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Objectives: Solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (SVPTC) is rare, differing from classical PTC (cPTC) in architecture and outcome. We evaluated the cytomorphology of SVPTC cases to assess the feasibility of a preoperative diagnosis. Study Design: SVPTC cases were evaluated for architecture, nuclear features, and Bethesda category and were compared with noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features/follicular variant of PTC (NIFTP/FVPTC), cPTC, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). Results: Nine SVPTCs, 29 NIFTP/FVPTCs, 12 cPTCs, and 4 PDTCs were included. The predominant architecture in most SVPTCs was solid fragment, which is helpful in differentiating them from NIFTP/FVPTC (p < 0.001) and cPTC (p = 0.006) but not from PDTC. The presence of microfollicles led to misinterpretation as NIFTP/FVPTC/follicular neoplasm in 4 patients. All but 1 SVPTC showed diffuse nuclear features. Intranuclear pseudoinclusions (INIs) were seen in 67% of SVPTCs as compared to 83% of cPTCs, 14% of NIFTP/FVPTCs (p = 0.005), and none of PDTCs. SVPTC cases were commonly (78%) categorized as intermediate/suspicious. Conclusions: The presence of solid fragments and lack of true papillae are helpful in differentiating SVPTC from cPTC. Solid fragments, trabeculae, the extent of nuclear features, and INIs should be looked for in cases with prominent microfollicles for distinguishing SVPTC from NIFTP/FVPTC. None of the features were helpful in differentiating SVPTC from PDTC.

To correlate expression of Glypican-3 in Wilms tumor with histopathology, stage, and outcome. Glypican-3 mRNA expression by real-time PCR on tumor and normal germline samples from 75 fresh nephrectomies for Wilms tumor with fold change after normalization against GAPDH was compared. Survival analysis for event-free and overall survival (EFS, OS) with 2-year follow-up for Glypican-3 overexpression (>1.5 times) and clinicopathological parameters was performed. Glypican-3 was overexpressed in 37/75 (49.3%). It was overexpressed in 77% (10/13) cases with blastema predominance or anaplastic histology, as compared to 44% of other histologies (27/62) (p = 0.03). OS was 73 and 93%, respectively (p = 0.016), for those with and without GPC-3 overexpression. EFS was not significantly different with Glypican-3 overexpression (p = 0.11). All 5 deaths among blastema predominant tumors and 4/5 deaths among triphasic tumors had overexpressed Glypican-3. Most deaths in Stage IV, Stage III, and Stage I + II (5/7, 3/3, 1/1) had GPC-3 overexpression. On multivariate analysis, only histology and stage were found to have independent prognostic value. Glypican-3 overexpression in Wilms tumor correlates with poor OS on univariate analysis. However, only histology and stage have independent prognostic value. Glypican-3 levels may help to stratify intermediate outcome histology (triphasic) and Stage III Wilms tumors.

Background Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) of gallbladder is a rare histological subtype of gallbladder carcinoma (CaGB) which presents at an advanced stage and is associated with a poor prognosis compared to the conventional CaGB. This variant has been described mostly as reports or series, except for a single detailed histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Till date, there are no studies describing the cytomorphology of MC in detail. Hence, we undertook this study to analyse the cytomorphological features of MC. Methods A retrospective cytomorphological analysis was performed on MC identified out of all CaGB diagnosed on cytology over a period of last 4 years. The architectural and cellular features were recorded in a structured proforma. Results Thirty-three cases (33/987, 3.3%) were identified as MC. Extracellular mucin >90% was seen only in 3 cases whereas the remaining 30 had 50%-90% mucin. The predominant architectural pattern was tight epithelial fragments (14/33). The tumour cells were mostly of intermediate size (31/33) and had moderate amount of cytoplasm (31/33). Majority of the cases showed moderate nuclear pleomorphism (28/33) and nuclear chromatin was fine granular (17/33) or vesicular (14/33). Most of the cases had single and small nucleoli (26/33). Presence of inflammation composed predominantly of polymorphs was noted in 25 cases. Majority of the cases showed no (15/33) or scant necrosis (13/33). Conclusion The morphological features of MC can very well be demonstrated on cytology. As they are associated with poor prognosis compared to conventional CaGB, cytopathologists should try to document the subtype.

