Clear cell ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas: a case report and review of the literature

We present a unique carcinoma of the pancreas with predominantly clear cell morphology (>95% clear cells). Mucicarmine stain revealed abundant intraluminal and intracytoplasmic mucin. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for the epithelial markers cytokeratin 7 and CAM 5.2, and were focally positive for cytokeratin 20. These cells also expressed monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen. Stains for the neuroendocrine markers synaptophysin and chromogranin were negative, as were stains for vimentin, p53, HMB-45, and CD10. An additional outstanding feature was the presence of dense intraluminal and intracytoplasmic hyaline globules, which were immunohistochemically positive for alpha1-antitrypsin. Sequencing of the K-ras oncogene revealed a point mutation in codon 12, providing molecular evidence of ductal origin. In the proper morphologic context supported by immunohistochemistry, clear cell carcinoma can be regarded as a rare variant of ductal adenocarcinoma.     

3-MHPG as a non-predictor of antidepressant response to imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy

The urinary excretion of 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenyl-glycol, (3-MHPG) was measured in 20 unipolar depressed patients before treatment with imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to investigate the relationship between pretreatment urinary excretion of 3-MHPG and clinical response. There was no difference in 3-MHPG excretion for depressed patients and controls. There was no significant difference between the mean percentage reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Scores in "low" and "high" excretors of 3-MHPG in the imipramine and ECT group of patients after four weeks of treatment.     

Formulation and evaluation of novel tableted chitosan microparticles for the controlled release of clozapine

Controlled release formulations of clozapine microparticulated tablets were prepared by using chitosan. Microparticles were characterized for particle size and size distribution. Microparticles were compressed into tablets using the directly compressible excipients. SEM photographs of the fractured part of the tablet revealed the presence of discrete particles in the tablets, suggesting that the system chosen is ideal for tableting. Drug release from the tableted microparticles exhibited an initial burst effect, but the release decreased with increasing extent of cross-linking. Tablets were coated with chitosan or cellulose acetate, which significantly lowered the initial burst effect when compared to uncoated tablets. Drug release from chitosan-coated tablets was slightly higher than the tablets coated with cellulose acetate. Tablets prepared were effective in delivering clozapine over a period of 12?h.     

Recurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy despite immune recovery in two HIV seropositive individuals

We present two cases of recurrent progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients with long standing virally suppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and normal CD4+ T cell count who were taking stable regimens of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This has significant implications for other patients with a past history of PML, not just those with HIV but also those on medications such as natalizumab or fumarates.     

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Currently, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both...     

Electrochemical performance of nano-sized LiFePO4-embedded 3D-cubic ordered mesoporous carbon and nitrogenous carbon composites

Herein, we report a single-step synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance of nano-sized LiFePO₄ (LFP)-embedded 3D-cubic mesoporous carbon (CSI-809) and nitrogenous carbon (MNC-859) composites. Furthermore, in order to investigate the effects of both CSI-809 and MNC-859 on the electrochemical characteristics of LFP, a systematic study was performed on the morphology and microstructure of the composites, viz., LFP/CSI-809 and LFP/MNC-859, using XRD, FE-SEM, FT-Raman, and BET surface area analyses. Among these composites, LFP/MNC-859 exhibited better electrochemical performance with higher specific capacity and rate capability as compared to those of LFP/CSI-809. In addition, even after 100 cycles, LFP/MNC-859 retained 97% of its initial discharge capacity at 1C rate. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the nano-sized LFP-embedded MNC-859 can be attributed to the conductive nitrogenous carbon and mesoporosity, which facilitate electrolyte diffusion, and improved conductivity of the advanced LFP-nitrogenous porous carbon matrix.

Nano-sized LiFePO₄-embedded nitrogenous ordered mesoporous carbon composite cathode facilitate electronic conductivity and significantly enhances Li-ion diffusion and retains 97% of the initial discharge capacity at 1C rate even after 100 cycles.