Focal Areas Of Necrosis Research Articles

Renal Toxic Effects of MgO NPs in Male Rats

Engineered nanomaterials are so tiny that they cannot be seen without special equipment; they are found in many industrial products today, consumer products, medicines, and food products. The small size and other properties of nanomaterials can make them very hazardous to human health. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), or metal oxides, have several advantages compared to other metal oxide nanoparticles because of their properties. Therefore, multiple uses of MgO NPs put human health at risk from prolonged exposure. The study aimed to determine how treatment with oral doses of MgO nanoparticles affects the kidneys of male rats through the oral route at 250 and 1000 mg/kg for 14 days, 28 days, and 56 days, respectively. Sixty mature male rats (2.5–3 months) were divided randomly into twelve groups of six rats each and gavaged with MgO NPs. The results observed a significant increase (p<0.01) in urea, creatinine, and uric acid; the histopathological examinations demonstrated necrotic debris inside the lumen of renal tubules; debris of lining epithelial cells inside the lumen of renal tubules; and the marked renal tubules were non-functional focal areas of necrosis and apoptosis. MgO NPs demonstrate potential issues with the kidneys and human health.

Molecular Testing Prevents Overdiagnosis of Epithelioid Hemangioma

Abstract Introduction/Objective Epithelioid hemangiomas (EH) are mostly solitary benign vascular tumors commonly involving the dermal and subcutaneous areas of the head and neck. However, reports of multifocality are increasing, specially in same anatomic region. Some reported cases of EH show morphologic features that may mimic malignant vascular tumors such as hemangioendotheliomas or angiosarcomas. However, there are no reported overlaps in the molecular characteristics of these tumors. We describe a multifocal EH with atypical features, suspicious for angiosarcoma, which needed molecular testing to resolve the diagnosis. Methods/Case Report The patient is a previously healthy 42-year-old male with a 5-month history of multiple growing painless penile nodules. Biopsy of one of the nodules was done. Histologic examination showed multifocal dermal- based ill-circumscribed nodules with interspersed inflammatory infiltrates and focal areas of necrosis. Tumor periphery shows vasoformative growth with intraluminal and extravasated red blood cells. Neoplastic cells were large and ovoid with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, large vesicular pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical stains showed strong expression of ERG, FLI-1, and CD31 and negativity for AE1/AE3, CD34, HHV8 and EMA. The morphologic and immunohistochemical features of the specimen showed significant overlap of two primary differential diagnoses - epithelioid angiosarcoma and epithelioid hemangioma. Ultimately, molecular testing revealed ZFP36-FOSB fusion, confirming the diagnosis of EH. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Differentiating benign and malignant epithelioid vascular neoplasms can sometimes be challenging. There can be overlap in terms of architectural variety, presence of necrosis, vasoformation, inflammatory cell components and cytologic features, especially in EH with atypical features and epithelioid angiosarcoma (EA). Both of these tumors show positive immunoreactivity for CD31, CD34, FLI1 and ERG, and negativity for most keratins. Currently, the most reliable way to distinguish each tumor is molecular testing, with EH having FOS/FOSB rearrangements and EA with MYC or FLT4 amplification. Benign and malignant epithelioid vascular tumors can be indistinguishable morphologically and immunohistochemically. Molecular tests can help differentiate these neoplasms to better tailor patient management.

Experimental infection of Clades 2.2.1.2 (H5N1) and 2.3.4.4b (H5N8) of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in commercial broilers

