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A study to assess the uranium exposure due to ingestion of groundwater in Fatehabad district of Haryana has been carried out. Total 49 drinking water samples were collected from different locations of the district. Two groundwater tests taken near the power plant site exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended threshold limit of 30 μg L−1 (WHO in Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 4th edn, World Health Organization, Geneva, pp 1–564., 2011). The average radiological and chemical toxicity risks are below recommended limit. Because of their high organ sensitivity, babies are found to have the highest annual effective dose among the several life stage groups for which it was estimated. Positive correlations were found between the content of uranium in groundwater samples and EC, TDS, salinity, redox potential, and dissolved oxygen whereas a negative connection with pH has been noted. Organ-specific dosage resulting from uranium ingestion has been investigated using the hair compartment model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive elements have coexisted in our environment and the health risks assessment for humans associated with the presence of these radioactive elements in the environment is necessary. This study was conducted in the Mansa district of Punjab for estimating the health risks to the people living in the region. 22 Soil and water samples from collected from various locations in the district. The range of Ra, Th and K in the soil samples varied from 28.09 Bq/kg to 55.91 Bq/kg, from 23.32 Bq/kg to 79.64 Bq/kg and from 189.22 Bq/kg to 425.58 Bq/kg, respectively. Doses to different organs have been calculated and ultimately Expected lifetime cancer risk varies from 0.79 × 10−3 to 1.46 × 10−3 for indoor and 0.08 × 10−3 to 0.15 × 10−3 for outdoor which is well below the safe limit of 3.5 × 10−3. The average concentration of Uranium in groundwater samples is found to be 37.95 µg/L, which is above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard limit of 30 µg/L. But the values of Life time average daily dose (LADD) and Hazard quotient (HQ) is found to be below the standard limit by WHO. Bones are found to be the most affected organ followed by Kidneys from the study of organ specific doses. The study suggests more intense detailed survey of Mansa district by increasing the number of sampling sites and correlate it with the other water and soil quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil and uranium concentration in groundwater samples collected from Sikar, Rajasthan were estimated for dosimetric purposes. Uranium content in 48 groundwater samples measured using LED fluorimeter, ranged from 0.50 µg L−1 to 93.41 µg L−1. Uranium concentration in 27% groundwater samples exceeded the safe limit (30 µg L−1) advocated by WHO and USEPA. Radio- toxicity quantified as 'Excess Cancer Risk' and chemo-toxicity as 'Lifetime Annual Daily Dose' and 'Hazard Quotient' exhibited minor concerns. The mean activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K content in soil samples determined using NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer were 50.28 Bq kg−1, 34.16 Bq kg−1 and 587.45 Bq kg−1, respectively. Health risk assessment due to radiation exposure form soil was carried out considering indoor/outdoor environmental conditions and age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular graft infection with its morbidity and mortality has tormented the world of vascular reconstruction overlong. India despite carrying a sizable burden of patients requiring vascular reconstruction has minimal research on the subject. We attempted to chronicle clinical profiles, symptom variability, risk factors, prophylactic measures, and various therapeutic options extended to patients with vascular graft infection, in this medical record-based case series analysis, of a decade (years 2010–2020), of patients presenting with vascular graft infections. Statistical comparison was done with chi-square and Fisher's exact probability test. A total of 70 patients presented with vascular graft infection, 92.9% men and 7.1% women (mean age of 58 SD 11.8 years). Diabetes and coronary artery disease were the commonest comorbid conditions (24.7% each). The most common site of infection was the groin, and femoropopliteal bypass graft was the most infected segment (48.5%). The average time interval from index surgery to presentation with infection was 308 days. Early graft infection was seen in 60% patients, with extra-cavitary graft infections manifesting earlier than others. Local symptoms with discharging sinuses and cellulitis were common clinical presentations. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated (31.4%). A total of 58.5% patients underwent graft explantation and 40% were managed conservatively. Incidence of infection in patients who underwent immediate post-operative re-intervention was statistically significant when compared with Bunt's classification (P value < 0.05). The distribution of incidence of post-operative infection differed significantly across various sites and the type of graft material used (P value < 0.05). Prosthetic vascular grafts provide unparalleled benefit to a patient in maintenance of life and limb. Our Indian experience of a decade when summed up reflects that extra-cavitary graft infections express early and anatomical predisposition of the groin makes femoropopliteal segment the worst affected in VGI. Remote infections and re-interventions are hidden caveats of VGI. Apt to say that "Aegrescit medendo"—"the cure is worse than the disease"—holds good for vascular graft infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability of scarce Indian data on endovascular management of aortic aneurysms contrived this study which was aimed to assess and analyse the surgical outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in the Indian population. Data of 180 patients of a single centre was analysed to ascertain surgical outcomes of this cohort. Aortic aneurysms showed a male predilection with majority of the cohort > 60 years old. Smoking was prevalent amongst patients (80%), and the two genders showed near identical smoking profile. Most of the patients had incidental presentation of the disease. On univariate logistic analysis, CAD (OR = 6.22; 95% CI 1.00–38.70, p = 0.047) and pain with induration at the operated site (OR = 27.82; 95% CI 2.97–260.37, p = 0.004) were significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Statistical analysis between number of existing comorbidities of the patient and post-operative pain and induration at the access site revealed a positive corelation (AAA: c2 value = 4.243; p value = 0.515; TAA: c2 value = 28.847; p value = 0.0001*) as did the analysis with SSI (AAA: c2 value = 2.732; p value = 0.741; TAA: c2 value = 14.653; p value = 0.012*). Incidence of surgical site infection was significantly higher in patients who had access site hematoma at 24 h (p value 0.001). A well-defined institutional protocol can prevent development of spinal cord ischaemia and decrease morbidity and mortality associated with existing cardiac comorbidities which otherwise lead to a poorer outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Warfarin-induced skin necrosis” is a rare complication, with a reported incidence of 0.01–0.1%. Initiation of warfarin therapy causes a transient procoagulant state which must be balanced with heparin therapy, else the procoagulant state leads to microthrombi formation which can cause skin necrosis, amongst other complications. We present one such case of a 63-year-old gentleman, who had presented to a hospital with right lower limb claudication and was offered anticoagulation with oral warfarin which led to blackish discoloration of the right lower limb. It was thought as acute limb ischemia (Rutherford class III), and he was offered a trans-tibial amputation. He, on being evaluated at this vascular surgery center, was diagnosed as “warfarin-induced skin necrosis,” with right femoro-popliteal artery segment occlusion. He was managed with an autologous vein bypass, skin debridement, and a soft tissue coverage using a split thickness skin graft. This deceptive yet well-established condition of warfarin therapy carries a high degree of morbidity and should be promptly addressed to minimize the associated morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the long evolution of world surgery, split-thickness skin grafting has distinguished itself as an age-old clinical tool utilised for soft tissue coverage. However, the scanty endorsement of return of protective tactile sensations in these split-thickness skin grafts seems mired between therapeutic subservience and clinical necessity. The objective of this study was to evaluate recovery of tactile protective sensations in split-thickness skin grafts. A total of 100 patients were recruited for the study. Prospective analysis of demographics, pre- and post-operative variables was done to evaluate the return of tactile sensations by two-point discrimination and cotton touch. Males represented 69% of the patients with a mean age of 49.04 (± 16.34) years. Early recovery of two-point discrimination at the periphery of the split-thickness skin graft was observed in 1 week in 23.9% and cotton touch in 61.4% of patients. Over a follow-up period of 1 year, 60% patients had recovery of two-point discrimination and 92.8% for cotton touch. The return of sensation at the centre of the graft was delayed and at 1-year follow-up, 67% developed tactile sensations. The rate of change of two-point discrimination with respect to time was significant (F = 5.74, P = 0.018). Delayed recovery of sensations was observed in patients who developed graft bed oedema or had a scarred graft bed. The encouraging early return of tactile sensation furnishes the split-thickness skin graft with a protective capability against shear, often offered as a reason for graft loss in contemporary wisdom. The findings of a delayed return in a scarred and oedematous graft bed can be expressed as clinical underpinnings and these observations should expand the myriad uses a split thickness skin graft can be put to in soft tissue coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary glandular tumors of the urachus and urinary bladder are an intriguing group of clinically and morphologically diverse neoplasms for which there have been recent refinements in diagnostic subclassification and advances in molecular pathology. In addition, the urachus and urinary bladder may be secondarily involved by tumors with glandular differentiation that demonstrate remarkable morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular overlap. Thus, surgical pathologists need to be aware of the broad differential diagnosis of glandular tumors that involve the urachus and urinary bladder and have a practical diagnostic framework to evaluate these lesions in routine clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the salient clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of glandular tumors of the urachus and urinary bladder, including mucinous cystic tumors of the urachus, noncystic urachal adenocarcinomas, urothelial carcinomas with glandular or pseudoglandular features, primary urinary bladder adenocarcinomas, and Müllerian-type carcinomas, highlighting the strengths and limitations of various diagnostic features and ancillary tests, as well as the need for close clinical and radiographic correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking water samples of Jaipur and Ajmer districts of Rajasthan, India, were collected and analyzed for the measurement of concentration of heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of the heavy metals in the drinking water. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the determination of the heavy metal concentrations, and for the statistical analysis of the data, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed. It was observed from the results that with respect to WHO guidelines, the water samples of some locations exceeded the contamination levels for lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg), and with reference to the EPA guidelines, the samples were determined unsuitable for drinking because of high concentrations of Pb and Hg. Using multivariate statistical analysis, we determined that copper, manganese, arsenic, Se, and Hg were of anthropogenic origin, while Pb, copper, and cadmium were of geogenic origin. The present study reports the dominance of the anthropogenic contributions over geogenics in the studied area. The sources of the anthropogenic contaminants need to be investigated in a future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) with overlapping histomorphologic features poses diagnostic challenges. This is exemplified in RCCs with eosinophilic cytoplasm that include eosinophilic solid and cystic RCC (ESC RCC), RCCs in germline aberrations of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes mutated (TSC RCC) individuals, and other RCC subtypes. We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to molecularly profile seven ESC RCC tumors. Mutational and copy number analysis of NGS data revealed mutually exclusively somatic bi-allelic loss of TSC1 or TSC2 genes—both negative regulators of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in 85% (6/7) of evaluated cases. Thus, lack of germline TSC aberration in matched non-neoplastic renal parenchyma distinguishes ESC RCC from TSC RCC. Immunohistochemistry data shows mTOR pathway activation in all tumors, thus supporting a pathognomonic role for TSC aberrations in ESC RCC. Our study clarifies the molecular identity of ESC RCC, provides