Histopathological study of precursor and neoplastic lesions of endometrium in endometrial samplings

Background: Endometrial lesion presenting as abnormal uterine bleeding, abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities form most common presenting complaint in women of reproductive age group and in premenopausal women. Endometrial sampling is a safe and effective diagnostic step in evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The present study was carried out to establish histopathological diagnosis of precursor and neoplastic lesions of endometrial samplings in correlation with clinical details and other investigations.Methods: A two-year prospective study was carried out in the department of pathology in a tertiary care hospital from June 2013-May 2015 which included endometrial samplings of precursor and neoplastic lesions. All cases were analyzed histopathologically.Results: The study included 46 cases comprising 30% of total 153 endometrial samplings. Out of these, precursor lesions were 36 cases (23.6%) and malignant were 10 case (5.8%). The highest incidence of precursor lesions (endometrial hyperplasia) was in the age group of 41- 50 years. Among the precursor lesions, endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (86%) was the commonest observation followed by atypical hyperplasia (14%).Conclusions: For the correct evaluation of cases presenting with AUB, histopathological evaluation of endometrial samplings is the gold standard method

Papillary squamotransitional carcinoma of cervix: a series of four cases

Background: Carcinoma of cervix is the most common cancer in Indian women and squamous cell carcinoma is the principal histologic type. Papillary Squamotransitional carcinoma is a rare and distinctive variant of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, which differs by histology and clinical behavior from conventional squamous cell carcinoma. It shows papillary architecture with fibrovascular cores lined by multilayered atypical epithelium and is known for local recurrence and late metastasis.Methods: 4 cases of papillary squamotransitional carcinoma of cervix were diagnosed on cervical punch biopsies. All 4 cases were analyzed histopathologically.Results: Patients ranged from 40 years to 70 years with pain in abdomen being commonest presenting symptom. All the cases showed papillary architecture with fibrovascular cores lined by multi-layered atypical epithelium. Three cell types were observed: Clear, intermediate and basaloid.Conclusions: Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix and is characterized by its aggressive behavior

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ANAEMIA AS A MORTALITY RISK FACTOR IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Introduction: Short-term mortality is related to hyperglycemia, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and anemia. Diabetes patients are more likely to suffer from anemia. To investigate the impact of diabetes patients also having anemia on myocardial infarction outcomes, we conducted a retrospective study. Methodology: From a registry that is disease-specific and population-based, information about every patient consecutively hospitalized with AMI was gathered. Diabetes and anemia were present in four groups of patients. Results: 32.2% of Group A, 16% of Group B, 21.45% of Group C, and 6.6% of Group D experienced 30-day mortality (all p < 0.001). Groups A, B, C, and D had, in that order, 31 days to 36 months mortality rates of 47.6%, 20.8%, 34.3%, and 10.4% (all p < 0.001). At 36 months, the odds ratios for diabetes and anemia were 1.61 (1.40–1.84, p < 0.001) and 1.58 (1.37–1.86, p < 0.001), respectively, suggesting that both illnesses remained independent risk factors for death. Of the deaths that occurred between 31 days and 36 months, 43.7% in Group A were due to cardiovascular causes, 54.0% in Group B, 47.1% in Group C, and 50.9% in Group D (p < 0.05, A vs. B). Conclusion: When compared to either diabetes or anemia patients alone, patients who have diabetes and anemia both have a greater death rate. In all groups, cardiovascular death continued to be the most common death cause. Recommendation: According to our findings, individuals with anemia who have experienced a myocardial infarction with or without diabetes may safely have prompt primary percutaneous coronary intervention; nevertheless, they should take extra care to maintain hemoglobin levels

A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF PROTEINURIA CHANGES AND MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION RISKS IN DIABETIC OR PRE-DIABETIC PATIENTS.

