Melanotic medullary carcinoma of thyroid – report of a rare case with brief review of literature

Abstract Background Melanin production in medullary carcinoma is extremely uncommon. Case presentation We report a rare variant of medullary carcinoma of thyroid with melanin production in a 52-year-old woman who presented with swelling in the thyroid of 3 months duration. This tumor recurred thrice in two years after surgery and patient died with metastasis. Microscopic examination showed typical morphology of medullary carcinoma with numerous cells loaded with melanin pigment as confirmed by bleached Fontana-Masson, negative iron and immunohistochemical stains. Tumor cells were diffusely immunopositive for calcitonin, HMB-45, chromogranin, synaptophysin, CEA but showed focal paranuclear dot positivity for cytokeratin. No C-cell hyperplasia was seen in the adjacent thyroid gland. Nature of the pigment was further confirmed on ultra structural examination. Conclusion Melanotic medullary carcinoma is an extremely uncommon entity. There is a need to report more number of cases in the literature for exact categorization and prognostication of this subtype of medullary carcinoma.</p

Metastatic malignant melanoma in bone marrow with occult primary site- A case report with review of literature

Abstract Background Metastases of malignant melanoma to the bone marrow are very rare. A few case reports are published in the literature with a known primary site. Case presentation Herein we present a case of metastatic malignant melanoma in bone marrow with occult primary site in a 22- year-old-male. Diagnosis was confirmed by morphology and immunohistochemistry. A pertinent review of literature is also presented by using relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) database. The search was based on the following terms: metastasis or metastases, malignant melanoma and bone marrow. Conclusion In this report we discuss a rare case of metastatic malignant melanoma to the bone marrow with an unknown primary. Clinicians must be aware of the varied clinical manifestations of disseminated malignant melanoma even if the primary site is not evident.</p

Optimization of Interfacial Interactions to Achieve the Nanoscale Dispersion of Clay in Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

Polymer clay nanocomposites are a promising class of multicomponent systems where incorporation of small amount of clay results in dramatic improvement of mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. However, accomplishment of these properties necessitates molecular level dispersion of the clay platelets in the polymer matrix. This thesis presents the guidelines for obtaining thermodynamically stable nanocomposites where strong specific interactions such as hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the clay can be utilized to achieve the desired goal of nanoscale dispersion of clay sheets. In first part of the dissertation, optimization of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the polymer and clay is carried out by controlling the distribution of hydroxyl groups on the copolymer of styrene and 4-vinyl phenol. Copolymers ranging from 0- 100% vinyl phenol are synthesized by free radical polymerization. Nanocomposites containing 50 % poly(vinyl phenol) and 40 % poly(vinyl phenol) show optimum dispersion due to large extent of intermolecular hydrogen bonding with drastic improvement in glass transition temperature. Furthermore, the effect of the nature of clay surfactant on the dispersion of clay sheets in the polymer matrix is also studied. Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A show similar trends in dispersion for all the copolymer compositions. Increase in vinyl phenol content from 0-50% enhances the dispersion of clay platelets. However, Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A show different morphological behavior than Cloisite Na+ towards the polymer containing 100% vinyl phenol. This behavior arises due to the fact that hydrophobic surfactants of Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A do not find themselves very compatible with hydrophilic polymer, poly(vinyl phenol) thus giving rise to intercalated morphology in opposition to exfoliation observed for Cloisite Na+ nanocomposite with the same polymer. Cloisite Na+ is highly hydrophilic and therefore very miscible with 100% vinyl phenol, consequently a nanocomposite with improved dispersion is obtained. Next, clay loading is also optimized in the nanocomposites to obtain the best morphological and thermal improvements. Clay loadings of 1, 3, 5 and 8 wt % are mixed with copolymers ranging from 0-100 % vinyl phenol. 3 and 5 % clay loadings with PVPh40 and PVPh50 nanocomposites exhibit optimum dispersion of clay platelets with drastic improvement in glass transition temperature

