Genotype MTBDR plus assay for molecular detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Context: Phosphatase and tensin analog (PTEN) gene mutation has been proven for pro-inflammatory property and proliferative potential through tyrosine kinase pathway. We studied mutated PTEN for its pathogenetic association in arterial atherosclerosis. Aims: The objective was to study mutation of PTEN by immunohistochemical method in arterial atherosclerotic lesions and correlate with grades of atherosclerosis, smooth muscle migration in intima, degree of inflammation and Framingham heart study risk factors. Settings and Design: Human, Prospective Clinical study. Materials and Methods: We studied patients with arterial occlusive disease diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography over a 2-year period. Immunohistochemistry was performed with mouse monoclonal antibodies for PTEN and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test. Results and Conclusion: Aorta was the single most common vessel affected (21%). Mean age of patients studied was 48.6 years and 80% were male. Mutant PTEN was associated with higher grades of atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.0001) graded by American Heart Association classification and with smooth muscle proliferation and migration in intima (P < 0.0001). No statistically significant association with the vessel wall inflammation and other risk factors of atherosclerosis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis in various grades and subtypes of meningioma.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has been extensively studied in astrocytoma, whereas relatively less literature exists on VEGF expression in meningioma. Materials and Methods: Patients operated for meningioma from 2006 to 2011 (n = 46) were included. Tumor was subtyped and graded as per WHO grading. Immunohistochemistry was performed for MIB labeling index, VEGF, and CD 34 staining. The patterns of VEGF expression in various histological subtypes and grades and its correlation with microvascular density were analyzed. Results: This series consisted of 40 Grade I meningioma, 4 Grade II tumors, and 2 Grade III tumors. While 14 (30.4%) tumors showed no staining with VEGF antibody, 32 (69.6%) were positive for VEGF. Sixty fi ve percent of Grade I tumors showed VEGF positivity, while 100% of Grade II and Grade III tumors were VEGF positive (P = 0.157). The mean microvascular density in VEGF-negative tumors was 9.00, while that of VEGF-positive tumors was 17.81(P = 0.013). There was a gradual increase in microvascular density from tumors which are negative for VEGF to tumors which expressed moderate to strong VEGF, the difference being statistically signifi cant (P = 0.009). Conclusions: VEGF expression correlated with the microvascular density in meningioma irrespective of tumor grade, with a gradual increase in microvascular density in relation to the VEGF score.

Role of pro-angiogenic marker galectin-3 in follicular neoplasms of thyroid.

The role of pro-angiogenic marker galectin-3 (GAL-3) was examined in differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasms of thyroid into histological subsets of follicular adenoma (FA), follicular carcinoma (FC) and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). The study included 22 cases from January 2006 to June 2011 comprising of FA (n = 12), FC (n = 3) and FVPTC (n = 7). Immunohistochemical evaluation of GAL-3 was performed on representative histologic sections from the resected thyroid specimens. The proportion of stained cells and intensity of staining in tumor blood vessels were evaluated. GAL-3 expression showed that angiogenesis was prominent in malignancy (FC and FVPTC) and negative in non-neoplastic thyroid parenchyma and benign condition (FA). GAL-3 expression was found to differentiate benign from malignant follicular neoplasms. Focal and diffuse positivity for GAL-3 was found to be associated with FC and FVPTC respectively, thus GAL-3 can be used as a immunohistochemical marker in the differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasms of thyroid based on the type of expression. Limitation of this study was relatively less number of cases studied; however, this data need to be corroborated in larger cohort.

Coexistence of onychomycosis in psoriatic nails: A descriptive study.

Background: Psoriatic nail changes predispose to onychomycosis because it becomes easier for fungi to penetrate an already compromised nail plate. Moreover, some of the psoriatic nail changes closely resemble onychomycosis. Aim: To investigate cases of nail psoriasis for any evidence of onychomycosis. Methods: Seventy-two patients with psoriasis were included in the study. The patients were selected from the psoriasis clinic and dermatology in-patient ward. Direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture were carried out in all patients showing psoriatic nail changes. Histopathological examination with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was done in cases negative by KOH examination and culture. Results: Nail changes were seen in 66.66% (48/72) of psoriasis patients. The most common fingernail changes observed were pitting, onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis, and the most common toenail changes were onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis. Nail changes were significantly more common in males. The duration of skin lesions of psoriasis and Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores were significantly higher in patients with nail changes. Out of 48 patients with psoriatic nail change, 23 (47.91%) had investigative evidence of onychomycosis. The fungal isolates on culture were non-dermatophytic molds in nine patients (18.75%) and yeast like fungi also in nine patients (18.75%). Conclusion: Coexistent onychomycosis in psoriatic nails does occur.