Objective:  This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in proteinuria and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Methodology: The prospective study was conducted involving 200 participants in India, with data collection occurring during routine medical examinations from 2020 to 2022. The participants were followed up, and data collection concluded in 2023. Results: Among the participants, those with persistent proteinuria exhibited a significantly higher risk of MI, with a 2.5-fold increased hazard compared to those without proteinuria. Furthermore, a reduction in proteinuria over time was associated with a 21% decrease in MI incidence. This relationship was not observed in individuals without proteinuria, highlighting the importance of persistent proteinuria in influencing MI risk.  Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical role of persistent proteinuria as a predictor of elevated MI risk in individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Monitoring and managing proteinuria could potentially mitigate the risk of future heart attacks in this population. Recommendations: Healthcare professionals should consider routine monitoring of proteinuria levels in outpatient settings for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Exploring interventions to lower proteinuria levels for heart attack prevention is recommended, including lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. Improved comprehension of the mechanisms connecting proteinuria to the risk of MI is essential for the formulation of efficient preventive approaches. This study underscores the significance of early detection and management of proteinuria in diabetic patients and pre-diabetics to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the head and neck

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteinases that are capable of cleaving all extra cellular matrix (ECM) substrates. Degradation of matrix is a key event in progression, invasion and metastasis of potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the head and neck. It might have an important polymorphic association at the promoter regions of several MMPs such as MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G), MMP-2 (-1306 C/T), MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A), MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) and TIMP-2 (-418 G/C or C/C). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are naturally occurring inhibitors of MMPs, which inhibit the activity of MMPs and control the breakdown of ECM. Currently, many MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) are under development for treating different malignancies. Useful markers associated with molecular aggressiveness might have a role in prognostication of malignancies and to better recognize patient groups that need more antagonistic treatment options. Furthermore, the introduction of novel prognostic markers may also promote exclusively new treatment possibilities, and there is an obvious need to identify markers that could be used as selection criteria for novel therapies. The objective of this review is to discuss the molecular functions and polymorphic association of MMPs and TIMPs and the possible therapeutic aspects of these proteinases in potentially malignant and malignant head and neck lesions. So far, no promising drug target therapy has been developed for MMPs in the lesions of this region. In conclusion, further research is required for the development of their potential diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities

Ecological Studies of the River Krishna near Gadwal, Telangana with Reference to Water Quality

Ecological studies in the river Krishna have been studies for a period of two years (May 2015 to April 2017). Physico-chemical and phycological aspects have been investigated to assess the quality of water. The water was well oxygenated with an alkaline pH, organic matter, chlorides and nutrients were recorded at low concentrations. Diatoms constituted the dominant group of algae. Multiple regression analysis was employed to discover the relative importance of various physico-chemical variables on the abundance and distribution of algae. Mathematical equations were derived involving the physico-chemical variables for better prediction of algal number

Phytotoxic effect of the extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on the germination, seedling growth and biomass of some agricultural crops

This study was conducted to assess the phytotoxic effect of invasive species: Parthenium hysterophorus L. on the germination, seedling length and biomass of Zea mays, Macrotyloma uniflorum and Triticum aestivum, in order to explore its potential as noxious species. In this study, the allelopathic substances were extracted with distilled water and methanol from the aerial and underground part of P. hysterophorus L. in different concentration (1, 100, 150, 400 mg mL–1). The results of the study revealed that the methanol fraction of roots at 400 mg mL-1 concentration had the highest phytotoxic activity as compared to the double distilled water extract. Germination (%) was observed to be maximum (90%) for Z. mays with double distilled water above ground part extract at 1 mg mL-1 and lowest (10%) for M. uniflorum L. in 400 mg mL-1 both aerial and underground plant extracts at the last day of measurement. Mean shoot and root length were observed highest (17.6cm and 6.1cm respectively) in Z. mays with aerial double distilled water extract at 1 mg mL-1 concentration and it was found lowest (3.2cm and 2.8cm) in M. uniflorum with underground part double distilled water extract at 400 mg mL-1. Biomass was recorded highest (1.97 g/100cm2) in Z. mays in aerial part extract and lowest (0.83 g/100 cm2) in horse gram in underground part extract at concentration of 400mg mL–1 with double distilled water extract. In methanol, both aerial and underground part extracts, the germination observed only at 1mg mL-1 concentration

