Predictors of Poor Outcome in Patients with COVID-19 associated Respiratory Failure: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is majorly known to cause mild to moderate disease, but a small fraction of patients may develop respiratory failure due to diffuse lung injury, requiring management in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study attempts to identify factors that can predict unfavorable outcomes in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: Hospital records of 120 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were retrospectively analyzed and data pertaining to demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained. These data were then compared with outcome parameters like survival, duration of hospital stay, and various adverse events. Results: Out of 120 patients, 70% were male, with a mean age of 54.44 years [standard deviation (SD) ± 14.24 years]. Presenting symptoms included breathlessness (100%), cough (94.17%), fever (82.5%), and sore throat (10.83%). Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the common comorbidities associated. Increased serum D-dimer, ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and unvaccinated status were associated with higher mortality. Overall, 25.83% of patients survived, 24.41% of patients developed septic shock, and 10.6% of patients were discharged on oxygen. World Health Organization (WHO) clinical progression scale score ? 6 had 57 and 82% sensitivity and 83 and 77% specificity on days 7 and 14 after admission, respectively, for predicting mortality. A baseline National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS 2) ? 9 had 48% sensitivity and 88% specificity for predicting mortality. Conclusion: Advanced age and associated comorbidities are linked to adverse outcomes in moderate to severe COVID-19. Persistently high D-dimer levels, despite standard treatment, may also contribute to increased mortality. WHO clinical progression scale and NEWS 2 have high specificity for predicting mortality.

Swyer syndrome presenting as dysgerminoma: A case report / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Complete gonadal dysgenesis with 46,XY karyotype is a clinical condition characterized by the absence of testicular tissue but typical Mullerian structures in a phenotypically female individual. The condition presents as primary amenorrhoea or delayed puberty. Eventually, malignant neoplasms may arise. We report a case of a 16-year-old patient with Swyer syndrome presenting with primary amenorrhoea and with previous diagnosis four years earlier of a malignant dysgerminoma in the right ovary.

Association of opioid use disorder with outcomes of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction in the United States

Abstract Objective While Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has been linked to inferior clinical outcomes, studies examining the clinical outcomes and readmission of OUD patients experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) remain lacking. The authors analyze the clinical and financial outcomes of OUD in a contemporary cohort of AMI hospitalizations. Methods All non-elective adult (≥ 18 years) hospitalizations for AMI were tabulated from the 2016‒2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database using relevant International Classification of Disease codes. Patients were grouped into OUD and non-OUD cohorts. Bivariate and regression analyses were performed to identify the independent association of OUD with outcomes after non-elective admission for AMI, as well as subsequent readmission. Results Of an estimated 3,318,257 hospitalizations for AMI meeting study criteria, 36,057 (1.1%) had a concomitant diagnosis of OUD. While OUD was not significantly associated with mortality, OUD patients experienced superior cardiovascular outcomes compared to non-OUD. However, OUD was linked to increased odds of non-cardiovascular complications, length of stay, costs, non-home discharge, and 30-day non-elective readmission. Conclusions Patients with OUD presented with AMI at a significantly younger age than non-OUD. While OUD appears to have a cardioprotective effect, it is associated with several markers of increased resource use, including readmission. The present findings underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to increasing social services and treatment for OUD at index hospitalization.

Laron syndrome: A tale of two siblings / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Primary growth hormone (GH) resistance or growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, also called Laron syndrome, is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the GH receptor or in the post-receptor signaling pathway. This disorder is characterized by postnatal growth failure resembling GH deficiency. Differentiating the two conditions is necessary. We present the cases of two siblings, a 16-year-old female and a 9-year-old male, born from a consanguineous union. Both had normal birth weights with subsequent severe short stature and delayed teeth eruption, with no features suggestive of any systemic illness. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were both low. Suspecting GH deficiency, provocative testing with clonidine was done revealing peak growth hormone >40 ng/mL in both patients. In view of low IGF1 and IGFBP3 and high GH on stimulation, IGF1 generation test was done for both siblings, with values supporting the diagnosis of GH insensitivity or Laron syndrome.

Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of an algorithmic approach to uveal effusion syndrome

Purpose: To describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes in spontaneous uveal effusion syndrome (UES). Methods: A 10?year retrospective chart review of UES patients from a tertiary eye center was carried out. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) scans were performed. UES was managed based on presenting best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), symptoms, and fundus findings. Patients with secondary causes of uveal effusion were excluded. Results: Twenty?five eyes of 16 patients were included. Of the 16 patients, 14 (88%) were male and 9 (56%) had bilateral disease. Fifteen of 25 affected eyes had nanophthalmos (axial length (AL) <20.5 mm) and 6 had hyperopia with AL >20.5 mm. The presenting mean distance BCVA was 0.74 ± 0.64 logMAR (mean Snellen: 20/100). Eleven eyes had exudative retinal detachment, and 4 also had exudative choroidal detachment (CD). Choroidal thickness (CT) was increased in 11 eyes on B?scan ultrasonography, and the mean CT was 1.74 ± 0.38 mm. Sub?retinal fluid (SRF) and retinal folds were the most common OCT findings. UBM findings included shallow angles, peripheral CD, and supra?ciliary effusion. A combination of local and systemic corticosteroids was used to successfully treat 12 eyes, 6 needed surgery, and 7 were observed. Partial sclerectomy with anterior chamber maintainer?assisted SRF drainage was the favored surgery. The median period of follow?up was 6.5 months (0.1–76 months), and the mean distance BCVA at the last follow?up was 0.58 ± 0.42 logMAR (mean Snellen: 20/80). Conclusion: UES can be suitably managed both medically and surgically based on clinical presentation

Polyalanine polymorphism in the signal peptide of Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) gene & its association with osteoporosis

Background & objectives: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease, characterized by a low bone mass leading to increased bone fragility and hence, a greater susceptibility to the risk of fracture. Since age-related oxidative stress is one of the factors that has been implicated in developing low bone mineral density (BMD), leading to osteoporosis, this study wanted to explore the expression of antioxidant enzymes in individuals with osteoporosis. The present study focused on mapping polymorphism in an important antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) among osteoporosis and healthy Asian Indians. Methods: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess BMD of individuals and was classified into normal (n=96) and osteoporotic (n=88) groups. Biochemical parameters such as vitamin D, total oxidant status (TOS), and GPx1 enzyme activity were estimated from plasma samples of recruited individuals. Quantitative real-time qRT-PCR was carried out using GAPDH as an endogenous control. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, and polymorphisms were evaluated by sequencing. Results: The BMD was lower in osteoporotic individuals, and further analysis of biochemical parameters indicated significantly low 25-hydroxy vitamin D and GPx1 with higher TOS levels in osteoporotic as compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, qRT-PCR revealed low expression of GPX1 in osteoporotic individuals. GPX1 sequence analysis of the promoter and two exons revealed the lower frequency of five alanine repeats in the osteoporotic individuals. Interpretation & conclusions: In this study, the in silico analysis revealed the lower frequency of five alanine repeats in exon 1 of GPX1 and high TOS to be associated with osteoporosis. However, no polymorphism was found in exon 2 of GPX1 among the two study groups.

Will Oral Semaglutide be a Game-Changer in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Indian Context?

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have important beneficial effects on glycemic control and body weight along with their pleiotropic effects on various systems of the body. However, until now these agents were administered via an injection posing a challenge to patient convenience. Oral semaglutide is a first in class oral GLP-1RA co-formulated with an absorption enhancer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The clinical efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide has been extensively evaluated in the Peptide InnOvatioN for Early diabEtes tReatment (PIONEER) program of clinical trials. This review shall elaborate on the unique diabetes situation in India and why the oral GLP-1RA (semaglutide) will be a game-changer in the Indian setting

MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENT IN A DENTAL SETTING IN INDIA- A REVIEW

Tuberculosis (TB) still continues to be endemic in various regions of the world, including in India and needs surveillance, clinical assessment, testing, contact tracing, confirmation of diagnosis with supervised or in-supervised treatment regimens for an effective eradication. Tuberculosis is responsible for the death of every third AIDS patient in India and accounts for about a quarter of the global tuberculosis burden. The ministry reiterated their commitment to eliminating tuberculosis in the country by 2025. This article gives dentists an overview of the guidelines' recommendations that are applicable to most outpatient dental settings.

