Isolated Urinary Bladder Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan.

ABSTRACT: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an aggressive carcinoma with hematogenous spread commonly to lungs, liver, and bones. However, few cases of isolated urinary bladder metastasis have also been reported. Here we report a case of 63-year-old man, a known case of left RCC (clear cell type), post left nephrectomy, who was on regular clinicoradiological follow-up. He presented with complaints of painless hematuria; on further evaluation, 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed few FDG-avid intramural nodular lesions along the walls of urinary bladder. He underwent TURBT, and the tissue was sent for histopathological examination, which was diagnostic of metastatic RCC.

Catecholase-catalyzed synthesis of wedelolactone, a natural coumestan and its analogs.

Biocatalysis plays an important role in the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Wedelolactone, a natural coumestan, has been reported to have many bioactive properties. A novel and efficient enzyme obtained from sweet potato juice was used for condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarins with catechols to produce wedelolactone and its structurally diverse analogs in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. Hence, this enzymatic approach creates an opportunity to access many coumestan-based compounds that are potential building blocks for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important molecules.

Isolated Splenic Tuberculosis Masquerading as Disease Progression of Hodgkin's Lymphoma on Interim18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scan.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is the imaging modality of choice in the management of lymphoma. However, 18F-FDG is a nonspecific tracer for tumoral metabolic activity and infective pathology, thus posing a challenge in accurate response assessment. Here, we present a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma, referred for staging PET/CT scan which showed FDG-avid disease in the mediastinum, and on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in addition to the mediastinal mass lesion, a FDG-avid lesion was also noted in the spleen suggestive of disease progression. The biopsy report of the lesion was tuberculosis, which was masquerading as disease progression on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Isolated Testicular Metastasis from Prostate Cancer Detected on Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT Scan.

Although prostate cancer can metastasize to any part of the body, isolated testicular metastasis is very rare and only few cases have been reported so far. Here we present a case of 65-year-old male patient, known case of prostate adenocarcinoma, referred for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan, post radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy, for rising serum PSA levels. He was found to have an isolated testicular metastasis on the scan. This report highlights the importance of 68Ga-PSMA PET-CT scan in detecting these unusual and rare sites of metastasis from prostate cancer.

99mTc-MDP Bone Scan Findings in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare debilitating, connective tissue disease characterized by progressive extraosseous ossification with abnormal great toes. Clinical (hallux valgus), radiological, and classical bone scan findings help to reach diagnosis and prevent patient from unnecessary surgical interventions for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva lesions and radiotherapy cycles. Here we present a case where a child presented with multiple swellings over the body and hallux valgus, and further bone scan findings helped to reach the diagnosis. The progressive nature of disease is difficult to halt, but early diagnosis can help in the delay of the disease process, by preventing trauma and giving disease-modifying agents.

Effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos, on hatching, mortality and morphology of Duttaphrynus melanostictus embryos.

In an attempt to assess the effects of chlorpyrifos [O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl) phosphorothioate], the second largest selling insecticide in India, studies were made with reference to some non-target organisms. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects in the embryos of Duttaphrynus melanostictus caused by the commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos (Tricel, chlorpyrifos, 20% EC). The LC50 value for Duttaphrynus melanostictus embryos after 48 h (h) of treatment with chlorpyrifos was found to be 57.525 ppm. The mortality of the embryo was significantly affected by different concentrations of chlorpyrifos when compared with the control groups. An increase in concentration of chlorpyrifos resulted in the simultaneous decrease of the hatching percentage and an increase in the morphological abnormalities such as compression of the embryo, reduced body size and curling of tail.

Physiological significance of gravity receptors on larval cephalic cuticle in the silk moth, Antheraea proylei Jolly.

