Precision Determination of the Neutral Weak Form Factor of

We report a precise measurement of the parity-violating (PV) asymmetry A_{PV} in the elastic scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons from ^{48}Ca. We measure A_{PV}=2668±106(stat)±40(syst) parts per billion, leading to an extraction of the neutral weak form factor F_{W}(q=0.8733 fm^{-1})=0.1304±0.0052(stat)±0.0020(syst) and the charge minus the weak form factor F_{ch}-F_{W}=0.0277±0.0055. The resulting neutron skin thickness R_{n}-R_{p}=0.121±0.026(exp)±0.024(model) fm is relatively thin yet consistent with many model calculations. The combined CREX and PREX results will have implications for future energy density functional calculations and on the density dependence of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter.

New Measurements of the Beam-Normal Single Spin Asymmetry in Elastic Electron Scattering over a Range of Spin-0 Nuclei.

We report precision determinations of the beam-normal single spin asymmetries (A_{n}) in the elastic scattering of 0.95 and 2.18 GeV electrons off ^{12}C, ^{40}Ca, ^{48}Ca, and ^{208}Pb at very forward angles where the most detailed theoretical calculations have been performed. The first measurements of A_{n} for ^{40}Ca and ^{48}Ca are found to be similar to that of ^{12}C, consistent with expectations and thus demonstrating the validity of theoretical calculations for nuclei with Z≤20. We also report A_{n} for ^{208}Pb at two new momentum transfers (Q^{2}) extending the previous measurement. Our new data confirm the surprising result previously reported, with all three data points showing significant disagreement with the results from the Z≤20 nuclei. These data confirm our basic understanding of the underlying dynamics that govern A_{n} for nuclei containing ≲50 nucleons, but point to the need for further investigation to understand the unusual A_{n} behavior discovered for scattering off ^{208}Pb.

Synthesis, antimicrobial evaluation and QSAR studies of p-hydroxy benzoic acid derivatives.

In the present study, a series of p-hydroxy benzoic acid derivatives (1-29) was synthesized and tested for its antimicrobial potential. Results of antimicrobial studies indicated that in general, Schiff bases were found to be more active as compared to esters and compound 14 was found to be most potent antimicrobial agent (pMICam=1.50 µM/ml). QSAR study was performed in order to understand the relationship between antimicrobial activity and changes in the molecular structures which indicated that antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was governed by valence first order molecular connectivity index (1χv), Kier's alpha first order shape index (κα1), Kier's first order shape index (κ1) and Balaban topological index (J).

Treatment of Stage I Seminoma testis with extended field adjuvant radiation.

With an aim to analyze and document the outcome of Stage I Seminoma patients we undertook a retrospective analysis of patients treated between January 1990 and December 1998. The treatment charts of patients treated between January 1990 and December 1998 were reviewed. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment details, relapse rates, late toxicities, or occurrence of second primary was noted. Royal Marsden Staging System was utilized because of its simplicity and wide-use in the above period. Out of 137 patients, 41 (30%) patients did not receive any further treatment, 96 (70%) patients received prophylactic radiotherapy to para-aortic and pelvic nodes. The observation group patients had a median follow-up 20 months, 9 patients had nodal relapse with 7 in retroperitoneal nodes and 2 patients in inguinal nodes. Of these, 7 patients received BEP chemotherapy and 2 patients Chemoradiation. Four patients had complete remission while remaining 5 patients had partial response. The histopathologies of all the 5 patients with partial response were reviewed to reconfirm the diagnosis. Patients of prophylactic radiotherapy group had a follow-up of 33 months, 6 patients relapsed, RP nodal disease in 5 patients and distant metastasis in 1 patient. All these patients received BEP chemotherapy. One had complete response and remaining 5 patients had partial response. The group of patients under observation had a significantly higher relapse rate and lower disease free compared to the adjuvant radiotherapy group (73.5% vs. 91% at five years, p value 0.004). Disease specific survivals for the two groups were however similar (89% vs. 93%) at five years, p value 0.18). We conclude that Stage I Seminoma patients treated with prophylactic radiation to paraaortic and pelvic region had better outcome.

