Stratified Columnar Epithelium Research Articles

Experimental interventions attenuate a conjunctival epidermal metaplasia model

The conjunctiva is a non-keratinized, stratified columnar epithelium with characteristics different from the cornea and eyelid epidermis. From development to adulthood, a distinguishing feature of ocular versus epidermal epithelia is the expression of the master regulator PAX6. A conditionally immortalized conjunctival epithelial cell line (iHCjEC) devoid of stromal or immune cells established in our laboratory spontaneously manifested epidermal metaplasia and upregulated expression of the keratinization-related genes SPRR1A/B and the epidermal cytokeratins KRT1 and KRT10 at the expense of the conjunctival trait. In addition, iHCjEC indicated a significant decrease in PAX6 expression. Dry eye syndrome (DES) and severe ocular surface diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, cause the keratinization of the entire ocular surface epithelia. We used iHCjECs as a conjunctiva epidermal metaplasia model to test PAX6, serum, and glucocorticoid interventions. Reintroducing PAX6 to iHCjECs resulted in upregulating genes related to cell adhesion and tight junctions, including MIR200CHG and CLDN1. The administration of glucocorticoids or serum resulted in the downregulation of epidermal genes (DSG1, SPRR1A/B, and KRT1) and partially corrected epidermal metaplasia. Our results using an isolated conjunctival epidermal metaplasia model point toward the possibility of rationally “repurposing” clinical interventions, such as glucocorticoid, serum, or PAX6 administration, for treating epidermal metaplasia of the conjunctiva.

Unusual presentations of branchial cyst

Branchial cyst is a developmental cyst commonly presenting as a solitary, painless neck mass, typically located over lateral aspect of the neck. Most commonly located along the anterior border and the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the anterior triangle of the neck, it is very rare for a branchial cyst to manifest in other locations. Branchial cysts are believed to be derived from the branchial apparatus, mostly from the second branchial arch, although many theories have been proposed to explain the aetiology of branchial cysts. Congenital branchial cysts of the nasopharynx originate from the lateral nasopharynx with an inferior and medial extension. This rare and unusual occurrence of the cyst is characterised by its avid mucus secretion and unilateral presentation. Here we present four different presentations of branchial cyst - as a midline swelling, an unusually large presentation, nasopharyngeal presentation. Histopathology report showed cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium and pseudo stratified ciliated columnar epithelium at places along with subepithelial lymphocytes suggesting branchial cyst. Hence, Branchial cyst should also be taken as one of the differential diagnoses in cystic lesions of the neck and lateral cystic lesions of nasopharynx.

Anatomical, Histological and Histochemical Observations of the Eyelids and Orbital Glands in the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1785) (Perissodactyla: Ceratomorpha).

The lowland tapir is one of four species belonging to the Tapiridae family of the Ceratomorpha suborder, similar to Rhinocerotidae. This study describes anatomy with morphometry, histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-Goldner trichrome, Movat pentachrome, mucicarmine, picro-Mallory trichrome) and histochemistry (PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH2.5/PAS and HDI) of the upper and lower eyelids, and superficial gland of the third eyelid with the third eyelid, deep gland of the third eyelid, and lacrimal gland. The aim of the work is to show the features of the above-mentioned structures typical only for Tapiridae, as well as to show the presence of similarities and differences between the families forming the order Perissodactyla. The eyelashes on the upper eyelid were long, while those of the lower eyelid were short and much less prominent. In the upper and lower eyelid sebaceous glands, a characteristic simple alveolar gland producing a mucus-like secretion and poorly developed tarsal glands were observed. The marginal zone of the posterior surface of the eyelids was covered by stratified columnar epithelium with 18-21 layers of nucleated cells, while the bulbar zone of these surfaces was covered by cubic multilayer epithelium with 6-11 non-keratinized layers of cells and with sparse goblet cells. In only lower eyelids, numerous lymphoid nodules, diffuse lymphocytes and high endothelial venules were observed. The superficial gland was an acinar complex which secreted mucous and contained plasma cells within the interlobular and interlobular connective tissue. The upper and lower branches of the third eyelid were the shape of a bent "caudal fin" and were composed of hyaline cartilage, and they contained conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissue (CALT). The deep gland was also an acinar complex producing a serous character and having numerous diffuse lymphocytes. The lacrimal gland was an acinar complex producing seromucous secretions and had numerous plasma cells located in the glandular interstitium. The results of our research indicate that the features of the anatomy of the eyelids and orbital region in the lowland tapir are also typical of the family Tapiridae, but also have features common to the families Equidae and Rhinocerotidae. We confirm the presence of poorly developed tarsal glands in both eyelids as well as presence of a palpebral part of the lacrimal gland in the upper eyelid, which is typical only to Tapirus terrestris.

