Effect of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites on skeletal system development of chick embryo.

RESEARCH FOCUS: Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily to control pests on a variety of food and feed crops. Humans are directly or indirectly exposed to this pesticide through food, air, and occupation. The ill effects of chlorpyrifos on various organ systems of human has been widely documented, but less is known about its influence on human bones. AIM: To analyze the effect of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) on the skeletal system of the chick embryo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fertilized chick eggs were exposed to different concentrations of chlorpyrifos and its metabolite 3,5,6-TCPy on 1.5 days of incubation. The proximal phalanx of 18-day-old embryos was analyzed for defects in growth and ossification through histopathology, immunohistochemistry, angiogenesis assay, and gene expression study. RESULTS: Dose-dependent variations in developing bone of chick embryo were observed. Histochemical and histomorphometry studies of proximal phalanx showed increased in the growth plate length (F(9, 59) = 228.9509, p = .00001) with a reduction in the total length of the phalanx (F(9, 59) = 109.9905, p = .00001), decreased mineralization (F(9, 59) = 224.6872, p = .00001), decreased blood islands in the bone marrow (F(9, 59) = 7.7083, p = .0001) of chlorpyrifos, and 3,5,6-TCPy-exposed group. Significant downregulations in the expression patterns of the transcription factors, such as SOX9, RUNX2, and ALP, were also observed. CONCLUSION: Chlorpyrifos and its metabolite 3,5,6-TCPy exposure alters the chondrogenesis in the growth plate cartilage of long bone in chick embryo. The pesticide and its metabolite also interfere in ossification.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (199). Pyometra

A 92-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with urinary symptoms, fever and suprapubic tenderness. Her inflammatory markers were raised. Urine and blood cultures were negative. Computed tomography performed to look for a source of sepsis showed distension of the uterine cavity with high-attenuation fluid, an air-fluid level and gas locules along the uterine wall. The causes, clinical presentation and imaging features of pyometra are discussed.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (174). L5 vertebral superior facet osteoblastoma (OB)

A 25-year-old man presented with chronic low back pain and occasional radiation to the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine showed an osteolytic expansile lesion with a central sclerotic nidus in the right superior facet of the L5 vertebra and surrounding marrow oedema. The diagnosis of osteoblastoma was made based on imaging findings and confirmed after CT-guided biopsy. Radiofrequency ablation of the lesion was successfully performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and showed symptomatic relief. The imaging features and management of osteoblastoma are discussed.

Pancreatico-Colonic Fistula-Demonstrated by Multidetector-Row CT

No abstract available.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging. 158. Duodenal ectopic pancreas

A 46-year-old man presented with right loin tenderness following a road traffic accident. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined, smooth, enhancing oval lesion in the wall of the first part of the duodenum. The lesion was seen separately from the normal pancreas. It showed attenuation, intensity and enhancement similar to that of normal pancreas. Based on the imaging appearance, a diagnosis of ectopic pancreas was made. The patient underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology of the lesion, which confirmed ectopic pancreatic tissue. Since the patient was asymptomatic, surgical resection was deferred. The embryologic origin, various locations, imaging appearance and clinical significance of ectopic pancreas are discussed.