The role of reduced graphene oxide on mitigation of lead phytotoxicity in Triticum aestivum L.plants at morphological and physiological levels.

Rapid global industrialization and an increase in population have enhanced the risk of heavy metals accumulation in plant bodies to disrupt the morphological, biochemical, and physiological processes of plants. To cope with this situation, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) NPs were used first time to mitigate abiotic stresses caused in plant. In this study, rGO NPs were synthesized and reduced with Tecoma stans plant leave extract through modified Hummer's methods. The well prepared rGO NPs were characterized by ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, pot experiment was conducted with four different concentrations (15, 30, 60, 120 mg/L) of rGO NPs and three different concentrations (300, 500,700 mg/L) of lead (Pb) stress were applied. To observe the mitigative effects of rGO NPs, 30 mg/L of rGO NPs and 700 mg/L of Pb were used in combination. Changes in morphological and biochemical characteristics of wheat plants were observed for both Pb stress and rGO NPs treatments. Pb was found to inhibit the morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants. rGO NPs alone as well as in combination with Pb was found to increase the chlorophyll content of wheat plants. Under Pb stress conditions and rGO NPs treatments, antioxidant enzyme activities like ascorbate peroxidases (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were observed. Current findings revealed that greenly reduced graphene oxide NPs can effectively promote growth in wheat plants under Pb stress by elevating chlorophyll content of leaves, reducing the Pb uptake, and suppressing ROS produced due to Pb toxicity.

Phyto-Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Using Various Plant Extracts.

Aloe vera, Mentha arvensis (mint), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaf extracts were used to synthesize stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by green chemistry. UV-vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize these biosynthesized nanoparticles. The data indicated that the silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, and the narrower particle size distribution was at 10-22 nm by maintaining a specific pH. As a short-term post-sowing treatment, Ag-NP solutions of different sizes (10 and 50 ppm) were introduced to mung bean seedlings, and the overall increase in plant growth was found to be more pronounced at 50 ppm concentration. The antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs was also investigated by disc diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test. The zones of inhibition (ZOI) were shown by Escherichia coli (E. coli) (1.9, 2.1, 1.7, and 2 mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (1.8, 1.7, 1.6, and 1.9 mm), against coriander, mint, Aloe vera, and lemongrass, respectively. MIC and MBC values of E. coli, and S. aureus ranged from 7 to 8 µg/mL. Overall, this study demonstrates that Ag-NPs exhibit a strong antimicrobial activity and thus might be developed as a new type of antimicrobial agent for the treatment of bacterial infection.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Phytotoxic Potential of Phytosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Elaeagnus umbellata Fruit Extract.

Due to its eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, ability to be handled safely, and a wide variety of biological activities, the green plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has become increasingly popular. The present work deals with the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Elaeagnus umbellata (fruit) and the evaluation of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytotoxic activities. For the synthesis of AgNPs, fruit extract was treated with a 4 mM AgNO3 solution at room temperature, and a color change was observed. In UV-Visible spectroscopy, an absorption peak formation at 456 nm was the sign that AgNPs were present in the reaction solution. Scanning electron microscopy and physicochemical X-ray diffraction were used to characterize AgNPs, which revealed that they were crystalline, spherical, and had an average size of 11.94 ± 7.325 nm. The synthesized AgNPs showed excellent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (14 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (13.5 mm), Proteus mirabilis (13 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5 mm), as well as considerable antioxidant activity against DPPH with 69% inhibition at an IC50 value of 43.38 µg/mL. AgNPs also exhibited a concentration-dependent effect on rice plants. Root and shoot length were found to be positively impacted at all concentrations, i.e., 12.5 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL. Among these concentrations, the 50 µg/mL concentration of AgNPs was found to be most effective. The plant biomass decreased at higher AgNP exposure levels (i.e., 100 µg/mL), whereas 50 µg/mL caused a significant increase in plant biomass as compared to the control. This study provides an eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs which can be used for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities and also as growth promoters of crop plants.

The sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor of the testis is an extremely rare entity.

We present the case of a 31-year-old single male patient, who was admitted through emergency unit with painless hard nodule of his left testis of 6 months' duration. Ultrasound scan of the scrotum showed a fairly well-defined hypo echoic area in the left testicular parenchyma in its middle part, measuring approximately 10 × 9 mm in size. We performed left inguinal radical orchidectomy. Histopathology examination of the left testis revealed sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor (SSCT) of the testis. This is a very rare testicular tumor with very few published case reports. Systemic examination was performed to exclude systemic metastasis. SSCT is characterized by the presence and aggregates of tubules of Sertoli cells, separated by a sclerotic intercellular matrix formed by fibrotic connective tissue.

