Chemical profiling of bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of wild leaf and callus of Vitex negundo using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: The investigation of plant-based therapeutic agents in medicinal plants has revealed their presence in the extracts and provides the vision to formulate novel techniques for drug therapy. Vitex negundo (V. negundo), a perennial herb belonging to the Varbanaceae family, is extensively used in conventional medication. AIM: To determine the existence of therapeutic components in leaf and callus extracts from wild V. negundo plants using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). METHODS: In this study, we conducted GC-MS on wild plant leaf extracts and correlated the presence of constituents with those in callus extracts. Various growth regulators such as 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), α-naphthylacetic acid (NAA), and di-phenylurea (DPU) were added to plant leaves and in-vitro callus and grown on MS medium. RESULTS: The results clearly indicated that the addition of BAP (2.0 mg/L), 2,4-D (0.2 mg/mL), DPU (2.0 mg/L) and 2,4-D (0.2 mg/mL) in MS medium resulted in rapid callus development. The plant profile of Vitex extracts by GC-MS analysis showed that 24, 10, and 14 bioactive constituents were detected in the methanolic extract of leaf, green callus and the methanolic extract of white loose callus, respectively. CONCLUSION: Octadecadienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid and methyl ester were the major constituents in the leaf and callus methanolic extract. Octadecadienoic acid was the most common constituent in all samples. The maximum concentration of octadecadienoic acid in leaves, green callus and white loose callus was 21.93%, 47.79% and 40.38%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the concentration of octadecadienoic acid doubles in-vitro compared to in-vivo. In addition to octadecadienoic acid; butyric acid, benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl), dospan, tridecanedialdehyde, methylcyclohexenylbutanol, chlorpyrifos, n-secondary terpene diester, anflunine and other important active compounds were also detected. All these components were only available in callus formed in-vitro. This study showed that the callus contained additional botanical characteristics compared with wild plants. Due to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds, the medical use of Vitex for various diseases has been accepted and the plant is considered an important source of therapeutics for research and development.

Unveiling Diversity for Quality Traits in the Indian Landraces of Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.].

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum [Lam.] Verdc.) is an underutilized pulse crop primarily cultivated in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It offers various nutraceutical properties and demonstrates remarkable resilience to both biotic and abiotic stresses. As a result, it has emerged as a promising crop for ensuring future food and nutritional security. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional profile of 139 horsegram germplasm lines obtained from 16 Indian states that were conserved at the National Gene Bank of India. Standard analytical methods, including those provided by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), were used for this investigation. The study revealed substantial variability in essential nutrients, such as protein (ranging from 21.8 to 26.7 g/100 g), starch (ranging from 26.2 to 33.0 g/100 g), total soluble sugars (TSSs) (ranging from 0.86 to 12.1 g/100 g), phenolics (ranging from 3.38 to 11.3 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g), and phytic acid content (ranging from 1.07 to 21.2 mg/g). Noteworthy correlations were observed, including a strong positive correlation between sugars and phenols (r = 0.70) and a moderate negative correlation between protein and starch (r = -0.61) among the studied germplasm lines. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that the first three principal components contributed to 88.32% of the total variability, with TSSs, phytates, and phenols emerging as the most significant contributors. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into five clusters, with cluster III containing the accessions with the most desirable traits. The differential distribution of the accessions from north India into clusters I and III suggested a potential geographical influence on the adaptation and selection of genes. This study identified a panel of promising accessions exhibiting multiple desirable traits. These specific accessions could significantly aid quality breeding programs or be directly released as cultivars if they perform well agronomically.

Amaranth Genomic Resource Database: an integrated database resource of Amaranth genes and genomics.

