Evaluation of tumor budding and its correlation with histomorphological prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process

Objective: To evaluate the association of tumor budding (TB) with prognostic histomorphological parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to investigate the correlation of TB intensity with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Material and Method: A total of 200 cases diagnosed as OSCC were selected and their TB status was reviewed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlation with histomorphological prognostic parameters was done. Also, IHC for Vimentin and E-cadherin was performed to look for EMT. Results: On H and E examination, TB was observed in 154/200 (77%). About 88/154 (57.14%) cases showed a high TB (>5 TB/10 hpf) which increased to 100/154 (64.9%) cases on IHC staining. The intensity of TB was significantly associated with tumor grade and depth of invasion. It was also significantly associated with reduced expression for E-Cadherin and upregulation of Vimentin establishing a pathogenetic correlation between the TB and EMT. Conclusion: Therefore, our results suggest that TB is associated with poor prognosis and histologically represents EMT in OSCC which further adds to the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Spectrum of histopathological changes and its quantification using a scoring system in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of histopathological and histomorphometric features in oesophageal biopsy of patients presenting with symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Material and Methods: Present study included 42 patients and 12 controls. Complete clinical evaluation followed by endoscopic examination of the patients was done and multipleoesophageal biopsies were taken. Biopsies were processed routinely and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and examined for any changes related to GERD. Morphometric assessment was done by using Leitz optical micrometer. The histological scoring was done based on the parameters: basal cell hyperplasia, stromal papillae elongation, cells with irregular nuclear contour (CINC), eosinophilic infiltrate, gastric and intestinal metaplasia. A numerical score was assigned to each parameter and sum of these scores represented the total score. Statistics: The statistical analysis was done using graph pad prism, Medcalc software and Windows MS office. P value and mean standard deviation (SD) was calculated. Results: The endoscopic findings of all the controls and 83.33% of patients were normal. Only 16.67% of patients had reflux associated changes of varying grades on endoscopy. Oesophageal biopsy of all patients had changes related to GERD on histology. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that cells with irregular nuclear contour were T- lymphocytes. The mean (SD) histological scoring of control and patients were 1.75 (0.62) and 5.66 (1.31) respectively. The difference was considered to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Thus, it was suggested that a cut-off of histological score > 3 can be used to indicate GERD. Conclusion: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms can have normal endoscopic findings but can be diagnosed on the basis of histological changes in the squamous epithelium. Scoring of the histopathological parameters along with the cut-off value can give a definitive diagnosis of GERD.

AN ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE REFRACTORY, DIFFICULT TO TREAT CASE OF RECURRENT SEVERE DEPRESSION WITH CATATONIA

We report on a 24 year old woman presented with low mood, reduced appetite, disturbed sleep and anxiety for which she was prescribed oral medication from a local practitioner in form of antidepressant(SSRI), anxiolytic(BZD) and upon no improvement, she underwent 8 rounds of successful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on which she responded partially and was discharged on SSRI. A few days after visited the same doctor and reported of having low mood, crying spells, referential and paranoid ideas and an attempt of suicide for which 10 more sessions of ECT were given. She presented in psychiatry OPD with catatonia where she was advised admission and diagnosed as a case of recurrent depressive disorder with catatonia and was managed with suprathreshold doses of SSRI and responded well.

Association of different patterns of expression of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 with pathogenesis of breast carcinoma

Background: Beta-catenin and cyclin D1 have attracted considerable attention in recent studies as potential proto-oncogenes in many human cancers especially colonic cancer. Beta-catenin plays multiple roles within the cell such as canonical Wnt signaling where cyclin D1 has been identified as one of its target genes. The role of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 in breast cancer has been evaluated in many studies but not established yet. Materials and Methods: The expression of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 was evaluated in 82 cases of breast carcinoma (BCa) and 32 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Their relationship with clinicopathological features was also investigated. Statistical analysis was done to establish an association. Results: Abnormal expression of beta-catenin (ABE) was seen in 80.2% cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 47% cases of DCIS, while the cyclin D1 positive expression rate was 60.9% and 50%, respectively. In the cases showing ABE, cyclin D1 positivity was 88.1%. ABE showed significant association with high-grade BCa. The most common pattern of ABE was loss of membrane with nuclear positivity which is associated with worst prognosis. In addition, ABE in cases of BCa and DCIS showed concordant patterns. Conclusion: Therefore, an association exists between ABE and cyclin D1 in BCa and its precursor lesions implying that Wnt/beta-catenin oncogenic pathway may have a definite role in breast carcinogenesis and can be used for targeted therapy. Also, different patterns of beta-catenin expression may have prognostic and predictive value.

Clinico-pathological analysis of lymphoproliferative disorders: a 3 year study

Background: The incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders has increased in many parts of the world. Newer subtypes have been identified by the new WHO classification. Accurate subtyping of lymphomas is crucial for prompt treatment. Objective of the study was to assess the clinicopathological pattern of lymphoproliferative diseases diagnosed in Rajagiri hospital over a period of 3 years.Methods: A retrospective study on all patients who were diagnosed with lymphoma in Rajagiri hospital during January 2016 to December 2018 was conducted and the data were reviewed and analyzed.Results: A total of 151 patients were included in the study. Majority of the subjects (63%) were males. The predominant age group affected was 61-80 years. Mean age group was 58.46 years (SD=19.05 years). Most common presenting symptom was painless lymphadenopathy. B symptoms were seen in 18% of subjects and was found to be more commonly associated with B cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most common lymph node involved was cervical lymph node, while the most common extra nodal site was bone marrow. Most common lymphoproliferative disorder was Diffuse large B cell Lymphoma. Lymph node involvement was found in 74% of patients, while hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were seen in 11% and 18.5% of patients. 20% of patients had secondary bone marrow involvement. 8 patients developed recurrent lesions involving other organs.Conclusions: Clinicopathologic patterns of lymphoproliferative disorders vary across various regions. A proper understanding of demographical distribution of lymphomas is very essential, as it can provide valuable clues for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

A Biological Approach in Repair of Damaged Dental Pulp and Periapical Tissues using Platelet Rich Fibrin, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Laser Biostimulation.