Immunomodulatory Function of Interleukin 28B During Primary Infection With Cytomegalovirus

Background. Feedback mechanisms between interferons α and λ (IFNs) may be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in interleukin 28B (IL-28B; IFN-λ3) promoter region and may influence cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Methods. We associated IL-28B SNPs with the risk of CMV replication after transplantation. Next, we examined the effect of IL-28B genotypes on IL-28B, and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, and CMV replication in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results. Transplant recipients with an IL-28B SNP (rs8099917) had significantly less CMV replication (P = .036). Both HFF-cells and PBMCs with a SNP showed lower IL-28B expression during infection with CMV, but higher "antiviral” ISG expression (eg, OAS1). Fibroblasts with a SNP had a 3-log reduction of CMV replication at day 4 (P = .004). IL-28B pretreatment induced ISG expression in noninfected fibroblasts, but a relative decrease of ISG expression could be observed in CMV-infected fibroblasts. The inhibitory effects of IL-28B could be abolished by siRNA or antagonistic peptides against the IL-28 receptor. In fibroblasts, inhibition of IL-28 signaling resulted in an increase of ISG expression and 3-log reduction of CMV-replication (P = .01). Conclusions. We postulate that IL-28B may act as a key regulator of ISG expression during primary CMV infection. IL-28B SNPs may be associated with higher antiviral ISG expression, which results in better replication contro

Effect of Immunosuppression on T-Helper 2 and B-Cell Responses to Influenza Vaccination

Background. Influenza vaccine immunogenicity is suboptimal in immunocompromised patients. However, there are limited data on the interplay of T- and B- cell responses to vaccination with simultaneous immunosuppression. Methods. We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from transplant recipients before and 1 month after seasonal influenza vaccination. Before and after vaccination, H1N1-specific T- and B-cell activation were quantified with flow cytometry. We also developed a mathematical model using T- and B-cell markers and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosage. Results. In the 47 patients analyzed, seroconversion to H1N1 antigen was demonstrated in 34%. H1N1-specific interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing CD4+ T-cell frequencies increased significantly after vaccination in 53% of patients. Prevaccine expression of H1N1-induced HLA-DR and CD86 on B cells was high in patients who seroconverted. Seroconversion against H1N1 was strongly associated with HLA-DR expression on B cells, which was dependent on the increase between prevaccine and postvaccine H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells (R2 = 0.35). High doses of MMF (≥2 g/d) led to lower seroconversion rates, smaller increase in H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells, and reduced HLA-DR expression on B cells. The mathematical model incorporating a MMF-inhibited positive feedback loop between H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells and HLA-DR expression on B cells captured seroconversion with high specificity. Conclusions. Seroconversion is associated with influenza-specific T-helper 2 and B-cell activation and seems to be modulated by MM

Assessment of Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cell-Mediated Immunity for the Prediction of Cytomegalovirus Disease in High-Risk Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

In high-risk solid-organ transplant recipients receiving antiviral prophylaxis, the measurement of specific cell-mediated immunity using the Quantiferon assay appropriately stratified the individual risk of developing subsequent cytomegalovirus diseas

