Laser-induced damage studies in silicon and silicon-based photodetectors

Laser-induced damage studies have been carried out on single-crystal silicon and silicon-based photodetectors, FND 100 P-I-N photodiodes, and C30954E avalanche photodiodes as a function of repetition frequency for a 1064-nm wavelength. It has been observed that the damage threshold decreases significantly when the samples are irradiated with a large number of pulses. However, this effect is evident only when the repetition frequency is greater than 1 Hz. The results are discussed in light of various existing theories.

Cytomorphologic profile of lymphatic filariasis

OBJECTIVE

To review the cytologic findings in 34 cases of lymphatic filariasis reported on fine needle aspiration cytology for the identification of various parasitic structures.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of consecutive cytologically diagnosed lymphatic filariasis in a nine-year period.

RESULTS

Thirty-three cases were confirmed as filariasis; 30 had microfilariae (group 1). Three cases (group 2) showed no microfilariae. The diagnosis in group 2 was based on the identification of an adult male worm (1 case), nongravid female worm (1 case) and fertilized eggs (1 case). Thirteen cases in group 1 also had fragments of gravid female worm.

CONCLUSION

Lymphatic filariasis can be diagnosed in the absence of microfilariae by identifying other parasitic fragments.

Cytomorphology of some uncommon tumors of childhood and adolescence

With the advent of newer adjuvant chemotherapeutic regimes resulting in dramatic improvement in survival, it is mandatory to obtain quick correct diagnosis, which is provided by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Cytology of childhood tumors was studied to find any distinguishing features, which would help in arriving at a diagnosis. Cytomorphology of 386 childhood and adolescent (0-19 years) tumors diagnosed between 1984 and 1993 were studied. Lipoma was the commonest benign tumor in 0-14 years age group. Fibroadenoma of the breast was the common benign tumor in adolescent (10-19 yrs) girls and pleomorphic adenoma in adolescent (15-19 yrs) boys. Wilms' tumor was the most frequent solid malignant tumor in preschool children and Hodgkin lymphoma, mixed cellularity in the school going age (5-19 yrs). Malignant tumors were more frequent (199). In addition, some rare malignancies like hepatoblastoma, meningioma, ganglioneuroblastoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, clear cell sarcoma kidney and malignant histiocytosis were diagnosed. The cytological features and the differential diagnoses are discussed. It is possible to diagnose these uncommon tumors if particular attention is paid to the distinguishing cytomorphological features in correlation with clinicoradiological findings and cytochemistry.

Nodular lepromatous leprosy: report of a case diagnosed by FNA

Lepromatous leprosy can present with skin nodules which can be misdiagnosed as soft tissue tumors or infected cysts. FNA can be diagnostic if unstained, refractile, intracellular mycobacteria are recognized on Romanowsky stained smears. Fite stain for Mycobacterium leprae confirms the diagnosis. Awareness of the differential diagnosis of skin nodules yielding foamy histiocytes on FNA, briefly discussed, should help avoid error.

Cytotoxic evaluation of some 3,5-diarylidene-4-piperidones and various related quaternary ammonium compounds and analogs

A number of 3,5-diarylidene-4-piperidones (1) and some related quaternary ammonium salts (5) as well as closely related analogs were prepared principally as candidate cytotoxic agents in two screens. The first test system used an average of 54 human tumor cell lines from eight neoplastic diseases, namely leukemia, melanoma, colon, non-small-cell lung, small-cell lung, central nervous system, ovarian, and renal cancers. Selective toxicity was demonstrated by some of the compounds, especially toward leukemia. The second screen used L1210 lymphoid leukemia cells. In general, the compounds were less cytotoxic than the reference drug melphalan in both screens. Linear plots were made between the Hammett (sigma), fragment (f), and molar refractivity (MR) constants of the nuclear substituents in series 1 and 5 with the IC50 figures of both the human tumor cell lines and L1210 cells. Evaluation against the human tumor cell lines revealed that increases in the f values were correlated with elevation of cytotoxicity in both series 1 and 5; MR constants were also important in series 5. In the L1210 screen, sigma and MR constants were positively correlated with cytotoxicity. X-ray crystallography was undertaken on 3,5-bis-[[4'-(methylthio)phenyl]methylene]-1-methyl-4-piperidone methiodide (5d), which had significant cytotoxicity, and 3,5-bis(4-pyridylmethylene)-1-methyl-4-piperidone methiodide (6), which was virtually inactive in both screens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytotoxic evaluation of some N-acyl and N-acyloxy analogues of 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones

The preparation of thirteen N-acyl and N-acyloxy analogues of two 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones were prepared as potential prodrugs of the parent ketones. Approximately half of the compounds demonstrated antileukemic properties when evaluated against murine L1210 lymphoid leukemia cells. Three of the derivatives were more active than or equipotent with the reference drug melphalan. All of the compounds were examined against approximately 55 human tumours representing eight different neoplastic diseases. Not only were most of the compounds more cytotoxic than melphalan but 60% of the derivatives displayed selective toxicity to leukemia. A stability study of six of the candidate prodrugs using 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that while some decomposition in solution occurred, the parent amine was not liberated.

Pleural involvement in HIV infection: clinico-radiological profile and prognostic significance

The clinico-radiological profile of seven patients with pleural involvement and HIV infection is presented. Five out of seven subjects had a right-sided effusion. The aetiology in three cases; two tubercular and one invasive candidiasis was established by pleural biopsy. The mortality was high (5/7) indicating a poor prognosis in patients of HIV with pleural involvement.

Pleural effusion due to lymphatic filariasis

A case of pleural effusion is reported. Pleural biopsy showed microfilariae on histopathological examination. Treatment with diethyl carbamazine yielded excellent results. Filarial aetiology should be included in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic pleural effusions, especially in endemic areas.

An evaluation of the S-100 stain in the histological diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy and other granulomatous dermatoses

Forty biopsies of granulomatous dermatoses, 12 of which were tuberculoid leprosy (TL), were studied for patterns of nerve twig distribution using an immunoperoxidase technique for S-100 protein. Four distinct patterns of nerve twigs were identified: 1) within granulomas, 2) between granulomas, 3) within and between granulomas, and 4) undetectable nerve twigs in an adequate biopsy. Pattern 4 was seen exclusively in TL (p < 0.05). The other patterns occurred in nonleprosy dermatoses as well, suggesting that pattern 4 is the best indicator toward a diagnosis of TL. The granules of mycetoma and Mycobacterium leprae also stained positively with the S-100 stain.

Cytomorphologic panorama of cysticercosis on fine needle aspiration. A review of 298 cases

Definitive identification of detached hooklets, scolex and fragments of the spiral wall of Cysticercus cellulosae on fine needle aspiration smears was documented. A critical review of aspirates from 200 diagnosed and 98 suspected lesions of soft tissue and intramuscular cysticercosis was done. Characteristic fragments of bladder wall cytomorphologically corresponding to viable or partially necrotic lesions were seen in 203 cases. Identification of fragments of an invaginated larva (i.e., hooklets, scolex or spiral wall) established the diagnosis in 33 of the suspected lesions. Cytomorphologically all these cases were from either necrotic or calcified lesions. In necrotic lesions with eosinophils, a careful search for fragments of the invaginated portion of the larva should be made.

Total cholesterol concentration in relation to superovulatory responses in crossbred cows

Blood serum total cholesterol levels of crossbred Taur-indicus donor cows (n=22), in their 1st to 4th parity, were studied as an indicator of embryo yield. These cows were superovulated either with FSH or PMSG + anti-PMSG on the 12th day of the synchronized estrous cycle. The total and transferable number of embryos did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. The number of corpora lutea and total and transferable embryos in donors having total cholesterol levels <140 mg/dl were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of cows having >140 mg/dl, indicating that low total cholesterol levels might adversely affect superovulatory response. Thus, estimation of total cholesterol concentrations of potential donors can be a useful tool for predicting superovulatory responses.