basis for the revision of current RCC classification, and may guide future therapeutic strategies. Patient summary Molecular characterization of eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinomas (ESC RCC) revealed recurrent and mutually exclusive somatic homozygous loss of tuberous sclerosis complex family genes. This observation provides greater insight into the unique biology of this novel type of tumor and potentially expands the therapeutic options for ESC RCC patients. Take Home Message Next generation sequencing characterization of eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinoma revealed mutually exclusive, somatic, bi-allelic loss of either TSC1 or TSC2 , a pattern distinct from the morphologically similar tuberous sclerosis complex renal cell carcinoma, in which the Knudson's two-hit in tumor suppressor genes always includes a germline component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a critical need for improved prognostic discrimination in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) given the increasing awareness that some patients may be managed with active surveillance, while others with higher-risk disease might benefit from adjuvant therapy following surgery. Objective To determine whether a multigene proliferation signature predicts long-term oncologic outcomes in surgically resected RCC. Design, setting, and participants The cell cycle proliferation (CCP) score was determined after radical nephrectomy for localized clear cell, papillary, or chromophobe RCC in 565 patients. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary end point was disease-specific mortality (DSM), and disease recurrence was a secondary end point. Association with outcomes was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards survival analysis. The CCP score was compared with the Karakiewicz nomogram, and a composite (R-CCP) score was developed. Results and limitations A total of 68 patients (12%) recurred and 32 (6%) died of disease within 5 yr of nephrectomy. The CCP score was an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.09) and DSM (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.53–4.04) after adjusting for clinical variables using the baseline nomogram. The composite R-CCP score gave a Harrell's concordance index of 0.87 and stratified patients into low- ( n = 338) and high-risk ( n = 202) categories with 99% and 84% cancer-specific survival probabilities, respectively ( p < 0.001). Conclusions The CCP score is a significant, independent predictor of long-term oncologic outcomes in patients who have undergone nephrectomy for RCC. Combining the molecular classifier with baseline clinical variables allows for accurate, patient-specific risk assessment for use in guiding clinical management. Patient summary In this study, we sought to understand how well gene expression information from individual kidney tumors can predict cancer recurrence and death following surgical removal. We found that the combination of the gene expression test and clinical characteristics provides an accurate prognostic assessment to help inform clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Novel method based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for n– $\gamma $ discrimination in high radiation flux is presented. We investigated the behavior of higher order wavelets from different families such as the Daubechies family, symlets, and coiflet type wavelets for pulse shape discrimination. A DWT-based average pulse analysis of neutron and $\gamma $ -ray pulses suggests less sensitivity of db2, db3, sym4, and coif1 wavelets over the widely used Haar wavelet and the charge comparison method for the pile-up events. The DWT method with proposed wavelets is applied to a mixed radiation field at an energy threshold of 500 keVee obtained from an americium–beryllium source exposed to BC501 liquid scintillator which was coupled to a 12-b digital oscilloscope with sampling rate of 2.5 GSamples/s. The proposed wavelets require a short processing gate and are more suitable when applied to high count rate measurement with large fraction of pile-up events in the data set. Furthermore, these wavelets are very stable toward the variation in the width of processing gate in DWT. This feature is very helpful in the optimization of processing gate for the real-time applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular and morphologic interrogation has driven a much-needed reexamination of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Indeed, the recently released 2016 World Health Organization classification now recognizes 12 distinct RCC subtypes, as well as several other emerging/provisional RCC entities. From a clinical perspective, accurate RCC classification may have important implications for patients and their families, including prognostic risk stratification, targeted therapeutics selection, and identification for genetic testing. In this review, we provide a conceptual framework for approaching RCC diagnosis and classification by categorizing RCCs as tumors with clear cytoplasm, papillary architecture, and eosinophilic (oncocytic) cytoplasm. The currently recognized 2016 World Health Organization classification for RCC subtypes is briefly discussed, including new diagnostic entities (clear cell papillary RCC, hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC-associated RCC, succinate dehydrogenase-deficient RCC, tubulocystic RCC, and acquired cystic disease-associated RCC) and areas of evolving RCC classification, such as transcription elongation factor B subunit 1 (TCEB1)-mutated RCC/RCC with angioleiomyoma-like stroma/ RCC with leiomyomatous stroma, RCC associated with anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement, thyroidlike follicular RCC, and RCC in neuroblastoma survivors. For each RCC subtype, relevant clinical, molecular, gross, and microscopic findings are reviewed, and ancillary studies helpful for its differential diagnosis are presented, providing a practical approach to modern RCC classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long noncoding RNA SChLAP1 is overexpressed in a subset of prostate cancers (PCa), and high SChLAP1 expression by in situ hybridization (ISH) independently predicts biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Importantly, although biochemical recurrence is a significant clinical outcome, it is not a validated surrogate for PCa-related mortality. Thus, we evaluated the association between SChLAP1 expression and development of lethal PCa in a large cohort of American men with PCa and long-term follow-up. SChLAP1 ISH was performed on tissue microarrays containing representative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded PCa tissue from all patients and scored using a semiquantitative method (ISH score range 0–400). Hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between