Background: This study aims to find out the expression of aberrant immunophenotypic markers in acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and to co-relate its expression with cytogenetic and molecular data.Methods: Retrospective cum prospective study was carried out in 75 patients of ALL who presented to Apollo Gleneagles hospitals, Kolkata from January 2014 and March 2019. Flow cytometry analysis was done using FC500 (Beckman coulter) All cases were classified according to latest WHO classification.Results: Out of 75 cases of ALL, 23 cases (30.67%) showed aberrant cross-lineage expression. Amongst the B-ALL cases, the most common aberrant antigen expressed were myeloid antigens 17 cases (77.27%). Aberrant T- antigens were noted in 4 cases (18.10%). Aberrant co-positivity of myeloid as well as T-antigens was seen in 1 case (4.54%). The most common aberrant myeloid antigen expressed was CD33 (77.7%) followed by CD13 (22.2%) and then CD15 (11.1%). Co-positivity of CD13 and CD33 was noted in 2 cases. CD2 and CD33 co-positivity was noted in 1 case. The most frequently expressed aberrant T-antigen was CD2 seen in 3 out of 5 cases (60%).Conclusions: In B-ALL, the most common aberration was myeloid antigen positivity followed by cross-lineage T-antigen expression. Aberrant CD33 expression was most frequently associated with t(9;22) followed by t(12;21).  Aberrant CD15 was most frequently associated with t(4;11).  No association with adverse hematological parameters or any significant increase in cytogenetic and molecular abnormality was noted in cases expressing aberrant antigen in comparison to cases not expressing aberrant antigens.

Background Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis (KIN) is an uncommon cause of chronic interstitial nephritis that eventually progresses to end-stage renal disease. Overall less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. Case presentation We describe an asymptomatic 25-year-old gentleman with a family history of chronic interstitial nephritis who came to check the status of his kidney functions. On evaluation, he was found to have chronic interstitial nephritis which could not be attributed to a specific etiology. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of KIN. Conclusion KIN remains underdiagnosed. It is important to recognize this entity because of the familial nature, a wide range of differential diagnoses, and prognostic implications. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to perform renal biopsy which remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of KIN.

No abstract

There is a vast difference in the status of women in the medical field in India as compared to the West. However, much progress has been made in the past two decades at least in the urban areas. There is a tremendous disparity in the rural and urban areas when it comes to the number of women who enter this field. The urban areas are almost on par with the western standards at present. Despite having so many women who are leaders in the field, the situation in rural India remains desolate. Many hopes are dashed and much talent is wasted as societal interference, early marriages, and poor socio-economic status make it extremely difficult for the women in the semi-urban and rural areas to enter this lengthy and endurance-testing field. The patriarchal nature of the society, ancient customs, and inability to adapt to modern times are some of the common reasons that so few women enter this field.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Background:Head and neck cancers account for about 30% of all cancers in India. The incidence rates of HNSCC in India are30/1, 00,000 for males and 10/1, 00,000 for females. The commonly used treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Studies conducted in different types of cancers showed that there is anincreased primary DNA damage even before the commencement of treatment in cancer patients.The treatment modality will further induce DNA damage in addition to the already existing DNA damage.In normal healthy people, DNA damage is effectively repaired. However, in patients with carcinoma, chemo-radiation induced DNA damage is not repaired so effectively. Consequently, there is a high risk of secondary carcinoma by unrepaired damaged DNA.Methodology:In this study, the degree of DNA damage is assessed by comet assay technique in patients with head and neck carcinoma receiving radiotherapy and had complete regression of tumor following radiotherapy. The degree of DNA damage is compared according to the age, gender and associated risk factors of the patients.Results:The comet length parameter of post-RT sample is increased when compared to baseline sample. The head diameter parameter of post-RT sample is increased when compared to baseline sample. The percentage of DNA in head parameter of post-RT sample is decreased when compared to baseline sample. The tail length parameter of post-RT sample is increased when compared to baseline sample. All these findings are indicative of DNA damage following radiotherapy. Consequently, there is a high risk of secondary carcinoma by unrepaired damaged DNA.Conclusion:Patients with locally advanced head and neck carcinoma with complete tumor response following radiotherapy showed a sequential increase in the DNA damage. The co-existing risk factors and old age may increase the baseline DNA damage in the patients with head and neck cancers.