Symptomatic Surgically Treated Non-neoplastic Cysts of the Central Nervous System: A Clinicopathological Study From Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinicopathologic features of symptomatic surgically removed non-neoplastic cysts of the central nervous system (CNS). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2003 to 2012. METHODOLOGY: All non-neoplastic CNS cysts reported during the study period were retrieved and reviewed. Age, gender, location, histologic type and clinical features were noted. RESULTS: A total of 124 cysts were diagnosed in the study period. These included 44 epidermoid cysts (mean age 30.5 ± 13.8 years), 35 colloid cysts (mean age 31 ±13.2 years), 32 arachnoid cysts (mean age 24.8 ±20.2 years), 6 dermoid cysts, 3 enterogenous cysts and Rathke's cleft cysts each and 1 ependymal cyst. All cyst types mainly presented in young adults in both genders with signs and symptoms of a mass lesion. CONCLUSION: Non-neoplastic cyst mainly presented like a CNS mass lesion in young adults. Epidermoids were the most common type of these cysts in the present series followed by the colloid and the arachnoid cysts.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Clinicopathologic and Risk Stratification Study of 255 Cases from Pakistan and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinicopathological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) diagnosed in our section and to perform risk stratification of our cases by assigning them to specific risk categories and groups for disease progression based on proposals by Fletcher et al and Miettinen and Lasota. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: We retrieved 255 cases of GIST diagnosed between 2003 and 2014. Over 59% were male. The age range was 16 to 83 years with a mean of 51 years. Over 70% occurred between 40 and 70 years of age. Average diameter of tumors was 10 cms. The stomach was the most common site accounting for about 40%. EGISTs constituted about 16%. On histologic examination, spindle cell morphology was seen in almost of 85% cases. CD117 was the most useful immunohistochemical antibody, positive in 98%. Risk stratification was possible for 220 cases. Based on Fletcher's consensus proposal, 62.3 gastric, 81.8% duodenal, 68% small intestinal, 72% colorectal and 89% EGISTs were assigned to the high risk category; while based on Miettinen and Lasota's algorithm, about 48% gastric, 100% duodenal, 76% small intestinal, 100% colorectal and 100% EGISTs in our study were associated with high risk for disease progression, tumor metastasis and tumor related death. Follow up was available in 95 patients; 26 were dead and 69 alive at follow up. Most of the patients who died had high risk disease and on average death occurred just a few months to a maximum of one to two years after initial surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological and morphologic findings in our study were similar to international published data. The majority of cases in our study belonged to the high risk category.

Solid pseudopapilllary neoplasm of the pancreas. A clinicopathologic study of 25 cases from Pakistan and review of Literature.

Our aim was to describe the clinicopathologic features of cases of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas diagnosed in our section. We retrieved hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry slides of SPN of pancreas diagnosed between 2002 and 2014 and reviewed slides. A total of 25 cases were included in the study. All were females. Age ranged from 12 to 45 years with mean age of 24 years. Tail of pancreas was the commonest location (40%). Tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 20 cm (mean tumor size, 9.5 cm). Distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy were the commonest types of surgical resections performed. Most cases were confined to the pancreas. However, 2 cases extended beyond the pancreas, and an additional case metastasized to the omentum and liver. Pseudopapillary architecture and hyaline globules were the commonest histologic features, seen in 100% and 84% of cases, respectively. Vimentin, cluster of differentiation 10, cluster of differentiation 56, and neuron-specific enolase were the most useful immunohistochemical stains. Of those cases, in which follow-up was available, almost all (except 1) patients were alive and well even several years after resection. In conclusion, SPN is a rare tumor in our practice. As in international studies, our study also showed predilection for young females and excellent prognosis after surgical resection.

How our practice of histopathology, especially tumour pathology has changed in the last two decades: reflections from a major referral center in Pakistan.

