Cellular Schwannoma of Buccal Mucosa: A Rare Histopathological Variant

Introduction: Schwannoma (Neurilemmoma) is a benign neoplasm that develop from schwann cells in the peripheral nerve sheath. It commonly occurs as an encapsulated, slow-growing and generally solitary lesion. Cellular schwannoma is a rare histopathological variant of schwannoma. Case Presentation: Here, we discuss a case of 44-year-old female patient who reported with the chief complaint of swelling in the left upper back cheek region for the past 2 years. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis as cellular schwannoma. Management and prognosis: Surgical excision of the lesion was performed and no recurrence was reported after 1 year of follow up. Conclusion: Cellular schwannoma a rare intraoral benign tumor, needs to be differentiated from other malignant tumor with a careful approach for a prompt diagnosis and proper management of the lesion

Clinical validation of RIA-G, an automated optic nerve head analysis software

Purpose: To clinically validate a new automated glaucoma diagnosis software RIA-G. Methods: A double-blinded study was conducted where 229 valid random fundus images were evaluated independently by RIA-G and three expert ophthalmologists. Optic nerve head parameters [vertical and horizontal cup–disc ratio (CDR) and neuroretinal rim (NRR) changes] were quantified. Disc damage likelihood scale (DDLS) staging and presence of glaucoma were noted. The software output was compared with consensus values of ophthalmologists. Results: Mean difference between the vertical CDR output by RIA-G and the ophthalmologists was ? 0.004 ± 0.1. Good agreement and strong correlation existed between the two [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.79; r = 0.77, P < 0.005]. Mean difference for horizontal CDR was ? 0.07 ± 0.13 with a moderate to strong agreement and correlation (ICC 0.48; r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Experts and RIA-G found a violation of the inferior–superior NRR in 47 and 54 images, respectively (Cohen's kappa = 0.56 ± 0.07). RIA-G accurately detected DDLS in 66.2% cases, while in 93.8% cases, output was within ± 1 stage (ICC 0.51). Sensitivity and specificity of RIA-G to diagnose glaucomatous neuropathy were 82.3% and 91.8%, respectively. Overall agreement between RIA-G and experts for glaucoma diagnosis was good (Cohen's kappa = 0.62 ± 0.07). Overall accuracy of RIA-G to detect glaucomatous neuropathy was 90.3%. A detection error rate of 5% was noted. Conclusion: RIA-G showed good agreement with the experts and proved to be a reliable software for detecting glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The ability to quantify optic nerve head parameters from simple fundus photographs will prove particularly useful in glaucoma screening, where no direct patient–doctor contact is established.

Nephro-Protective Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Melia Azadirachta Against H2O2 Induced Toxicity in Vero Cell Line.

Renal disorders have become very common nowadays, which may also lead to kidney failure. The disorder may be caused by the commonly used chemicals such as acetaminophen, CCl4, streptromycin, H2O2 etc. The objective of this work is to determine the nephroprotective potential of ethanolic extract against H2O2 induced toxicity in VERO cell line. Ethanolic extract is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, which make it a most sought for herbal medicine. Its characteristic features have identified this compound as a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent. VERO cells are cells taken from the kidney of an African green monkey, which are used in our study. The matured leaves of Melia Azadirachta were used to prepare ethanolic extract and the same was used to test for its inhibitory effect in 96 micro plate formats against in VERO cell lines. To study the cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extract against VERO cell line, we have tested the MTT assay with different concentrations in the range of 1000 to 62.5 μg/ml. From the performed assay, the effect of ethanolic extract drug reveals an enhanced activity on in VERO cell lines and that infers Melia Azadirachta, can be used as nephroprotective agent.

Processes evaluation of coverage and compliance to around of mass drug administration with DEC and Albendazole for the control of lymphatic filariasis in Puducherry, India

Mass drug administration (MDA) with annual single dose of DEC and Albendazole is being carried out in India to achieve the National Health Policy goal of elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2015. The study was conducted in the districts of the Union territory of Puducherry for processes evaluation of round of MDA conducted in 2012. We have conducted household surveys to assess the coverage of drug distribution and consumption, also to identify the reasons for non compliance and to make necessary recommendations for improving programme implementation. Cluster sampling method was followed for the household survey by circulating pre-tested questionnaire. Statistically sufficient numbers of samples were collected in all clusters of districts which are geographically separated. There was a significant variation between reported and assessed coverage. The coverage was comparable between the districts but significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas that may be due to acceptability of the drug by the rural people. Above 52% of target population have consumed the drug and consumption was significantly higher in the rural areas. Mahe region recorded a low consumption rate of between 19-42% in different wards, this may be due to misconception of people of Mahe that drugs which are given free of cost are of low quality. Selective intake of albendazole was noticed in Mahe.

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Mukia maderaspatana (L.) leaves.

The investigation was carried out to determine the qualitative analysis of phytochemical screening and possible chemical components of Mukia maderaspatana (L.) (family: Cucurbitaceae), leaves GC-MS. The plant is an indigenous plant; traditionally it is used as an ingredient of various cocktail preparations and for the management of severe inflammatory disorders in Indian system of medicine. GC-MS analysis of hydroalcoholic extract lead to identification of 7 compounds. This analysis revealed that contains Mukia maderaspatana (L.) leaves mainly Dichloroacetic acid, 4-methylpentyl ester, 2-Butyn-1-ol, 4-methoxy and also showed the presence of other constituents like flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins and phenolic compounds.