Amaranth (Amaranthus L.) is native to Mexico and North America, where it was cultivated thousands of years ago, but now amaranth is grown worldwide. Amaranth is one of the most promising food crops with high nutritional value and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The high-quality genome assembly of cultivated amaranth species (A. hypochondriacus, A. cruentus) and wild/weedy species (A. tuberculatus, A. hybridus, and A. palmeri) has already been reported; therefore, we developed an Amaranth Genomic Resource Database (AGRDB) to provide access to all the genomic information such as genes, SSRs, SNPs, TFs, miRNAs, and transporters in one place. The AGRDB database contains functionally annotated gene information with their sequence details, genic as well as genomic SSRs with their three sets of primers, transcription factors classified into different families with their sequence information and annotation details, putative miRNAs with their family, sequences, and targeted gene details, transporter genes with their superfamily, trans-membrane domain details, and details of genic as well as nongenic SNPs with 3' and 5' flanking sequence information of five amaranth species. A database search can be performed using the gene ID, sequence ID, sequence motif, motif repeat, family name, annotation keyword, scaffold or chromosome numbers, etc. This resource also includes some useful tools, including JBrowse for the visualization of genes, SSRs, SNPs, and TFs on the respective amaranth genomes and BLAST search to perform a BLAST search of the user's query sequence against the amaranth genome as well as protein sequences. The AGRDB database will serve as a potential platform for genetic improvement and characterization of this futuristic crop. The AGRDB database will be accessible via the link: http://www.nbpgr.ernet.in:8080/AmaranthGRD/.

Cytological diagnosis of microfilaria coexistent with suspected malignancy of breast and ovary in a young pregnant female.

Filariasis is a major health issue of tropical and subtropical regions and is endemic in India. It is rarely seen in cytological smears, exfoliative scrapings or in effusions. We present the case of a 29-year old female with filaria found on cytological examination of both breast and ovary.

Insights into the genetic diversity of an underutilized Indian legume, Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz., using morphological traits and microsatellite markers.

Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz., commonly known as Minni payaru is an underutilized legume species and has a great potential to be utilized as food crop. To evaluate and select the best germplasm to be harnessed in the breeding programme, we assessed the genetic diversity of V. stipulacea (94 accessions) conserved in the Indian National Genebank, based on morphological traits and microsatellite markers. Significant variation was recorded for the morphological traits studied. Euclidean distance using UPGMA method grouped all accessions into two major clusters. Accessions were identified for key agronomic traits such as, early flowering (IC331436, IC251436, IC331437); long peduncle length (IC553518, IC550531, IC553557, IC553540, IC550532, IC553564); and more number of seeds per pod (IC553529, IC622865, IC622867, IC553528). To analyse the genetic diversity among the germplasm 33 SSR primers were used anda total of 116 alleles were detected. The number of alleles varied from two to seven, with an average of 3.52 per loci. The polymorphic information content values varied from 0.20 to 0.74, with a mean of 0.40. The high number of alleles per locus and the allelic diversity in the studied germplasm indicated a relatively wider genetic base of V. stipulacea. Phylogenetic analysis clustered accessions into seven clades. Population structure analysis grouped them into five genetic groups, which were partly supported by PCoA and phylogenetic tree. Besides, PCoA and AMOVA also decoded high genetic diversity among the V. stipulacea accessions. Thus, morphological and microsatellite markers distinguished V. stipulacea accessions and assessed their genetic diversity efficiently. The identified promising accessions can be utilized in Vigna improvement programme through introgression breeding and/or can be used for domestication and enhanced utilization of V. stipulacea.

Understanding G × E Interaction for Nutritional and Antinutritional Factors in a Diverse Panel of Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz Germplasm Tested Over the Locations.

Micronutrient malnutrition or hidden hunger is a serious challenge toward societal well-being. Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz (known locally as Minni payaru), is an underutilized legume that has the potential to be a global food legume due to its rich nutrient profile. In the present study, 99 accessions of V. stipulacea were tested for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), protein, and phytate concentrations over two locations for appraisal of stable nutrient-rich sources. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of genotype for all the traits over both locations. Fe concentration ranged from 29.35-130.96 mg kg-1 whereas Zn concentration ranged from 19.44 to 74.20 mg kg-1 across both locations. The highest grain Ca concentration was 251.50 mg kg-1 whereas the highest grain protein concentration was recorded as 25.73%. In the case of grain phytate concentration, a genotype with the lowest value is desirable. IC622867 (G-99) was the lowest phytate containing accession at both locations. All the studied traits revealed highly significant genotypic variances and highly significant genotype × location interaction though less in magnitude than the genotypic variance. GGE Biplot analysis detected that, for grain Fe, Zn, and Ca concentration the 'ideal' genotypes were IC331457 (G-75), IC331610 (G-76), and IC553564 (G-60), respectively, whereas for grain protein concentration IC553521 (G-27) was the most "ideal type." For phytate concentration, IC351407 (G-95) and IC550523 (G-99) were considered as 'ideal' and 'desirable,' respectively. Based on the desirability index, Location 1 (Kanpur) was identified as ideal for Fe, Zn, Ca, and phytate, and for grain protein concentration, Location 2 (New Delhi) was the ideal type. A significant positive correlation was detected between grain Fe as well as grain Zn and protein concentration considering the pooled analysis over both the locations where as a significant negative association was observed between phytate and protein concentration over the locations. This study has identified useful donors and enhanced our knowledge toward the development of biofortified Vigna cultivars. Promoting domestication of this nutrient-rich semi-domesticated, underutilized species will boost sustainable agriculture and will contribute toward alleviating hidden hunger.