Nisha-Amalaki in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- A Case Report

During the last few years India has maximum increase of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. There are approximate 72.96 million cases of diabetes mellitus in adult population of India. In modern era single anti-diabetic drug is not sufficient for glucose control. These days multidrug therapy is building its popularity for maintaining glycaemic levels. A 59-year-old female presented with known case of Type 2 diabetes with evidence of polyuria, itching over extremities, and fatigue was poorly controlled despite a drug regimen consisting of oral metformin and glimepiride. Her Blood Sugar level was constantly around 200 mg/dl in spite of having modern medicine with adjusted doses. She has administered Nisha-Amalaki Churna with warm water early in the morning along with standard conventional treatment for 8 weeks. The effect of therapy was evaluated at the interval of 4 weeks for 8 weeks which is done on the basis of objective parameters. Objective parameters were fasting and post prandial Blood Sugar Level. Nisha-Amalaki churna has reduced Blood Sugar Level to normal. It also reduced the dose of conventional drug which may cause side effects with long term use. There is a need for combined multidisciplinary treatment to maintain suggested glycaemic control. Thus, the present case study is to understand the significant effect of Nisha-Amalaki as an adjuvant to standard conventional treatment in chronic uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Tocilizumab fails survival benefit in severe COVID-19 – A retrospective cohort study

Objectives: Anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab, has produced mixed results in clinical trials for effectiveness against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare outcomes at 28 days of a cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab and standard care, with those receiving standard care only. Materials and Methods: In this record-based retrospective cohort study, patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were classified into non-severe and severe disease as per institutional protocol. One cohort received tocilizumab with standard care and the second cohort received only standard care. Few patients also received high-dose steroids as ‘pulse’ steroids on initial clinical deterioration. Data were collected for the treatment given including oxygen interface, steroids, antimicrobials, duration of hospital stay in survivors, requirement of mechanical ventilation, and day of intubation from symptom onset. The primary outcome was to compare the all-cause mortality between the two groups. The effect of pulse steroid therapy on all-cause mortality was studied in the secondary outcome. Results: There was statistically significant mortality in the tocilizumab cohort as compared to standard care alone (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.54–3.89). The need for mechanical ventilation was more in the tocilizumab cohort (85% vs. 18%, P < 0.001). Tocilizumab cohort had a delay in the day of intubation by a mean of 2.29 days from the day of symptom onset (P < 0.05). Pulse steroid administration showed increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.18–3.20) and risk of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Tocilizumab cohort showed higher mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in our study which contrasts the result of a few previous trials. Our study warrants the need for future clinical trials on this subject to ensure better treatment strategies in upcoming COVID-19 waves.

An Unusual Cause of Lung Abscess

A 75-year-old male, with multiple co-morbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type II diabetes mellitus and bronchogenic carcinoma, presented with lung abscess, and was detected to have Salmonella entericaserovar Anatum, non-typhoid Salmonella (NTS) infection. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics and source control by image-guided drainage showed rapid clinical improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of lung abscess caused by Salmonella enterica species serovar Anatum.

