The eye of the tongue sole Cynoglossus bilineatus (Lacepède, 1802) (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes).

We report the ocular features of the tongue sole, Cynoglossus bilineatus (Lacepède, 1802), a marine, bottom-dwelling flatfish. In this species, both eyes are located juxtaposed on the same side of the flat head. Histology revealed the sclera to be fibrous (collagenous) in nature. The choroid possesses the choriocapillaris, and adjacent to it, 3-4 rows of iridophores with stacks of cytoplasmic platelets. No choroidal gland is present. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) contains scanty melanin granules. Its vitread half is modified into a dense tapetum with lipid spheres (about 0.34 µm in diameter). In juveniles, the tapetal spheres arise by budding from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the RPE. There are blood vessels within the retina; the vitreal vessels penetrate the retina and ramify close to the level of the outer limiting membrane. The vessels are capillaries in nature. The photoreceptor layer contains abundant rods, and twin cones and single cones, being arranged into square mosaics. The optic disc is non-pleated and shows pan- cytokeratin immunopositivity, which is related to the bundled cytokeratin filaments detected in astrocytes by electron microscopy. The retinal tapetum and choroidal iridophores help the species to live in a muddy bottom having dim-light environment. The lack of a choroidal gland, hypoxic aquatic condition and presence of a dense retinal tapetum (that limits O2 transport to the photoreceptors) appear to have favored the proliferation of vitreal vessels within the retina in this species. The fibrous sclera has probably arisen to provide structural support to the eye in migration from the lateral to the dorsal aspect of the head during larval metamorphosis.

Ejection of the Massive Hydrogen-rich Envelope Timed with the Collapse of the Stripped SN 2014C.

We present multi-wavelength observations of SN 2014C during the first 500 days. These observations represent the first solid detection of a young extragalactic stripped-envelope SN out to high-energy X-rays ~40 keV. SN 2014C shows ordinary explosion parameters (Ek ~ 1.8 × 1051 erg and Mej ~ 1.7 M⊙). However, over an ~1 year timescale, SN 2014C evolved from an ordinary hydrogen-poor supernova into a strongly interacting, hydrogen-rich supernova, violating the traditional classification scheme of type-I versus type-II SNe. Signatures of the SN shock interaction with a dense medium are observed across the spectrum, from radio to hard X-rays, and revealed the presence of a massive shell of ~1 M⊙of hydrogen-rich material at ~6 × 1016 cm. The shell was ejected by the progenitor star in the decades to centuries before collapse. This result challenges current theories of massive star evolution, as it requires a physical mechanism responsible for the ejection of the deepest hydrogen layer of H-poor SN progenitors synchronized with the onset of stellar collapse. Theoretical investigations point at binary interactions and/or instabilities during the last nuclear burning stages as potential triggers of the highly time-dependent mass loss. We constrain these scenarios utilizing the sample of 183 SNe Ib/c with public radio observations. Our analysis identifies SN 2014C-like signatures in ~10% of SNe. This fraction is reasonably consistent with the expectation from the theory of recent envelope ejection due to binary evolution if the ejected material can survive in the close environment for 103-104 years. Alternatively, nuclear burning instabilities extending to core C-burning might play a critical role.

Shape engineering boosts antibacterial activity of chitosan coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle doped with silver: a mechanistic investigation.

In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSPs) of different size and shape were developed, and their surface coatings were utilized to study their differential effects in enhancing antibacterial activity. In brief, MSPs with three different aspect ratios (1, 2 and 4) were prepared, doped with silver ions and finally coated with the polymer chitosan. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were treated with the MSPs. Results indicate that silver ion doped and chitosan coated MSPs with the aspect ratio of 4 (Cht/MSP4:Ag+) have the highest antimicrobial activity among the prepared series. Further studies revealed that Cht/MSP4:Ag+ was most effective against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and least effective against Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae). To investigate the detailed inhibition mechanism of the MSPs, the interaction of the nanoparticles with E.coli membranes and its intracellular DNA was assessed using various spectroscopic and imaging-based techniques. Furthermore, to increase the efficiency of the MSPs, a combinatorial antibacterial strategy was also explored, where nanoparticles, in combination with kanamycin (antibiotic), were used against Vibrio Cholerae (V. cholerae). Toxicity screening of these on MSPs was conducted on Caco-2 cells, and the results show that the dose used for antibacterial screening is below the limit of the toxicity threshold. Our findings show that both shape and surface engineering contribute positively towards killing bacteria, and the newly developed silver ion-doped and chitosan-coated MSPs have good potential as antimicrobial nanomaterials.

Distribution of nodal lymphomas in a referral hospital of Mangalore city.

CONTEXT: The distribution of different types of lymphoma varies across geographic regions. AIMS: The present study was done to understand the occurrence of nodal lymphomas in a referral hospital of Mangalore city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: The present study was conducted on 95 lymph node biopsy specimens, received in a referral hospital of Mangalore city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of nodal lymphoma diagnosed between January 2007 and June 2010 in a referral hospital of Mangalore were selected for the study. The patients age and clinical details were obtained. Immunophenotyping was done for all cases of NHL and selected cases of HL. IPI score for NHL was noted and correlated with the outcome. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square test was used. RESULTS: Out of the total 95 cases of nodal lymphoma 37 (39%) were HL while 58 (61%) were NHL. Classical HL was diagnosed in 35 cases (37%) while 2 cases (2%) were diagnosed NLPHL. B cell lymphoma formed 72% of NHL. Follicular lymphoma accounted for 28% of all NHL. T cell lymphoma formed 28% of NHL. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion the following points are significant about the distribution of lymphomas in a referral hospital of Mangalore city. The incidence of NSHL is higher while national data suggests MCHL as the most common subtype. The incidence of FL as well as T cell NHL is much higher when compared to national incidence. The epidemiological factors for this high frequency (either genetic or environmental) needs to be studied further.