Lung and HIV infection with special reference to tuberculosis: preliminary report on 20 HIV-1 seropositive cases

The clinico-radiological profile of 20 patients with tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases infected with HIV-1 is presented in this preliminary communication. Twelve patients had proven and 4 had suspected tuberculosis. Two patients were diagnosed as having interstitial pneumonitis on limited autopsy. Five patients fulfilled the CDC's new AIDS definition criteria. Though our experience is limited, yet, in the present series, the patients with tuberculosis showed typical extensive upper zone infiltrative lesions. Patients with tuberculosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary, excluding disseminated disease) showed improvement on short course regimens of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, without any toxic effects.

Radiation: an alternative agent for pleurodesis

Radiotherapy as an alternative agent has been tried for pleurodesis in four proven cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung. This non-invasive technique appears to be beneficial, however, this requires further trials.

Silicotic alveolar proteinosis with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax due to silicotic alveolar proteinosis is reported because of its rarity.

Evaluation of some N-acyl analogues of 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones for cytotoxic activity

The synthesis of fourteen N-acyl derivatives of two 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones was accomplished and these compounds were evaluated against L1210 leukemia cells in vitro. With one exception, the compounds had IC50 values of less than 10 microM and six of them had IC50 figures in the 0.2-0.6 microM range which were comparable to a reference drug melphalan. Twelve of the sixteen compounds showed specificity for human leukemia cell lines in the NCI in vitro screen. Studies using 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that solutions of three N-acetylated compounds underwent deamination and possibly other reactions, the deaminated product itself being unstable in the solvent used.

3,5-Bis-arylidene-1-methyl-4-piperidone methohalides and related compounds with activity against L 1210 cells and DNA binding properties

A series of 3,5-bis-arylidene-1-methyl-4-piperidone methohalides 2 and two related analogues in general demonstrated activity against L 1210 leukemia cells in vitro and bound to a synthetic DNA, poly[d(AT)]. Plots of various physicochemical constants of the aromatic substituents in series 2 versus the IC50 figures revealed correlations between the aryl MR and pi values but not the sigma constants. The delta Tm values of six members of series 2 were correlated with the MR figures of the aryl substituents but not the sigma nor pi values of the aromatic atoms and groups. Some suggestions for future molecular modification with a view to increasing cytotoxicity are presented.

Gestational choriocarcinoma with haemorrhagic pleural effusion

A case of gestational choriocarcinoma with haemorrhagic pleural effusion is described. The importance of detection of human chorionic gonadotrophin in pleural fluid is highlighted.

3,5-Bis-benzylidene-4-piperidones and related compounds with high activity towards P388 leukemia cells

3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones and related compounds were prepared and found to have between 100 and 9700 times the activity of N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea towards P388 leukemia cells. The shapes of six of these molecules--determined by X-ray crystallography--were compared, but no correlation between the stereochemistry of the molecules or their electronic properties and cytotoxicity was apparent. Molecular modification of the compounds by forming two mono-benzylidene compounds, a related acyclic derivative and an N-acyl compound resulted in diminished but retained high cytotoxicity. Two representative compounds lowered glutathione levels of liver following their intraperitoneal injection into mice. Two quaternary ammonium compounds were shown to bind in the minor groove of DNA, while four related non-quaternary ammonium derivatives did not demonstrate this property. We conclude that the modes of action of these highly cytotoxic compounds include alkylation of cellular thiols and DNA binding, but interference with other biochemical processes is also probably involved.

Cytomorphologic features of the rare epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary gland

The cytomorphologic features of an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the submandibular gland are reported. The aspiration smears were cellular, with two cell types present: dark cells showing attempted gland formation and clear cells with vacuolization. The clear cells frequently formed globular masses and had indistinct cytoplasmic membranes. These globular masses of clear cells were usually adjacent to the fragments of dark cells. A striking feature was the presence of numerous naked nuclei.