In this study the pathogenicity, infectivity, and transmissibility of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.2.1.2 and H5N8 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were evaluated in commercial broilers on days 24 and 31. The mortality rate was 100 % in both challenge viruses and in contact birds either on day 24 or day 31 which confirmed the highly pathogenicity of both clades (2.2.1.2/ 2.3.4.4b) in commercial broilers. Both clades (H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b/ H5N1 clade 2.2.1.2 viruses) were efficiently replicate within and transmitted between commercial broilers. The H5N8-infected birds shed high titer of viruses from oropharynx and cloaca, which associated with the field spread of AIV-H5N8 in commercial broilers. Mean lesion score in both challenged clades showed similar scores, which confirmed the pathogenicity of both clades in commercial broilers’ organs (mainly spleen, cerebellum, thymus, Bursa, Lung) which confirm the neurogenic affinity of the virus. In the central nervous system, non-suppurative encephalitis consisting in multifocal areas of necrosis in cerebral hemispheres, intense spongiosis, neuronal chromatolysis and gliosis were commonly observed. In cerebrum, chromatolysis of Purkinje neurons was a common finding. In the lung, interstitial pneumonia consisting of moderate to severe increase of the cellularity (macrophages and lymphoid cells) in air capillaries and focal areas of necrosis associated with intense viral replication was commonly observed. In lymphoid tissues, including spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, multifocal areas of necrosis/apoptosis of variable intensity in mononuclear cells were present. Particularly, diffuse necrotic areas were present in the spleen. In the liver, we detected focal areas of necrosis with mild distention of hepatic sinusoids. To conclude the AIV either H5N1 or H5N8 have neurological affinity with immune suppression effect based on necrosis and apoptosis of lymphoid tissues.

Hematological and Histopathological Study Effect of Molybdate and Sulfate Alone and in Combination Overloaded Intake on Copper Outcome in Mature Male Rats

The object of this study were to evaluate the effect of molybdate and sulfate overload alone or in combination overload intake on copper outcome with regard toxicopathological changes in mature male rats. Twenty eight adult male rats were housed and arbitrarily divided into four equal groups (seven rat/group) and treated as follows for 60 days: control received distilled water, groups T1 received sodium molybdate 50 mg/kg B.W and T2: given orally 500 mg/kg B.W of sodium sulfate and T3 group were given sodium molybdate and sodium sulfate in combination at half dose in comparison with T1 and T2 doses. The blood tests results, which included Red Blood Cell count, hemoglobin concentration and Packed Cell Volume % that conducted a after one month and at the end of the experiment showed a significant reductions in general but were more in T1 group followed by T2 group, while T3 group showed less decline than that recorded in each of T1 and T2 groups. These functional changes were accompanied by structural changes in the hepatic and renal tissues. Histopathological changes following molybdate (50 mg/kg B.W) exposure were manifested by extensive areas of necrosis, hemorrhage, and hyperplasia of bile ductules. Besides focal area of necrosis and suppurative granuloma observed in livers of rats received 500 mg/kg B.W of sodium sulfate, mild infiltrate of mononuclear cell within the hepatic parenchyma, suppurative granuloma and proliferation of kupffer’s cells with hyperplasia of bile ductules seen in liver of rats received combination of them at half dose. While section of kidney from T1 group showed marked fibrous thickening of the capsule, severe cortical hemosiderosis with infiltrate of plasma cell and neutrophils, While in T2 group showed atrophy of glomerular tuft, focal interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration with deposition of hyaline cast. The histological changes revealed that renal damage was also observed in T3 group but at a little degree, depending on the result of this study it can be concluded that molybdate and sulfate alone and in combination succeeded to induce copper deficiency with severe changes in hematological and histopathological parameters in rats.

Metastasis of solitary fibrous tumor to the parotid gland diagnosed on aspiration cytology supplemented with immunocytochemistry.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) can occur in varied anatomic locations, most commonly being the extremities-superficial and deep soft tissues, followed by retroperitoneum, visceral organs, and the bone. Head and neck region may harbor a few with a predilection for the orbit and sinonasal tract, oral cavity, and rarely the salivary glands. The parotid gland is most involved among all salivary glands. Overall, SFT in salivary glands is rare and mostly seen as a primary tumor. The occurrence of metastasis to the parotid gland is exceedingly uncommon. We present cytological findings of SFT, metastatic to the parotid gland in a young 31-year-old lady where the diagnosis was confirmed with the help of immunocytochemistry (ICC) on the cell block. The smears were highly cellular and showed predominantly discrete round to oval tumor cells with mild pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm. Mitosis and focal areas of necrosis were noted. Lymphoglandular bodies were absent ruling out a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Features were of a poorly differentiated malignant tumor with differentials being sarcoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. A panel of ICC was done and positivity for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) helped in clinching the correct diagnosis of SFT.