SChLAP1 expression and time to development of lethal PCa were estimated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Of the 937 patients evaluated, 89 (9.5%) had high SChLAP1 expression (ISH score ≥100), which in patients treated with radical prostatectomy was strongly associated with development of lethal PCa independent of age, Gleason score, pathologic stage, and PTEN status (HR 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.1). These results suggest that SChLAP1 may be a useful tissue-based biomarker for identifying PCa patients at higher risk of lethal progression. Patient summary We examined expression of the RNA molecule SChLAP1 in a large group of prostate cancer patients with long-term follow-up and found that patients with high SChLAP1 expression had a significantly higher chance of developing lethal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphates show a variety of applications in different fields such as forensic science, solid state lighting, dosimetry and in medicine, etc. Here the use of calcium based phosphate materials is represented for luminescence applications particularly in photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) as they show these fascinating properties. There are a variety of phosphate materials such as orthophosphates, and pyrophosphates developed with various methods of synthesis and activated with different dopants and are being continuously widely explored. Now the current researchers are showing interest in searching the materials which exhibit good PL properties to be used in SSL devices (solid state lighting) and which are also tissue equivalent TL materials for their capability in detecting ionizing radiations even of very low dose, for their use in medical dosimetry. So in this work review of tissue equivalent calcium based phosphate materials for luminescence applications (i.e. TL, PL) is reported mainly. • Investigation of luminescence properties of Ca based phosphate materials. • Ca based phosphates are tissue equivalent materials which facilitates their suitability to be used in radiation therapy using ionizing radiations. • Reviewed that Ca based phosphate phosphors can be activated with different activators for their application in solid state lighting devices (SSL) such as LEDs. • Investigating effect of ionizing radiations and ion beams on luminescence properties of Ca based phosphate materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentration of radon ( 222 Rn), thoron ( 220 Rn) and their decay products in environment may increase the risk of radiological exposure to the mankind. The 222 Rn, 220 Rn concentration and their separate attached and unattached progeny concentration in units of EEC have been measured in the dwellings of Muktsar and Mansa districts of Punjab (India), using Pin-hole cup dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors (DTPS/DRPS). The indoor 222 Rn and 220 Rn concentration was found to vary from 21 Bqm −3 to 94 Bqm −3 and 17 Bqm −3 to 125 Bqm −3 . The average EEC (attached + unattached) of 222 Rn and 220 Rn was 25 Bqm −3 and 1.8 Bqm −3 . The equilibrium factor for 222 Rn and 220 Rn in studied area was 0.47 ± 0.13 and 0.05 ± 0.03. The equilibrium factor and unattached fraction of 222 Rn and 220 Rn has been calculated separately. Dose conversion factors (DCFs) of different models have been calculated from unattached fraction for the estimation of annual effective dose in the studied area. From the experimental data a correlation relationship has been observed between unattached fraction ( f p R n ) and equilibrium factor ( F Rn ). The present work also aims to evaluate an accurate expression among available expression in literature for the estimation of f p R n . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Results from various studies indicate that the presence of certain heavy metals such as aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) may enhance the aggregation of Aβ and oxidative stress levels leading to neuronal toxicity and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies also reveal that anomalous brain copper-cholesterol (Cu-Ch) homeostasis may lead to memory deficits in Swiss albino mice. Objective: The present study investigates the anti-amnesic potential of clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodoquinolin-8-ol) in cognitive deficits associated with experimental dementia induced by Cu-Ch. Materials and methods: Administration of Cu-Ch {0.21 mg/kg, per os - 2% w/v, per os for 8 weeks} was used to induce dementia in Swiss albino mice. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to assess the effect on learning and memory. A battery of biochemical estimations was performed following the MWM test such as brain-reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activity, and serum cholesterol levels. Results: Administration of Cu-Ch produced a marked decline in MWM performance measured during the acquisition (78.9 ± 3.3) and retrieval trials (9.5 ± 2.4), reflecting impairment of learning and memory. Cu-Ch-treated mice also exhibited a marked accentuation of AChE activity (5.8 ± 0.55) and TBARS levels (9.74 ± 1.9) along with a decline in the GSH level (15.4 ± 3.3) and the SOD level (26 ± 2.5) when compared with the untreated control group. Administration of clioquinol significantly attenuated Cu-Ch-induced memory deficits and biochemical alterations. Discussion and conclusion: The findings demonstrate memory restorative ability of clioquinol which may be attributed to its anti-cholinesterase, antioxidative, and cholesterol-lowering potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health hazards of the radioactive gas radon on the humans are well known. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. The 'can technique' using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors have been used for the measurement of radon exhalation rate in soil samples from areas of northern Rajasthan, India. The radon exhalation values were calculated in terms of mass (E) and area (E). The mass exhalation rate in these samples vary from 8.27 to 23.19 mBq kg h with an average of 14.96 mBq kg h, whereas, surface exhalation rate vary from 273.80 to 768.04 mBq m h with an average of 495.32 mBq m h. The radium concentration ranges from 6.88 to 19.31 Bq kg with an average value of 12.45 Bq kg. The observed values of effective radium concentration in all the soil samples are less than the permissible value of 370 Bq kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Hence, the result shows that this area is safe as for as the health hazard effects of radium and radon exhalation rate are concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effort has been made to find possible relationships of indoor radon levels with building construction materials, ventilation condition of dwellings and soil gas radon levels. Indoor radon