Comparative immunocytochemistry of isolated rat & monkey pancreatic islet cell types.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Data on comparative distribution of the islet cell types in the Indian bonnet monkeys and rats are not available. The aim of the present study was to compare the arrangement of the three islet cell types in the native and in isolated rat and Indian bonnet monkey islets by immunocytochemistry. METHODS: Rat islets isolated by chopped tissue collagenase digestion method and islets of monkey isolated by intraductal collagenase digestion method were immunostained by streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method. RESULTS: Immunocytochemical staining of the isolated islets in both the species revealed the presence of three different cell types: insulin secreting B cells, glucagon secreting A cells and somatostatin secreting D cells. The arrangement of islet cell types in the rats and monkeys was similar to that of the intact islets of the native pancreas but were arranged in a definite pattern. In rats the A and D cells were peripherally arranged around the centrally located B cells. In monkeys the B cells occupied the majority of the periphery while the A and D cells were found mostly in the centre. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that the arrangement of cell types in the islets was not affected by the isolation procedure. The difference in the arrangement of islet cell types in the two species may reflect special functional adaptations.

Cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization & reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis in acute promyelocytic leukaemia patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The presence of t(15;17) or PML-RAR alpha fusion transcript is the diagnostic hallmark of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Cytogenetic (CG), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are mainly the techniques used for detecting this abnormality. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the role of CG, FISH and RT-PCR in the diagnosis of APL. METHODS: CG, FISH and RT-PCR analysis were performed in 29 patients with APL (28 M3, 1 M3v; 27 studied at diagnosis and 2 at relapse). RESULTS: Karotypes obtained in 25 patients revealed t(15;17) in 21 normal karyotype in 3 and trisomy 8 in 1 patient. In 26 patients FISH was positive for PML-RAR alpha fusion in both interphase (IP) and metaphase, two were negative and one patient had no cells for FISH analysis. IP FISH confirmed the fusion of PML-RAR alpha in all patients with t(15;17) detected by CG. RT-PCR was positive in the 22 patients analyzed (7 patients did not have RT-PCR). PCR was positive in the 3 patients with cytogenetically normal karyotypes and in one patient when karyotyping was a failure. CG detected 21 (72.4%) patients with t(15;17) of which additional chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 20 per cent of patients with successful karyotype. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: FISH and RT-PCR were useful in detecting PML-RAR alpha fusion in cytogenetically normal patients and those in when karyotyping was a failure and can be used in routine analysis for rapid confirmation of t(15;17) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Antifungal activity of conjugated styryl ketones.

The susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus to a series of alpha, beta-unsaturated styryl ketones known to be thiol-alkylators was examined, and the results were compared with those obtained for Candida albicans. Among 13 compounds used in our study, one (designated NC1110) inhibited the growth of A. fumigatus completely at low concentrations (minimum inhibitory concentration = 32 microM). Structure-activity analysis of these compounds indicated that the electron attracting property as well as the overall hydrophobicity of the compounds are important parameters for their antifungal activity. These preliminary results suggest that further modification of these molecules to enhance their hydrophobicity and the electron attracting property may result in more active compounds with improved antifungal activity.

Intravenous glucose tolerance test in Macaca radiata radiata.

A reliable method for performing sensitive intravenous glucose tolerance tests in monkeys has been standardized. This helps in assessment of beta cell function. A normal curve for glucose disposal is constructed. A high variability in insulin levels is also documented.

Xenographic transplantation of monkey pancreatic islets into rats.

Islets of Langerhans were isolated from the monkey pancreatic by collagenase digestion method. Freshly isolated monkey pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal capsule of normal rats. Treated group of rats received Cyclosporine A injections and the control group of rats did not receive any drug. In Cyclosporine A treated rats the monkey islets were not destroyed. They maintained their normal structural integrity with occasional neutrophils surrounding the islets. In the untreated rats dense infiltration of neutrophils destroyed the islets in three days. On the seventh day dense infiltration of lymphocytes was seen. Granulomas composed of epitheloid cells and occasional multinucleated Langerhans type giant cells were seen on the fourteenth day.

Acinar cells free pure islets for transplantation from Indian bonnet monkeys.

Pancreatic islets, completely free of acinar cells were isolated from the Indian bonnet monkey Macaca radiata radiata for transplantation studies. The monkey pancreas was inflated with Hank's solution containing collagenase (5 mg/ml). After incubation for 25 min at 37 degrees C the friable pancreas was teased apart. The fragments were aspirated with a 20 ml disposable syringe (without needle) twice and ejected. After the third aspiration, the homogenate was poured over nylon mesh. Islets were separated from the filtrate by centrifugation in Ficoll gradients and then hand picked. Histological examination revealed that the islets were completely free of acinar cells. On exposure to glucose, the islets responded normally with increased insulin release. They retained their structural integrity after transplantation under the renal capsule of normal rats treated with cyclosporine. The deleterious effect of exocrine cells after transplantation will be completely eliminated by this islet preparation.