Epithelioid extragastrointestinal stromal tumor in the pelvic cavity: A rare case at a rare location

ABSTRACT Extraintestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are rare stromal tumors involving mesentery, omentum, and retroperitoneum. EGISTs of the pelvic cavity are extremely uncommon, and till date, no case of pure epithelioid type arising from the pelvic cavity has been reported. They pose a diagnostic pitfall as they may mimic ovarian malignancy. We present a unique case of an epithelioid extraintestinal stromal tumor arising from the pelvic cavity. A 43-43-year-old woman presented with complaints of abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities. Ultrasound examination revealed a large well-defined hypoechoic mass in the right pelvic cavity with a possible site of origin from the right ovary. A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Histopathological examination revealed an encapsulated tumor comprising predominantly of nests and lobules of epithelioid cells with round-to-oval nuclei, vesicular chromatin, and moderate amount of eosinophilic to clear cytoplasm. Mitotic activity was brisk along with focal areas of necrosis. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for DOG1 and CD117. They were negative for smooth muscle actin, vimentin, S-100, and HMB-45. Based on these findings, a final diagnosis of the high-grade GIST epithelioid variant was made. It is crucial to make the correct preoperative diagnosis of GIST, since these patients may benefit from neoadjuvant imatinib, especially in case of large tumor size.

Epithelioid dedifferentiated liposarcoma: A clinicopathological and molecular study of 6 cases

In this study, we present six cases of epithelioid dedifferentiated liposarcoma to further characterize its clinical and pathological features. The patients are all adult men with age at presentation ranging from 46 to 64 years (median 58.5 years). The patients presented with nonspecific symptoms of retroperitoneal mass, intermittent dull pain or discomfort. None of the patients had any prior history of a primary tumor. Radiological examinations revealed the presence of ill-demarcated heterogenous mass located in the deep soft tissue, including retroperitoneum (4 cases), pelvis and trunk (1 case each). Grossly, they appeared as solid tumors with focal areas of necrosis being presented in 2 cases. Histologically, all tumors were characterized by sheets of epithelioid cells that displayed marked cellular atypia and brisk mitotic activity. Variable portion of atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma was present in 3 cases. By immunohistochemistry, the high-grade epithelioid component in all 6 cases showed strong and diffuse nuclear staining of MDM2, CDK4 and P16, with partial expression of AE1/AE3 in 3 cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed high-level amplification of MDM2 in all 6 cases, with co-amplification of CDK4 in 3 cases. Follow up information showed that two patients died of the disease within one year despite multidisciplinary treatment. Due to the striking epithelioid appearance, this rare variant of dedifferentiated liposarcoma may be confused with undifferentiated epithelioid sarcoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, mesothelioma or other malignancies with epithelioid phenotype. The study presented herein further highlights the aggressive clinical behavior of this unique tumor type. For patients with advanced disease, CDK4 inhibitor may provide an optional targeted treatment.