The lateral aspects of larval cephalic cuticle of oak tasar moth, Antheraea proylei, a hybrid between Antheraea pernyi and Antheraea roylei exhibited the presence of gravity receptors in the form of dorsal campaniform sensilla. The distribution pattern and number of dome shaped dorsal campaniform sensilla were found to vary in different larval stages. In the first and second larval stages, 4-5 sensilla were localized near the apex of the lateral aspects of the cephalic cuticle on either side of the head. From the third larval stage onwards, on the other hand, both the right and left lateral aspects of the cephalic cuticle were covered with innumerable dome shaped dorsal campaniform sensilla. The sensilla were found to be arranged in groups of 3 to 5 on the cephalic cuticle with dome-free cuticular portion of about 50-100 µm in length between two adjacent groups of the sensilla. The individual dome shaped dorsal campaniform sensillum was either smooth surfaced or was covered with smaller domes through out the surface. The significance of differences in the number and distribution pattern of the dorsal campaniform sensilla among different larval stages in relation to gravity reception and preferred feeding posture are discussed in the light of available literature.

Probiotics - the versatile functional food ingredients.

Probiotics are live microbes which when administered in adequate amounts as functional food ingredients confer a health benefit on the host. Their versatility is in terms of their usage which ranges from the humans to the ruminants, pigs and poultry, and also in aquaculture practices. In this review, the microorganisms frequently used as probiotics in human and animal welfare has been described, and also highlighted are the necessary criteria required to be fulfilled for their use in humans on the one hand and on the other as microbial feed additives in animal husbandry. Further elaborated in this article are the sources from where probiotics can be derived, the possible mechanisms by which they act, and their future potential role as antioxidants is also discussed.

Microscopy and Microanalysis of Blood in a Snake Head Fish, Channa gachua Exposed to Environmental Pollution.

Conventional and highly sophisticated analytical methods (Cyria et al., 1989; Massar et al., 2012a) were used to analyze micro-structural and micro-analytical aspects of the blood of snake head fish, Channa gachua, exposed to municipal wastes and city garbage. Red (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts and hemhemoglobin content were found to be higher in pollution affected fish as compared with control. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the occurrence of abnormal erythrocytes such as crenated cells, echinocytes, lobopodial projections, membrane internalization, spherocytes, ruptured cells, contracted cells, depression, and uneven elongation of erythrocyte membranes in fish inhabiting the polluted sites. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of silicon and lead in the RBCs of pollution affected fish. Significance of the study includes the highly sophisticated analytical approach, which revealed the aforementioned micro-structural abnormalities.

Scanning electron microscopy of scale microstructures in Channa barca, a poorly known snake head fish in regard to taxonomy.

Scanning electron microscopy has been identified as an important approach in studying scale microstructures in fish with reference to taxonomy. In this article, a detailed microstructural analysis of the scales of Channa barca, a poorly known snakehead fish was carried out the location of focus, inter-radial distance, average width and inter-circular space of anterior circulii; inter-circular distance and dentition in lateral circulii; the shape, spacing, length of lepidonts in anterior circulii and the number and width of radii were compared with those of a related species, Channa aurantimaculata. The location of the focus was found to be similar to those of the gachua group of the genus Channa but was different from those of the marulius group. There were major similarities-though with a few notable differences-in scale microstructures between C. barca and the aforementioned closely related species C. aurantimaculata, indicating that scale microstructure analysis has the potential to distinguish even closely related fish species. While several of the microstructural features of the scale were found to be similar to those of the gachua group, others were closer in nature to those of the marulius group. Some microstructural characteristics, however, were found to be totally different from those of both gachua and marulius groups. All of these characteristic features of scale microstructure in C. barca are discussed with reference to taxonomic significance.

Analysis of Gill Structure from a Fresh Water Fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) Exposed to Bleached Sulfite Pulp Mill Effluents.

The present communication reports toxic effects of bleached sulfite pulp mill effluents in fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) gills, with optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. The general adverse effects include dilation of the primary lamellar wall, curling of secondary lamellar terminals, displacement of epithelial cell layers, degeneration of secondary lamella, deposition of mucous, and severe congestion in the gill arch. The significant shortening of secondary lamellae, widening of lamellar tips, and significant decrease in the number of mitochondria in chloride cells as compared to controls are some specific effects of bleached sulfite pulp mill effluents. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated tearing of tissues in gill lamellae and arches. Transmission electron microscopy revealed membrane distortion of mitochondria in chloride cells, loss of uniformity of microvilli in pavement cells, and abnormalities in nuclear shape in different cells of effluent-exposed fish gills. Toxicity of the bleached sulfite pulp mill effluents and its impact on fish are discussed in the light of existing literature. Further, the importance of microscopy in toxicological evaluation of environmental pollutants is emphasized in view of its specific application potential.