TO STUDY CONJUNCTIVAL BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL FLORA IN DIABETIC AND NON- DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAM IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction:The conjunctiva is a clear mucous membrane that borders the interior of the eye lids and protects the sclera. It consists of non-keratinized, stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Normal microbial flora constitutes organisms which are present in eyelids and conjunctiva without causing any disease. The flora of the ocular surface consists more of gram positive microorganisms2.Gram positive organisms, particularly coagulase negative Staphylococci, are widely recognized to be the primary inhabitants of the normal eye. At birth eyes are sterile but they are later infected by various organisms. Diabetes mellitus is a multi factorial disease that can affect all ocular structures. Aim:To evaluate the Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora of Non diabetic and diabetic individuals. Material &Method:This was anCross sectional, Observational Study conducted on a total of 204 patients attending Department of Microbiology of Peoples Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, India between February 2022 to February 2023. Conjunctival swab was collected from lower eyelid to expose the Conjunctival membrane of eyes by sterile swab sticks. to assess the conjunctival flora and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals without any pre-existing ocular diseases. Result: Conjunctival flora of a total of 204 patients, 102 diabetic and 102 non diabetic, were screened. Among the 102 diabetic patients, there were 51(49.5%)male and 51(49.5%)female. The most common isolated bacteria in diabetic and non diabetic groups were staphylococcus aureus (diabetic 26.92%, Non-Diabetic 61.11%). There was a statistically significant difference in microbial flora pattern between the diabetic and non diabetic group. There was higher proportion Gram negative bacilli grown in Diabetics. Conclusion:Present study found statistically significant difference in the microbial flora between diabetics and non diabetics. The observation of the present study and various other studies, infer that staphylococcal infections are common among both Diabetic and Non- diabetic individuals. Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected in higher ratios in the conjunctival flora of diabetic patients. Candida albicans were more common among the diabetics as compared to non- diabetics.

Whiteboard animation simulation for dental education.