Cutaneous Chromomycosis with Pulmonary Geotrichosis

An 80 year old farmer had cutaneous chromomycosis on the lateral aspect of right foot. He had associated pulmonary pathology caused by another fungus Geotrichum candidum simulating miliary tuberculosis. Complete regression of the pulmonary lesions and partial regression of the cutaneous lesions was observed with iodide therapy.

Immunoglobulin status of geriatric pulmonary tuberculosis patients of Himachal Pradesh

Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA & IgM) levels were estimated in 50 bacillary cases of geriatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 25 healthy controls of comparable age group by single radial immunodiffusion technique. All Igs were raised in PTB cases, the rise being directly proportional to the radiological extent of disease. Exudative cases had more marked rise compared to patients with productive and fibrotic lesions. Those cases of PTB having associated COPD (28 cases), showed less marked increase in Igs and with treatment, Ig levels declined, the decline was slower in cases having associated COPD.

Geriatric tuberculosis in Himachal Pradesh--a clinico-radiological profile

Clinico-radiological profile of 100 geriatric pulmonary tuberculosis cases hailing from hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh was studied. The clinical presentation was altered due to associated smoking as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Breathlessness was the main presenting feature. Sixty-five cases had exudative lesions radiologically. Both conventional and short course regimens were equally effective. Drug toxicity was not a major problem. Delayed action taken and poor compliance were main handicaps in such cases. Need for individualized care for geriatric patients is stressed.

Synergistic promoter effect of diethylstilbesterol & phenobarbitone in diethylnitrosamine induced hepatic neoplasia in rats

An experimental model was designed to study the role of both diethylstilbesterol (DES) and phenobarbitone (PB) singly or in combination, in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatic neoplasia. Experimental and control rats were injected DEN (200 mg/kg) or saline, ip. Acute morphological changes were studied at days 1, 2 and 3; and at weekly intervals for 3 wk. Four weeks after DEN pretreatment the experimental and control rats were randomized into various groups and fed DES (T1), PB (T2) or a combination of both DES and PB (T3). Five rats from each experimental group were sacrificed at 10, 20 and 30 wk. Group T3 showed gross nodules with a mean nodule score of 20.5 mm at 20 wk. Nodule score in T1, T2 and T3 at 30 wk were 7, 9 and 34.5 mm respectively. The sequential morphological lesions encountered were clear cell and acidophilic foci; acidophilic, basophilic and mixed nodules. Haemorrhage within the nodules was frequent when DES was administered either alone or in combination with PB. Oval cell proliferation and cholangiocellular lesions were produced in all experimental groups. Foci and nodules generally showed loss of glucose-6 phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and invariable presence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glycogen. A combination of DES and PB as promoter yielded earliest and highest nodule score. This suggests that DES and PB acted synergestically as promoters or that PB caused enzyme induction thereby enhanced the promotive effect of DES.

The intraocular pressure and diabetes--a correlative study

In the present study 60 diabetics were examined for intraocular pressure, scleral rigidity and facility of outflow. The intraocular pressure was found higher than in the general population except in patients with proliferative retinopathy. There was no marked difference in scleral rigidity in diabetics. The facility of outflow was lower in diabetic patients.

Studies on glyoxalase 1 isoenzymes in semen stains: polymorphism in Himachal (India) population

One hundred and ten pairs of blood and semen samples and their stains were studied to type glyoxalase 1 (GLO 1) isoenzymes using agarose-starch medium. A good agreement was observed between the phenotypes expressed in blood and semen samples of the same donor. No GLO 1 activity however could be demonstrated in the vaginal swabs tested. The gene frequencies of GLO 1 polymorphs in Himachal population has been worked out and their stability studies carried out at -12 degrees C and at room temperature.