This article describes about a biological approach in the repair of dental pulp and periapical tissues using biomaterials (platelet rich fibrin [PRF] and mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA]) and laser biostimulation. Case 1: Pulpotomy with PRF, MTA, and laser biostimulation. Patient follow-up was done at 1, 3, and 6 months. On 6 months follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and tooth responded positively to pulp tests. Radiograph revealed normal periodontal ligament space and trabecular bone pattern. Case 2: Apexification procedure using PRF, MTA, and laser biostimulation in 31 and 41. Patient follow-up was done at 1, 3, and 6 months. On 6 months follow-up, radiograph revealed relative root lengthening, thickening of the canal walls in the apical one-third of root, and a healing lesion. Repair and regenerative potential of PRF, an enhanced cellular metabolism with laser biostimulation in combination with the sealing ability of MTA enhances the clinical success outcomes in pulpotomy and apexification procedures.

Common celiacomesenteric trunk: a rare anatomic variation / Tronco único celíaco-mesentérico: uma variante anatômica rara

Common celiacomesenteric trunk, with the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries having a common origin from the aorta, is the least frequently reported anatomic variation of all abdominal vascular anomalies. Knowledge of variations concerning the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery are of great importance for both surgical approaches and angiographic examinations. Clinicians should keep in mind these variations to avoid complications.

O tronco único celíaco-mesentérico, com as artérias celíaca e mesentérica superior tendo uma origem comum a partir da aorta, é a variante anatômica menos reportada dentre todas as anomalias vasculares abdominais. Conhecer as variantes do tronco celíaco e da artéria mesentérica superior é de grande importância tanto para abordagens cirúrgicas quanto para exames angiográficos. É importante que os médicos tenham em mente essas variantes a fim de evitar complicações.

Quality of life and nutritional status in alcohol addicts and patients with chronic liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the nutritional status and quality of life in chronic liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) patients and alcohol addicts. METHODS: Patients with alcoholic liver disease (n=41), nonalcoholic liver disease (n=40), alcohol addicts (n=25) without liver disease and healthy controls (n=25) were randomly selected. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements viz. skin fold thickness, arm muscle circumference and area. Biochemical estimations included liver function tests. Food intake was assessed using 48 hour recall and macro-nutrient intake was calculated. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean value of mid-arm muscle area was significantly lower in patients from the non-alcoholic liver disease group when compared with the other 2 groups (p= 0.0). Body fat store depletion was significantly lower in the alcohol addict group when set against the alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic liver disease groups (p= 0.0). The mean percentages of ideal calories (p= 0.0) and proteins (p= 0.0) were significantly higher in alcohol addicts but no significant differences in the mean percentage of fat intake (p= 0.1) was observed. The frequency of macro-nutrient deficiency was highest in the non-alcoholic liver disease group (p= 0.0). Ethanol consumption was not significantly different between alcohol addicts and patients suffering from alcoholic liver disease (p=0.06). Patients with liver disease (irrespective of aetiology) scored significantly lower on the quality of life scale when compared to alcohol addicts. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is more frequent and severe in patients suffering from chronic liver disease in comparison to alcohol addicts. The health status is significantly poorer in patients suffering from alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol does not seem to play a primary role in the pathogenesis of liver disease and malnutrition.

Studies on hemagglutinins (lectins) from plasma of murrel fish, family Channidae.

Hemagglutinating activity can be identified in the plasma of different species of murrel fish. This activity may be divided into four types according to their agglutinability towards erythrocytes from different sources. Type I plasma agglutinates human blood group A erythrocytes, type II can agglutinate neuraminidase treated human A B O erythrocytes, type III shows no agglutinating activity towards human erythrocytes, while type IV agglutinates human erythrocytes non-specifically. All of them bind to DEAE-cellulose but elute out by different salt concentrations. Type IV plasma is found to be a combination of three separate hemagglutinins, which are separable by sequential binding to human A B O erythrocytes. Blood group A specific lectin activity is purified from this plasma using formalinised A group erythrocytes. The apparent homogeneity of this purified lectin is established by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and immunodiffusion. This agglutinin is antigenically identical with that isolated from type I plasma by affinity chromatography on N-acetyl-D-galactosamine coupled to epoxy-activated cellulose column. Their molecular weights are also found to be identical (Mr 140,000) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, having two identical subunits. Forssman glycolipid (0.03 mM) was found to be the most potent inhibitor of agglutination, although Gal beta 1-3 GalNAc (0.09 mM) is also a good inhibitor. Exhaustive dialysis of the purified lectin (hemagglutinin) against EDTA denatures it irreversibly by dissociating it to its subunit structure. Thus human A group agglutinating activity isolated from type I and type IV plasma are identical.

Acute intestinal obstruction.

Nine hundred and four children with intestinal obstruction were studied. Necrotising enteritis was the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in children. Acute intussusception was the second commonest cause in the whole group and the commonest cause in children under 1 year of age. Less common causes included band obstruction, sub acute intestinal obstruction and remnants of vitello-intestinal duct. A steady and significant improvement in the results of treatment was noted in children suffering from necrotising enteritis in the study period.