding decline, the simultaneous appearance of malignant and benign cells, enlarged nucleoli, and background necrosis. When we diagnosed pancreatic specimens using these 13 cytological indices, the cut-off value of 8/9showed the highest Youden index (0.950) as well as high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing malignant from benign specimens (98% and 97%, respectively). Thirteen cytological indices showed high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant and benign lesions using pancreatic EUS-FNA samples. All 13 indices were important for diagnosing malignancy in the pancreatic cytology smear of EUS-FNA. Further validation studies are required.