T-cell Lymphoma in the Nasal Cavity in Goat

Background: Lymphomas are considered uncommon in goats, being the multicentric form with the highest number of cases for the species. Primary intranasal lymphomas are often diagnosed in dogs, cats, and humans. In the literature, there is only a description of a multicentric case involving the frontal sinuses and mucosa of the nasal cavity in a goat; therefore, it is important to describe unusual cases of this disease for the inclusion of new clinical and pathological characteristics in the ruminant clinic medicine. The objective of this work is to describe a case of T-cell lymphoma in the nasal cavity of a young goat.Case: The animal had dyspnea and respiratory noise for 15 days. Clinical examination showed nodulation in the right nasal cavity associated with serosanguinous secretion. Tracheostomy was performed; however, after 30 days the animal was euthanized. A sagittal plane of the head showed a pinkish-gray mass in the right and left nasal cavity, with a smooth, multilobulated surface, smooth adhering to the rostral portion of the dorsal concha and occluding the dorsal nasal meatus. Submandibular lymph nodes were slightly enlarged. Histopathological examination of the nasal cavity revealed a non-encapsulated, poorly delimited and ulcerated tumor composed of round cells arranged in a mantle supported by a discrete fibrovascular stroma extending the mucosa and lamina propria. Cells were round with sparse, eosinophilic and poorly delimited cytoplasm. Nuclei varied from round to elongated with condensed chromatin and evident nucleoli. Occasionally, aberrant nuclei, reniform shape and multinucleated cells were seen. Pleomorphism was moderate characterized by anisocytosis and anisocariosis. Typical and atypical mitosis were frequent (0-4 per field of highest magnification [400x]). Amidst the neoplasm, there were multifocal areas of necrosis and hemorrhage associated with a mild lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry showed positive immunostaining for Vimentin antibodies and CD3, and negative for pan CK and CD20.Discussion: The lymphomas immunophenotyping is little used when it comes to farm animals, and there are few studies that use this technique for the definitive diagnosis of these neoplasms for small ruminants. The use of this technique must be considered in each case, in order to determine the pathogenesis, the accurate diagnosis and the origin of the neoplastic lymphocytes. In goats, T-cell lymphomas are the most diagnosed, although cases of multicentric B-cell lymphomas with ocular involvement have been diagnosed. In view of the clinical picture of the case described, infectious rhinitis already described in goats, such as aspergillosis and protothecosis, should be included as differential diagnoses. However, the anatomopathological findings facilitate the direction of the diagnosis, since infectious rhinitis presents as nodules / ulcerated masses or focal areas of necrosis associated with purulent secretion and in the histopathological examination it is possible to observe the intralesional etiological agents. In addition, the enzootic ethmoidal tumor must be included, as it has similar clinical signs and affects young animals, but they are adenomas/adenocarcinomas that affect the ethmoidal nasal shells induced by a retrovirus. Lymphomas in the caprine species are rare in the Northeastern semi-arid, but that in the present diagnostic routine occasionally occurs, being important the first description of its nasal shape for its inclusion in the differential diagnoses of diseases that present with clinical obstruction and dyspnea for the species. Keywords: hematopoietic neoplasia, immunophenotyping, lymphocytes, dyspnea.Descritores: neoplasia hematopoietica, imunofenotipagem, linfócitos, dispneia.Título: Linfoma de células T na cavidade nasal de caprino.

Gestational choriocarcinoma diagnosed on retained products two weeks post partum following massive fetomaternal haemorrhage at term

A 36-year-old woman presented at 38 weeks gestation with a two week history of reduced fetal movements. The cardiotocogram was abnormal and the infant was delivered by caesarian section, weighing 3360 grams. The baby required full resuscitation. A full blood count showed a haemoglobin of 39 g/L. The Kleihauer-Betke test was positive and estimated to be 113 mls of packed fetal red blood. The placenta was bulky and pale with a trimmed fresh weight of 914.5 grams. The fetal vessels appeared empty. Microscopically, there was a focal area of necrosis.

Cardioprotective Effect of Pistacia vera L. (Green Pistachio) Hull Extract in Wistar Albino Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Damage.

Pistacia vera L. (green pistachio) has been shown to increase antioxidant capacity and protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This study investigated the protective effect of the Pistacia vera L. hull in rats with experimental cardiac damage induced by doxorubicin. Sixty adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 12). Sham, doxorubicin, doxorubicin + Pistacia vera L. extract 50 mg/kg, doxorubicin + Pistacia vera L. extract 100 mg/kg, and Pistacia vera L. extract 100 mg/kg. Biochemistry parameters, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine, and caspase 3/7 values were measured in serum samples. Excised heart tissues were examined histopathologically. The groups were statistically significantly different in 8hydroxydeoxy guanosine, caspase 3/7, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and basal biochemical parameter values (P <.05, P <.001). In group II, 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine, caspase 3/7, and total oxidant status values increased while the total antioxidant status value decreased (P <.001). In the treatment groups (group III and group IV), 8-hydroxydeoxy guano sine and caspase 3/7 values decreased compared to group II (P <.001). While total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values decreased in the treatment groups, total antioxidant status values increased (P <.001). The histopathological examination of the heart revealed fewer areas of focal necrosis in the treatment groups compared to group II. In this study, the cardioprotective effect of Pistacia vera L. hull extract was investigated in vivo. It was shown that Pistacia vera L. hull extract reduced apoptosis and deoxyribonucleic acid damage in the face of cardiac damage and had antioxidant activity. Future studies will increase our knowledge on this subject.