Peripheral lymphocyte subset alteration in patients with COVID-19 having differential clinical manifestations

Background & objectives: The COVID-19 disease profile in Indian patients has been found to be different from the Western world. Changes in lymphocyte compartment have been correlated with disease course, illness severity and clinical outcome. This study was aimed to assess the peripheral lymphocyte phenotype and subset distribution in patients with COVID-19 disease from India with differential clinical manifestations. Methods: Percentages of peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry in hospitalized asymptomatic (n=53), mild symptomatic (n=36), moderate and severe (n=30) patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, recovered individuals (n=40) and uninfected controls (n=56) from Pune, Maharashtra, India. Results: Percentages of CD4+Th cells were significantly high in asymptomatic, mild symptomatic, moderate and severe patients and recovered individuals compared to controls. Percentages of Th memory (CD3+CD4+CD45RO+), Tc memory (CD3+CD8+CD45RO+) and B memory (CD19+CD27+) cells were significantly higher in the recovered group compared to both asymptomatic, mild symptomatic patient and uninfected control groups. NK cell (CD56+CD3-) percentages were comparable among moderate +severe patient and uninfected control groups. Interpretation & conclusions: The observed lower CD4+Th cells in moderate+severe group requiring oxygen support compared to asymptomatic+mild symptomatic group not requiring oxygen support could be indicative of poor prognosis. Higher Th memory, Tc memory and B memory cells in the recovered group compared to mild symptomatic patient groups might be markers of recovery from mild infection; however, it remains to be established if the persistence of any of these cells could be considered as a correlate of protection.

Oleanolic Acid Provides Neuroprotection against Ischemic Stroke through the Inhibition of Microglial Activation and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Oleanolic acid (OA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been reported to exert protective effects against several neurological diseases through its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of OA against acute and chronic brain injuries after ischemic stroke using a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, MCAO/reperfusion). OA administration immediately after reperfusion significantly attenuated acute brain injuries including brain infarction, functional neurological deficits, and neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, delayed administration of OA (at 3 h after reperfusion) attenuated brain infarction and improved functional neurological deficits during the acute phase. Such neuroprotective effects were associated with attenuation of microglial activation and lipid peroxidation in the injured brain after the tMCAO challenge. OA also attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in activated microglia during the acute phase. In addition, daily administration of OA for 7 days starting from either immediately after reperfusion or 1 day after reperfusion significantly improved functional neurological deficits and attenuated brain tissue loss up to 21 days after the tMCAO challenge; these findings supported therapeutic effects of OA against ischemic stroke-induced chronic brain injury. Together, these findings showed that OA exerted neuroprotective effects against both acute and chronic brain injuries after tMCAO challenge, suggesting that OA is a potential therapeutic agent to treat ischemic stroke.

Financial burden and financial aid for medical students in Singapore: a national survey across all three medical schools

INTRODUCTION@#Singapore has had three medical schools since 2013. We undertook a cross-sectional quantitative national survey to determine the financial impact of medical education on medical students in Singapore.@*METHODS@#All 1,829 medical students in Singapore were invited to participate in this study. Information on demographics, financial aid utilisation and outside work was collected and analysed.@*RESULTS@#1,241 (67.9%) of 1,829 students participated in the survey. While the overall proportion of students from households with monthly incomes < SGD 3,000 was only 21.2% compared to the national figure of 31.4%, 85.4% of medical students expected to graduate with debts > SGD 75,000. There were significant differences in per capita incomes among the schools, with 54.5%, 23.3% and 7.8% of Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS), NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) students, respectively, reporting a per capita income of < SGD 1,000 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in financial support: 75.0%, 34.1% and 38.8% of Duke-NUS, NUS Medicine and LKCMedicine students, respectively, received financial aid (p < 0.001). The top reasons for not applying for aid included a troublesome application process (21.4%) and the perception that it would be too difficult to obtain (21.0%).@*CONCLUSION@#Students in the three medical schools in Singapore differ in their financial needs and levels of financial support received. A national approach to funding medical education may be needed to ensure that financial burdens do not hamper the optimal training of doctors for Singapore's future.

