Cytopathology

Impression cytology is a simple and painless procedure that allows the collection of the superficial layers of the conjunctival epithelium. Each sample is assigned a grade of epithelial metaplasia, and goblet cell density is calculated in each one. We have studied the superior and temporal bulbar conjuctiva of dry eyes and have compared it with that of normal controls. In normal and dry eyes we find a statistically significant difference both in goblet cell density and grade of metaplasia, between superior and temporal bulbar conjunctiva. the differences in grade of metaplasia and goblet cell density between normal and dry eyes are significant in the superior conjunctiva, but in the temporal conjunctiva we only find significant differences in grade of metaplasia.

Anatomical pathology is a key contributor in present day medicine, and it still stands as a gold standard for quality control ingeneral healthcare and in biomedical research. This essay covers a brief reflection over the quality control of anatomical pathology itself.

Oral cancers are malignant neoplasms that affect the tissues of the mouth. Eventually, the multi-stage transformation of oral mucosal cell to a malignant one has been attributed to the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, some of the biological agents (oral lichen planus, Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus), poor oral hygiene, age, gender, familial pre-disposition, changing food pattern, diet and modern life style. A progressive gross alteration in the form of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, benign and malignant tumors is characterized by pleomorphic cytological alteration. Being nucleus is the genetic store-house of the cell, any alteration at nuclear level leads to nuclear anomalies in general and the genetic components in particular. The frequency of micronucleation, multinucleation, anisonucleosis and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of the mucosal cells also increases from premalignant to malignant individuals. The most formidable drastic genotoxic effects in the form of pyknosis (ink-dot nucleus), karyorrhexis and karyolysis have also been observed in the exfoliated cytosmears of oral cancer patients. Presence of these nuclear anomalies indicates malignancy. The least number of cytological atypias and nuclear anomalies were found in the alcoholic group as compared with the other groups. The frequency of atypias and nuclear anomalies were observed to be in increased state from lower (30-49 years) to higher age groups (60-79 years). In a nut-shell, the multi-factorial effects are proved to be time-dose-dependent. More and longer the exposure, greater is the risk of malignant transformation and shorter is the survival expectancy.
Key words: Aetio-pathology, atypia, carcinogenesis, nuclear anomalies, pleomorphism

... Mallow et al. 10, 42, Peritoneal effusion, Ut 8-week size, nodularity post-fornix, Yes, Rt breast mass −5 cm, LN+ (3 years), Ad Ca cw lobular Ca, Post-fornix – cw lobular Ca, Multifocal invasive lobular Ca, MRM+CT+. Vadmal et al. ... Vadmal et al. ...

In our Pathology Department, fine needle aspiration (FNA) of palpable thyroid nodules is performed by cytopathologists who ensure correct sample management and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Conversely, ultrasound (US)-guided FNAs have traditionally been carried out by endocrinologists and radiologists in outside clinics, where the presence of a cytopathologist is not always feasible. To overcome this limitation, cytopathologists have started to perform US-guided FNAs themselves. This study retrospectively evaluates 1 year of this novel practice. A total of 2225 US-guided FNAs were performed in our clinic by cytopathologists, whereas 1490 aspirates were taken by a group of non-cytopathologists. Among these, 756 FNAs were taken by a single experienced endocrinologist. The distribution of the Bethesda classification categories was evaluated in each of these groups. FNAs performed by cytopathologists were more often diagnostic and better prepared than those taken by non-cytopathologi...

Squash is considered as one of the most important crops in Egypt and worldwide. Zucchini
yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV) is considered as one of the most important viruses infects squash.
We used the biological, serological and cytopathological studies to identify an Egyptian isolate of
ZYMV. Results showed that the Egyptian isolate of ZYMV showed systemic symptoms in the form
of severe mosaic and vein banding on Cucurbita pepo cv. Eskandarani under open field conditions.
Direct antigen coated (DAC)-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal
antibodies was used as a diagnostic tool for detecting ZYMV in the virus-infected C. pepo samples.
It showed positive reactions with ZYMV antiserum. Filamentous virus-like particles measuring
750X13 nm was successfully purified from ZYMV-infected squash plants, based on the use of
polyethylene glycol and ultracentrifugation. The electron microscope of ultrathin sections of virusinfected
leaf tissues revealed the presence of cylindrical inclusions as pinwheels, laminated
aggregates and scrolls in the cytoplasm of cells infected with ZYMV. In addition, disorganization of
plastids, nucleus and mitochondria in the virus-cells infected was also observed. In addition, the
nucleotide of CI gene of the viral isolate under investigation was determined and its similarities to
some overseas isolates were addressed.

Aim: To assess the feasibility of triaging VIA (Visual inspection with Acetic Acid) positive women with a test with higher specificity, either Pap or HPV DNA test (Human Papilloma Virus) in the same sitting at community level. This strategy if successful shall prevent unnecessary referrals to tertiary care in resource constrained settings and also increase the programmatic yield. Objective: To investigate, whether the 5% acetic acid, used in VIA screening will compromise the cellularity of Pap test or results of HPV DNA test. Materials/ Methods: Fifty women were randomised to either HPV test arm or Cytology test arm. The 25 women in HPV DNA arm underwent a HPV DNA HC2 test before and five minutes after application of 5% acetic acid. In cytology arm 25 women underwent Pap test before and five minutes after application of 5% acetic acid. Conclusions: According to results of this study, 5% acetic acid affected the cellularity of cytology smears and may affect interpretation of dysplastic smears. HPV DNA test results remained unaffected by acetic acid. These results suggest that HPV HC2 may perhaps be a better triage test for VIA positive women. But this needs confirmation with a larger sample size. These findings are extremely crucial in the scenario that National Cancer Control Programme in many low-income countries including India are adopting VIA based screening and there is unavailability of resources to handle the large number of false positives emerging from positive VIA test.

HBME-1 is an anti-mesothelial cell monoclonal antibody derived from human mesothelioma cells. We investigated 227 body cavity effusions to test its utility in differentiating mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma. HBME-1 outlined cell membranes in non-neoplastic mesothelial cells. Thick surface staining was observed on all mesotheliomas. HBME-1 reactivity was also detected in 24% of metastatic carcinomatous effusions. Most ovarian carcinomas (83%) reacted with this antibody, showing surface staining. Cytoplasmic HBME-1 immunoreactivity was observed in a small proportion of non-ovarian adenocarcinomas (14%). Despite its limited specificity, HBME-1 might be added to the battery of other markers of epithelial and/or mesothelial differentiation to be used in cases of suspected mesothelioma. Evaluation of suspicious cells should include careful study of the pattern of immunostaining.