measurements were made using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films and the concentrations were estimated by knowing the track density of films through optical microscope. Soil gas radon levels were measured using RAD7, an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company, USA. This study sheds light on the seasonal indoor radon activities in Rajasthan dwellings. Maximum values of the indoor radon concentration were observed during the winter and minimum during the summer season. Results show that ventilation rate is inversely proportional to radon level. Highest level of indoor radon concentration was found in the mud type dwellings compared with dwellings made of concrete, cement and marble. A positive correlation (R = 0.45) between indoor radon and soil gas radon concentration was observed. A weak positive correlation (R = 0.22) was observed between soil gas radon concentration and radium content in soil. Indoor radon concentration was found to be associated with the presence of radon concentration in local soil, building material used for roof, floor and walls, type of ventilation conditions and presence of cracks on the walls/floor. Positive correlation between indoor and soil gas radon concentration suggest the large contribution of local soil towards indoor radon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To review our experience with metastases to the kidney in surgical pathology material. Methods and results The clinicopathological features of all metastases to the kidney in surgical pathology cases between May 1987 and May 2013 at our institution were reviewed. Autopsy cases were excluded. Forty-three cases (16 nephrectomies, 25 biopsies, and two fine needle aspirations) were included; the primary malignancy was diagnosed prior to/concurrently with the metastasis in nearly all cases. Common primary sites included the lung, breast, female genital tract, and head and neck; the majority were carcinomas. A primary renal tumour was suspected prior to the pathological diagnosis in 35% of cases. Unusual features included: common unilateral (77%) and unifocal (70%) involvement, lack of other distant organ metastases (37%), >10 years between primary and metastasis diagnoses (19%), lack of a discrete mass (5%), and renal vein extension (19% of resections). The most common dilemma was excluding urothelial or high-grade renal cell carcinoma; however, metastases from the thyroid commonly mimicked low-grade renal cell carcinomas. Conclusions In surgical pathology material, metastases to the kidney most commonly present as solitary unilateral masses, and in a substantial subset of cases mimic a primary renal tumour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--While biopsies are now increasingly being performed for the diagnosis of renal cortical neoplasms, the influence of the rendered pathological diagnoses on the clinical management is only rarely documented. Objectives.--To report our experience with consecutively performed renal biopsies and the potential impact of the diagnosis on subsequent clinical management. Design.--Material from needle biopsies performed consecutively at our institution between 2006 and 2011 was reviewed. The influence of the reported pathology results on the clinical management was determined from patient follow-up medical record review. Results.--In total, 218 percutaneous biopsies for renal masses were performed during this period. Among them, 181 (83%) yielded neoplastic tissue, including 81 clear cell renal cell carcinomas, 29 low-grade oncocytic neoplasms, 7 papillary renal cell carcinomas, 5 clear cell papillary renal cell carcinomas, 5 angiomyolipomas, and 14 urothelial carcinomas. Fourteen additional cases (6%) contained lesional material from clinically known nonneoplastic processes, for a total diagnostic yield of 89%. Twenty-three (11%) were nonrepresentative of lesional tissue. In 10 of these, repeat biopsies or resections established the diagnosis of renal tumors. Biopsy diagnosis was confirmed in 29 of 30 cases (97%) on subsequent nephrectomy. Following the biopsy diagnosis, there were significant differences in the clinical management; overall, 79% of clear cell renal cell carcinomas received therapeutic interventions, and 17% were put on active surveillance. In contrast, 77% of the benign or low-grade lesions were put on active surveillance. Conclusions.--Accurate and specific diagnosis can be rendered on renal core biopsy in most renal tumors, and the biopsy diagnosis can have a definitive role in their clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging class of oncogenic molecules implicated in a diverse range of human malignancies. We recently identified SChLAP1 as a novel lncRNA that demonstrates outlier expression in a subset of prostate cancers, promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and associates with lethal disease. Based on these findings, we sought to develop an RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for SChLAP1 to 1) investigate the spectrum of SChLAP1 expression from benign prostatic tissue to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and 2) to determine whether SChLAP1 expression by ISH is associated with outcome after radical prostatectomy in patients with clinically localized disease. The results from our current study demonstrate that SChLAP1 expression increases with prostate cancer progression, and high SChLAP1 expression by ISH is associated with poor outcome after radical prostatectomy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer by both univariate (hazard ratio = 2.343, P = .005) and multivariate (hazard ratio = 1.99, P = .032) Cox regression analyses. This study highlights a potential clinical utility for SChLAP1 ISH as a novel tissue-based biomarker assay for outcome prognostication after radical prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indoor air and soil gas radon measurements are simultaneously performed in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh using RAD7, a solid state alpha detector. The study is performed for the estimation of radon level and annual effective dose for indoor air. Different locations are selected and it is found that the variation of radon concentration in indoor air and soil gas in Hamirpur region ranges from 35Bqm−3 to 956Bqm−3 and 35 to 2280Bqm−3 having mean values 189.43Bqm−3 and 462.56Bqm−3 respectively. From indoor air, the total annual effective dose is calculated and it varies from 0.88mSvy−1 to 24.09mSvy−1 with mean value of 4.77mSvy−1. In general, it is found that the annual effective dose limit was within the recommended reference level (3mSvy−1to 10mSvy−1) of the world organisations. A good correlation between radon concentration in air and soil gas is observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are measured in building material and soil samples collected from different