Primary extragastrointestinal stromal tumors: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study-A tertiary care center experience.

Background: Extra gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST) are uncommon compared to their gastrointestinal counterparts. EGISTs involve omentum, mesentery, retroperitoneum, pancreas, and pelvis. Materials and Methods: Ten EGISTs were analyzed in this study from January 1995 to November 2011. They were analyzed with respect to clinical features, imageological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. The immunohistochemical stains used were Smooth muscle actin (SMA), Desmin, S-100 protein, CD34 and CD-117. Results: There was slight female preponderance with wide age range. Four of the tumors were in retroperitoneum, three in mesentery, and two in omentum and one in pelvis. Histopathologically majority were spindle cell tumors. Immunohistochemically CD117 was consistently positive followed by CD34. Smooth muscle actin was positive in eight cases, S-100 protein and desmin were positive in two cases each. Conclusion: EGISTs are rare and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the mesenchymal tumors and immunohistochemistry helps to confirm the diagnosis. Further study with better follow-up is desired to characterize these uncommon tumors.

Functional validation of a novel isoform of Na+/H+ antiporter from Pennisetum glaucum for enhancing salinity tolerance in rice.

Salt stress is an environmental factor that severely impairs plant growth and productivity. We have cloned a novel isoform of a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter from Pennisetum glaucum (PgNHX1) that contains 5 transmembrane domains in contrast to AtNHX1 and OsNHX1 which have 9 transmembrane domains. Recently we have shown that PgNHX1 could confer high level of salinity tolerance when overexpressed in Brassica juncea. Here,we report the functional validation of this antiporter in crop plant rice.Overexpression of PgNHX1 conferred high level of salinity tolerance in rice. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing PgNHX1 developed more extensive root system and completed their life cycle by setting flowers and seeds in the presence of 150 mM NaCl. Our data demonstrate the potential of PgNHX1 for imparting enhanced salt tolerance capabilities to salt-sensitive crop plants for growing in high saline areas.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the ambient air of Jeedimetla Industrial Development Area-Hyderabad.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received increased attention in recent years in air pollution studies, as some of these compounds are highly carcinogenic or mutagenic. PAHs are mainly associated with respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) (diameter <10 m in size). Hence, it is important to determine the concentration of PAHs adsorbed on RSPM to know the extent of human exposure to these potentially carcinogenic substances. The study was carried out at 10 locations in and around the Jeedimetla industrial development area, Hyderabad during April 2000. Higher concentrations of B(a)A and B(b)F were observed at Nandanagar, Py and B(a)P at Kukatpally while, F1 concentrations at Allwyn Colony. These variations in the concentration can be attributed to their source and climatic conditions during sampling.

Donor corneal tissue evaluation.

Proper evaluation of donor cornea is critical to the success of corneal transplantation. Attention must be paid to the cause of death and ocular condition as several general and ocular diseases constitute contraindications for donor corneal usage. Death to enucleation time should be noted. Gross examination and slit lamp biomicroscopy are mandatory for the evaluation of the donor eye while specular microscopy adds another useful dimension to information regarding donor cornea. This article provides a comprehensive review of all the aspects of donor corneal evaluation as practised today worldwide.