Micro structure analysis of the ovaries of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. inhabiting a polluted reservoir, Umiam in Meghalaya, India.

The study uses microscopy to analyze damage caused to the ovaries of a fresh water fish, Cyprinus carpio L., owing to its exposure to municipal wastes in a polluted reservoir, Umiam in Meghalaya, India. Histological analysis of the ovary showed atretic oocytes, detached ovarian wall, detached follicular linings, and necrosis of nuclei. Scanning electron microscopy revealed deformed oocytes with a rough and distorted surface. Transmission electron microscopy showed a poorly developed chorion, presence of relatively less electron-dense materials as compared with control, multinucleation in some cells surrounding the oocytes, and distorted and condensed mitochondria. The importance of microscopy in its different forms in analyzing histological, surface microstructural and fine structural damage to fish ovaries in response to environmental pollution owing to municipal wastes and city garbage is discussed with the help of available literature.

Scanning electron microscopy of scales and its taxonomic application in the fish genus Channa.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of scales in six species of the fish genus Channa revealed certain features relevant to taxonomic significance. The location of focus, inter-radial distance and width of circuli, inter-circular space, width of radii, shape and size of lepidonts, etc. were found to be different in different species. The importance of SEM of scales in poorly understood taxonomy and phylogeny of the fish genus Channa is discussed with the help of relevant literature. Further, the role of SEM of fish scales for taxonomic applications is discussed in detail.

Ontogeny of mouthpart sensilla of Muga silkworm: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Scanning electron microscopy on the postembryonic development of the mouthpart sensory structures of the Muga silk moth, Antheraea assamensis revealed the presence of a variety of sensilla. The types, distribution pattern of the sensilla remained almost the same in the different larval stages except for the number and dimension in some cases. The findings of the study assumes significance because the silk moth, Antheraea assamensis is a species endemic to the North Eastern part of India and very few reports are available on it. In fact, the present study provides the first report on the ontogeny of the mouth part sensilla of the silk moth species. Since mouth part sensilla and their surface micro structural characteristics are extremely important in understanding their roles in searching behavior during feeding, the present study will certainly help in developing strategies for proper rearing of this economically important insect species.

Microscopy and microanalysis of hematological parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in North East India.

Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of red blood cells (RBCs) of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in Northeast India revealed a number of abnormalities. About 7% of the RBC showed the presence of a micronucleus, besides the presence of some bi-nucleated and abnormally shaped nuclei. RBCs, white blood cells, and hemoglobin content were found to be reduced significantly as compared to the control. SEM showed the presence of spherocytes, early stages of echinocytes, cytoplasmic blebbing, erythrocytes with contraction from one side, abnormal shape of erythrocytes (hexagonal/pentagonal/tetragonal), development of lobopodial projections, cell rupture, membrane internalization, and formation of ring-shaped RBC. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of a considerable percentage of silicon and lead in erythrocytes of the fish collected from the polluted lake, in contrast to a negligible concentration of the two elements in control fish. Significance of the study in relation to fish health in a polluted body of water and the importance of SEM, EDS, and light microscopy in utilizing hematological parameters as pollution indicators are discussed.

Experimental infection of pigs with group A rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in India: gross, histopathological and immunopathological study.

The authors describe a detailed study conducted in Assam, India, of gross, histopathological and immunopathological alterations in pigs experimentally infected with rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing K88 pili. A total of 30 Caesarean derived piglets were infected experimentally with rotavirus alone or in combination with ETEC to study the gross and histopathological alterations and the distribution pattern of different B- and T cell subsets in the gut. Villus atrophy, especially in the jejunum and ileum, was the consistent lesion in piglets infected with rotavirus, while in piglets simultaneously infected with rotavirus and ETEC, severe necrosis of the intestinal villi was observed. Ultrastructural studies revealed similar pathological alterations in the ileum of the infected piglets. A morphometric study of the intestinal villi and crypts showed a reduction in the ratio between the average villus height and crypt depth (VH:CD ratio) in the group infected with rotavirus (5.95±0.33) and those infected with rotavirus and ETEC (7.90±0.16). A higher (p<0.01) reduction in the VH:CD ratio was observed in the jejunum (8.83±0.79) and ileum (8.46±0.78) compared that in the duodenum (10.03±0.50) of the infected pigs. Piglets infected with rotavirus and sacrificed on day 6 post infection revealed the presence of lymphocytes containing cytoplasmic IgA+ (cIgA+) cells in the villus lamina propria and intra-epithelial CD8+ T cells in the villus epithelia. Rotavirus infection of young piglets in association with ETEC was more severe than rotavirus infection alone. Such infection resulted in marked clinico-pathological and immunological alterations in the infected piglets.