Agro-Morphological Characterization of Lentil Germplasm of Indian National Genebank and Development of a Core Set for Efficient Utilization in Lentil Improvement Programs.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is one of the major cool-season pulse crops worldwide. Its increasing demand as a staple pulse has led to the unlocking of diverse germplasm collections conserved in the genebanks to develop its superior varieties. The Indian National Genebank, housed at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India, currently has 2,324 accessions comprising 1,796 indigenous and 528 exotic collections. This study was conducted to unveil the potential of lentil germplasm by assessing its agro-morphological characteristics and diversity, identifying trait-specific germplasm, and developing a core set. The complete germplasm set was characterized for two years, i.e., 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, and data were recorded on 26 agro-morphological traits. High phenotypic variability was observed for nine quantitative and 17 qualitative traits. A core set comprising 170 accessions (137 Indian and 33 exotic) was derived based on the characterization data as well as geographical origin using a heuristic method and PowerCore software. This core set was found to be sufficiently diverse and representative of the entire collection based on the comparison made using Shannon-Weaver diversity indices and χ2 test. These results were further validated by summary statistics. The core set displayed high genetic diversity as evident from a higher coefficient of variance in comparison to the entire set for individual traits and overall Shannon-Weaver diversity indices (entire: 1.054; core: 1.361). In addition, the total variation explained by the first three principal components was higher in the core set (70.69%) than in the entire collection (68.03%). Further, the conservation of pairwise correlation values among descriptors in the entire and core set reflected the maintenance of the structure of the whole set. Based on the results, this core set is believed to represent the entire collection, completely. Therefore, it constitutes a potential set of germplasm that can be used in the genetic enhancement of lentils.

Comparative Analysis of Liquid based and Conventional Cytology Smears in Fine Needle Aspirates from Breast Lesions.

CONTEXT: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is being extensively used for the evaluation of both gynecological and non-gynecological specimens. Suspension of cells in monolayer makes better morphological assessment possible. Along with this, inherent morphological changes such as altered, reduced, or lost background material, fragmented cell clusters, smaller cell size, nucleolar prominence, etc., need to be considered. AIM: Present study was aimed at comparative evaluation of utility of LBC versus conventional smear (CS) in assessing breast lesions and whether it can be used as an alternative to conventional preparation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Present study was a prospective study in which 75 cases of breast fine-needle aspiration cytology from patients with palpable breast lumps constituted the study group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first pass was used for CS and LBC; a second pass was given. The representative CS and LBC smears were compared using several criteria. STATISTICS: Each feature was scored individually and evaluated statistically using Wilcoxon's signed rank test on the SPSS program. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in informative background and background blood-debris, whereas the difference was not statistically significant in other features such as cellularity, cytoarchitectural pattern, presence of monolayer, and nuclear and cytoplasmic details. CONCLUSION: LBC is a promising technique in the field of cytology. It has the potential to decrease the number of slides screened per case and decrease the turn-around-time.

Correlation of proliferative index with various clinicopathologic prognostic parameters in primary breast carcinoma: A study from North India.