INTRODUCTION Primary lung adenocarcinomas (ADs) show varied architectural patterns, and pattern-based subtyping of ADs is currently recommended due to prognostic implications. Predicting AD patterns on cytology is challenging; however, cytological nuclear features appear to correlate with histological grade and survival in early stage lung ADs. The feasibility and value of AD pattern prediction and nuclear grading on cytology in advanced lung ADs is not known. We aimed to predict patterns and analyse nuclear features on cytology and evaluate their role in prognostication. METHODS One-hundred patients of Stage III/IV lung AD with available matched cytology and histology samples were included. Cyto-patterns based on cell arrangement patterns (flat sheets vs three-dimensional clusters vs papillae) and cyto-nuclear score based on nuclear features (size, shape, contour), nucleoli (macronucleoli vs prominent vs inconspicuous), and nuclear chromatin were determined, and correlated with predominant histological-pattern observed on the matched small biopsy and outcome. RESULTS Higher cyto-nuclear scores were observed with high-grade histo-patterns (solid, micropapillary and cribriform), while the predicted cyto-patterns did not correspond to the predominant pattern on histology in 77% cases. Highest cyto-histo agreement was observed for solid pattern (72%). High grade histo-patterns and cyto-nuclear scores > 3 showed a trend towards inferior survival (not significant). CONCLUSIONS Nuclear grade scoring on cytology is simple to perform, and is predictive of high grade patterns. Its inclusion in routine reporting of cytology samples of lung ADs may be valuable.

Objective The correct identification of fungal organisms is important for the appropriate clinical management of patients. It becomes difficult in necrotic smears when the tissue response is not clearly discernible. It is difficult to distinguish between histoplasma and cryptococcus in severely necrotic cases, where both appear as variably sized clear refractile haloes. Methods Four cases of adrenal necrotic histoplasma infection were studied and the morphology was compared with that of non-necrotic histoplasmosis and cases of cryptococcal infection. Eleven cases were analysed in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) stain was performed to exclude tuberculosis in necrotic smears. A clinical and serology correlation was performed where available. Results Necrotic cases of histoplasma infection revealed negative refractile clear haloes similar to those of cryptococcus. Histoplasma showed methylene blue-stained organisms in ZN stains, whereas the cryptococcus cases were negative. Similar methylene blue-stained organisms were seen in non-necrotic histoplasma infection. Conclusion As a result of morphological overlap between cryptococcus and histoplasma, the distinction between the two fungi can be difficult in many cases. ZN staining appears to have a role in the differentiation of these fungi in severely necrotic cases. This observation needs to be validated on a larger number of cases with complete correlation with clinical, serology and treatment records.

Acute rejection in renal transplant recipients is diagnosed by renal biopsy at an advanced disease stage. There is no modality for sequential monitoring of graft status. We studied the role of urine cytology in predicting acute cellular rejection (ACR) and its ability to correctly diagnose ACR and differentiate it from drug toxicity (DT). Urine samples from 203 renal transplant recipients were studied to determine the cellular composition using cytology and immunocytochemistry for HLA-DR, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and interleukin (IL)-2R. In a 3-month follow-up period, there were 36 episodes of graft dysfunction, of which 28 occurred due to ACR and 8 due to DT. The cytology results showed a significantly increased percentage of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells in samples obtained before and during the clinical manifestations of ACR. A greater level of expression of antigens was observed before and during ACR. The use of IL2-R-, ICAM-1-, and HLA class II-specific monoclonal antibodies gave very high specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive values in diagnosing rejection through urine cytology, suggesting that routine cytology along with immunocytochemistry of urine sediment has clinical potential for early diagnosis and management of ACR and DT.

Studies on Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) genotypes among non-HIV immunocompromised patients from developing countries are rare. In the present prospective investigation, 24 (11.8%) cases were found to be positive for Pneumocystis jirovecii out of 203 non-HIV patients with a clinical suspicion of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) genotype 1 (Thr55+Pro57) was noted in 95.8% P. jirovecii isolates in the present study in contrast to only 4.1% of patients with DHPS genotype 4 (Thr55Ala + Pro57Ser).