Oriental theileriosis associated with a new genotype of Theileria orientalis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves in Uttar Pradesh, India

Theileria orientalis is known to cause a benign infection in cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). However, the Ikeda and Chitose genotypes of the parasite cause lethal disease in beef and dairy cattle. Recently an outbreak of clinical oriental theileriosis occurred in buffalo calves in a Government Animal Husbandry and Agricultural Farm located in Uttar Pradesh, India. Examination of Giemsa stained thin blood smears revealed typical rod-shaped T. orientalis piroplasms in the erythrocytes. The clinical signs included pyrexia, nasal discharge, lacrimation, lethargy, inappetence and anaemia with varying degrees of paleness of the visible mucous membranes. Vascular congestion in internal organs, pulmonary emphysema and consolidation of lungs, focal areas of necrosis in the heart with mononuclear cell infiltration, focal mononuclear cell aggregation in the cortex and tubular degeneration of the kidney were significant necropsy findings. The T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR product revealed 84.8% identity between the T. orientalis Uttar Pradesh isolate and other reference genotypes available in the public domain. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of the MPSP gene sequence ratified that this is a new genotype of T. orientalis. This is the first report of a clinical outbreak of oriental theileriosis in Indian buffalo calves caused by a novel genotype of T. orientalis.

Malignant Dural Solitary Fibrous Tumor; An Exceedingly Rare Entity

Abstract Introduction/Objective A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an extremely rare mesenchymal neoplasm, accounting for &amp;lt;1% of all primary CNS tumors. Most SFT is dural-based and occurs predominantly in the fourth to sixth decade of life. Here, we present a case of a dural solitary fibrous tumor. Methods/Case Report A 28-year-old male presented with intermittent throbbing headache, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging revealed a large, well-circumscribed left parafalcine, dural-based multilobulated, solid, and cystic mass. The patient underwent craniotomy with mass resection. Preliminary intraoperative findings were of a spindle cell neoplasm. Histopathologic examination showed hypercellular neoplasm composed of the spindle to ovoid cells with a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio and limited intervening stroma arranged in a haphazard pattern with prominent branching staghorn vasculature. Focal areas of necrosis and mitotic counts of 8/10 high power field were also seen. The lesional cells showed focal cytoplasmic CD34 expression and strong STAT6 nuclear expression. Finally, a diagnosis of SFT, haemangiopericytoma phenotype classified as grade 3, was made. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Most SFTs are considered clinically benign (grade 1 tumors) with favorable outcomes after complete resection. However, haemangiopericytoma phenotype with hypercellularity, necrosis, and elevated mitotic count (&amp;gt; 4/10 HPF) is known to have an increased risk of local recurrence and rare metastasis, requiring patients to receive adjuvant radiotherapy after resection for longer progression-free survival. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of this entity for optimal management and more active systemic surveillance in patients with high-grade SFT tumors. Our patient is currently doing well post-adjuvant radiotherapy and is under active annual surveillance.

Sudden Cardiac Death due to Giant Cell Myocarditis in a 37-Year-Old Female: Case Report

Abstract Introduction/Objective Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare and aggressive inflammatory process that targets the myocardium and is often rapidly fatal. Most cases have been reported in young to middle aged adults with a slight male predominance. The etiology of this disease is largely unknown, however there is an association with multiple autoimmune disorders. Most patients present with rapidly progressive or fulminant heart failure, arrhythmias, heart block or sudden cardiac death. The incidence of GCM ranges from 0.007% to 0.051% and most cases are confirmed on autopsy examination. Here we present a case of GCM in a young female diagnosed on autopsy. Methods/Case Report A 37-year-old female presented with shortness of breath and chest pain for a 5-day duration. She had no past medical history and was otherwise well before the onset of symptoms. On admission, she was noted to have clinical findings consistent with heart failure and progressed to cardiogenic shock with ventricular arrhythmias within hours. Despite high dose corticosteroids and other supportive therapy, the patient remained in refractory, vasodilatory shock, in cardiac standstill and eventually died. Findings on autopsy included mild ventricular hypertrophy, petechial hemorrhages through out the atria and ventricles, as well as pulmonary edema and congestion. Microscopic examination showed a diffuse infiltrating pattern of inflammation within the heart, that was composed predominantly of lymphocytes, giant cells, scattered neutrophils, and eosinophils. The lymphocytes were CD3, CD4, CD8 positive and CD20 negative, consistent with a T-cell infiltrate. Gram and GMS stains were negative for bacterial and fungal microorganisms. Focal areas of necrosis without granuloma formation are also noted ruling out sarcoidosis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA. Conclusion This case demonstrates a rapid manifestation of GCM in a previously healthy individual. GCM must be considered in the differential diagnosis when a young patient presents with cardiac symptoms. Early diagnosis and initiation of targeted therapy is critical for GCM patients' survival.

