Background: Triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) lacks established hormonal targets, limiting therapeutic options. Androgen receptor (AR) expression has been proposed as a potential biomarker, though its clinicopathological relevance remains unclear. Aims and Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of AR expression in TNBC and its association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 52 patients with TNBC treated at Tirunelveli Medical College (2017–2019). Primary TNBC cases with adequate formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were included, while cases receiving neoadjuvant therapy or with inadequate tissue were excluded. AR expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (≥1% nuclear staining=positive). Tumors were classified and graded according to the World Health Organization Classification of Breast Tumors and the Nottingham-modified Bloom–Richardson system, respectively. Associations with clinicopathological variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: AR expression was identified in 22 of 52 cases (42%). The mean age was 52.41±11.49 years in AR-positive cases and 49.80±10.76 years in AR-negative cases (P=0.701). Mean tumor size was comparable between AR-positive (4.04±2.06 cm) and AR-negative tumors (4.31±2.77 cm; P=0.405). No significant association was observed between AR expression and histological tumor type (P=0.722), tumor grade (P=0.332), tumor necrosis (P=0.879), stromal response (P=0.297), or lymph node status (P=0.281). Conclusion: AR expression was present in 42% of TNBC cases and showed no significant association with clinicopathological parameters.
Molecular xenomonitoring (MX)-the detection of filarial DNA in mosquito vectors-has become an important component of post- mass drug administration surveillance within the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). MX offers non-invasive, high-sensitivity detection of residual or recrudescent Wuchereria bancrofti transmission, particularly where human microfilaraemia and antigenemia surveys have limited power. However, the current operational model relies heavily on gravid-trap-based sampling, which captures a physiologically narrow, behaviourally biased subset of mosquitoes, often dominated by zoophagic Culex quinquefasciatus. This restricts interpretation and programme decision-making.We propose a restructured MX approach focused on representative multi-physiological sampling, routine blood-meal profiling, stage-specific molecular assays and harmonized analytical frameworks. With these refinements, MX can evolve into an actionable transmission-intelligence platform vital for sustaining lymphatic filariasis elimination in the endgame phase.
INTRODUCTION:School-based mental health programs in India predominantly employ didactic approaches. While effective for knowledge transfer, these methods rarely reduce stigma. This pilot study evaluated whether short-duration experiential methods could induce attitudinal change among adolescents in a resource-constrained rural setting. METHODS:A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two comparable rural schools in Tamil Nadu (9th-10th grade). School 1 received a two-hour didactic session, while School 2 received a two-hour experiential session. Pre- and post-session attitudes were assessed using a 10-item Likert questionnaire. Within-group changes were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS:Significant attitudinal improvements were observed exclusively in girls receiving experiential teaching. Specifically, stigma-related perceptions regarding "unfair treatment" (Z = -2.970, p = 0.003) and "fear of seeking help" (Z = -2.034, p = 0.042) showed significant positive shifts. Didactic groups showed minimal change. CONCLUSION:Brief experiential modules are feasible and superior to didactic methods for reducing stigma among rural adolescent girls. Integrating participatory activities into school mental health curricula may be essential for behavioural change.
Background Preeclampsia is associated with high-risk pregnancies and significant maternal morbidity. Although the incidence of hypotension is lower in preeclamptic women, its occurrence can lead to adverse maternal outcomes due to altered vascular physiology. This study aimed to determine the incidence of hypotension following spinal anesthesia in preeclamptic women and to identify associated demographic, obstetric, and clinical risk factors. Methods This prospective observational study included 180 preeclamptic women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify potential risk factors, and variables with p<0.20 were included in multivariable logistic regression to adjust for confounding. Results The incidence of hypotension was 28.33% (51/180). On univariate analysis, early-onset preeclampsia (≤34 weeks), multiple gestation, and lower hemoglobin levels were associated with increased risk of hypotension. In multivariable analysis, anemia remained an independent predictor. Women with hemoglobin 7-9.9 g/dl had 3.15 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.33-7.45; p=0.009), and those with hemoglobin 10-10.9 g/dl had 2.44 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.02-5.84; p=0.044) of hypotension compared to those with hemoglobin >11 g/dl. Early-onset preeclampsia also showed increased odds (AOR 1.71; 95% CI: 0.82-3.56), without statistical significance. Conclusion Hypotension following spinal anesthesia occurs in a substantial proportion of preeclamptic women. Optimization of hemoglobin levels and careful perioperative monitoring may help reduce the risk of hypotension and improve maternal outcomes.