A. Nayak, V.K. Iyer and S. Agarwala The cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour on fine needle aspiration: a single institutional experience of 110 cases Objective: To analyse the cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour (WT) on aspirates, the largest series reported to date. Study design: Adequate aspirates from paediatric renal tumours over a period of 17 years were reviewed and selected if subsequent excision showed WT or aspirates were diagnostic for WT and clinical/radiological evidence consistent with that diagnosis. Smears were re-examined for the proportion of components, degree of pleomorphism and mitosis. Results: Of 110 aspirates, smears were triphasic in 44 (40.0%), biphasic (blastema and tubules) in 36 (32.7%) and monophasic (blastema alone) in 30 (27.3%). Stromal predominance was seen in 11 aspirates (10.0%) and five showed rhabdomyoblastic differentiation; all 11 were triphasic. Mean mitotic rate was 9.3/5000 cells (range 4–39/5000). Nuclear atypia not amounting to anaplasia and without atypical mitoses was seen in 15 (13.6%); these presented diagnostic problems. Two aspirates (1.8%) were considered anaplastic (unfavourable), both having atypical mitoses. Criteria similar to histology (i.e. 3-fold or more variation in nuclear size, marked hyperchromasia with bizarre nuclei and atypical mitoses in a biphasic or triphasic aspirate) helped in distinguishing anaplastic WT. Histopathological correlation in 67 cases showed good correlation of blastemal predominance, stromal predominance and anaplastic histology with the corresponding cytology. However, 9/27 (33.3%) triphasic tumours had only blastemal cells on corresponding aspiration because of sampling error. Cytokeratin was positive in 4 of 20 aspirates with blastema alone. Conclusions: Aspirates from WT were triphasic or biphasic in the majority (72.7%), permitting cytological diagnosis, which was improved by cytokeratin immunocytochemistry. Blastemal and stromal predominance on histology correlated well with cytology, but many triphasic tumours showed only blastema on aspiration. Anaplastic WT can be detected on aspirates using criteria similar to histology.

S. Agarwal, R. Gupta, V. K. Iyer, S. R. Mathur and R. Ray Cytopathological diagnosis of alveolar soft part sarcoma, a rare soft tissue neoplasm Objective: Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm, having various morphological mimics, especially on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Because no definite immunohistochemical markers are available to aid a correct diagnosis, knowledge of the cytomorphological features is essential for correct patient management. Cytological features of five cases of ASPS are discussed, along with the ultrastructural findings available in one of them. Methods: Cytology records from 1997 to 2009 were reviewed for cases with a diagnosis of ASPS on cytology. The histology slides of the cases were also assessed for confirmation of the diagnosis. All the slides were reviewed by three pathologists. Results: There were five cases of ASPS diagnosed on FNAC. Their cytological features were noted in detail. The diagnoses in all the cases were confirmed on histology, and ultrastructural findings available in one of them were also assessed. Conclusions: The knowledge of cytological features may aid in diagnosing this rare tumour correctly on FNA smears, thus enabling correct patient management.

Objective Gallbladder neuroendocrine tumours (GB-NETs) are rare and account for 0.5% of all NETs. GB-NETs have an aggressive behaviour, which depends on the tumour grade. The cytomorphological spectrum of these tumours has never been described in detail. The present study evaluates the cytological features of GB-NETs and grades them according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Furthermore, the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) has not been investigated previously in GB-NETs, although found in a subset of extrapulmonary NETs. Methods Twenty cases of GB-NET among 875 gallbladder carcinomas diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) over a period of nearly 4 years were studied. The following parameters were evaluated: architectural pattern, nuclear chromatin, nucleoli, mitoses, necrosis, moulding, apoptosis and smudge cells. Cases were categorized into well-differentiated (grades 1 and 2), small cell carcinoma (SCC) (grade 3) and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Nuclear positivity for TTF-1 was considered as positive. Results Morphologically, tumour cells were mainly arranged in rosettes in the well-differentiated category; sudden anisonucleosis and rare nuclear moulding with or without mitotic figures were other features. Eleven cases of SCC showed prominent nuclear moulding with frequent smudge cells, mitoses, apoptosis and necrosis. Three mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas showed papillary fragments and an acinar arrangement of tumour cells. Four of the nine SCCs in which TTF-1 was evaluated on de-stained smears showed nuclear positivity. Histopathology was available in two SCCs and showed morphology similar to FNAC. Conclusion Cytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of GB-NETs for appropriate subtype characterization, which is necessary for the prognostication of these tumours. TTF-1 may not be used for the differentiation of gallbladder SCCs from pulmonary SCCs.

A female infant born at 34 weeks' gestation after several days of ruptured membranes had a Potter-like face and compression-induced limb posture consistent with oligohydramnios. Oedema developed on day 2; initial investigations showed massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, hyponatraemia, acidosis and marked renal insufficiency. The infant was intubated and despite albumin infusion and intravenous antibiotics she became oligoanuric by day 8 and required haemofiltration. Renal biopsy at this stage showed cystic dilatation of tubules in the cortex and glomerular lesions consisting of shrunken tufts with sclerotic centres and a corona of epithelial cells at the periphery. Due to a very poor prognosis treatment was withdrawn. Postmortem examination of the kidneys confirmed the histological diagnosis of diffuse mesangial sclerosis. Genetic studies found no mutations in WT1 and NPHS1 genes although the entire genes could not be screened for mutations due to lack of DNA.