Cytokeratin localization in toe pads of the anuran amphibian Philautus annandalii (Boulenger, 1906).

We have examined cytokeratin distribution and their nature in toe pads of the Himalayan tree-frog Philautus annandalii. Toe pads are expanded tips of digits and show modifications of their ventral epidermis for adhesion. The toe pad epidermal cells, being organized into 3-4 rows, possess keratin bundles, especially in surface nanostructures that are involved in adhesion. Immunohistochemical localization using a pan-cytokeratin antibody revealed that cytokeratin immunoreactivity is the strongest in the mid- to basal cell rows of the epidermis, which parallels our previous ultrastructural observation of dense keratin bundles present in this part of the epidermis. The remainder of the epidermis (i.e., the superficial cell layer) showed little immunoreactivity. Immunoblot analysis revealed that toe-pads possessed keratins prominently in the molecular mass of 50 kDa. Possible presence of keratin 5 in toe pad epidermis has been correlated with its usual distribution pattern in mammalian epidermis.

Pituicytoma: report of three cases with review of literature.

Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade tumor (WHO Grade I) of pituicytes involving the sellar-suprasellar region, and originating from the specialized glial cells of the neurohypophysis. Clinically and radiologically, they closely mimic pituitary adenoma or meningioma. Diagnosis requires histopathological examination of the resected tissue. This uncommon glial neoplasm is a rarity, with only 57 cases reported in the literature so far. We report three cases of pituicytoma (aged between 7 and 24 years) presenting with reduced vision, headache and features of hypercortisolism in one case. Radiologically, these lesions mimicked meningioma, hypothalamic chiasmatic glioma and pituitary microadenoma, respectively. The second case is a 7-year-old girl, the youngest case on record. Since this tumor is uncommon, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Awareness of this entity is essential for planning management and treatment. We present a brief review of all cases reported in the medical literature, and describe the clinical symptomatology, associated endocrinological abnormalities, imaging characteristics, behavior and outcome.

Ovarian development in Wistar rat treated prenatally with single dose diisobutyl phthalate.

Phthalates are a class of industrial compounds with an array of toxicological properties used in day to day life. Diisobutyl phthalate on (DIBP) is used as an additive to keep the plastics soft or flexible (plasticizer) in nitrocellulose plastic, nail polish, explosives, lacquer manufacturing etc. Although DIBP exposure in humans is generally low, people in adhesive industries and pharmaceutical industries are exposed to higher levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of single dose of DIBP on developing ovary of Wistar rat. One hundred and eight adult pregnant Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Rats in experimental group were given DIBP on day 10, 12 and 14 of gestation at 0.375, 0.75 and 1.25 ml/kg body weight dose intraperitoneally in a single dose. Sections of ovaries collected on day 21 of gestation were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined and Masson's trichrome histologically. Sections belonging to the control group showed the presence of oocytes in clusters separated by thin fibrous septa. Degeneration oocytes, empty follicles surrounded by follicular cells without gonocytes in the center were observed in ovarian stroma. Blood vessels in the ovarian stroma were prominent and congested. Around a bunch of follicles total architectural disarray was observed although on special staining fibrosis was not evident. As pregnant women are constantly exposed, effect of DIBP on ovary of a developing fetus would denote the long term consequence in future generations (Fig. 5, Ref. 39).

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor -- evidence of stem cell origin with biphenotypic differentiation.

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) of the fourth ventricle is a new addition to the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors. To date, 72 cases have been described in literature. In the present study, we report the clinical and imaging features, with detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical profile, of eight cases. Confocal microscopic evidence of stem cell origin with biphenotypic, glial and neurocytic differentiation is presented with a comprehensive review of literature.

Microcalcifications increase coronary vulnerable plaque rupture potential: a patient-based micro-CT fluid-structure interaction study.

Asymptomatic vulnerable plaques (VP) in coronary arteries accounts for significant level of morbidity. Their main risk is associated with their rupture which may prompt fatal heart attacks and strokes. The role of microcalcifications (micro-Ca), embedded in the VP fibrous cap, in the plaque rupture mechanics has been recently established. However, their diminutive size offers a major challenge for studying the VP rupture biomechanics on a patient specific basis. In this study, a highly detailed model was reconstructed from a post-mortem coronary specimen of a patient with observed VP, using high resolution micro-CT which captured the microcalcifications embedded in the fibrous cap. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations were conducted in the reconstructed model to examine the combined effects of micro-Ca, flow phase lag and plaque material properties on plaque burden and vulnerability. This dynamic fibrous cap stress mapping elucidates the contribution of micro-Ca and flow phase lag VP vulnerability independently. Micro-Ca embedded in the fibrous cap produced increased stresses predicted by previously published analytical model, and corroborated our previous studies. The 'micro-CT to FSI' methodology may offer better diagnostic tools for clinicians, while reducing morbidity and mortality rates for patients with vulnerable plaques and ameliorating the ensuing healthcare costs.

Prescribing practices of doctors in management of acute diarrhea.

We conducted this study to determine the prescribing practices of doctors in management of acute diarrhea in children in the age group of 6 month -5 year. Antimotility agents and low/zero lactose formula was prescibed in 9.8% and 24.7% cases, respectively by general practitioners. In about 66.6% and 5.7% cases pre/probiotics were prescribed and oral rehydration salt (ORS) were not prescribed by the pediatricians.