Rare case of clear cell sarcoma in a young female

Clear Cell Sarcoma of Tendon and Aponeuroses (CCTA), also known as Melanoma of soft tissue is a rare and highly malignant soft tissue neoplasm which mostly occurs in young adults A 26-year-old female presented with pain and thickened soft tissue in the popliteal fossa at the posterior aspect of the left knee. Ultrasonography demonstrated a cystic mass with irregular wall and internal debris representing a complex popliteal cyst. Further work-up with MRI demonstrated a cystic mass lateral to the semimembranosus muscle tendon. Excisional biopsy of the mass was consistent with malignant neoplasm with plasmacytoid features. Immunoperoxidase and cytogenic studies supported the diagnosis for Clear Cell Sarcoma arising from the tendon sheath

Iron Intermetallic Compounds (IMCs) Formation Mechanism in the Molten Aluminium Zinc (Al-Zn) Coating Alloy

To prevent corrosion of steel products, the steel industry often relies on Al-Zn based alloy coatings, applied through hot-dip coating technology. Despite this, a long-standing problem in the galvanizing industry involves the formation of Fe-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the Al-Zn coating bath, caused by iron dissolution from steel products. Such IMCs are the primary source of dross formation in the Al-Zn bath, which inevitably leads to metal spot defects in the coated steel products and bottom dross build-up in the Al-Zn bath. The present research aims to investigate the mechanism of Fe transformation into IMCs. To achieve this, Fe saturated and unsaturated Al-Zn alloys were doped with low carbon steel at a temperature of 600 °C. The samples were collected at regular intervals and quenched in water. The optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to study the transformation of steel strips into Fe-IMCs particles in molten Al-Zn alloys. The study findings suggest that the Fe transformation into Fe-IMCs is a complex process, where the steel strip surface is initially oxidized, and Al5Fe2 and Al3Fe are formed, which finally transform into Al8Fe2Si(Zn) (τ5c) IMCs particles. These results can assist galvanizers in understanding formation of Fe-IMCs and bottom dross build up in the costing pots

Consequences of diverse use of nitrogen sources on grain yield, grain quality and growth attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

A two year field experiment was conducted to check the consequences of diverse use of nitrogen sources on grain yield, grain quality and growth attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Autumn 2008 and 2009. Experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement comprising 3 replications with a net plot size of 3 × 5 m. Treatment comprised two hybrids: that is, H1 (Pioneer-30Y87) and H2 (Pioneer-31R88) with combination of six nitrogen sources S0 : Control (0) kg N ha-1, S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%), S2: Urea (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (50%) , S3: Urea (50%) + Pressmud of sugarcane manure (50%), S4: Urea (50%) + Compost (50%), S5: Urea (50%) + (PM+FYM+PMS+ Compost) 50% . Results of grain yield (t ha-1), grain protein content (%) grain oil content (%), leaf area index, leaf area duration, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate was found to be significant during 2008 and 2009. It was concluded that hybrid maize H1 (Pioneer - 30Y87) produced better grain yield (6.14 t ha-1) during 2008 when nitrogen sources S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%) was applied in combination as compared to grain yield (6.0 t ha-1) in hybrid H2 (Pioneer -31R88) during 2009. Growth and quality attributes also performed better in 2008 as compared to 2009 at nitrogen sources S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%).Key words: Nitrogen sources, hybrid maize, yield, growth, quality

Effect of Black Tea Intake on Blood Cholesterol Concentrations in Individuals with Mild Hypercholesterolemia: A Diet-Controlled Randomized Trial

Habitual intake of black tea has been associated with relatively lower serum cholesterol concentrations in observational studies. However, clinical trial results evaluating the effects of black tea on serum cholesterol have been inconsistent. Several factors could explain these mixed results, in particular, uncontrolled confounding caused by lifestyle factors, e.g. diet. This diet-controlled clinical trial estimates the effect of black tea flavonoid consumption on cholesterol concentrations in 57 borderline hypercholesterolemic individuals (total cholesterol concentrations between 190 and 260 mg/dl (4.9 and 6.7 mmol/L)). A double blind, randomized crossover trial was conducted in Minneapolis, MN from April 2002 through April 2004, wherein key conditions were tightly controlled to minimize possible confounding. Participants consumed a controlled low-flavonoid diet plus 5 cups per day of black tea or tea-like placebo over two 4-week treatment periods. The flavonoid-free caffeinated placebo matched the tea in color and taste. Differences in cholesterol concentrations at the end of each treatment period were evaluated via linear mixed models. Differences (95% CI) in mg/dl among those treated with tea versus placebo were 3.43 (−7.08, 13.94) for total cholesterol, −1.02 (−11.34, 9.30) for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 0.58 (−2.98, 4.14) for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 15.22 (−40.91, 71.35) for triglycerides, and −0.39 (−11.16, 10.38) for LDL plus HDL cholesterol fraction. The LCL-C/HDL-C ratio decreased by −0.1 units (95% CI −0.41, 0.21). No results were statistically or clinically significant. Thus, the intake of 5 cups of black tea per day did not significantly alter the lipid profile of borderline hypercholesterolemic subjects

Predictors of Non-Adherence to Breast Cancer Screening among Hospitalized Women.

OBJECTIVE:Disparities in screening mammography use persists among low income women, even those who are insured, despite the proven mortality benefit. A recent study reported that more than a third of hospitalized women were non-adherent with breast cancer screening. The current study explores prevalence of socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with non-adherence to screening mammography recommendations among hospitalized women. PATIENTS AND METHODS:A cross sectional bedside survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic and clinical comorbidity data thought to effect breast cancer screening adherence of hospitalized women aged 50-75 years. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between these factors and non-adherence to screening mammography. RESULTS:Of 250 enrolled women, 61% were of low income, and 42% reported non-adherence to screening guidelines. After adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical predictors, three variables were found to be independently associated with non-adherence to breast cancer screening: low income (OR = 3.81, 95%CI; 1.84-7.89), current or ex-smoker (OR = 2.29, 95%CI; 1.12-4.67), and history of stroke (OR = 2.83, 95%CI; 1.21-6.60). By contrast, hospitalized women with diabetes were more likely to be compliant with breast cancer screening (OR = 2.70, 95%CI 1.35-5.34). CONCLUSION:Because hospitalization creates the scenario wherein patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, at a time when they may be reflecting upon their health status, strategies could be employed to counsel, educate, and motivate these patients towards health maintenance. Capitalizing on this opportunity would involve offering screening during hospitalization for those who are overdue, particularly for those who are at higher risk of disease

Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses for associations with non-adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations among hospitalized women.

<p>Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses for associations with non-adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations among hospitalized women.</p