Bilateral hybrid oncocytoma and renal cell carcinoma.

A 26-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and distension in 2003. Clinical evaluation and imaging were suggestive of bilateral benign renal solid masses. Fine needle aspiration showed tubular cells only. Patient was kept under periodic follow up. She reported 4 years later with increase in pain and size of masses, and underwent bilateral staged nephron sparing surgery. The histopathology was reported as bilateral oncocytoma. Two years after surgery, she developed epidural spinal cord compression and liver metastasis. A decompression laminectomy and biopsy revealed conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To our knowledge this is the first case report of sporadic bilateral synchronous hybrid RCC and oncocytoma in a young woman, with spinal epidural metastasis.

Preparation of a magnetic-field-sensitive hydrogel and preliminary study of its drug release behavior.

The study describes the in situ formation of magnetite nanoparticles within a swollen polyacrylamide hydrogel. The average diameter of nanoparticles, as determined by TEM analysis, was found to be nearly 12.5 nm. In XRD analysis the characteristic peaks, observed at d = 3.07, 2.78, 2.64, 2.53, 2.32 and 2.03, also confirmed the formation of magnetite within the polymer network. The percent swelling of magnetite-loaded gel in physiological fluid was observed to decrease with increasing amount of magnetite in the gel. Moreover, the percent swelling increased from 140 to 254% as the strength of the applied magnetic field increased from 500 to 2500 Oe. Finally, the model drug, vitamin B(2), loaded magnetic gels showed relatively slower release in the presence of an applied magnetic field.

Factors influencing cosmetic outcome in breast conservation.

With more than 1 million new cases each year, female breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer among women. Breast cancer involves a multimodality treatment and a co-ordinated approach from various specialties. Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is increasingly being integrated into the management of breast cancer. The obvious advantages of BCT are equivalent local and distant control rates as compared with mastectomy and the preservation of the breast. However, the key to a successful BCT is achieving a cosmetic outcome that is acceptable to the patient and the physician. Cosmesis in breast cancer is the end result of a range of factors that fall under the broad heads of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. All of these modalities can play a role in compromising breast cosmesis. This overview discusses the factors that are critical in affecting the final cosmetic outcome in patients with BCT.

Cutaneous Tuberculosis : A Clinico-morphological Study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous tuberculosis forms a small subset of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The present study is an attempt to observe the clinico morphological pattern seen in cases of cutaneous tuberculosis over a period of 5 years, and to correlate them with mantoux reactivity and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. METHODS: All cases of cutaneous tuberculosis observed among the dermatology in patients and those attending out patient department were included in the study. The basis of diagnosis was clinical, histopathological and microbiological. Intradermal mantoux test and serological test in the form of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for tuberculosis was done. HIV screening was carried out in 32 cases. CD4 counts were done in all HIV positive cases. RESULTS: A total 0.02% patient attending the dermatology centre had cutaneous tuberculosis. The spectrum of infection included 19 (51%) cases of lupus vulgaris, 7 (19%) cases of papulonecrotic tuberculids, six cases each of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and scrofuloderma. One case had scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris and another both scrofuloderma and papulonecrotic tuberculide. One case of lichen scrofulosorum was seen in a seven year old boy. 11 cases revealed evidence of systemic tuberculosis. Seven cases of HIV with CD4 counts between 50-500 cells/µl were observed in this study.

Role of Biopsy from Gastric Corpus in Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients on Acid Suppression Therapy.

