Biomedical applications of natural-based polymers combined with bioactive glass nanoparticles

In recent years, the combination of natural polymers with nanoparticles has permitted the development of sophisticated and efficient bioinspired constructs. In this regard, the incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) confers a bioactive nature to these constructs, which can then induce the formation of a bone-like apatite layer upon immersion in a physiological environment. Moreover, the incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles has been found to be beneficial; the constructs proved to be biocompatible, promote cell adhesion and spreading, and regulate osteogenic commitment. This review provides a summary and discussion of the composition, design, and applications of bioinspired nanocomposite constructs based on BGNPs. Examples of nanocomposite systems will be highlighted with relevance to biomedical applications. It is expected that understanding the principles and the stateof-the-art of natural nanocomposites may lead to breakthroughs in many research areas, including tissue engineering and orthopaedic devices. The challenges regarding the future translation of these nanostructured composites into clinical use are also summarized.A´lvaro J. Leite acknowledges the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for his doctoral grant (SFRH/BD/73174/2010).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Worrisome histologic alterations following fine needle aspiration of the thyroid

OBJECTIVE: To investigate worrisome histologic alterations following fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid (WHAFFT). STUDY DESIGN: Of 1,890 FNA thyroid cases, 265 underwent surgical excision. The histologic sections of these cases were studied for WHAFFT lesions. Thirty control cases were also studied. RESULTS: WHAFFT lesions were present in 38.49% of cases. Acute lesions were seen in 30 and chronic in 72 cases. Control cases did not show WHAFFT lesions. The common lesions were hemorrhage and fibrosis. Worrisome lesions, like nuclear atypia, vascular changes, capsular pseudoinvasion and metaplasia, were present in 32 (12.07%) cases. CONCLUSION: Considering the large number of FNAs and reduction in the number of thyroid excisions, the advantages of FNA are manifold as compared to the few diagnostic problems. Misdiagnosis can be avoided with awareness of WHAFFT lesions

Cytological diagnosis of chondrosarcoma: A case report with review of literature

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of bone showing cartilaginous differentiation. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is found to be effective in the preoperative diagnosis of chondrosarcoma combined with radiological and clinical evaluation. Ribs is one of the most common skeleton sites for chondrosarcoma, the others being pelvis, proximal femur, proximal humerus and distal femur. We are presenting the case of a 40-year-old man who presented with a tumor in the anterior chest wall on the left side. On FNAC of the mass, a diagnosis of low-grade chondrosarcoma was made which was later confirmed on histopathology

Comparison of modified ultrafast Papanicolaou stain with the standard rapid Papanicolaou stain in cytology of various organs

Background: Since the first introduction of Papanicolaou (Pap) stain in 1942 there have been many modifications. Of these, the Ultra-Fast Pap stain has become popular. This technique was further modified in India as many of the reagents were not available in our country. Our study was conducted by adapting this modified staining technique which involves the replacement of Gill′s hematoxylin with Harris hematoxylin. Aims: The aim of our prospective study was to assess the use of the modified Ultra-Fast Pap stain (MUFP) for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of various organs in comparison with the standard rapid Pap stain. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 FNAC cases were studied by random sampling. Two smears were prepared for each case and stained by both, the MUFP and the rapid Pap stain. Scores were given and the quality index was calculated, followed by the statistical analysis. The number of cases was as follows: lymph node (43), thyroid (25), breast (23), salivary gland (02), and soft tissues (07). Scores were given on four parameters: Background of smears, overall staining pattern, cell morphology and nuclear staining. Quality index was calculated from the ratio of score achieved to the maximum score possible. Statistical Analysis: Results were analyzed using Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, ′t′ paired test, ′P′ value and M-diff for statistical significance. Results: Correct diagnosis was made in all cases. The quality index of MUFP smears was better compared to the rapid Pap stain in all the organs, and was statistically significant. MUFP smears showed a clear red blood cells background, transparent cytoplasm and crisp nuclear features. Conclusion: MUFP is a reliable and rapid technique for cytology diagnosis

Myoepithelial carcinoma arising in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate: A case report with review of literature

Myoepithelial carcinomas (MCs) are rare neoplasm of salivary glands composed predominantly of cells with myoepithelial differentiation characterized by infiltrative growth, necrosis, multinodular architecture, and potential for metastasis. Majority are seen in major salivary glands like parotid. They can arise either de novo or within a preexisting pleomorphic adenoma or myoepithelioma, the latter being very uncommon. We report a rare case of malignant myoepithelioma arising from a pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate. A 66-year-old male patient presented with recurrent soft palate mass, with history of a pleomorphic adenoma at the same location operated 2 years ago. The recurrent tumor showed histopathological features of MC, confirmed by immunohistochemistry

Chondrolipoma of breast: A case report with the review of the literature

Chondrolipoma of the breast is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor composed of mature cartilage and adipose tissue. We present one such case in a 55-year-old woman presenting with left breast lump detected by self-examination. The tumor was diagnosed as fibroadenoma clinically. The diagnosis of chondrolipoma was possible only by histopathological examination. This case is reported because of its rarity in breast

Pure lipoma of uterus: A case report with review of literature

Even though lipoma is the most common soft tissue tumor, pure lipoma primary to uterus is very rare. Most reported cases have been of mixed type, consisting of admixture with smooth muscle or fibrous tissue. Preoperative diagnosis is seldom made and usually comes to light only on pathological study. We report a case of a 60 year old woman presenting with lump in abdomen. CT scan report was suggestive of leiomyoma with fatty degeneration. Gross showed fatty tumor in the uterus and microscopy confirmed the diagnosis of pure lipoma of uterus