Whiteboard animation is a specific type of animation where line drawing and narration are used to explain concepts. The combination of visual thinking and storytelling makes whiteboard animations a unique and effective educational tool. Storytelling is a multimodal teaching approach that simultaneously engages listeners’ thinking, emotions, and imagination.1 However, this powerful tool is underutilized in higher education, particularly science education.1 Whiteboard animations, powered by storytelling, have successfully explained complex health-related topics to pharmacology students2 and positively impacted the retention, engagement, and enjoyment of university-level students.3 We planned to create whiteboard animations for dental students to explain complex science topics using graphics and storytelling. However, we have encountered two challenges while attempting to make whiteboard animations as an educator: (1) Making a good quality whiteboard animation requires paid software, which can be expensive. (2) Most whiteboard animation software is designed for business advertising and does not provide the graphics gallery needed to explain health science-related topics. The graphics gallery of the software do not have images representing the microanatomy of the tooth, oral cavity, and cellular processes. As a solution, we have used traditional PowerPoint and hand-drawn digital images to mimic whiteboard animation. Procreate, a stylus pen, and an iPad were used for drawings that were exported into PowerPoint. The built-in animations of PowerPoint were used to animate the images and supporting text (Figure 1). Screen-capture software was used to record the animation screen as a video with a voice-over narration. Our whiteboard animation explains the types of epithelial cells in a storytelling manner. First-year dentistry students learn about the epithelium as part of histology. The animation starts with the story of a boy who wants to eat cereal and milk with a fork. The narration then draws a connection between the structure-function relationships of a utensil to the structure-function relations of cells in the epithelium (Figure 2). We have incorporated interactive self-assessment questions allowing viewers to assess their learning. The learning objective of the animation and corresponding assessment questions are shown in Table 1. Learning objective whiteboard animation: Epithelium of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract Identify the types of epithelial cells based on their shape and function. Differentiate between simple and stratified epithelium. Define the type of epithelium found in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Describe the correlation between the shape of an epithelial cell and its function in the gastrointestinal tract. Q1. Which epithelium comprises cells whose height is two–three times greater than their width and are arranged in an ordered layer? Simple cuboidal epithelium Simple columnar epithelium *** Simple squamous epithelium Stratified epithelium Q2. Which epithelium comprises several layers, such that cells high up in the epithelium are not in contact with the underlying extracellular matrix? Simple cuboidal epithelium Simple columnar epithelium Simple squamous epithelium Stratified epithelium *** Characterize the epithelium of the oral cavity. Explain how the epithelium of the oral cavity is different from the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. Q3. What type of epithelium is found in our oral cavity? Stratified squamous epithelium *** Simple columnar epithelium Stratified columnar epithelium Simple squamous epithelium Traditionally whiteboard animations use hand motion to draw and write on a whiteboard. However, PowerPoint does not have that option. As an alternative, we used the animated “human hand” to bring and stick the picture on a white screen or color the important regions instead of appearing it to draw. Adding background music and sound effect can make the video engaging and entertaining. According to Cognitive Load Theory, the learning load of working memory can be reduced by alternating how a topic is presented.4 Whiteboard animations offer an alternative learning scaffold, therefore expected to reduce the extrinsic load of understanding complex concepts. Stories with real-world examples will also help students understand and retain the information. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Somatic BAP1 Loss in Ovarian Serous Borderline Tumor and Recurrent Low-grade Serous Carcinoma From a Germline BAP1 Mutation Carrier.

To the Editor: In a recent issue, Dr. Oliva and colleagues proposed the use of the immunohistochemical markers, Claudin-4 and BAP1, to distinguish between low-grade serous neoplasms and peritoneal mesothelioma 1. This article is of particular interest to us, as we have recently published on a cohort of 119 clinically annotated low-grade serous carcinomas, confirmed by central pathology review, with molecular profiling by targeted next-generation sequencing 2. In this cohort, we encountered 1 patient who represents an unusual exception to relying on loss of BAP1 expression to exclude the diagnosis of a low-grade serous neoplasm. This was a 59-yr-old female who underwent comprehensive surgical staging for bilateral ovarian masses. Final pathology revealed a stage IIIC serous borderline tumor involving bilateral ovaries (Fig. 1A), associated with noninvasive peritoneal implants and involvement of pelvic lymph nodes. After 7 yrs, she developed recurrent disease involving the sigmoid colon, in the form of metastatic low-grade serous carcinoma (Fig. 1B). Both primary and recurrent tumors showed a similar immunophenotype, characterized by strong diffuse expression of epithelial/Mullerian markers, including Claudin-4 (Fig. 1C), BerEP4, PAX8, ER, and PR, while negative for markers of mesothelial differentiation, namely, calretinin, and D2-40. Somatic mutational profiling by targeted next-generation sequencing revealed the low-grade serous carcinoma to harbor a BAP1 frameshift mutation (Y241Lfs*2). Germline testing further revealed a heterozygous BAP1 germline mutation (c.1110dupC, p.Met371Hisfs*27). Loss of BAP1 expression by immunohistochemistry in the low-grade serous carcinoma, as well as the prior serous borderline tumor (Fig. 1D), was consistent with bi-allelic inactivation of BAP1 as an early event in the molecular pathogenesis of this case.FIG. 1: Low-grade serous neoplasms associated with germline BAP1 mutation. (A) Ovarian serous borderline tumor showing characteristic hierarchical branching papillae lined by stratified columnar epithelium (inset: ciliated cells observed at high-magnification, consistent with tubal differentiation). (B) Recurrent invasive low-grade serous carcinoma involving muscularis propria of the sigmoid colon, showing infiltrating nests and micropapillae composed of tumor cells with small monotonous nuclei, and scattered psammoma bodies. Immunohistochemical analysis of the serous borderline tumor showing (C) diffuse expression of Claudin-4 and (D) loss of BAP1 expression in tumor cells with retained nuclear staining in non-neoplastic stromal cells.To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of a BAP1-deficient low-grade serous neoplasm. It illustrates how genetic alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are not tissue or disease-specific and emphasizes the importance of applying several cell lineage markers, along with morphologic correlation, for appropriate diagnostic classification of tumor type.

