The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism

This article reviews those pathologic lesions which are associated with clinical and/or biochemical hyperthyroidism. Beginning with the descriptive pathology of classical Graves' disease and the less common toxic nodular goiter and hyper-functioning thyroid nodules, this paper describes the effects of non-thyroidal hormones, glandular function (including pituitary and hypothalamic lesions), ectopic production of thyroid stimulating proteins by non-thyroidal neoplasms, exogenous drug reactions causing hyper-function and finally conditions associated with a mechanic- destructive cause of hyperthyroidism

Planktonic Rotifers Occurring in the Adjacent Areas of Hyderabad

Abstract.-Zooplankton samples from 20 different localities in the adjacent areas of Hyderabad were collected during May 8 to July 16, 2003. These water bodies included Indus River and its canals, temporary water body near Rajputana Hospital, small ponds in the Kotri SITE area and near railway crossing at Jamshoro town, rain fed water bodies near Thermal Power House and experimental water tank of the Department of Fresh Water Biology and Fisheries. A total of 36 rotifer species were identified. The salinity and trophic status showed a clear effect on the distribution of different rotifer species. These species included Brachionus plicatilis, B. quadridentatus, B. unreolaris and B. dimidiatus f. inermis commonly occurring in brackish water, while Keratella quadrata and Keratella cochlearis were common in freshwater (Indus River and its canals). Among the above studied rotifers 25 species are new records from Pakistan

Malignancy risk analysis in patients with inadequate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid

Background Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the standard diagnostic modality for thyroid nodules. However, it has limitations among which is the incidence of non-diagnostic results (Thy1). Management of cases with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNAC ranges from simple observation to surgical intervention. We aim to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in non-diagnostic FNAC, and the success rate of repeated FNAC. We also aim to evaluate risk factors for malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNAC. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses of consecutive cases with thyroid non diagnostic FNAC results were included. Results Out of total 1657 thyroid FNAC done during the study period, there were 264 (15.9%) non-diagnostic FNAC on the first attempt. On repeating those, the rate of a non-diagnostic result on second FNAC was 61.8% and on third FNAC was 47.2%. The overall malignancy rate in Thy1 FNAC was 4.5% (42% papillary, 42% follicular and 8% anaplastic), and the yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC. Ultrasound guidance by an experienced head neck radiologist produced the lowest non-diagnostic rate (38%) on repetition compared to US guidance by a generalist radiologist (65%) and by non US guidance (90%). Conclusions There is a low risk of malignancy in patients with a non-diagnostic FNAC result, commensurate to the risk of any nodule. The yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC

Seasonal Variation and Species Composition of Crustacean Zooplankton (Order : Cladocera) in

Abstract.-Qualitative and quantitative studies of crustacean zooplankton were carried out during 2001, when drought conditions prevailed. Ten species belonging to 9 genera and 4 families of order Cladocera were identified. Out of 10 species, 01 species Dunhevedia crassa is a new record from Pakistan. Enumeration of zooplankton indicated that the population of Alona rectangula and Dunhevedia crassa increased gradually during colder months (DecemberMarch). Alona rectangula peaked in February, while Dunhevedia crassa had two peaks, in December and March. Bosmina longirostris and Ceriodaphnia reticulata did not show any remarkable changes during the year. Chydorus poppei and Simocephalus exspinosus increased during warmer months. Chydorus poppei had a peak in May, while the peak of Simocephalus exspinosus was observed in July. Highest population of Macrothrix rosea was found in August, and then it decreased gradually during colder months. Population of Scapholeberis kingi remained low throughout the year, but exhibited peaks in September and March. Seasonal fluctuation of cladocerans can be correlated with the temperature and salinity of water. As the temperature and salinity decreased in colder months, the over all population of Cladocerans increased with a peak in February

Renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>A tumor metastasizing to another malignancy is an uncommon phenomenon. Since it was first described in 1902, there have been fewer than 200 cases reported in the literature, with lung cancer metastasizing to renal cell carcinoma being the most frequently described pattern. Here we report a case of a solitary fibrous tumor of the lung acting as the recipient for a renal cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such a combination and the second case involving a solitary fibrous tumor.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 58-year-old Caucasian man who developed a persistent dry cough presented to our hospital. Imaging studies revealed a large pleural-based mass in the left lung. A biopsy of the mass showed a spindle-cell lesion consistent with a solitary fibrous tumor. The patient underwent surgical excision of the 13 cm mass. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a solitary fibrous tumor but also demonstrated discrete foci of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Until that point, a primary renal cell carcinoma tissue diagnosis had not been made and the initial radiological work-up was inconclusive.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Awareness of the unusual phenomenon of tumor-to-tumor metastasis is important for practicing surgical pathologists, particularly in the evaluation of a mass lesion showing bimodal histology. This case also highlights the importance of careful examination of surgical specimens, as minute and unusual findings can direct patient care.</p

Gymnosperms on the EDGE

Driven by limited resources and a sense of urgency, the prioritization of species for conservation has been a persistent concern in conservation science. Gymnosperms (comprising ginkgo, conifers, cycads, and gnetophytes) are one of the most threatened groups of living organisms, with 40% of the species at high risk of extinction, about twice as many as the most recent estimates for all plants (i.e. 21.4%). This high proportion of species facing extinction highlights the urgent action required to secure their future through an objective prioritization approach. The Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) method rapidly ranks species based on their evolutionary distinctiveness and the extinction risks they face. EDGE is applied to gymnosperms using a phylogenetic tree comprising DNA sequence data for 85% of gymnosperm species (923 out of 1090 species), to which the 167 missing species were added, and IUCN Red List assessments available for 92% of species. The effect of different extinction probability transformations and the handling of IUCN data deficient species on the resulting rankings is investigated. Although top entries in our ranking comprise species that were expected to score well (e.g. Wollemia nobilis, Ginkgo biloba), many were unexpected (e.g. Araucaria araucana). These results highlight the necessity of using approaches that integrate evolutionary information in conservation science