locations of Una, Himachal Pradesh, India. The collected soil samples and building materials are analysed using NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometry. The activity concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples varies from 36.4 to 51.9, 9.3 to 26.1 and 1361.0 to 1732.4Bqkg−1, respectively but in building material it varies from 27.8 to 236.0, BDL to 146.1 and 1059.6 to 1582.9Bqkg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose and hazard index are also calculated for the assessment of radiological risk. The concentration of radionuclides depends upon the rock formation and chemical properties within the earth. The average radium equivalent activity from the soil samples and building material is 177.6 and 201.1Bqkg−1. The concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the collected samples is higher than the world average concentrations of 35, 30 and 400Bqkg−1, respectively. This study is important to generate a baseline data for radiological mapping of the study area in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radioactivity of nuclides 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was measured in soil by γ -ray spectrometry using a HPGe detector. A criterion was set in order to analyse soil samples from plain, semi-hilly and hilly areas in northern India. More than three γ -ray energy peaks were used for the determination of 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations to obtain more accurate results. Some of these peaks have interfering energies, which was caused by the limited resolution of the detector, but they were resolved theoretically and used in the analysis because of their significance in reducing the random error to its minimum level. Relationships between the measured radionuclides have been discussed elaborately. Radionuclides 238U and 226Ra were found in disequilibrium with ratio of specific activities ( 238U/226Ra) less than unity for most of the samples. In some cases this disequilibrium may be significant enough to modify the γ -ray dose factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Naturally occurring radon 222Rn in indoor air is a significant cause of lung cancer and the houses are an important exposure location due to the large proportion of time spent at home. The indoor radon measurements have been carried out in some of the dwellings belonging to different villages of Fatehbad and Hisar districts of Western Haryana. LR-115 Type II plastic track detectors in bare mode were used for the measurement of indoor radon concentration for over a period of one year. The calculated annual average indoor radon concentration values vary from 126.3 Bq m−3 to 172.1 Bq m−3 with an average value of 145.21 Bq m−3, which is less than the recommended action level (200–300 Bq m−3). The values of annual effective dose vary from 2.16 mSv to 2.94 mSv which is less than the lower limit of the recommended action level (3–10 mSv). The measured values of lifetime fatality risk vary from 1.67 to 2.27 with an average value of 1.92. The winter to summer ratio calculated for the studied dwellings ranges from 0.86 to 2.15 with an average of 1.46. The results indicate that the indoor radon concentration is higher in winter season than in the summer season. An attempt has also been made to find a correlation between the ventilation conditions and the measured values of indoor radon concentration. In most of the cases the radon values are less in well ventilated houses than partially/poorly ventilated houses. The measured indoor radon concentration values for the studied area are on the higher side than the world average of 40 Bq m−3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes are notable for multiphasic antigenic variation of polymorphic outer membrane lipoproteins, a phenomenon responsible for immune evasion. An additional role in tissue localization is suggested by the finding that isogenic serotypes 1 (Bt1) and 2 (Bt2) of the RF spirochete Borrelia turicatae, which differ only in the Vsp they express, exhibit marked differences in clinical disease severity and tissue localization during infection. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we used known vsp DNA sequences encoding for B. turicatae and Borrelia hermsii Vsp proteins with variable regions and then studied whether there are differences in disease expression and tissue localization of their corresponding serotypes during mouse infection. For sequence and structural comparisons we focused exclusively on amino acid residues predicted to project away from the spirochetes surface, referred to as the Vsp dome. Disease severity and tissue localization were studied during persistent infection with individual or mixed serotypes in SCID mice. The results showed that all Vsp domes clustered into 3 main trunks, with the domes for B. turicatae Vsp1 (BtVsp1) and BtVsp2 clustering into separate ones. B. hermsii serotypes whose Vsp domes clustered with the BtVsp1 dome were less virulent but localized to the brain more. The BtVsp2 dome was the oddball among all and Bt2 was the only serotype that caused severe arthritis. Conclusion/Significance: These findings indicate that there is significant variability in Vsp dome structure, disease severity, and tissue localization among serotypes of B. hermsii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fission track registration technique was used for the analysis of uranium concentration in water samples. A known volume of the water (one drop) was dropped on the lexan sample. All the samples were enclosed in an aluminum capsule and irradiated with thermal neutrons in the reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India with a thermal neutron fluence of about (nvt). Uranium content in water samples of the study area ranges from 5.41 to . The values of uranium concentration in water samples of these areas are lower than those reported for water samples of Himachal Pradesh, India. The aim of the present investigations is to explore the possibility of uranium prospection and health risk assessments in areas of Malwa region of Punjab. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite efforts to profile prostate cancer, the genetic alterations and biological processes that correlate with the observed histological progression are unclear. Using laser-capture microdissection to isolate 101 cell populations, we have profiled prostate cancer progression from benign epithelium to metastatic disease. By analyzing expression signatures in the context of over 14,000 'molecular concepts', or sets of biologically connected genes, we generated an integrative model of progression. Molecular concepts that demarcate critical transitions in progression include protein biosynthesis, E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family transcriptional targets, androgen signaling and cell proliferation. Of note, relative to low-grade prostate cancer (Gleason pattern 3), high-grade cancer (Gleason pattern 4) shows an attenuated androgen signaling signature, similar to metastatic prostate cancer, which may reflect dedifferentiation and explain the clinical association of grade with prognosis. Taken together, these data show that analyzing gene expression signatures in the context of a compendium of molecular concepts is useful in understanding cancer biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression profiling of clinically obtainable tumor specimens has been hindered by the need for microgram quantities of RNA. In vitro transcription (IVT)--based amplifications are most commonly used to amplify small quantities of RNA for microarray analysis. However, significant drawbacks exist with IVT-based amplification, and the need for alternative amplification methods remains. Herein, we validate whole transcriptome amplification (WTA), an exponential amplification technique that produces cDNA libraries and amplified target in 3 to 4 hours from nanogram quantities of total RNA using a combination of cDNA microarrays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We demonstrate that WTA material can serve as a "molecular archive" because a WTA cDNA library can be faithfully amplified through multiple rounds of PCR amplification, allowing it to serve as a bankable and distributable resource. To demonstrate applicability, WTA was combined with laser capture microdissection to profile frozen prostate tissues. Unlike most IVT-based and exponential amplification techniques, WTA does not depend on the presence of a poly-A tail. Thus, we demonstrate that WTA is compatible with artificially degraded RNA and RNA isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Taken together, WTA represents a versatile approach to profile and archive cDNA from minute tumor samples and is compatible with partially degraded RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indoor radon measurements in 105 dwellings belonging to 21 villages of Muktsar and Ferozepur districts of Malwa region, Punjab, have been carried out, using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films in the bare mode. The annual average indoor radon value in the study area varies from 76.25 to 145.50Bqm−3, which is well within the recommended action level [ICRP, 1993. Protection against radon at home and work. Annals of ICRP, ICRP Publication, p. 65]. Seasonal variation of indoor radon shows high values in winter and low values in summer. The winter/summer ratio of radon concentration has been computed for all 105 dwellings. The winter/summer ratio of indoor radon ranges from 0.84 to 1.89 with an average of 1.46. The indoor radon values obtained in the present investigation are more than the world average of 40Bqm−3 [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radionuclides predominantly contribute to the radiological and chemical doses incurred by human beings. Among numerous radionuclides, uranium stands out as the primary contributor to human exposure, raising concerns on a global scale. The presence of radionuclides in groundwater presents a notable health risk to individuals consuming the water and the surrounding environment. Groundwater samples collected from various locations in the Nawanshahr and Rupnagar districts of Punjab, India, underwent analysis to estimate uranium levels. The concentration range in the studied areas varied from 11.98 to 67 μg l−1. The study disclosed the retention of uranium in various organs and tissues, including the kidneys, liver, skin, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and urinary bladder. Time-dependent studies indicated a non-saturation behavior of uranium in bones, liver, kidneys, and other soft tissues. Dosimetric models were employed to calculate radiological doses for specific organs and assess chemical toxicity, forming a crucial component of a comprehensive health risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural radioactivity levels, radon exhalation rates, and radiation doses in soil and cement samples taken from the area around the Kasimpur thermal power plant in Aligarh, India, are examined in this particular study. The average radon activity was 112.57 Bq m−3, with a range of 62.85–165.71 Bqm−3. The range of surface and mass exhalation rates was 0.87–2.29 mBq kg−1 h−1 and 22.59–59.57 mBq m−2 h−1, respectively. 361 ± 1.79–7.09 ± 1.87 Bq kg−1, 298.15 ± 49.67–351.30 ± 54.03 Bq/kg, and 40K showed activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranging from 9.38 ± 2.22 to 14.22 ± 2.65 Bq kg−1, respectively. Radium equivalent and external hazard index levels were within acceptable ranges. The study gives important information on the radiological properties of soil and cement samples, which is required for analyzing environmental and health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the concentrations of uranium and heavy metals in drinking water samples from Garhwal Himalaya, India determined using LED Fluorimeter and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), respectively. The radiological (carcinogenic) and chemical (non-carcinogenic) risks associated with the consumption of uranium in water were estimated for the public. The concentrations of natural uranium in the analyzed drinking water samples vary from 0 to 21.57 ppb with a mean value of 1.54 ppb. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the analyzed drinking water samples were found to be in the order of iron (3.99 ppm) > zinc (0.32 ppm) > copper (0.04 ppm) > nickel (0.01 ppm) > chromium and lead (Below Detection Level). The estimated risk quantities were found to be lower than World Health Organization (WHO) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guideline values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to assess the accumulation of radon gas in the indoor environment of a test village in Tehri Garhwal, India. Radon gas accumulation was estimated from the radon exhalation rate, radium content in the soil, and radon concentration in indoor air. The measured and estimated radon concentrations in the indoor environment were observed to vary from 31 ± 25 to 177 ± 56 Bq/m3 (arithmetic mean = 69 Bq/m3) and 48 to 272 Bq/m3 (arithmetic mean = 108 Bq/m3), respectively. The results of this study may be helpful in understanding the behaviour of radon transport and its accumulation in enclosed spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the activity concentration of radioactive nuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in different types of rocks in the lesser Himalayan mountainous region in Jammu and Kashmir, India have been measured using Sodium Iodide and High purity germanium detectors. The advanced smart RnDuo monitor was utilized for assessing radon and thoron exhalation rates and the results vary from 14.82 to 37.85 mBqkg−1 h−1 