Comparative histological and Histochemical study of the esophagus in two invasive species Acridotheres tristis and Tilapia zillii in Iraq

The current study conducted on two invasive species, the common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Tilapia Tilapia zillii in Iraq. The study aims to identify the histological and histochemical aspects of the esophagus in both species. Histological sections showed that the esophagus composed of four tunica: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and adventia. The lumen of these parts displayed numerous long folds, these folds were lined by non-keratinized stratifies squamous epithelium in A. tristis, while in Tilapia zillii these folds lined by pseudo stratified columnar epithelium. The tunica mucosa showed absence of muscularis mucosa in both species, so the lamina propria was continued with tunica submucosa. In both species, the histochemical sections showed that the submucosal glands with Alcian blue stain contained acidic mucopolysacharrids, meanwhile the sections with PAS stain showed strong neutral secretions within submucosal glands. The middle part of Tilapia esophagus with alcian blue (pH 2.5) stain appeared that the epithelial crypts contained acidic mucopolysacharrids but no reaction within the epithelium, meanwhile with PAS stain showed strong neutral mucopolysacharrids within crypts and weak neutral mucopolysacharrids within epithelium.

Histomorphological and histochemical study of the fallopian tube during pregnancy and post-partum of the cape hare rabbit (Lepus Capensis)

This research was investigate the Anatomical and Histochemical structure of uterine tube during period of pregnancy and postpartum in cap hare rabbits. Eighteen female rabbits were used. The target samples were processing with paraffin embedding technique the tissue sections stained with H&E stain, and Masson's trichrom stain. Results; The length and weight of the uterine tube were (91.31 ± 0.72mm), (0.53 ±0.01g) at pregnancy. While. its (84.76 ±0.22mm), (0.41 ±0.01g) at post-partum. The infundibulum has a funnel-shaped end. Simple mucosal folds are bordered with pseudo stratified columnar epithelium. The lamina propriea-sub-mucosa is made up of connective tissue that is both vascular and cellular. The ampulla was highly vascularized and had a twisted appearance. The mucosal folds of the ampulla were lined by pseudo stratified columnar epithelium, which consisted of three cell types: mucous secretory cells, non-secretory cells and basal cells. The lamina propria was a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue that exposed a significant amount of fibroblast. The isthmus was short and straight at post-partum, and it was held in place by the mesosalpinx. Mucosal folds in the tunica mucosa are mild and short.