The influence of 3-methyl-2,6-diphenyl piperidin-4-one (MDPO) and 2-phenyl decahydroquinoline-4-one (PDQO) synthesised in the laboratory on hydrogen permeation and corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1N H2SO4 has been studied using weight loss and various electrochemical AC and DC corrosion-monitoring techniques. Both the compounds inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies clearly reveal that they behave predominantly as cathodic inhibitors. The extent of decrease in hydrogen permeation current through steel surfaces has been studied by the hydrogen electropermeation technique. Double layer capacitance (C dl ) and charge transfer resistance (R t ) values are derived from Nyquist plots obtained from AC impedance studies. The adsorption of these compounds on mild steel surfaces from H2SO4 obeys Temkin’s adsorption isotherm.

Objective To delineate and describe the cytomorphologic features of dermatopathic lymphadenitis on fine needle aspirated material. Study design Thirteen cases of previously diagnosed dermatopathic lymphadenitis (DLN) and 10 cases of reactive lymphadenitis (RLN) (5 each of sinus histiocytosis and follicular hyperplasia) were reexamined by two independent observers. The cytologic features were semiquantitated (0-3+). Histology was available in two cases. Results A variable amount of melanin pigment was seen in all 13 cases of DLN and in only 3 cases of RLN. DLN had large histiocytic collections with blood vessels at the center (12/13). The histiocytic cells had an elongated nucleus (13/13) with nuclear grooves (13/13) and pseudonucleoli (11/13). Many of these nuclei had a convoluted and crumpled appearance (11/13). On immunocytochemistry these cells were S-100 positive (six cases) and CD68 negative (one case). In contrast, in RLN with sinus histiocytosis, the histiocytes were polygonal and had rounded nuclei. Spindle-shaped histiocytes were rare, while pseudonucleoli and nuclear grooves were absent. Sinus histiocytes were CD68 positive and S-100 negative on histologic sections. Tingible body macrophages were rare (2/13) in DLN and prominent (8/10) in RLN. Mitoses were seen in DLN (6/13) and RLN (9/10). Conclusion The morphologic features found to be helpful in the diagnosis of DLN on fine needle aspiration cytology are melanin-laden macrophages with variable pigment; large, histiocytic clusters with blood vessels at the center; characteristic histiocytes, with elongated vesicular nuclei, nuclear grooves, crumpled and convoluted nuclei and pseudonucleoli; and absence of or very few tingible body macrophages. Positivity on immunostaining for S-100 and negativity for CD68 aid in the diagnosis.

The synergistic influence caused by iodide ions on the inhibition of corrosion of mild steel in 0.5M H2SO4 in the presence of n‐hexyl amine (n‐HA) has been studied using potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization and a.c impedance technique. n‐HA accelerates the corrosion of mild steel at lower concentrations but inhibits the corrosion at higher concentrations. The addition of iodide ions enhances the inhibition efficiency to a considerable extent. The adsorption of this compound is found to obey Temkin’s adsorption isotherm. The increase in surface coverage in the presence of iodide ions indicates that iodide ions enhance the adsorption of n‐HA on the metal surface. Defines and evaluates synergism parameter (SI). Values of the parameter which are more than unity indicate the fact that the enhanced inhibition efficiency in the presence of iodide ions is only due to synergism and there is a definite contribution from the inhibitor molecule. n‐HA is then adsorbed by coulombic interaction on the metal surface, where iodide ions are already adsorbed, and thus reduces the corrosion rate.

A new class of corrosion inhibitors, namely, polyamino-benzoquinone (PAQ) has been synthesized and its inhibiting action on the corrosion of mild steel in 1N H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and 1N HCl has been investigated by various corrosion monitoring techniques. A preliminary screening of the inhibition efficiency of the polymer was carried out by self corrosion studies. PAQ is found to behave better in 1N H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} than 1N HCl. Potentiodynamic polarization studies clearly reveal the fact that PAQ is a mixed-type inhibitor. PAQ is able to reduce considerably the permeation current through the steel surface in both the acids. Changes in impedance parameters (R{sub ct} and C{sub dl}) are indicative of adsorption of PAQ on the metal surface leading to the formation of a protective film which grows with increasing exposure time. The adsorption of this polymer is also found to obey Temkin`s adsorption isotherm in both acids thereby indicating that the main process of inhibition is by adsorption. UV spectral studies were also carried out to establish the actual mechanism of inhibition of corrosion.

