Immunohistochemical expression of histone modification pattern in adult glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing advances in molecular research and therapeutics, glioblastomas are still considered highly invasive aggressive tumors with a median survival of 15 months. Genetic alterations have been studied in detail; however, additionally, there is now growing evidence on the role of epigenetic alterations in glioblastoma. Recently, histone modification patterns have been found to have a significant part in gene expression and prognosis. However, further research in this field is warranted to establish its role for the betterment of these patients with the deadly disease.

AIMS

To determine the immunohistochemical expression of histone modifications like histone-3-lysine-18 acetylation (H3K18Ac) and histone-4-lysine 20 trimethylation (H4K20triMe) in glioblastoma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 48 glioblastoma patients who underwent surgery. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for tri-methyl-histone-H4 (Lys20) (H4K20triMe) and acetyl-histone-H3 (Lys18) (H3K18Ac) was performed in paraffin-embedded tissues manually, and the expression was noted. Data on the mitotic index and overall survival was collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 50 years with a M: F ratio of 1.6:1. Out of 48 cases, 60% (28 cases) demonstrated positivity for H3K18Ac and 98% (46 cases) for H4K20triMe. The pattern of expression was nuclear with increased expression adjacent to necrosis and at the invasive front. The overall median Q score for H3K18Ac was 1/12 and for H4K20triMe was 6/12. No significant statistical significance was observed between histone expression, Ki67%, and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Histone modification patterns are being explored in detail in an array of tumors. They also have a potential role in glioblastoma for risk stratification and instituting appropriate treatment based on the prognosis. Epigenetic changes like histone modification patterns, in addition to genetics, can pave the way for a better molecular understanding of glioblastomas and provide hope in the future to improve the survival of these patients with deadly diseases.

Navigating Tumour Microenvironment and Wnt Signalling Crosstalk: Implications for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics

Cancer therapeutics face significant challenges due to drug resistance and tumour recurrence. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a crucial contributor and essential hallmark of cancer. It encompasses various components surrounding the tumour, including intercellular elements, immune system cells, the vascular system, stem cells, and extracellular matrices, all of which play critical roles in tumour progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, drug resistance, and relapse. These components interact with multiple signalling pathways, positively or negatively influencing cell growth. Abnormal regulation of the Wnt signalling pathway has been observed in tumorigenesis and contributes to tumour growth. A comprehensive understanding and characterisation of how different cells within the TME communicate through signalling pathways is vital. This review aims to explore the intricate and dynamic interactions, expressions, and alterations of TME components and the Wnt signalling pathway, offering valuable insights into the development of therapeutic applications.

Fabrication of 2D+1D nanoarchitecture for transition metal oxide modified CdS nanorods: A comparative study on their photocatalytic hydrogen-generation efficiency

We report the formation of Mo1-xWxO3-CdS (0 ≤ x ≤1) nanophotocatalysts by a combination of solid-state and solution-impregnation processes. The formation of 2D+1D heterostructured composite was revealed by electron microscopy and the structure of ternary co-catalyst and photocatalysts were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses. The H2evolution activity of the nanocomposites was assessed via photocatalytic splitting of water under the irradiation of visible light. All the nanocomposites studied here exhibit notable catalytic activity and good photostability using lactic acid as the sacrificial electron donor compared to a pristine compound. Among these nanocomposites, WO3-CdS shows superior activity with H2evolution rates of 15.19 mmolg-1h-1, 28 times higher than the pure CdS. The WO3-CdS photoactivity is not only superior among all the composites studied here but also highest among the reported WO3composite catalysts to date. The novel construction of the oxide-based nanocomposite photocatalyst shown here efficiently enhances the catalytic activity by effective separation of charge carriers and inhibits photocorrosion of CdS nanorods. The apparent quantum yield of the hydrogen evolution for WO3-CdS was found to be 8% in the visible spectral range. The disparity of the catalytic ability between MoO3and WO3and the variance among the compositions was unraveled through optical band-offset alignment with respect to CdS. Though the 2D+1D novel fabrication is common to all the composites, the difference in the type of band alignment MoO3(type-I) and WO3(type-II) with CdS plays a highly significant role in the co-catalytic activity.

Clinical outcomes of bronchiectasis in India: data from the EMBARC/Respiratory Research Network of India registry

BACKGROUND

Identifying risk factors for poor outcomes can help with risk stratification and targeting of treatment. Risk factors for mortality and exacerbations have been identified in bronchiectasis but have been almost exclusively studied in European and North American populations. This study investigated the risk factors for poor outcome in a large population of bronchiectasis patients enrolled in India.