Macro and Micro Anatomical Observation on the Testes of Local Dog (Canis lupusfamiliaris) of Assam

Background: The study on testes of local dog of Assam is of great value in regard to germplasm conservation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the gross and histomorphological examination of testes of male reproductive system. Methods: The testes were collected at the time of castration from Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapra, Guwahati, Assam, India. The research was carried out for a period of one year in Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. Then gross anatomical studies were made on it and the tissue samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution and were processed as per the standard technique of procedure (Luna, 1968). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome at 5 µm thickness and the sections were stained with Mayer’s Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique for Cellular details as per the method of Luna (1968). Result: Grossly, the testes of local dog consisted of two surface viz., lateral and medial and two ends i.e. upper end and lower end. The upper end of the testes was occupied by the head of the epididymis and the lower end of the testes was occupied by the tail of the epididymis. Mediastinum testis was observed in the centre of testes of local dog. Histologically, the testes were covered by serous layer (Tunica vaginalis), connective tissue layer (Tunica albugenia) and vascular layer (Tunica vasculosa) from outside to inwards. Spermatogenic cells like spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa, and sertoli cells were observed in seminiferous tubules. The sertoli cells were attached to the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. Cluster of Leyding cells were found between the semineniferous tubules and it contained large spherical nuclei. The epididymides were lined by pseudo stratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

Gross and Histomorphological Study of the Ovary and Oviduct of Turkey Hen with Especial Emphasis on the Sperm-Host Gland

Turkey bird is one of the popular poultry species which is reared primarily for meat production and considered as one of the major sources of animal protein. With such importance of this species, this study was designed to investigate the gross and histomorphology of the ovary and oviduct with especial emphasis on sperm-host glands of the turkey hen involving ten mature female turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The present study highlighted the distribution pattern of sperm-host glands (SHGs) in the oviduct of turkey hen that has a potential role in producing a fertile egg in poultry industries. The oviduct of turkey consists of the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina which are sole distributors for making nutrition enriched egg. The tissue samples were collected from the ovary, different segments of the oviduct and especially uterovaginal junction (UVJ) and infundiomagnal junction of the oviduct. The ovaries and the oviducts were dissected and fixed in Bouins solution and processed for a light microscopic study. Histologically, the left ovary of turkey consisted of an outer cortex and inner medulla, with different stages of follicles. In all areas of the oviduct except the infundibulum and vagina, the tunica mucosa epithelium was lined with ciliated pseudo stratified columnar epithelium, and the lamina propria-submucosa contained branched tubular glands. Sperm-storage tubules were observed in the uterovaginal junction and infundibulo-magnum junction. These tubules were mostly branched, slightly coiled and extended into the lamina propria from the bases of the mucosal folds. These glands had proximal and distal parts; the proximal part was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium and distal part by non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium. The number of sperm host glands was more at uterovaginal junction than infundibulomagnal junction. The sperm-host glands might play a functional role in the storage and release of spermatozoa from the SHGs in response to oviposition or ovulation. The results would help poultry scientists and farmers in developing effective disease control and growth strategies.

Modelling hereditary diffuse gastric cancer initiation using transgenic mouse-derived gastric organoids and single-cell sequencing.

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a cancer syndrome caused by germline variants in CDH1, the gene encoding the cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. Loss of E-cadherin in cancer is associated with cellular dedifferentiation and poor prognosis, but the mechanisms through which CDH1 loss initiates HDGC are not known. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we explored the transcriptional landscape of a murine organoid model of HDGC to characterize the impact of CDH1 loss in early tumourigenesis. Progenitor populations of stratified squamous and simple columnar epithelium, characteristic of the mouse stomach, showed lineage-specific transcriptional programs. Cdh1 inactivation resulted in shifts along the squamous differentiation trajectory associated with aberrant expression of genes central to gastrointestinal epithelial differentiation. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), encoded by the differentiation-dependent gene Krt7, was a specific marker for early neoplastic lesions in CDH1 carriers. Our findings suggest that deregulation of developmental transcriptional programs may precede malignancy in HDGC. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modified Inverted Periosteal Flap Versus Buccal Advancement Flap Technique for Oroantral Fistula Repair: A comparison