BORDER SURVEILLANCE USING FACE RECOGNITION, MOBILE OTP AND EMAIL

Expanding strains over Indian borders with illegal crossings and examining past assaults on the nation, it is clear that in a large portion of the cases, security powers are uninformed of the movement of these interlopers. For this reason, a framework is needed to manage the border issue that would be equipped for working in sloping landscapes where there is no power. This paper manages identification and situating of interlopers crossing the border utilizing PIR sensors and cameras. In the event of any undesirable crossing in the area, the sensor quickly detects it and the camera will stream pictures to the base station (BS). Relying upon the guidance originating from the BS, the sensor will either activate the camera for further streaming or turn it off. The objective of this paper is to give a framework that will help the Border Security Force (BSF) in controlling all sorts of illicit activities near the outskirt in a superior and precise manner. ABSTRAK: Merentas isu sempadan India dengan kegiatan pencerobohan sempadan dan dengan mengambil kira kutukan lepas terhadap bangsa kami, adalah jelas dalam banyak-banyak kes ini pegawai keselamatan tidak diberitahu tentang bahagian yang dicerobohi. Dalam keadaan ini, kita memerlukan rangka kerja bagi mengurus masalah sempadan di mana kelengkapan perlu dipasang di tebing landskap yang tidak mempunyai sumber tenaga. Kajian ini mengurus identiti pengenalan dan kedudukan kegiatan haram yang berleluasa di sempadan dengan mengguna pakai pengesan PIR dan kamera. Apabila terdapat perubahan pergerakan yang tidak diingini di sempadan, PIR akan mengesan pergerakan dengan cepat dan kamera akan menggaris arus gambar-gambar ke stesen utama (BS) dan bergantung kepada panduan pengkalan di BS, pengesan akan membuat kamera lebih bergaris arus atau berhenti merekod. Kajian ini pentng bagi menunjukkan rangka yang membantu Penguatkuasaan Keselamatan Sempadan (BSF) dalam mengawal semua kegiatan haram berhampiran sempadan dengan bermutu dan tepat

Story of The Black and White Devils- Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis: A Distinct Entity with Rising Clinical Presentation in COVID Era

Background: Background: Fungal rhino-sinusitis is a rare, rapidly progressing, life-threatening opportunistic infection, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients, such as those with diabetes and lung diseases, recently observed in post-COVID pneumonia cases. Clinically, it presents with partial neurological dysfunction and progressive necrosis secondary to blood vessel invasion and thrombosis, potentially involving the cranium, increasing morbidity and mortality. First-line treatment includes antifungal therapy, followed by surgical intervention. Aim: To emphasize the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment strategies for Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis. Methods: Since the coronavirus outbreak in India, our hospital has treated thousands of patients, including nine confirmed cases of invasive fungal rhino-sinusitis from April to July 2021. We collected data from electronic records to ensure accuracy, with diagnoses based on clinical presentation, nasal endoscopy, imaging, KOH mount, fungal culture, and histopathology. Our team provided tailored medical and surgical management to meet each patient’s needs, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality care during this challenging time. Results: Five out of nine patients survived our treatment; the mortality rate was reported as 37.5%, with one patient lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Timely surgical intervention, effective debridement, and appropriate antifungal therapy can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis

A New Palm Print Recognition Approach by Using PCA & Gabor Filter

The key problems that involve in identification of palm print are searching for the better match from the test sample taken from input and also the available templates in the palm print database. The selection of the features and measuring similarity are 2 basic to be resolved. A feature that has higher discriminating ability should need to show a large variation between samples taken from totally different persons and small variation between samples taken from the palm of same person. Principal lines with information points are consider as very helpful palm print features and are successfully used for the aim of verification. Excluding these features there are many various features present in a palm print like: wrinkle features, geometry features, minutiae features and delta point features. It�s noted that each one of those features of palm are involved with the native attributes supported points or line segments. 2 key points in palm print identification are: first is to develop an efficient algorithm that extracts helpful features and second is to correctly measure the similarity of 2 features sets. In contrast to the existing technique, propose a combine selection technique for identification by using the palm print feature base pattern matching by combining native and global palm print features in some stratified fashion. In this work, use PCA, Gabor Filter and KNN for the aim of classification and matching. This work show palm print authentication system operates in 2 ways in which first is enrolment and the second is verification. In enrolment, a user needs to offer palm print samples many times to the system. The samples is captured with the use of any image capturing device that then pre-processed and so extraction of features is done to provide the templates that keep template database. For verification user is instruct to produce his/her user ID and palm print sample, then the palm print sample are pre-processed and extraction of feature is done to compared it with templates keep within the database that belonging to constant user ID