METHODS

The European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) and Respiratory Research Network of India (EMBARC-India) registry is a prospective observational study of adults with computed tomography-confirmed bronchiectasis enrolled at 31 sites across India. Baseline characteristics of patients were used to investigate associations with key clinical outcomes: mortality, severe exacerbations requiring hospital admission, overall exacerbation frequency and decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s.

RESULTS

1018 patients with at least 12-month follow-up data were enrolled in the follow-up study. Frequent exacerbations (≥3 per year) at baseline were associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 3.23, 95% CI 1.39-7.50), severe exacerbations (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.92-3.83), future exacerbations (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.08, 95% CI 2.36-4.01) and lung function decline. Coexisting COPD, dyspnoea and current cigarette smoking were similarly associated with a worse outcome across all end-points studied. Additional predictors of mortality and severe exacerbations were increasing age and cardiovascular comorbidity. Infection with Gram-negative pathogens (predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae) was independently associated with increased mortality (HR 3.13, 95% CI 1.62-6.06), while Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was associated with severe exacerbations (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.97) and overall exacerbation rate (IRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies risk factors for morbidity and mortality among bronchiectasis patients in India. Identification of these risk factors may support treatment approaches optimised to an Asian setting.

Immunohistochemical expression of beta-catenin in hepatoblastoma and its clinical significance

Background

Primary hepatic malignancies account for 0.5-2% of all solid tumours in childhood. Hepatoblastoma, a rare embryonic tumour in the general population, represents the most frequent primary hepatic malignancy in the paediatric age group, with an incidence of one new case per million under 15 years of age, median age at diagnosis being 1 year. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway is likely to result in tumorigenesis of hepatoblastoma. The nuclear and intra-cytoplasmic accumulations of beta-catenin correlate with the likely prognosis of the disease. Nuclear expression of beta catenin is associated with a shorter survival, higher stage, and seen in embryonal/undifferentiated types.

Aim

To study the expression of beta-catenin in hepatoblastoma by immunohistochemistry and correlate it with the tumour histology and survival outcome.

Materials & Methods

This is a retrospective study of 11 children over a period of 5 years with the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. These children underwent partial hepatectomy or liver transplantation at the Department of Paediatric Surgery. The clinical, histological and survival data were collected. Immunohistochemical analysis with beta-catenin was done and analysed.

Results

Mean birth weight of the children was 2.75kg.63.6% had an epithelial type of histology.Beta catenin expression by IHC was studied in 11 cases and found to be positive in 4 cases. Nuclear positivity was noted in 2/4 cases of embryonal type and Cytoplasmic and membranous positivity was seen in the other 2/4 cases. Normal liver showed a membranous pattern of positivity in one case. Negative staining was seen in 6 out of 11 cases.

Conclusion

Beta catenin is considered to be an useful tool for assessing the prognosis of patients with hepatoblastoma and its expression is associated with a poor survival outcome. There are no validated biomarkers for prognosis so far. However, larger studies incorporating molecular profiling is warranted to establish prognostic factors for planning effective treatment strategies.

Imaging and pathological discordance amongst the plethora of breast lesions in breast biopsies

INTRODUCTION

Imaging-guided breast tissue biopsy has become an acceptable alternative to open surgical biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions. Discussion of abnormal results of the correlation between imaging and pathological findings can be very challenging as it can assist in decision-making with regard to the further treatment options by arriving at a comprehensive diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Radiological data from imaging-guided breast biopsies of 500 patients during a 6-year period was collected and classified by a specialist radiologist as per the BI-RADS format. Histopathology reports were studied and discordance analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 500 cases were reviewed. Approximately 33% (168) cases fell into the BI-RADS 3 category, 24.4% (122) into the BI-RADS 4, and 37% (187) into BI-RADS 5 categories. Approximately 50% (n = 250) cases were benign, 2.6% (13) belonged to the high-risk category, and 47.4% (237) were malignant. The number of discordant cases was 12 (2.4%), mostly due to technical factors. Sensitivity of biopsies to detect malignancy was 85%, specificity was 96%, and accuracy of biopsy in diagnosing cancer was 90%.

DISCUSSION

The "triple assessment" is the most sensitive method for detecting early breast cancer. An effective communication pathway must be established between a clinician, radiologist, and pathologist for surgical excision in discordance as it carries a high prevalence of carcinoma in these lesions.

CONCLUSION

In discordant cases, either due to abnormal results of imaging or of abnormal pathological findings, the final decision is based on two concordant findings, out of the three parameters. This involves a multidisciplinary breast conference and an active participation by the pathologist.