UNUSUAL BEGINNINGS: A CASE OF ABERRANT CORONARY ARTERY ANATOMY

UNUSUAL BEGINNINGS: A CASE OF ABERRANT CORONARY ARTERY ANATOMY

Pathogenicity Assessment and Vaccine Efficacy of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 and 11 Responsible for Inclusion Body Hepatitis Hydropericardium Syndrome in Broilers

Thisstudy aimed to assess the pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of fowl adenovirus serotypes 4 and 11, causing inclusion body hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome in broilers. The study was carried out on 144-day-old Cobb broiler chicks divided into six experimental groups, each of 24 birds. Group, I birds served as a control without any vaccine or viral challenge, while birds of Group II were vaccinated with commercial vaccine on 6th day. Group III and IV birds were non-vaccinated and challenged with 107 TCID50 of FAdV serotype 4 and 11, respectively, on the 27th day. In contrast, Group V and VI birds were vaccinated on the 6th day and challenged with 107 TCID50 of FAdV serotype 4 and 11 on the 27th day. The challenge of FAdV serotype 4 led to 66.66% mortality, and serotype 11 produced 5.00% mortality in the experimental groups. The challenge of the virus led to the production of clinical signs such as depression, huddling, reduced feed intake, reluctance to move, and terminal gasping before death. Characteristic gross lesions of IBH-HPS were observed in birds that died after the challenge of serotypes 4 and 11 of FAdV. The liver was enlarged with focal areas of necrosis, subcapsular hemorrhages, and mild fatty changes. The heart was flabby, congested, and showed hydropericardium with an accumulation of clear watery to a yellow jelly-like fluid in the pericardial sac. The kidneys were enlarged and hemorrhagic. On microscopic examination, the liver showed multifocal areas of necrosis with infiltration of mononuclear cells, mild fatty changes and large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The birds that died after the challenge of the virus were positive for the presence of FAdV upon PCR. The vaccine efficacy study indicated that the vaccine provided satisfactory protection against Fowl Adenovirus challenge in experimental groups V and VI.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in edible tissue of crab (Scylla serrata) from an estuarine Ramsar site in Kerala, South India

Wetlands are under severe threat due to anthropogenic activities and pollutants. Many pollutants such as heavy metals may accumulate to a hazardous level. In the present study, Scylla serrata, the mud crab and associated sediments were collected from three sites of Ashtamudi lake, the Ramsar site, to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead and Zinc. Elemental analysis in the sediment sample showed that Cadmium and Chromium were found to be above USEPA and CCME limits and Copper was found to be above CCME limit on site 1. In site 2, Chromium was found to be above USEPA and CCME limits. In all the three sites, Lead and Zinc are below the permissible limit. Bioaccumulation status of heavy metals in the muscle of Scylla serrata with respect to the sites are in the order of site 1 > site 2 > site. The heavy metals Cadmium, Chromium and Lead were found to be above the permissible limit in site 1 and site 2, whereas Copper and Zinc concentrations in the muscle of crab from Ashtamudi wetland are below levels of concern for human consumption. A number of histological alterations such as splitting of muscle fibres, focal area of necrosis and muscular oedema were noticed in the samples. The result clearly indicates the fact that S. serrata undergoes intensified stress, when exposed to heavy metal contamination. Knowledge of metal concentrations in shell fish and fin fish are important both with respect to nature management and human consumption of fish.