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Surface Roughness of Rotary NiTi Instruments after Simulated Clinical Use in Curved Root Canals - An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

Abstract Objective: To examine the cyclic fatigue resistance and surface topography of TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold nickel-titanium rotary files and evaluate the presence of alterations to surface topography following instrumentation in simulated curved canals. Material and Methods: Twenty-four nickel-titanium instruments, twelve each of TN and PTG file systems, were evaluated for cyclic fatigue resistance. The rotary files were rotated in a simulated root canal with standardized diameter, angle of curvature, and radius of curvature in a custom-made cyclic fatigue testing device until the instrument fracture occurred. The time to fracture for each instrument was recorded with a stopwatch; in seconds in each group. Fractured instruments were subjected to atomic force microscopy analysis measuring the average roughness and the root mean square values to investigate surface features of endodontic files. Mean values and standard deviation were calculated. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Time to fracture was marginally higher in PTG instruments than in the TN file systems. PTG files exhibited higher surface roughness when compared with TN files (p<0.05). Conclusion: TN file system had a higher cyclic fatigue resistance than PTG. Cyclic fatigue causing file breakage did affect the surface topography of the files. PTG files showed a higher surface porosity value than the TN files (AU).

Implications of Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Cardiovascular Diseases / 결핵및호흡기질환

Globally, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading causes of the noncommunicable disease burden. Overlapping symptoms such as breathing difficulty and fatigue, with a lack of awareness about COPD among physicians, are key reasons for under-diagnosis and resulting sub-optimal care relative to COPD. Much has been published in the past on the pathogenesis and implications of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD. However, a comprehensive review of the prevalence and impact of COPD management in commonly encountered cardiac diseases is lacking. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the prevalence of COPD in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. We also discuss the real-life clinical presentation and practical implications of managing COPD in cardiac diseases. We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for studies published 1981–May 2020 reporting the prevalence of COPD in the three specified cardiac diseases. COPD has high prevalence in heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease. Despite this, COPD remains under-diagnosed and under-managed in the majority of patients with cardiac diseases. The clinical implications of the diagnosis of COPD in cardiac disease includes the recognition of hyperinflation (a treatable trait), implementation of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) prevention strategies, and reducing the risk of overuse of diuretics. The pharmacological agents for the management of COPD have shown a beneficial effect on cardiac functions and mortality. The appropriate management of COPD improves the cardiovascular outcomes by reducing hyperinflation and preventing AECOPD, thus reducing the risk of mortality, improving exercise tolerance, and quality of life.

Does mpMRI guidance improve HIFU partial gland ablation compared to conventional ultrasound guidance? Early functional outcomes and complications from a single center

ABSTRACT Background Focal therapy (FT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is raising interest. New technological mpMRI-US guided FT devices have never been compared with the previous generation of ultrasound-only guided devices. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively recorded data of men undergoing FT for localized low- or intermediate-risk PCa with US- (Ablatherm®-2009 to 2014) or mpMRI-US (Focal One®-from 2014) guided HIFU. Follow-up visits and data were collected using internationally validated questionnaires at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results We included n=88 US-guided FT HIFU and n=52 mpMRI-US guided FT HIFU respectively. No major baseline differences were present except higher rates of Gleason 3+4 for the mpMRI-US group. No major differences were present in hospital stay (p=0.1), catheterization time (p=0.5) and complications (p=0.2) although these tended to be lower in the mpMRI-US group (6.8% versus 13.2% US FT group). At 3 months mpMRI-US guided HIFU had significantly lower urine leak (5.1% vs. 15.9%, p=0.04) and a lower drop in IIEF scores (2 vs. 4.2, p=0.07). Of those undergoing 12-months control biopsy in the mpMRI-US-guided HIFU group, 26% had residual cancer in the treated lobe. Conclusion HIFU FT guided by MRI-US fusion may allow improved functional outcomes and fewer complications compared to US- guided HIFU FT alone. Further analysis is needed to confirm benefits of mpMRI implementation at a longer follow-up and on a larger cohort of patients.