Sensitive and Enzyme-Free Glucose Sensor Based on Copper Nanowires/Polyaniline/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Ink

In this paper, we report the preparation and characterization of a sensitive and reusable nonenzymatic glucose (NEG) sensor based on copper nanowires (CuNWs)/polyaniline (PANI)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite ink. The CuNWs/PANI/rGO nanocomposite ink was prepared by solvothermal mixing of CuNWs, PANI, rGO and binders. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques were used to assess the structural and morphological parameters of prepared nanocomposite ink. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was used to estimate the electrochemical behavior of prepared NEG sensor. The structural, morphological and spectroscopy results confirmed the change in morphological and oxidation state of CuNWs to CuO nanostructures as a constituent of nanocomposite ink. The CuO nanostructures supported on PANI/rGO demonstrated good electrochemical stability and great electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation. At a glucose oxidation potential of 0.64V, the prepared NEG sensor exhibited great electrocatalytic ability by offering a high sensitivity of 843.06[Formula: see text]AmM[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] in the linear glucose range 0–4mM with a lower detection limit of 1.6mM. In addition to these outstanding performance characteristics, CuNWs/PANI/rGO nanocomposite ink-based NEG sensor has the advantages of ease of fabrication, low cost and reusability.

An Infrequent Adenosarcoma Mimicking other Uterine Rhabdoid Tumours

Uterine sarcomas are relatively rare and account for only 1-3% of all malignancies in the Female Genital Tract (FGT). Adenosarcomas of the uterus are uncommon accounting for only 5% of uterine sarcomas. They are considered less recurrent and less metastatic. However, those with sarcomatous overgrowth and heterologous differentiation are very rare, considered aggressive and need to be differentiated histologically from other sarcomas that mimic the same clinically and histologically. In the index case, a 50-year-old female presented with symptoms of pain in the abdomen and bleeding per vagina. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a large polypoid solid mass in the endometrium, suggestive of a sarcoma. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan showed an Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid lesion in the endometrial cavity (SUV max-13.33). Total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingooophorectomy was performed. Histology showed a biphasic tumour (benign glands and malignant mesenchymal component) with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation and sarcomatous overgrowth. Presence of rhabdoid cells raises the possibility of other sarcomas with these features making the diagnosis challenging. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed it to be a high grade adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth. Desmin positivity was noted in the rhabdoid cells. Majority cases of adenosarcoma are low grade, the index case was however high grade with presence of heterologous elements and sarcomatous overgrowth. Neither radiology nor clinical features can reliably differentiate adenosarcomas from other uterine sarcomas. A definitive diagnosis can be made by understanding the overlapping morphological features and correlate it with IHC to reliably differentiate it with other similar looking uterine sarcomas.

Clinicopathological profile of hepatoblastoma: An experience from a tertiary care center in India

Background

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary hepatic malignancy in the pediatric population. Advances in pathological evaluation, imaging, risk stratification, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and surgery including transplantation have improved survival of these children in the western countries. However, a successful outcome in developing countries such as India with limited resources poses great challenges to the clinician and the family. Histology plays a major role in determining the prognosis of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was done on 10 children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma between January 2010 and December 2015 in our institution. Clinical, laboratory, radiological, histopathological diagnoses, treatment, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results

The median age of these children at diagnosis was 11 months, and only 1 child was premature at birth. Most children were presented with abdominal distension. One child had lung metastasis at presentation. Elevated alpha fetoprotein levels were present in 90% of the children. The histological types were fetal, embryonal, macrotrabecular, and mixed epithelial-mesenchymal types. SIOPEL risk stratification was done, which showed 40% of the children to be of high risk. Three children had PRETEXT 1, 2, and 4, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study is significant with respect to the information on PRETEXT staging, risk status, and histological favorability. In developing countries with limited resources and low-socioeconomic status, it is important to have a multidisciplinary team approach and tailor treatment to manage these patients effectively and improve the overall survival.

Specific PCR-based detection of Phomopsis vexans the cause of leaf blight and fruit rot pathogen of Solanum melongena L