Oroantral fistula is a pathological and epithelised communication between pseudo stratified columnar ciliated epithelium of maxillary antrum and squamous epithelium of oral mucosa. Various techniques in literature point to the fact that repair of oroantral fistula is one of the most challenging problems in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Buccal advancement flap technique causes vestibular shortening, reduction in keratinized gingiva width with closure under tension thereby increasing the chances of wound dehiscence. On the other hand, Inverted periosteal flap preserves vestibular depth, maintains keratinized gingiva width providing true tension free closure. However, it is technically very challenging with maximum chances of perforation of delicate periosteal flap. A new Modified Inverted Periosteal Flap technique for oroantral fistula repair will eliminate all the potential complications and adverse effects of both the conventional buccal advancement flap and inverted periosteal flap procedures providing a true ideal closure.

Epithelial and ganglionic distribution at the distal rectal end in anorectal malformations: could it play a role in anastomotic adaptation?

In anorectal malformations (ARMs), the epithelium of the distal rectal end is not well described. We histomorphologically evaluated epithelial and ganglionic distribution in the distal rectal end of ARMs resected during anorectoplasty to assess similarities and differences with normal anal canal structure. In this single-center retrospective study, specimens from 60 ARM patients (27 males, 33 females) treated between 2008 and 2019 were evaluated. Epithelium type and alignment sequence as well as ganglionic distribution were similar in the distal rectal end and in a normal anal canal. Stratified columnar epithelium (anal transitional zone, ATZ) was seen in 49/60 (81.7%) cases and in all ARM types, including the no-fistula type. Anal crypts were identified in the stratified columnar epithelium (ATZ) of 46/49 (93.9%) patients. Regarding distal rectal end-resecting anorectoplasty, in 90% of patients, resection was performed distal to the Herrmann line. Ganglion cell distribution was exclusively proximal to the Herrmann line. Epithelial and ganglionic distribution was similar in the distal rectal end of ARMs and in a normal anal canal. The ATZ is the epithelial boundary between the rectum and skin in a normal anal canal. ATZ preservation could reproduce anal canal structure in ARM reconstruction.

Analytical Study of Conjunctival Bacterial Flora in Diabetic and Non Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane that lines inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera. It is composed of non keratinised, stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Normal microbial flora constitutes organisms which are present in eyelids and conjunctiva without causing any disease. At birth eyes are sterile but they are later infected by various organisms. Gram positive organisms are mostly prevalent in ocular flora. Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that can affect all ocular structures. Aim: To compare the microbial flora between diabetic and non diabetic patients and to study there sensitivity to antibiotics. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical study conducted on a total of 100 patients attending Department of Opthalmology of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India between June 2019 to July 2019. They were not using any topical ocular preparation. Conjunctival swab was taken from upper fornix of the patients and cultured and the results obtained were analysed using Chi-Square test. Results: Conjunctival flora of a total of 100 patients, 30 diabetic and 70 non diabetic, were screened. Among the 30 diabetic patients, there were 15 (50%) male and 15 (50%) female. The most common isolated bacteria in diabetic and non diabetic groups were staphylococcus aureus (diabetic 70%, non diabetic 85.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in microbial flora pattern between the diabetic and non diabetic group. There was higher proportion of staphylococcus epidermidis among diabetic patients compared to non diabetic patients (p-value <0.01) and there was a higher proportion of staphylococcus aureus among non diabetics (p-value <0.01). Conclusion: Present study found statistically significant difference in the microbial flora between diabetics and non diabetics. This will help the clinician to plan for the antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery for patients attending the Out Patient Department (OPD).