Continued advances in the field of histo-pathology (and cyto-pathology) over the past two decades have resulted in dramatic changes in the manner in which these disciplines are now practiced. This is especially true in the setting of a large university hospital where the role of pathologists as clinicians (diagnosticians), undergraduate and postgraduate educators, and researchers has evolved considerably. The world around us has changed significantly during this period bringing about a considerable change in our lifestyles and the way we live. This is the world of the internet and the world-wide web, the world of Google and Wikipedia, of Youtube and Facebook where anyone can obtain any information one desires at the push of a button. The practice of histo (and cyto) pathology has also evolved in line with these changes. For those practicing this discipline in a poor, developing country these changes have been breathtaking. This is an attempt to document these changes as experienced by histo (and cyto) pathologists practicing in the biggest center for Histopathology in Pakistan, a developing country in South Asia with a large (180 million) and ever growing population. The Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city has since its inception in the mid-1980s transformed the way histopathology is practiced in Pakistan by incorporating modern methods and rescuing histopathology in Pakistan from the primitive and outdated groove in which it was stuck for decades. It set histopathology in Pakistan firmly on the path of modernity and change which are essential for better patient management and care through accurate and complete diagnosis and more recently prognostic and predictive information as well.

Overview of benign and malignant prostatic disease in Pakistani patients: a clinical and histopathological perspective.

BACKGROUND: To present the overall clinical and histological perspective of benign and malignant prostatic disease as seen in our practice in the Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive prostate specimens (transurethral resection or TUR, enucleation, needle biopsies) received between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 were included in the study. RESULTS: Of the total of 785 cases, 621 (79.1%) were TUR specimens, 80 (10.2%) enucleation specimens, and 84 (10.7%) needle biopsies. Some 595 (75.8%) were benign, while 190 (24.2%) were malignant. Mean weight of BPH specimens was 19 grams and 43 grams for TUR and enucleation specimens respectively. Almost 67% of adenocarcinomas were detected on TUR or enucleation specimens. Of the above cases, 41.7% were clinically benign while 58.3% were clinically malignant. The average volume of carcinoma in all cases ranged between 60 to 65%. The average number of cores involved in needle biopsies was 5. In general, higher Gleason scores were seen in TUR/enucleation specimens than in needle biopsies. Overall, in all types of specimens, commonest Gleason score was 7, seen in 74 (38.9%) cases, followed by Gleason score 9 seen in 47 (24.7%) cases. Out of the 63 needle biopsies with carcinoma, radical prostatectomy was performed in 16 cases (25.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is extremely common and constitutes the bulk of prostate specimens. TMajority of prostatic carcinomas are still diagnosed on TUR or enucleation specimens. These included both clinically benign and clinically malignant cases. The volume of carcinoma in these specimens was quite high indicating extensive disease. Gleason scores were also generally high compared with scores from needle biopsies. Commonest Gleason score in all type of specimens was 7. Pathologic staging was possible in very few cases since radical prostatectomies are rarely performed.

Needle biopsy findings in prostatic adenocarcinoma: experience at a tertiary care center in a developing country.

The objectives of this study are to report the findings in prostatic needle biopsies positive for cancer seen in our practice with regard to the frequency of cancer detected at various sites, the cancer volume, Gleason grade, presence of perineural invasion, and others; to correlate cancer volume with Gleason grade, perineural invasion, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels; and to correlate Gleason grade with serum PSA levels. The study was conducted at The Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All consecutive needle biopsies received from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, which were positive for prostatic adenocarcinoma, were included in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 19.0 software package (SPSS Hong Kong Headquarters, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong). A total of 97 needle biopsies positive for carcinoma in this period were included. Prostate-specific antigen levels were available in 60.8% cases and ranged from 5.0 to 1747 ng/mL. Tumor was bilaterally present in 54.6% cases. Tumor positivity in right apex, mid, and base was 52.6%, 54.6%, and 51.5%, respectively. Tumor positivity in left apex, mid, and base was 55.7%, 63.9%, and 59.8%, respectively. Average tumor volume in right apex, mid, and base was 51.2%, 50.6%, and 49.9%, respectively. Average tumor volume in left apex, mid, and base was 49.8%, 49.1%, and 51.6%, respectively. Gleason score was 6 in 52.6% cases and 7 in 28.9% cases. Perineural invasion was positive in 46.4% cases. High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was seen in 4 (4.1%) of 97 cases. On statistical analysis, no significant correlation was found between tumor volume and serum PSA levels. However, significant correlation was found between tumor volume and Gleason grade and between tumor volume and presence of perineural invasion. No significant correlation was found between Gleason grade and serum PSA level. To our knowledge, these are the first reported findings in prostatic needle biopsies from Pakistan. Most prostatic carcinomas in our country are still diagnosed on transurethral resection specimens, and needle biopsies are quite uncommon. Findings in needle biopsies will help in predicting adverse prognostic factors on radical prostatectomies and in planning surgery accordingly.

Gastrointestinal, liver and biliary tract pathology: a histopathological and epidemiological perspective from Pakistan with a review of the literature.