English

Infertility resulting from sperm dysfunction is a serious health problem leading to psychological, economic, and medical implications worldwide. Borassus aethiopum is a plant that has been used as an aphrodisiac. This study evaluated the effect of hydromethanol hypocotyls extracts of B. aethiopum on the sperm and gonadal indices of male Wistar rats. The extract was prepared and administered orally at doses of (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) to 40 male Wistar rats, divided into four groups; three experimental groups and one control group (distilled water). Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology) and gonadal indices were determined. Testicular tissues were examined histologically for evidence of morphological changes. The extract increased significantly sperm count in a dose-dependent manner across all treatment groups (p&lt;0.05). Sperm viability was significantly increased in the treatment group after 7 days but was unaffected after 28 days of treatment. The histological examination of the testicular tissue showed evidence of increased spermatogenesis. Photomicrograph of the testes showed spermatogonia at different stages of maturation. Some areas of focal necrosis and evidence of spermatogenic arrest in the segment biopsied at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) after 28 days of extract administration were observed. The results of this study suggest that the extract increases sperm count, motility and spermatogenesis at the doses tested and is likely to be beneficial in the management of male infertility.&nbsp;&nbsp; Key words: Male infertility, Borassus aethiopum, sperm indices, aphrodisiacs.

IMMUNOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF SENSITIZED TRANSFER FACTOR ON THE ORGANS OF WHITE MICE AGAINST SALMONELLA TYPHI CHALLENGE INFECTION.

In an experimental study to evaluate the immunopathological effect of transfer factor on the reticuloendothelial organs of white mice and their protection against their challenge infection with Salmonella typhi. The results of this study were showed the followings: 1. Transfer factor recipient group: it was showed an early granulomatous lesions in the liver. Reactive hyperplasia in the T cell regions of the spleen and mediastinal lymph node. The early granulomas were persisted during 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation. 2. Infected group with S. typhi: It was showed a multifocal microabscesses consisted of aggregates of neutrophils in the focal area of necrosis, which was evident during 7th day and gradually transform into granulomas on 14th day postinoculation. 3. Transfer factor recipient and challenge infection group: It was showed well developed granulomatous reactions, which indicate an emergence of cellular immunity (delayed type hypersensitivity reaction). These granulomas were more evident on 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation; providing a transfer factor role in tissue reaction and termination of infection.

Anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum presenting with conus medullaris drop metastasis

Due to its rarity, a complete understanding of the clinical behavior, pathogenesis, and diagnostic definition of anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma (APA) is currently lacking. The optimal clinical management and use of adjuvant therapies has yet to be defined. We present a 64 year-old-female with progressive headaches, dysarthria, and ataxia, who was found to have right cerebellar mass. A gross total resection was achieved through two staged operations. Pathology demonstrated focal areas of necrosis, tumor infiltration, and increased mitotic activity most consistent with APA. Adjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery were administered. Approximately two years later, the patient presented with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and lumbar spine imaging demonstrated a large intradural mass at the conus medullaris with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. A biopsy was performed and was consistent with metastatic APA. APA may rarely progress to metastatic disease, most frequently involving the leptomeninges of the posterior fossa and cervical spine. This report represents the first case of metastases distal to the cervicomedullary junction.

Occipital Lobe Abscess Causing Homonymous Hemianopsia After a Dental Procedure

Background: A homonymous hemianopsia visual field defect is defined as vision loss on the same side of the vertical midline in both eyes. Although the vast majority are caused by an ischemic stroke, other neurologic etiologies must be considered and ruled out. This case highlights the importance of a rapid and thorough investigation of a patient’s symptoms using both clinical examination and imaging to reduce the risk of permanent complications and potential fatality. Case Report: A 67-year-old Caucasian male presented to the eye clinic with sudden onset reduced peripheral vision to his right side in both eyes. Entering visual acuities were 20/40 OD and 20/60 OS. Humphrey visual field (HVF) testing confirmed a complete right homonymous hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large, left occipital lobe intracranial mass. Neurosurgical intervention was necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a brain abscess, thought to be related to a prior dental procedure with tooth extraction. Conclusion: A brain abscess is a focal area of necrosis within the brain parenchyma that typically results from an infectious process. Though rare, the condition has potentially devastating neurologic complications which can be mitigated with early detection and treatment. In this case, the abscess caused a right homonymous hemianopsia field defect, which prompted his urgent request for an appointment with the eye clinic.