Analytical Study of Conjunctival Bacterial Flora in Diabetic and Non Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane that lines inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera. It is composed of non keratinised, stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Normal microbial flora constitutes organisms which are present in eyelids and conjunctiva without causing any disease. At birth eyes are sterile but they are later infected by various organisms. Gram positive organisms are mostly prevalent in ocular flora. Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that can affect all ocular structures. Aim: To compare the microbial flora between diabetic and non diabetic patients and to study there sensitivity to antibiotics. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical study conducted on a total of 100 patients attending Department of Opthalmology of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India between June 2019 to July 2019. They were not using any topical ocular preparation. Conjunctival swab was taken from upper fornix of the patients and cultured and the results obtained were analysed using Chi-Square test. Results: Conjunctival flora of a total of 100 patients, 30 diabetic and 70 non diabetic, were screened. Among the 30 diabetic patients, there were 15 (50%) male and 15 (50%) female. The most common isolated bacteria in diabetic and non diabetic groups were staphylococcus aureus (diabetic 70%, non diabetic 85.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in microbial flora pattern between the diabetic and non diabetic group. There was higher proportion of staphylococcus epidermidis among diabetic patients compared to non diabetic patients (p-value<0.01) and there was a higher proportion of staphylococcus aureus among non diabetics (p-value<0.01). Conclusion: Present study found statistically significant difference in the microbial flora between diabetics and non diabetics. This will help the clinician to plan for the antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery for patients attending the Out Patient Department (OPD).

Branchial Cleft Anomalies in Children

INTRODUCTION: Objective: A retrospective study was planned to evaluate the clinical and radiological findings of childhood branchial anomalies together with the subclasses of the anomaly and to discuss the surgical results. Method: The medical records of the patients managed for branchial cleft anomaly between 2014 and 2019 were examined. Demographic features, clinical and radiological findings, surgical managements and outcomes were recorded. Results: Eighteen cases were included in the study. Median age of the cases was 5 years (1-14). Male/female ratio was 9/9. The complaints were discharge from the BC (n=13, 72%) and painless neck mass (n=3, 17%). The BC was at right side in 8 (44%), left side in 9 (%50) and bilateral in 1 case (6%). Physical examination revealed the presence of a fistula, and its orifice in 14 cases and cystic lesion was palpable in 4 cases. Ultrasound was performed in 9 cases (50%) and cyst could be detected in 3 of them. All cases were operated and step-ladder incision was used in 8 cases. The fistula tract was ended near to pharynx in 2, near to pretonsillar fossa in 10, submandibular region in 5, and external auditory tract in 1 case. Histopathological examination revealed inflammation in 2 cases and cartilage in 1 case. Stratified ciliary columnar and stratified squamous cell epithelium was detected in samples. Conclusion: Physical examination is the most important diagnostic method. The management is surgery and excision of whole lesion is important in preventing recurrences. Although using methylene blue is a guiding technique in surgical excision of tracts, the effect of its use on surgical outcome and recurrence rates is still debatable.

Histological and Histometrical Features of the Mammary Gland in Immature and Lactating Local Breed Ewes (Ovis aries)

Twelve samples of mammary glands (6 immature and 6 lactating ewes) were used for this study. Specimens of glands were immediately dissected and fixed in 10% formalin sol. The specimens were processed according to paraffin technique, sectioned at 5-6µm and stained by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrom stains. In both immature and lactating ewes the mammary glands were covered by skin. In immature ewes the mammary quarter was composed of few mammary lobes that separated by very thick inter lobar adipose tissue. The lactating quarter was composed of huge mammary lobes and lobules without adipose tissue. In immature the lobe was consisted of few small lobules that composed of few of mammary alveoli while the lactating lobes had large sizes lobules and each had large alveoli which lined by tall cuboidal cells and supported by fibrous tissue and myo epithelial cells. In both immature and lactating ewes, the gland and teat cisternae were showed many of mucosal folds which lined by pseudo stratified columnar epithelium and supported by fibrous connective tissue. The teat cisterna of both immature and lactating was composed three layers; mucosal cisterna, fibro muscular layer and skin. The teat canal was lined by pseudo stratified squamous epithelium and the sub epithelial connective tissue showed well developed venous sinus and fibro muscular. Statistical analysis was revealed significant differences between the values of all parameters of immature and lactating ewes. Apparent surface areas of the lobe in immature and lactating were 122143.063±23.21 µm2 & 992541.188±33.81 µm2 respectively. Surface areas of lobule in immature and lactating were 1042.938±21.02 µm2 & 91565.977±25.60 µm2 respectively. Surface areas of alveoli in immature and lactating were 994.238±11.39 µm2 & 4584.270±19.26 µm2 respectively. Epithelial heights of alveoli in immature and lactating were 10.290±1.01 µm & 23.012±2.81 µm respectively. Thickness of inter lobar tissue in immature and lactating ewes 677.393±23.67 µm and 361.401±10.86 µm respectively. Thickness of inter lobular connective tissue in immature and lactating were 112.969±±11.48 µm and 90.281±9.81 µm respectively.