AIM: Routine assessment of cell proliferation is recommended in the pathologic evaluation for all breast cancers. Considering the poor reproducibility and interobserver variability in mitotic counts, Ki-67 is an easily available and reliable substitute for mitotic counts and has been shown to have a significant relationship with the histologic grade of malignancy and the mitotic activity of tumors. Our study aimed at exploring Ki-67 expression and studying its correlation with other established prognostic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five cases of primary breast cancer undergoing radical or modified radical mastectomy constituted the study group. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu, and Ki-67 was assessed in each case. Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67-LI) was estimated as the number of positive nuclei divided by total number of nuclei scanned counting a minimum of 1000 cells in 10 selected high power fields that displayed the highest immunoreactivity and was expressed as percentage. Ki-67 expression was correlated with various clinicopathologic prognostic parameters including age, tumor size, tumor type, axillary lymph node status, and histologic tumor grade. RESULTS: A statistically significant direct association was observed between Ki-67-LI and tumor size, histologic grade and Nottingham prognostic index. A statistically significant inverse association was observed between Ki-67-LI and ER and PR expression. However, no association was observed between Ki-67-LI and menopausal status, lymph node involvement and HER2/neu expression. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we concluded that modified Bloom-Richardson (MBR) grading has been recognized as a treatment related indicator. The accuracy and reliability in grading have always been a matter of concern, hence, the reproducibility of grading should be enhanced. Ki-67-a proliferation marker is easily identified and provides comparable accurate information. In contrast to poor reproducibility of mitotic counts, Ki-67 can achieve high agreement between pathologists; is more reproducible; adds complementary value to the MBR grading system and correlates well with other clinicopathologic parameters. It may act as a significant prognostic indicator for routine clinical use and be helpful for selection of adjuvant treatment. It can also add value in categorizing Grade II tumors into two prognostic subgroups with prognosis equivalent to Grades I and III, respectively.

Scalp metastasis as an initial presentation of lung adenocarcinoma : A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous metastasis from primary visceral malignancy is a relatively uncommon clinical entity, with a reported incidence of 0.22%-10% among various series. However, the presence of cutaneous metastasis as the first sign of a clinically silent visceral cancer is exceedingly rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe here a case of an asymptomatic male patient who presented with a solitary scalp metastasis as the initial manifestation of an underlying lung cancer. Diagnostic evaluation revealed advanced disease. DISCUSSION: The report emphasizes that physicians should be aware of this rare clinical entity, and appropriate investigation should be arranged for early diagnosis and initiation of the appropriate treatment. The occurrence of skin lesions in lung cancer announces an ominous prognosis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the possibility of metastatic skin disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer presenting with cutaneous nodules.

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Kala bhat (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes using SSR markers.

BACKGROUND: Kala bhat (Black soybean) is an important legume crop in Uttarakhand state, India, due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. In the current study, the genetic variabilities present in Kala bhat were estimated using SSR markers and its variability was compared with other improved soybean varieties cultivated in Uttarakhand state, India. RESULTS: Seventy-five genotypes cultivated in different districts of Uttarakhand were collected, and molecular analysis was done using 21 SSR markers. A total of 60 alleles were amplified with an average of 2.85 alleles per locus. The mean value of gene diversity and PIC was estimated to be 0.43 and 0.36, respectively. The unrooted phylogenetic tree grouped soybean genotypes into three major clusters, where, yellow seed coat (improved varieties) genotypes were grouped in one cluster, while reddish brown (improved varieties) and Kala bhat showed intermixing. Population structure divided the soybean genotypes into six different populations. AMOVA analysis showed 12% variance among the population, 66% variance among individual and 22% variance was observed within individuals. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) also showed that yellow seed coat genotypes were grouped in one cluster, whereas, the Kala bhat showed scattered distribution and few genotypes of Kala bhat showed grouping with red and yellow genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The different genetic diversity parameters used in the present study indicate that Kala bhat genotypes were more diverse than the yellow seed coat and brown seed coat colour genotypes. Therefore, Kala bhat genotypes can be a good source for the soybean breeding programme due to its better genetic diversity as well as its medicinal properties.

Evaluation of role of alpha-methyl acyl-coenzyme A racemase/P504S and high molecular weight cytokeratin in diagnosing prostatic lesions.