The formation of polyamino-benzoquinone (PAQ) polymers is important in the context of their ability to bind to metals with sufficient affinity to displace water [1,2]. Such polymer formation occurs spontaneously between amine /d iamines and benzoquinone; firstly, it yields a monosubstituted hydroquinone (H2Q) through 1,4-addition. This has to be reoxidised to monosubstituted benzoquinone (BQ) before it can react with the second amine, again through 1,4-addition. Excess BQ is needed to oxidise the disubstituted hydroquinones that are formed as the chain propagation occurs, the rest being converted to H2Q as waste [3]. Further, the H2Q competes with PAQ in binding to the metal and hence needs to be eliminated. The strategy for enhancing the utilisation of BQ molecules warrants the use of oxidising agents such as calcium hypochlorite which in turn needs a phase transfer catalyst, since PAQ formation is usually carried out in non-aqueous media [4]. For complete utilisation and conservation of BQ, it is worthwhile to consider the oxidation of H2Q itself as a precursor to PAQ synthesis using efficient oxidative methods. To meet this end, we provide here a simple electrochemical approach to prepare PAQ polymers either by (i) incorporating BQ units through the oxidation of H2Q into the preformed conducting polyamine films (using its electroinactive potential region) or (ii) through co-deposition of electro-oxidised diamine leading to growing polyamine chains and H2Q units simultaneously in

BACKGROUND: IGF2 is a tumor suppressor gene at locus 11p15. Many hepatoblastomas have loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at this locus. Earlier studies have not demonstrated any association between LOH and prognosis. Aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of LOH at 11p15.5 in hepatoblastomas. METHODS: DNA was isolated from normal liver and tumor tissue in 20 patients with hepatoblastoma. PCR was performed and cases were classified as LOH present, absent or non-informative. Patients' follow-up data was analyzed using Fischer's exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for relapse-free survival (RFS) in relation to LOH. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics board. RESULTS: All cases were informative for at least one microsatellite marker used. 4 of the 20 cases (20%) had LOH at 11p15.5. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. 5 of 19 patients relapsed (26%). Of 4 patients who had LOH, 3 (75%) relapsed, the time to relapse being 7, 7 and 9 months, respectively. Of the 15 cases without LOH, 2 (13.3%) relapsed. 4 patients had mixed epithelial and mesenchymal histology; 3 of them had LOH. The 2 groups with and without LOH were well matched. The RFS for patients with LOH (n=4) was 13% (mean survival time [MST]: 8.7 months; 95CI 6.7-10.7), while the RFS for cases without LOH (n=15) was 75% (MST: 100.7 months; 95CI 74.5-126.8). CONCLUSION: Mixed epithelial and mesenchymal histology is more frequently associated with LOH on chromosome 11p15.5 than pure epithelial histology. LOH on chromosome 11p15.5 is associated with a significantly increased incidence of relapse and a significantly shorter relapse-free survival in patients with hepatoblastoma. The risk of relapse is higher and the RFS lower both in standard-risk and high-risk patients with hepatoblastoma if they demonstrate the presence of LOH at 11p15.5.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm, having various morphological mimics, especially on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Because no definite immunohistochemical markers are available to aid a correct diagnosis, knowledge of the cytomorphological features is essential for correct patient management. Cytological features of five cases of ASPS are discussed, along with the ultrastructural findings available in one of them.Cytology records from 1997 to 2009 were reviewed for cases with a diagnosis of ASPS on cytology. The histology slides of the cases were also assessed for confirmation of the diagnosis. All the slides were reviewed by three pathologists.There were five cases of ASPS diagnosed on FNAC. Their cytological features were noted in detail. The diagnoses in all the cases were confirmed on histology, and ultrastructural findings available in one of them were also assessed.The knowledge of cytological features may aid in diagnosing this rare tumour correctly on FNA smears, thus enabling correct patient management.

