Comparative genetic analysis of trichome-less and normal pod genotypes of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae).

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seeds contain the catecholic amino acid L-DoPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), which is a neurotransmitter precursor and used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and mental disorders. The great demand for L-DoPA is largely met by the pharmaceutical industry through extraction of the compound from wild populations of this plant; commercial exploitation of this compound is hampered because of its limited availability. The trichomes present on the pods can cause severe itching, blisters and dermatitis, discouraging cultivation. We screened genetic stocks of velvet bean for the trichome-less trait, along with high seed yield and L-DoPA content. The highest yielding trichome-less elite strain was selected and indentified on the basis of a PCR-based DNA fingerprinting method (RAPD), using deca-nucleotide primers. A genetic similarity index matrix was obtained through multivariant analysis using Nei and Li's coefficient. The similarity coefficients were used to generate a tree for cluster analysis using the UPGMA method. Analysis of amplification spectra of 408 bands obtained with 56 primers allowed us to distinguish a trichome-less elite strain of M. pruriens.

Dialysis catheter-induced superior vena cava syndrome and downhill esophageal varices.

Superior vena cava stenosis is a well-documented complication of central venous dialysis catheters. Rarely, this obstruction can lead to the formation of downhill esophageal varices. We present a case of esophageal varices as a complication of dialysis catheter-induced superior vena cava stenosis, which became symptomatic after the placement of an upper extremity arteriovenous graft and resolved with percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of the superior vena cava stricture.

Nutrient composition and electrophoretic pattern of protein in two distinct types of phalsa (Grewia subinequalis DC).

Two distinct types, i.e. tall and dwarf types of phalsa, were studied for the differences in their physical parameters, chemical compositions and electrophoretic patterns of seed proteins by SDS-PAGE. The two types did not show any remarkable variation in their fruit weight, edible portion, seed weight and juice yield. Tall type had higher content of reducing sugars whereas total and non-reducing sugars were higher in drawf one. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of sucrose and fructose in both the types whereas glucose was present only in tall one. Observed marked variations in the protein content of the fruit could be due to the differences in protein content of the seed rather than that of the pulp. Electrophoretic pattern of seed proteins revealed the complete absence of two protein bands of molecular weight 37, and 59 kD from the dwarf type.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with pancreatitis: histochemical and electron microscopic findings.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with pancreatitis has been postulated to be due to the effects of circulating pancreatic lipase. We report positive intracellular staining of adipocytes with a monoclonal antibody to pancreatic lipase in a lesion of subcutaneous pancreatic fat necrosis, and confirm the role of pancreatic lipase in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Cutaneous metastases of colonic adenocarcinoma.

A case of metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma to the chin is presented. The literature on cutaneous metastases from colonic adenocarcinoma is reviewed.

Lentigo maligna. The use of rush permanent sections in therapy.

Lentigo maligna is often treated with superficial therapies that are associated with high recurrence rates. The high recurrence rates are a result of incomplete destruction or removal of tumor from clinically inapparent but histologically positive areas. We describe the use of the Mohs technique with rush permanent sections for the complete removal of this melanocytic neoplasm.

Apocrine adenocarcinoma: case report and review of the literature.

Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare, primary malignant neoplasm of the skin. Clinically, it is a painless, skin-colored, slow-growing, firm or cystic nodule. The tumor has a high rate of local recurrence and can metastasize. In selected cases, Mohs micrographic surgery appears to be an effective treatment. We report the first case of apocrine adenocarcinoma to occur on the fingertip, and the first to be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Vesicular scabies in an adult.

We describe an unusual vesicular eruption occurring secondary to scabies in an elderly patient receiving high-dose prednisone therapy.