BACKGROUND: In recent years basal cell markers (high molecular weight cytokeratin [HMWCK]) and prostate biomarker alpha-methyl acyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR) have been used as adjuvant to morphology in diagnostically challenging cases with a very high sensitivity and specificity. This has increased the diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, total of 50 cases including 37 cases of malignant lesions and 13 cases of benign lesions of the prostate were taken. Tumor grade was determined according to Gleason's grading system. AMACR and HMWCK expressions were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The obtained results were analyzed and evaluated using Chi-square statistical test (SPSS version 20). RESULTS: AMACR was not expressed in any of the 13 cases of benign lesions of the prostate while in malignant lesions of prostate it was expressed in 33 of 37 (89.18%) cases. All 4 (100%) cases of well-differentiated carcinoma were positive for AMACR expression. 21 of 25 (84%) moderately differentiated and all 10 (100%) cases of poorly differentiated tumors were positive for AMACR. There was statistically significant difference in expression of AMACR between benign and malignant lesions of the prostate, indicated byP = 0.001. In benign lesions, HMWCK was expressed in all the 13 (100%) cases while in malignant lesions of prostate it was not expressed in any of the (0%) case. All 13 benign lesions were positive for HMWCK only. AMACR expression was not seen in any of the benign lesion. Out of 37 malignant cases, 4 cases were negative for both, 33 cases were positive only for AMACR, but no case was positive only for HMWCK. CONCLUSIONS: As an adjunct to biopsy, AMACR and HMWCK have value for resolving diagnostically challenging cases.

Significance of p53 and ki-67 expression in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a major health problem throughout the developed world. Tumor grade is one of the most important prognostic factors of prostate cancer. At present, adequate prognostic markers for prostate cancer progression are still lacking, in spite of intensive investigation. Accordingly, we studied the role of immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p53 and Ki-67 as a prognostic factor in carcinoma prostate and correlated their expression with Gleason's grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 60 cases including 50 cases of prostate carcinoma and 10 of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were taken. Tumor grade was determined according to Gleason's grading system. p53 and Ki-67 expressions were determined by IHC staining. The obtained results were analyzed and evaluated using Spearman's statistical test (SPSS version 20). RESULTS: In BPH, p53 was expressed in only 2 of 10 (20%) cases while in carcinoma it was expressed in 38 of 50 (76%) cases. Ki-67 was expressed in only 1 of 10 (10%) BPH cases while in carcinoma it was expressed in 32 of 50 (64%) cases. In present study, 1 of 4 (25%) well differentiated, 23 of 31 (74.19%) moderately differentiated and 14 of 15 (93.33%) poorly differentiated tumors revealed p53 immunopositivity and a statistically significant correlation was observed between p53 expression and increased Gleason's grade (P = 0.038). All 4 (100%) cases of well-differentiated carcinoma were negative for Ki-67 expression. Nineteen of 31 (61.29%) moderately differentiated and 13 of 15 (86.66%) poorly differentiated tumors were positive for Ki-67 and a statistically significant correlation was observed between Ki-67 positivity and increased Gleason's grade (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Both p53 and Ki-67 were significantly up-regulated in malignant lesions as compared to benign lesions and a strong relationship with the Gleason's grading was noticed, therefore, we propose that these markers can be applied along with other prostate cancer prognostic factors.

Correlation of Hormone Receptor Expression with Histologic Parameters in Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer of Indian women. Estrogen and Progesterone expression is seen in benign breast lesions and in breast carcinoma associated with good prognostic parameters and it correlates well with response to hormone therapy. Although a lot of studies have been conducted in the past on hormone receptor expression in breast cancer and few have correlated them with other prognostic parameters of breast cancer, the present study was intended to document the prevalence of hormone receptor positive breast carcinomas in our population; their importance in benign breast diseases; to document a reliable scoring system of hormone receptors expression by Quick scoring; to correlate them with most of the proven prognostic parameters of breast carcinoma. METHODS: Tissue specimens from 25 patients with benign breast disease and 50 patients with breast carcinoma were assayed for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors using Quick scoring. ER/PR expression in breast carcinomas was correlated with various prognostic parameters including patients' age, menopausal status, tumor size, type, MBR grade, NPI, lymphatic vessel invasion, lymph node stage, lymphomononuclear invasion, elastosis and HER2/neu status. RESULT: Scoring of steroid receptors paralleled intensity of hyperplasia in benign breast diseases but in breast carcinoma, it was inversely correlated with grade of tumor, NPI, HER2/neu status, tumor necrosis, lymphomononuclear infiltrate and elastosis. We found no relationship with tumor size, lymph node status or age. CONCLUSION: Assessment of hormone receptors for clinical management of breast cancer patients is strongly advocated to provide prognostic information and best therapeutic options.