Clear cell sarcoma (CCSK) of the kidney is an uncommon but distinctive pediatric renal tumor with a characteristic histological pattern and marked propensity for bone metastasis. The rare anaplastic variant constitutes about 3% of cases of CCSK and carries an unfavorable prognosis, with increased tumor recurrence and resistant to chemotherapy. This variant show high frequency of p53 gene mutation and p53 over expression in comparison to the usual CCSK. We present a case of anaplastic variant of CCSK in an 10-year-old boy with both cytologic and histologic features, highlighting the importance of recognizing this rare entity.

The cytological features of variants of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT) are sparsely documented in the literature from case reports. Detailed cytomorphological analysis of MCT variants and features helping to distinguish them from usual MCT are presented here.A total of 78 aspirates with a diagnosis of MCT over a period of 10 years were re-evaluated. Cytomorphological details were reviewed and semiquantitatively analysed. Histology slides were reviewed in 36 cases.Most aspirates showed classical features of dispersed polygonal or plasmacytoid cells with areas of spindling. In 54 aspirates, a definite cytological diagnosis of medullary carcinoma was made, which in 87.1% was based on cytomorphology alone and in 12.9% was based on immunocytochemistry for calcitonin. In 30.1% of aspirates from MCT, a guarded report of tumour was given in the absence of calcitonin immunocytochemistry. Of the 78 cases, nuclear grooves were seen in 5.1%, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions in 28.2%, cytoplasmic granularity in 23.1% and bizarre cells with abrupt anisocytosis in 85.9%. A follicular arrangement was seen in 14.1% and was more frequent in the follicular type (one case) and mixed follicular and medullary carcinoma (one case). Melanin production was seen in aspirates from two cases. One case of the giant cell type of MCT was seen, in which background cells showed large pleomorphic nuclei and numerous bizarre tumour giant cells, prompting a differential diagnosis with anaplastic carcinoma. One example each of the small cell type, paraganglioma-like MCT and papillary MCT were seen.MCT has uniform cytological features in the majority of aspirates, including many of the histological variants. Searching for pigment in every aspirate of MCT may be rewarding. The giant cell type of MCT is rare and has to be differentiated from anaplastic carcinoma.

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of infantile haemangioendothelioma of the liver (IHL) has not previously been described because routine use of FNAC is contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding.Two patients presented with progressively increasing right upper quadrant abdominal mass. The index case was a girl aged two and a half years with a large single mass in the right lobe of the liver. The second was a 3-month-old girl in whom ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic lesions in the liver. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration had been performed on both patients. May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained smears from these two patients were reviewed and correlated with histopathology.Both aspirates showed predominantly normal hepatocytes and bile ductules amongst which tumour cells were admixed. The latter were oval to spindle-shaped with scant cytoplasm and wavy, kinked and indented nuclear outlines. The non-epithelial character of the tumour cells was apparent and helped to rule out hepatoblastoma. One case showed extramedullary haemopoiesis. The diagnosis of IHL was established on subsequent excision in the first case and a wedge biopsy in the second case. CD34 and factor VIII R antigen were positive in the tumour cells.Radiological diagnosis of IHL is possible in a majority of cases, but sometimes features may overlap with hepatoblastoma and fine needle aspiration may be performed inadvertently. Characteristic kinked nuclei and intermixed normal liver tissue might suggest IHL in the differential diagnosis of a spindle cell vasoformative tumour.