Laparoscopic resection of a neuroendocrine tumor that almost fully replaced tailgut cysts: a case report

BackgroundNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) originate from neuroendocrine cells, which are found throughout the body. NETs occur principally in the gastrointestinal tract (approximately 65%) and bronchopulmonary tract (approximately 25%) but rarely occur in the presacral space. Aside from primary and metastatic lesions, there have been reports of NETs occurring in the presacral space arising from tailgut cysts, teratomas, and imperforate anus. We herein report a rare case of laparoscopic resection of a NET in the presacral space, which almost fully replaced tailgut cysts.Case presentationA 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for surgery of a right inguinal hernia, but preoperative computed tomography revealed an asymptomatic 43-mm mass in the presacral space. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a multilocular solid mass with clear boundaries and a slightly high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Positron emission tomography showed 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Thus, we suspected a malignant tumor and performed laparoscopic resection to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Macroscopically, the tumor was 43 mm in size with clear boundaries, and the cut surface was a gray-white solid component. Histopathological findings revealed that the tumor was composed of relatively uniform cells with fine chromatin, with round to oval nuclei arranged in solid, trabecular, or rosette-like growth patterns. Small cysts lined with stratified squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium were observed along with solid components of the tumor, which is a feature of tailgut cysts. Therefore, the final diagnosis was NET Grade 1 arising from tailgut cysts. No recurrence was observed within 1 year after surgery.ConclusionsWe performed en bloc laparoscopic resection of a NET arising from tailgut cysts in the presacral space without injury. In cases of a solid lesion in the presacral space, not only the primary disease but also the pathological condition with tissue transformation and replacement should be considered, as in this case.

Evaluation of blood-testis barrier integrity in terms of adhesion molecules in nonobstructive azoospermia.

Blood-testis barrier (BTB) is critical for maintaining fertility. The integrity of tight junctions (TJs) provides restricted permeability of BTB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BTB and Sertoli cells. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) obtained from nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients was examined: Group I (spermatozoa+) and Group II (spermatozoa-). The tissues were stained with haematoxylin eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome for Johnsen's score evaluation. Apoptosis and adhesion molecules such as claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were assessed. In Group I, the integrity of the seminiferous tubules was intact. In Group II, some seminiferous tubule walls were lined only with Sertoli cells, had a thickening of the basement membrane, and oedema in interstitial spaces. In Group I, the seminiferous tubule consisted of a stratified columnar epithelium, claudin-11 expressions were observed as linear staining in the basal zone of the tubule, while seminiferous tubules, with low epithelium, displayed a punctate type of staining. Immunohistochemical observations were consistent with the ultrastructural findings. In Group II, high apoptosis and unstained/irregular TJ formation in claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were observed. In conclusion, disruption of relation between BTB and TJs may reveal inadequate spermatogenesis, which is one of the mechanisms behind azoospermia.

Is hysterectomy necessary for the treatment of preinvasive stratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesions of the cervix?

ObjectivesStratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE) is an uncommon premalignant cervical intraepithelial lesion, characterized by histopathologic features resembling those observed in high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ...