Cytodiagnosis of retroperitoneal primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET)--a case report.

A rare case of Retroperitoneal Primitive Neuro Ectodermal Tumour (PNET) in thirty years old female is presented. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) characterised by small round cells with scanty cytoplasm, poorly to well formed rosettes with neurofibrillary background; whereas periodic acid-schiff (PAS) rarely react with Primitive Neuro Ectodermal Tumour (PNET), prompted the diagnosis of PNET at cytology itself. Cytological appearances of PNET have been reviewed and the various differential diagnoses are discussed.

Changes in the arch length following premature loss of deciduous molars.

When the normal physiological process of deciduous tooth exfoliation and eruption of its successor is disrupted, a series of changes are observed in the dental arches. The aim of the study was to evaluate the amount of changes in arch length after the premature loss of deciduous molars. The sample consisted of 82 children, 53 without premature loss and 29 with premature loss of either deciduous first or second molar or both, unilaterally. A reduction in arch length was observed both in the maxilla and mandible at the molar region and an increase in arch length at the canine region in the mandible. Reduction in arch length was due to mesial migration of the molar and the increase in arch length was due to the distal migration of canine. It was seen that arch length reduction was more in maxilla as compared to the mandible and that distal drifting of canine was observed only in the mandible.

Effect of drugs used in pulmonary edema (frusemide and combination of etofylline and theophylline) on surfactant system of lung.

Pulmonary surfactant activity of healthy male albino rats was estimated in terms of the maximum and minimum surface tension values of alveolar washings and the phospholipid content of the extract. The results obtained in these (control) animals were compared with those in two groups of animals treated with therapeutic doses of frusemide and a combination of etofylline and theophylline. A significant increase in surfactant activity in terms of surface tension values and phospholipid content was observed with frusemide, whereas a significant increase in phospholipid content without a change in surface tension values was observed in the case of combination of etofylline and theophylline. These findings suggest that frusemide in addition to its diuretic action, increases the surfactant activity of lung. This might be another mechanism by which it provides relief in pulmonary edema patients. The study also indicates that phospholipid concentration need not always reflect surfactant activity of lung.

Effect of bronchodilators on surfactant system of lung.

Pulmonary surfactant activity of healthy male albino rats was estimated in terms of the maximum and minimum surface tension values of alveolar washings and the phospholipid content of the extract. The results obtained in these (control) animals were compared with those in three groups of animals treated with therapeutic doses of terbutaline, adrenaline and aminophylline. A significant decrease in the surface tension values without a significant increase in the phospholipid content was observed with aminophylline, whereas a significant increase in phospholipid concentration without a significant decrease in surface tension values was observed in case of terbutaline and adrenaline. These findings suggest that aminophylline, in addition to a bronchodilator action, lowers the elastic resistance of lung. The study also indicates caution in interpreting phospholipid concentration as surfactant activity.

Variation of sex chromatin percentage during menstrual cycle and menopause.

Buccal smears were obtained from 2 groups of women to study the percentage of Barr bodies. The first group comprised of normal women with regular menstrual cycle between the age group 18-22 years. The second group comprised of Menopausal women in the age group 47-55 years. A definite variation in percentage of barr bodies was observed in the first group whereas the percentage remained normal in the second group.