There are reports of migration of Helicobacter pylori from the gastric antrum to the proximal stomach following acid suppression therapy. The diagnosis of H pylori infection is usually based on rapid urease test and histology of gastric antral biopsies. 50 consecutive patients of peptic ulcer, 22 on proton pump inhibitors and 28 on histamine-2 receptor antagonists for at least 4 weeks were subjected to biopsies from the gastric corpus in addition to the antrum at the time of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. H pylori infection was detected in 42 (84%) patients. The diagnosis was established from both antral and corpus biopsies in 34 (68%) and only antrum in 4 (8%). In 4 patients, 3 on proton pump inhibitors and one on H-2 receptor antagonists, H pylori was isolated only from the corpus. The rapid urease test was positive at a mean time of 67.6 minutes from the antrum as compared to 234.6 minutes from the corpus. Testing for H pylori from the antrum alone and not the corpus would have resulted in a false negative result in 8% patients. Biopsy from the gastric antrum should always be combined with biopsy from gastric corpus for the diagnosis of H pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia on acid suppression therapy.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in lymph nodes. Cytomorphologic diagnosis and pitfalls.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the cytomorphology of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in lymph nodes. STUDY DESIGN: Nine histologically documented LCH cases with a prior lymph node aspirate and five more cases in which a cytologic diagnosis of LCH was rendered in a background of corroborative clinical and radiologic findings were included in a retrospective study over a 12-year period (January 1988-January 2000). Papanicolaou- and May-Grünwald-Geimsa-stained smears were reviewed by two independent observers. Staining for S-100 protein was available in four cases. RESULTS: Nine cases had multisystem involvement, while in five cases only lymph nodes were involved. The ages ranged from 5 months to 27 years, with 11 males and 3 females. An initial cytologic diagnosis of LCH had been rendered in six, suspected in four and missed in four. On review, all were reclassified as LCH except two cases, which were still thought to be reactive and necrotizing lymphadenitis. The pathognomic feature of LCH, the "LCH cell," was identified in 12 of 14 cases along with varying numbers of eosinophils, polymorphs and lymphocytes. Giant cells were seen in six cases, and plasma cells were rarely seen. CONCLUSION: Lymph node involvement by LCH can be identified by fine needle aspiration in 85% of cases. The presence of the LCH cell is a must. The differentials to be considered are dermatopathic lymphadenitis, sinus histiocytosis with massive lymph-adenopathy, Hodgkin's lymphoma and malignant histiocytosis.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis infiltration in cerebrospinal fluid: a case report.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by a proliferation of histiocytic cells resembling the integumentary cells bearing the name of Langerhans cells. LCH can be unifocal or multifocal, with one- or many-organ involvement. We present a case of LCH diagnosed in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with generalized lymphadenopathy and central nervous system involvement.

Tuberculosis of the breast. A cytomorphologic study.

OBJECTIVE: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurring in the breast is rare despite the fact that 1-2 billion people worldwide suffer from tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to examine the cytomorphology of breast tuberculosis (breast TB) and to review the literature. STUDY DESIGN: Old records from the Cytopathology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, were reviewed from January 1980 to December 1998. Cases of breast TB where a cytologic diagnosis was rendered or a histologic diagnosis with prior fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was available were selected. These slides were reviewed for determining the cytologic findings. RESULTS: One hundred sixty cases of breast TB were included in the study. Six males and 154 females with a clinical suspicion of carcinoma had undergone FNA that was reported as TB. The majority of the patients (111) were in the reproductive age group, 21-40 years. Of the 160 cases, 118 (73.75%) had cytomorphology diagnostic of tuberculosis--epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis. Eleven of the remaining 42 cases were positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, while 31 cases were confirmed to be tubercular on histology. ZN staining was done in 44 cases, and AFB were demonstrated in only 38.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: Up to 73% of breast TB can be confidently diagnosed when both epithelioid cell granulomas and necrosis are present. Also, the possibility that a woman in the reproductive age group who presents with a palpable lump in the breast may have tuberculosis must be kept in mind, especially as the incidence of breast TB may increase in the future with the global spread of AIDS.