Leaf blight and fruit rot disease caused by Phomopsis vexans is a devastating disease of brinjal. The detection of P. vexans in plant parts and seeds of brinjal can be complicated, mainly when the inoculum is present at low levels and/or overgrown by fast-growing saprophytic fungi or other seed-borne fungi. A PCR-based diagnostic method was developed with specific primers designed based on sequence data of a region consisting of the 5·8S RNA gene and internal transcribed spacers, ITS 1 and ITS 2 of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) repeats of P. vexans. The efficiency and specificity of primer pairs PvexF/PvexR designed were established by PCR analysis of DNA from P. vexans strains isolated from India and fungal isolates of other genera. A single amplification product of 323-bp was detected from DNA of P. vexans isolates. No cross-reaction was observed with any of the other isolates tested. The specific primers designed and employed in PCR detected P. vexans up to 10 pg from DNA isolated from pure culture. This is the first report on the development of species-specific PCR assay for identification and detection of P. vexans. Thus, PCR-based assay developed is very specific, rapid, confirmatory and sensitive tool for the detection of pathogen P. vexans at early stages. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Phomopsis vexans is an important seed-borne pathogenic fungus responsible for leaf blight and fruit rot in brinjal. Current detection methods, based on culture and morphological identification is time consuming, laborious and are not always reliable. A PCR-based diagnostic method was developed with species-specific primers designed based on sequence data of a region consisting of the 5·8S RNA gene and internal transcribed spacers, ITS 1 and ITS 2 of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) repeats of P. vexans.

Electrochemical Sensing, Photocatalytic and Biological Activities of ZnO Nanoparticles: Synthesis via Green Chemistry Route

In this paper, we have successfully synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (Nps) via solution combustion method using sugarcane juice as the novel fuel. The structure and morphology of the synthesized ZnO Nps have been analyzed using various analytical tools. The synthesized ZnO Nps exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue dye, indicating that the ZnO Nps are potential photocatalytic semiconductor materials. The synthesized ZnO Nps also show good electrochemical sensing of dopamine. ZnO Nps exhibit significant bactericidal activity against Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschesichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using agar well diffusion method. Furthermore, the ZnO Nps show good antioxidant activity by potentially scavenging 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The above studies clearly demonstrate versatile applications of ZnO synthesized by simple eco-friendly route.

Superoxide dismutase enzyme and thiol antioxidants in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva

BACKGROUND

The possibility of impaired antioxidant status and so increased oxidative damage in periodontal disease is being conjectured. The present randomized controlled study was carried out with the objective of analyzing the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme and thiol antioxidants in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva as indicators of response to periodontal therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SUBJECTS WERE SCREENED AND RANDOMLY DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS: 23 periodontally healthy controls, 24 with gingivitis, and 23 with periodontitis. Based on the clinical attachment levels, the periodontitis group was further divided into subgroups, including mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis. GCF and saliva samples were collected for estimation of superoxide dismutase and thiol antioxidant concentrations at baseline and 15 days after nonsurgical treatment. Intragroup comparisons were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance (P value <0.05).

RESULTS

Superoxide dismutase was present in greater quantities in the GCF compartment (100.32±3.67 U/0.5 mL) than in saliva (39.99±3.52 U/0.5 mL), with elevated levels in mild and moderate subgroups as compared with severe periodontitis. Thiol concentrations were comparable in these media, 14.43±1.57 micromol /L in GCF and 15.09±2.26 micromol/L in saliva. Following treatment, superoxide dismutase and thiol antioxidant concentrations significantly improved in all the patient groups.

CONCLUSION

The reduction of the inflammatory response following therapy resulted in improved antioxidant profiles in both the GCF and salivary compartments.

A novel cost-effective medium for the production of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis for mosquito control

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) has been used for mosquito-control programmes the world-wide. Indeed, the large-scale production of Bti for mosquito control is very expensive due to the high cost of its culture. In the present study, we attempted to widen the scope in developing cost-effective culture medium for Bti production, based on the raw materials available on the biosphere, including coconut cake powder, CCP (Cocos nucifera), neem cake powder, NCP (Azadirachta indica) and groundnut cake powder, GCP (Arachis hypogea). Among these raw materials, the biomass production of Bti, sporulation and toxin synthesizing from 'CCP' in combination with mineral salt (MnCl(2)) was comfortably satisfactory. Bioassays with mosquito species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti) and field trials were also satisfactory. The present investigation suggests that coconut cake-based culture medium can be used as an alternative for industrial production of Bti in mosquito-control programme. Therefore, the study is very important from the point of effective production of Bti from cost-effective culture medium for the control of mosquito vectors.

Optimization of medium composition for the production of mosquitocidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis

Optimization of chicken feather (CF) based culture medium for the production of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) biomass in combination with the agro industrial by-product (coconut cake, CC) and manganese chloride (MnCl2) has been evaluated. The biomass yield of Bti spore/crystal toxin was highest (12.06 g/L) from the test medium (CF+CC+MnCl2) compared to the reference medium (Luria Bertani, LB). Toxicity assay with Bti produced from the test medium against mosquito vectors (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti) was also satisfactory and results were comparable with bacteria produced from LB. The results suggest that Bti can be produced to the maximum extent possible as a potential mosquitocidal activity as suggested by the test medium (CF+CC+MnCl2).