Comparative study between the Hybrid Capture II test and PCR based assay for the detection of human papillomavirus DNA in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Oral malignancy is a major global health problem. Besides the main risk factors of tobacco, smoking and alcohol, infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genetic alterations are likely to play an important role in these lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of HC-II assay and PCR for the detection of specific HPV type (HPV 16 E6) in OSMF and OSCC cases as well as find out the prevalence of the high risk HPV (HR-HPV) in these lesions.</p> <p>Methods and materials</p> <p>Four hundred and thirty patients of the potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions were taken from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, India from Sept 2007-March 2010. Of which 208 cases were oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and 222 cases were oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The HC-II assay and PCR were used for the detection of HR-HPV DNA.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>The overall prevalence of HR-HPV 16 E6 DNA positivity was nearly 26% by PCR and 27.4% by the HC-II assay in case of potentially malignant disorder of the oral lesions such as OSMF. However, in case of malignant oral lesions such as OSCC, 32.4% HPV 16 E6 positive by PCR and 31.4% by the HC-II assay. In case of OSMF, the two test gave concordant result for 42 positive samples and 154 negative samples, with an overall level of agreement of 85.4% (Cohen's kappa = 66.83%, 95% CI 0.553-0.783). The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 73.7% and 92.05% (p < 0.00). In case of OSCC, the two test gave concordant result for 61 positive samples and 152 negative samples, with an overall level of agreement of 88.3% (Cohen's kappa = 79.29, 95% CI 0.769-0.939) and the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 87.14% and 92.76% (p < 0.00).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study concluded that slight difference was found between the positivity rate of HR-HPV infection detected by the HC-II and PCR assay in OSMF and OSCC cases and the HC II assay seemed to have better sensitivity in case of OSCC.</p

Synergistic effect of stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-3) promoter (-1171 5A->6A) polymorphism in oral submucous fibrosis and head and neck lesions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade all the components of extra cellular matrix and collagen. Various types of MMPs are known to be expressed and activated in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) as well as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of this study was to asses the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) adenosine insertion/deletion polymorphism (-1171 5A->6A) in the MMP-3 promoter region in these lesions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>MMP-3 SNP was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in a case control study consisting of 362 participants; 101 cases of OSMF, 135 of HNSCC and 126 controls, compared for age, sex and habits. ROC distribution was plotted to assess the contributions of genetic variation in MMP-3 genotypes with relation to age.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis of MMP 3 (-1171 5A->6A) polymorphism revealed the frequency of 5A allele in OSMF, HNSCC and controls to be 0.15, 0.13 and 0.07, respectively. A significant difference was found in 5A genotype frequency between OSMF (5A genotype frequency = 0.15, p = 0.01, OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.22-4.20) and in controls (5A genotype frequency 0.07) as well as HNSCC (5A genotype frequency 0.13, p = 0.03,95%CI = 1.06-3.51) and controls (5A genotype frequency = 0.07) In this study, 5A genotype had greater than two fold risk for developing OSMF (OR = 2.26) and nearly the same in case of HNSCC (OR = 1.94) as compared to controls. In patients with OSMF as well as HNSCC, the ROC analysis between the MMP-3 genotype and age, 6A/6A allele was found to be significant in patients both over and under 45 years of age; while the 5A/5A carrier alleles showed an association only in patients less than 45 years of age.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study concluded that the expression of MMP-3 genotype associated with the 5A alleles, it may have an important role in the susceptibility of the patients to develop OSMF and HNSCC.</p

PINE NEEDLE CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES: RURAL TECHNOLOGY OPTION IN PINE FOREST REGION

The use of fuel wood, crop residue or cow dung for cooking is widespread in rural India and, as it is not purchased, is often the only option for the rural poor. Besides the low calorific value of these residues, it also affects the health due to indoor air pollution. Briquette technology can reduce this rural problem. Moreover the technology can also prevent forest fires. They are the annual phenomenon in Himachal Pradesh as the forests are dense and catch fire easily due to natural and man-made reasons. Himalayan forests are rich in Pine trees (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) and the pine needle is one of the reasons to enhance the forest fire. There is a necessity to handle this forest waste efficiently. This paper attempts to explain the briquetting technology of pine needles and the results showed that a significant improvement in calorific value