AIM: To present an epidemiological and histological perspective of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (including liver and biliary tract) at the Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology, AKUH, Karachi, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive endoscopic biopsies and resections between October 1 and December 31, 2012 were included. RESULTS: A total of 2,323 cases were included. Carcinoma was overwhelmingly the commonest diagnosis on esophageal biopsies (69.1%); chronic helicobacter gastritis (45.6%) followed by adenocarcinoma (23.5%) were the commonest diagnoses on gastric biopsies; adenocarcinoma (27.3%) followed by ulcerative colitis (13.1%) were the commonest diagnoses on colonic biopsies; acute appendicitis (59.1%) was the commonest diagnosis on appendicectomy specimens; chronic viral hepatitis (44.8%) followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (23.4%) were the commonest diagnoses on liver biopsies; chronic cholecystitis was the commonest diagnosis (over 89%) on cholecystectomy specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 88.8% of esophageal cancers. About 67% were in the lower third and 56.5% were moderately differentiated; mean ages 49.8 years for females and 55.8 years for males; 66% cases were from South West Pakistan. Over 67% patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were males; mean ages 59 and 44 years in males and females respectively, about 74% gastric carcinomas were poorly differentiated; and 62.2% were located in the antropyloric region. About 63% patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were males; mean ages 46.1 and 50.5 years for males and females respectively; tumor grade was moderately differentiated in 54%; over 80% were located in the left colon. In 21.2% appendicectomies, no acute inflammation was found. Acute appendicitis was most common in young people. Hepatitis C (66.3%) was more common than hepatitis B (33.7%); about 78% cases of hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in males; females comprised 76.7% patients with chronic cholecystitis; and 77.8% patients with gall bladder carcinoma. All resection specimens showed advanced cancers. Most cancers occurred after the age of 50 years.

Histologic findings in biopsies/resection specimens from the small intestine with special emphasis on celiac disease: experience from a developing country in South Asia.

Biopsies from the small intestine especially the duodenum are now being performed much more frequently than in the past. The most frequent reason for performing duodenal biopsies is to evaluate for malabsorption. In the last few years, increased awareness has resulted in more biopsies sent for evaluation of malabsorption, especially celiac disease (CD). In the duodenum, features of malabsorption (increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, villous shortening, and atrophy) were the most common histologic finding seen in 63.4% of cases. Serum tTG levels were available for correlation in 52.8% of cases. In patients with confirmed CD, 53.4% were MARSH IIIb, and 29.5% were MARSH IIIc. The most common specific condition diagnosed in the ileum was tuberculosis (35.6%), and 80.8% with ileal tuberculosis were women. Our findings, although preliminary, indicate that CD is not so rare in Pakistan. These are the first findings from Pakistan on this subject, and larger studies are required to determine the true frequency and impact of CD in Pakistan.

CNS neoplasms in Pakistan, a pathological perspective.

The Section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University is the largest center for histopathology in Pakistan and is the major reporting and referral center for CNS neoplasms in the country. Over the years, a significant increase has been noted in the number of CNS neoplasms reported annually. This increase most likely represents increased number of neurosurgical procedures being performed. A major problem that we face as histopathologists is absence of clinical history or radiological films in a large number of cases.

Gliomas: correlation of histologic grade, Ki67 and p53 expression with patient survival.

BACKGROUND: Gliomas are grouped into grades 1 to 4 on the basis of morphologic criteria. Grade is the most significant prognostic factor determining survival, but various proliferation markers are being increasingly employed by histopathologists as adjuncts to conventional morphologic variables to determine prognostic behavior of brain tumors. The most widely used and useful of these are MIB1 (Ki67) and p53. OBJECTIVE: To correlate World Health Organization (WHO) grades of glial neoplasms and expression of MIB1 and P53 by these tumors with patient survival at the end of one year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 consecutive cases with confirmed diagnosis of various histologic types of glial neoplasms were included. Grading was done according to the WHO grading system for CNS neoplasms. Immunohistochemical staining of p53 and MIB1 (Ki67) was performed and scores were calculated. RESULTS: A significant correlation was shown between WHO histologic grade and patient survival (p value:0.004) and a marginal correlation was seen between MIB1 score and patient survival (p value: 0.233). CONCLUSION: Histologic grade is the most important prognostic factor with respect to patient survival in glial neoplasms. Immunohistochemical staining with MIB1 and p53 may serve as an additional useful toolin determining the clinical course in combination with and as an adjunct to tumor grade. However, the fact that follow-up was available in only twenty out of the fifty cases is a limitation of the present study.