Significance of Morphometric Parameters in the Categorization of Breast Lesions on Cytology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the morphometric parameters in cytological aspirates in the categorization of breast lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out on 50 females presenting with a breast lump for fine needle aspiration cytology. Air-dried smears from the aspirate were stained with Leishman and Giemsa stains while alcohol-fixed preparations were stained with the PAP stain. They were subsequently categorized into benign, borderline and malignant categories on light microscopy. Morphometry was performed on the stained smears. The morphometric parameters studied were mean nuclear area, mean cytoplasmic area, perimeter and nuclear/cytoplasm ratio. RESULTS: Morphometric parameters revealed a progressive and statistically significant increase in values from benign to borderline to malignant cases. On comparing benign with borderline and malignant, all the four parameters were found to be statistically significant with a p-value of less than 0.05 while on comparing borderline with malignant, two of the parameters, i.e. mean nuclear area and mean cytoplasmic area, were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study introduces morphometry as a highly objective tool to supplement the entirely subjective fine needle aspiration cytology in the crucial differentiation of benign from malignant lesions and especially the borderline cases in the gray zone comprising of atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ.

Brunner gland hamartoma masquerading as malignancy; a rare case report.

Brunner's gland hamartoma is a rare benign tumour of the duodenum. It was first described by Cruveilhier in 1835. Presently around 200 cases have been reported in literature. No sex predilection is seen. Patients usually present in the fifth to sixth decades of life. They may be clinically silent or may present with variable symptoms and occasionally obstructive symptoms and chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic presentation can be nodular, polypoid or diffuse glandular proliferation with thickening of duodenal wall and hence can be misdiagnosed as malignancy. We describe a case of duodenal tumor reported outside (on biopsy) as well differentiated adenocarcinoma which out as Brunner gland hamartoma upon complete resection. Brunner gland hamartoma may sometimes have a very unusual presentation. Extensive pre-operative evaluation is necessity to avoid radical surgical procedure.

Role of cyclin D1 immunoreactivity and AgNOR staining in the evaluation of benign and malignant lesions of the prostate.

PURPOSE: Prostatic carcinoma is a common and growing public health problem. Histological evaluation is fairly adequate for assessing tumor differentiation, but tumor proliferative activity is difficult to measure. Increasing evidence suggests that the factors controlling cell cycle progression also modulate the rate of ribosome biogenesis. Despite the influence of cyclin D1 and argyrophilic nuclear organizer region (AgNOR) on prostate cancer proliferation, few studies have evaluated the diagnostic importance of these markers. Therefore, the present study was carried out to analyze the diagnostic value of the proliferative markers cyclin D1 and AgNOR in various prostatic lesions and to determine whether any association or relation between these markers and different Gleason grades exists. METHODS: A total 50 cases of various prostatic lesions were studied. Tumor grade, AgNOR staining, and cyclin D1 expression were evaluated in all cases. Correlations between the intensity and differential localization of these markers and Gleason grades were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean AgNOR count in cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was high compared with cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but lower than that of carcinoma cases. The intensity of cyclin D1 expression was high in carcinoma. A total of 14 cases (46.67%) showed strong positivity. No significant correlation was found between the intensity of cyclin D1 expression, AgNOR count, and histologic grades of prostatic carcinoma, whereas a significant correlation was observed between intensity and percentage expression of cyclin D1 in BPH and carcinoma (P<0.01). Nuclear as well as cytoplasmic positivity was seen among various grades of carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: AgNOR count and cyclin D1 may be helpful in distinguishing between BPH and carcinoma of the prostate but may not be used as reliable indicators of the grade of prostatic adenocarcinoma because of overlapping values in various grades. However, further studies on larger samples are required to elucidate the role of these markers in identification of premalignant lesions.

Dural ectasia.

Dural ectasia is one of the likely causes of incomplete or failed spinal anaesthesia. Its association with diseases like Marfans syndrome, neurofibromatosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, vertebral fracture, postopertative adhesions, trauma etc., is often overlooked as a reason for inadequate spinal anaesthesia. Greater than normal volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the lumber theca in dural ectasia is postulated to restrict the spread of intrathecally injected Local anaesthetic. Here, we report a case of failed spinal anaesthesia but successful epidural anaesthesia in later setting in a patient with dural ectasia.