To analyse the cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour (WT) on aspirates, the largest series reported to date.Adequate aspirates from paediatric renal tumours over a period of 17 years were reviewed and selected if subsequent excision showed WT or aspirates were diagnostic for WT and clinical/radiological evidence consistent with that diagnosis. Smears were re-examined for the proportion of components, degree of pleomorphism and mitosis.Of 110 aspirates, smears were triphasic in 44 (40.0%), biphasic (blastema and tubules) in 36 (32.7%) and monophasic (blastema alone) in 30 (27.3%). Stromal predominance was seen in 11 aspirates (10.0%) and five showed rhabdomyoblastic differentiation; all 11 were triphasic. Mean mitotic rate was 9.3/5000 cells (range 4-39/5000). Nuclear atypia not amounting to anaplasia and without atypical mitoses was seen in 15 (13.6%); these presented diagnostic problems. Two aspirates (1.8%) were considered anaplastic (unfavourable), both having atypical mitoses. Criteria similar to histology (i.e. 3-fold or more variation in nuclear size, marked hyperchromasia with bizarre nuclei and atypical mitoses in a biphasic or triphasic aspirate) helped in distinguishing anaplastic WT. Histopathological correlation in 67 cases showed good correlation of blastemal predominance, stromal predominance and anaplastic histology with the corresponding cytology. However, 9/27 (33.3%) triphasic tumours had only blastemal cells on corresponding aspiration because of sampling error. Cytokeratin was positive in 4 of 20 aspirates with blastema alone.Aspirates from WT were triphasic or biphasic in the majority (72.7%), permitting cytological diagnosis, which was improved by cytokeratin immunocytochemistry. Blastemal and stromal predominance on histology correlated well with cytology, but many triphasic tumours showed only blastema on aspiration. Anaplastic WT can be detected on aspirates using criteria similar to histology.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is difficult to diagnose on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Detailed descriptions about the cytomorphological features of ALCL are few and do not illustrate the various categories of cells, which we have done in this study.Eight FNAC specimens from seven patients with biopsy-proven ALCL over a period of 6 years were reviewed. Cytomorphological details were analysed and the various cell types identified were enumerated on Papanicolaou and May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG)-stained smears.Of the seven cases, five were of conventional type, one of the lymphohistiocytic variant and one of the small cell variant. Aspiration from the conventional type showed a mixed population of lymphoid cells with many plasma cells. The tumour cells were intricately admixed within and distributed as single cells without grouping. Distinct hallmark cells, doughnut cells, embryo cells, tennis racket cells, cells with wreath-like nuclei, Reed-Sternberg-like cells and nondescript cells were seen. Nucleoli were rounded, occasionally tubular in shape. The tumour cells showed abundant blue cytoplasm on MGG stain with a perinuclear hoff. Aspiration from the lymphohistiocytic and small cell variants showed a small number of similar characteristic giant cells. All cases were confirmed as ALK-1 positive.The morphological spectrum of ALCL is wide and it may be misdiagnosed as a metastatic poorly differentiated malignant tumour on FNAC. Identification of unusual giant cells on FNAC helps in establishing a diagnosis on an early lymph node biopsy.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is a distinct variant of renal cell carcinoma. It is important to identify this entity because it has a significantly better prognosis than clear cell (conventional) renal cell carcinoma. We report the case of a 56-year-old male who presented with 10 days history of painless hematuria. There was no palpable swelling or systemic symptoms. On radiological examination the possibility of a right renal neoplasm was considered. Ultrasound guided aspiration was done and cytological features of ChRCC were noted. In addition, numerous foci of calcification were seen, which was an unusual cytological feature for ChRCC. The characteristic cytomorphology of ChRCC makes it possible to render a preoperative diagnosis on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). We report the case to emphasize the importance and possibility of diagnosing of ChRCC on cytology. In addition, the extensive calcification as seen in our case is an unusual cytological finding not previously reported in cytology smears. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:647–650. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Silver stained Nucleolar Organiser Region (AgNOR) counting is a well established method of estimating the proliferative activity of a tumour. Their utility in prognostication in Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) has not been fully investigated. We analysed hundred cases of NHL, all of which had a minimum of two and a half years of follow up, using histology by International Working Formulation (IWF) and their AgNOR scores. We found the IWF grading to have a good correlation with the outcome. The two and a half year survival for low grade NHL was 90 percent, for intermediate grade NHL was 47 percent and for high grade NHL was 30 percent. AgNOR scores correlated well with IWF grading and classification, with average AgNOR score of 1.82 (SD 0.34) in low grade NHL; 4.47 (SD 2.25) in intermediate grade NHL and 7.07 (SD 4.40) in high grade NHL. Over histology, AgNOR counting yielded additional prognostic information only in the diffuse small cleaved cell NHL (DSC), where finely dispersed NORs were seen. Of the 22 case of DSC included, 11 cases with AgNOR scores less than three had a much better outcome with 75 percent survival at two and a half years. Cases of DSC with AgNOR scores greater than three had a significantly worse outcome with only 25 percent survival at two and a half years (p=0.0103). Such sub-stratification could not be done in any other catergory of NHL using AgNOR scores. Thus, counting of AgNORs in lymphomas with finely dispersed NORs as in DSC is of prognostic value.

A 3 1/2-month-old male infant presented with cholestatic jaundice. Peroperative cholangiogram showed a gall bladder and small but patent extrahepatic bile ducts. Liver histology showed paucity of interlobular bile ducts. The child is being treated medically for his symptoms.