An electron microscopic analysis on the ultra structural abnormalities in sperm of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L. inhabiting a polluted lake, Umiam (Meghalaya, India).

The present communication reports the ultra structural abnormalities in sperm of a fish species Cyprinus carpio inhabiting a polluted lake, Umiam in North-East India. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed absence of differentiation between head and midpiece (neck) of some sperm while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed some sperm tails with highly reduced length and some sperm with folded tail. Abnormal shape of some sperm head was also revealed by Scanning electron microscopy. Detachment of membrane from some parts of the sperm head and an outward expansion of the same was observed from Transmission electron micrographs of transverse section of sperm head. The well developed mitochondria surrounding the cytoplasmic channel in the sperm tail, as observed in control were found to be drastically disorganized in fish inhabiting the polluted lake. The study suggests that the fish C. carpio inhabiting the polluted lake Umiam is under severe stress as far as its male reproductive system is concerned. The study further suggests that Electron microscopic approach is extremely important in the assessment of adverse effects of environmental pollution on fish tissue. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

UV-reflecting wing scales in the silk moth Antheraea assamensis: its biophysical implications.

Scanning electron microcopy of the wing scales from some specific locations in the silk moth, Antheraea assamensis, revealed the presence of 50-60-nm-thick microridges and 80-nm-thick air spaces between them. The principle of optics suggests that when the measured average thickness of microridges or lamellae is about 50-60 nm, that of the air-space between them is about 80-82 nm, then due to the known refractive index of air (1.0) and the infrared refractive index of lamellar cuticle (1.60), the lamellae (microridges) and the intervening lamellar air spaces will have similar optical thickness. A common optical thickness for the two types of layers causes the microridge structures to function in the fashion of a quarter wavelength interference filter and to reflect UV light. Behavioral studies under the natural conditions and short experimental exposure of the moths to artificial UV light suggests that coupling behavior of the moth is governed to a significant extent by these UV-reflecting wing scales. The importance of the study in overcoming a major problem of low autocoupling efficiency of moths in the Muga Silk Industry is discussed with the help of relevant literature.

Surface ultrastructure of larval mouthpart sensilla of the muga silkmoth, Antheraea assamensis, an endemic species of North-East India.

Scanning electron microscopy of different larval stages of the muga silk moth Antheraea assamensis revealed the presence of sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichoidea, sensilla styloconica, gustatory sensilla, sensory pegs, placoid sensilla, etc., on their mouth parts. Some variations were observed in the number and sub-types of sensilla in certain larval stages indicating some differences in sensitivity of the worms in different instars to the food plant and microhabitat.

Progressive chorion morphology during egg development in Samia ricini (Donovan).

The egg of Samia ricini (Donovan), is oval or laterally flattened ellipsoid, freshly laid eggs are candid white while the chorion is colorless and semi-transparent. The surface of the chorion is covered with network patterns of polygons and their shapes are common in the whole surface region. The boundaries between polygons made ridges had distinct acropyles at three-cell junctions. The numbers of aeropyles are variable according to their structures both in the lateral flat and marginal regions. During the course of egg development, no significant structural changes were observed in either the polygonal structures or the overall morphology of the egg. However, the size of the aeropyles kept on changing as the egg matures. The aeropyle increases initially upto day-9 of egg development and then decreases as it approach hatching. Lines of weaknesses were not observed at time of hatching or close to it. Hatching process of the newly emerge larvae are through gnawing. The larva eats their way out through the chorion membrane mostly from the anterior region. Egg buster or spine which aid in hatching are not present in the newly emerge larvae.This article was published online on 25 September 2009. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected 6 January 2010.