A Survey of Tobacco Smoking in University Students of Delhi / National Capital Region (NCR)

The prevalence of smoking amongst university students is common and widespread. Generally, the period of smoking gets triggered with the onset of adolescence. This period is also called student period in which the most behavioural traits are created. Hukkah is also another popular product being used nowadays by students as it provides the extra feature of smoking flavoured tobacco. Hukkah is considered more risk prone than cigarettes due to more carbon monoxide poisoning, tarring heavy metals and carcinogens. A study conducted in Israel also showed that 41% of students were smoking tobacco through Hukkahand in yet another survey conducted among the students of America, it was found that 27% had smoked hukkah,which shows that the prevalence of smoking Hukkah has increased. METHODSThe survey was conducted in one of the universities in Delhi/NCR during the academic year 2019 - 2020 by self-administering a questionnaire among the population of 200 students studying in various departments. The questionnaire included questions to analyse their knowledge, attitude and practice about smoking habits. RESULTSThe analysis showed that there was no significant gender difference in smoking habits and was more or less same i.e. in the range of 80 – 82 %. The trend followed was also same in both the genders. Smoking period ranged from 18 years to 27 years. The reasons for smoking were different in older smokers then new smokers. Older ones used the habit for averting stress whereas new students adopted the habit out of pleasure and get trendy. Hukkah was also seen to be used mostly by new or younger groups during parties. Good part of the study was that a major part of students i.e. 59.5 % had intentions / desire to quit smoking due to its ill-effect on their health and remaining wanted to continue with smoking due to their own reasons. CONCLUSIONSUniversity/college is a place where a student gets attracted to smoking habit due to reasons ranging from societal, physiological, psychological, mental pressures. In order to divert the attention of the students from adopting the habit of smoking, educational lectures among the college students should be organized on regular basis to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on their health as well avoiding a wasteful expenditure of the hard-earned money, which can otherwise be used for maintaining a good health.

Awareness and Practices of Minimal Invasive Dentistry amongst Dental Interns - A Descriptive Analysis.

The current approach to management of caries has evolved towards minimal invasive dentistry comprising of early diagnosis of incipient lesions, remineralization and conservative dental treatment with minimal intervention if required. Despite the focus of the dental curriculum on minimal invasive dentistry, not much of it is adopted into practice by the students. We wanted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and skills of minimal invasive dentistry amongst the dental interns of Dakshina Kannada district. MethodsThe data was gathered through an online questionnaire developed and validated by experts. ResultsA total of 244 dental interns responded to the online questionnaire survey. Majority was aware of the principles of minimal invasive dentistry mainly through lectures, although not many had practiced it. Fluoride treatment was the most recommended treatment for the prevention of caries. Although most of them agreed that caries risk assessment was effective, nearly half of them had never practiced it. A greater part of the respondents agreed upon the effectiveness of preventive measures and conservative modalities of treatment in the current day practice. ConclusionsDespite the awareness and knowledge of minimal invasive dentistry amongst the interns of Dakshina Kannada population, the practice of minimal invasive dentistry should be taught to the students and should be implemented in routine dental practice.

Gaint cell tumour of phalynx: have you seen it?

Giant cell tumors are rarely seen in the foot. Only 1-2% cases of GCT occur in the foot. They can cause a significant amount of pain and deformity due to their aggressive and recurrent nature whenever it occurs in foot. We present an unusual case of a giant cell tumor of proximal phalynx of middle toe of left foot. 26 year old male came with complaints of pain and swelling over the middle toe of left foot since 6 months. Clinical and radiological features showed features consistent with GCT. Foot Function Index revealed a) Pain scale: 29 / 50 = 58%, b) Disability scale: 56 / 90 = 62%, c) Activity limitation scale: 8 / 30 = 27%. Authors performed enbloc resection with ray amputation of 3rd toe. Histopathological examination of excised specimen revealed classic findings of mononuclear cells with interspersed fibro-collagenous strands and numerous multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells which confirmed our diagnosis. Patient was serially followed up and at 6 months followup, there were no signs of recurrence with markedly improved foot function index.