To evaluate the utility of cytomorphologic features and DNA ploidy estimation in fine needle aspirates (FNAs), from Wilms' tumors for prognostication.Twenty-three cases of Wilms' tumor having FNA and follow-up data were selected. Cytomorphology was analyzed by two observers. DNA ploidy was determined in 19 cases by image cytometry by destaining Papanicolaou-stained slides and restaining with Feulgen stain. Various parameters and patient outcomes were compared, and statistical evaluation was done.Poor outcome (12/23 cases) was associated with age2 years (P = .01), severe pleomorphism of blastemal cells (4/23 cases, P.05), very large nucleoli (5/23 cases, P = .075), atypical mitosis (6/23 cases, P = .032) and aneuploidy/tetraploidy of tumor cells (6/29 cases, P = .005). Term unfavorable cytology is proposed when a combination of severe pleomorphism, very large nucleoli and atypical mitosis is seen in FNA smears. Four Wilms' tumor FNAs were characterized as showing unfavorable cytology, and all had a poor outcome (P = .0351). Three of the six cases with aneuploid/tetraploid features also showed unfavorable cytology.Unfavorable cytology and aneuploidy/tetraploidy in FNA smears of Wilms' tumor are associated with a poor prognosis.

Fluorodinitroethanol (FDNE) is a basic building block for energetic plasticizers and binders. Without compromising thermal stability, FDNE provides greater energy content than dinitropropanol, which has been used in large quantities for manufacture of plasticizers. However, the current production cost limits use of FDNE to special applications, and there is a need for a new, low cost production method. Readily available, inexpensive FDNE and derivative compounds could be used to improve the performance of rocket propellants and explosives. Fluorodinitroethanol (FDNE) has been produced without the use of elemental fluorine. Nitration of 1,2-dichlorodifluoroethylene gave chlorofluoronitroacetic acid, which was converted to chlorofluoronitrosomethane with red fuming nitric acid and water. Oxidation of the nitroso compound gave chlorofluorodinitromethane, which was reduced to FDNE with iodide in the presence of formaldehyde.

Background: Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP) caused by an opportunistic agent Pneumocystis jirovecii is one of the most serious respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients including HIV infected individuals. Enormous gaps still exist in understanding the basic biology of the organism and epidemiology of PCP due to nonavailability of an appropriate propagation system. In the present study, we carried out molecular detection of the organism using two multicopy and one single copy gene. Further genotypic study was performed on some of the isolates to assess the genotypes. Methods: From November 2005 to October 2006, 114 different respiratory specimens were collected from 90 patients with various underlying conditions and a clinical suspicion of PCP. PCR was done for three independent gene loci including two multicopy i.e. Major Surface Glycoprotein (MSG) and mitochondrial Large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA) and one single copy, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region Results: Single round MSG and mtLSUrRNA PCR showed 9 positive isolates. External round of ITS PCR detected 6 cases while only nested round could detect all 9 cases. On applying nested PCR for mtLSUrRNA and ITS PCR we detected 5 additional cases. We further sequenced six isolates for mtLSUrRNA gene. Different genotypes of Pneumocystis were distinguished by identifying polymorphisms at position 85 and 248 of mtLSUrRNA. Two genotypes i.e. type 2 (5/6) and 3, (1/6) were observed among the six isolates. Also, one of our previous isolate showed genotype 1. Conclusion: Thus, among multicopy genes, MSG and mtLSUrRNA appears to be equally sensitive while in case of single copy ITS a nested PCR assay is required. In our present study, genotype 2 was more frequently detected (5/7), followed by type 3 and 1(1/7) and a prospective study with large number of patients is being carried out in our centre to address this issue. To our knowledge this is the first study from South Asia describing genotypes of isolates of P. jirovecii .

The high dependence of conventional optimal filtering methods on the a priori knowledge of the signal and noise statistics render them ineffective in dealing with signals whose statistics cannot be predetermined accurately. Adaptive filtering methods offer a better alternative, since the a priori knowledge of statistics is less critical, real time processing is possible, and the computations are less expensive for this approach. Adaptive filtering methods compute the filter coefficients "on-line", converging to the optimal values in the least-mean square (LMS) error sense. Adaptive filtering is therefore apt for dealing with the "unknown" statistics situation and has been applied extensively in areas like communication, speech, radar, sonar, seismology, and biological signal processing and analysis for channel equalization, interference and echo canceling, line enhancement, signal detection, system identification, spectral analysis, beamforming, modeling, control, etc. In this review article adaptive filtering in the context of biological signals is reviewed. An intuitive approach to the underlying theory of adaptive filters and its applicability are presented. Applications of the principles in biological signal processing are discussed in a manner that brings out the key ideas involved. Current and potential future directions in adaptive biological signal processing are also discussed.