and 124–372 mBqm−2 s−1 respectively. The radium equivalent activities of the studied samples have been calculated to assess the radiation hazards arising due to the use of these rocks in the construction of dwellings. All the rock samples have radium equivalent activities lower than the limit set in the OECD report (370 Bq Kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indoor radon measurements in 60 dwellings belonging to 12 villages of Sirsa, Fatehbad and Hisar districts of western Haryana, India, have been carried out, using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films in the bare mode. The annual average indoor radon value in the studied area varies from 76.00 to 115.46Bqm−3, which is well within the recommended action level 200–300Bqm−3 (). The winter/summer ratio of indoor radon ranges from 0.78 to 2.99 with an average of 1.52. The values of annual average dose received by the residents and Life time fatality risk assessment due to variation of indoor radon concentration in dwellings of studied area suggests that there is no significance threat to the human beings due to the presence of natural radon in the dwellings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare occurrence where haematopoietic stem cells migrate and proliferate outside of the bone marrow. This study examines the presence of EMH in renal neoplasms and finds that it is an under-recognized phenomenon. The study gathered 20 cases of primary renal neoplasms with intratumoural EMH elements, such as erythroid and myeloid precursors and megakaryocytes. The presence of EMH in renal neoplasms may aid in accurate diagnosis and prevent overgrading of these tumors. The exact causes of EMH in solid tumors are uncertain, but potential explanations include the migration of immune regulatory cells, erythropoietin production, intratumoural haemorrhage, and certain chemotherapies. [Extracted from the article]

This study summarizes the seasonal experimental data on the activity concentrations of indoor 222Rn (Radon), 220Rn (Thoron) and their progeny in Mansa and Muktsar districts of Punjab (India) using LR-115 solid state nuclear track detector based time integrated pin-hole cup dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors for the assessment of radiological dose. The indoor 222Rn concentration was observed higher in the rainy and winter seasons while 220Rn concentration was observed higher in the winter season. However, Equilibrium Equivalent Concentrations (EECs) of 222Rn and 220Rn exhibited distinct seasonal behaviour unlike their parent nuclides. The average equilibrium factors for 222Rn (FRn) and 220Rn (FTn) were found 0.47 ± 0.1 and 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively. The annual arithmetic means of unattached fractions of 222Rn (fpRn) and 220Rn (fpTn) were found to be 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.10 ± 0.02, respectively. The attachment rate (XRn) and attachment rate coefficients (β) of 222Rn progeny were also calculated to understand the proper behaviour of progeny species in the region. A new alpha flux based technique has been proposed and used for the assessment of absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose rate for radiation protection purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to assess dose received by individual tissues or organs of human beings from the exposure of indoor radon (Rn-222), thoron (Rn-220) and their progeny concentrations using single entry pinhole dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS). The deployment of dosimeters were carried out in 75 dwellings across Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India. Annual and seasonal activity concentrations were monitored based on which dose distribution to various tissues and organs were assessed. The estimated average annual effective dose of the study area is 0.8 mSvy−1, which is lower than the ICRP recommended limit of 4 mSvy−1 (at work place) and 14 mSvy−1 (for residential buildings) (International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in Radiological protection against radon exposure, ICRP, Stockholm, 2018). Consequently, indoor radon may pose no health risk to the local population of the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation represents the annual effective dose received due to ingestion and inhalation of radon present in drinking water. As radon itself contributes 3–14% towards the total proportion of lung cancer (WHO in Handbook on indoor radon. A public health perspective, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2009). The samples were taken from Sri Ganganagar region of Rajasthan province in India to calculate radon concentration and thereby to study the health risk. Total 100 water samples were taken from different sources of water which have been classified into two different categories as underground water and surface water sources. In-situ measurements of Rn-222 concentration was carried out using scintillation based radon monitor. The values of Rn-222 concentration were found to lie between 0.13 ± 0.04 and 3.74 ± 0.26 BqL−1 with mean value of 0.92 ± 0.12 BqL−1. These values are far below the maximum contamination level of 100 BqL−1, recommended by WHO, 2004 (Guidelines for drinking-water quality, WHO, Geneva, 2004). The ingestion and inhalation doses have been calculated for infants, children and adults from the derived radon concentration. The calculated doses are below the recommended level of 100 µSvy−1 (World Health Organisation in Guidelines for drinking water quality. Health criteria and other information, WHO Press, Geneva, 2003). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of radionuclides is very important in our daily life as these impose health implications to the general public. In present study the estimation of radionuclides in Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Kashmir Province using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer has been carried out. Radium, thorium, and potassium activity concentrations have been observed to range from 25±3 to 33±5 Bqkg−1, 3±2 to 11±3 Bqkg−1 and 415±63 to 601±80 Bqkg−1with average values of 29 Bqkg−1, 5 Bqkg−1 and 514 Bqkg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) for the soil samples has been evaluated and was found in the range of 107 to 128 Bqkg−1 with the mean value of 116 Bqkg−1. It has been inferred that the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) lies in the permissible limits of 370 Bqkg−1 set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Absorbed dose and annual effective dose (indoor and outdoor) values were found to vary from 34 to 43 nGyh−1, 0.17 to 0.21 mSv and 0.04 to 0.05 mSv, respectively. Also, hazard indices (external and internal) are calculated from the specific concentration of radium, thorium and potassium which are found less than unity as recommended by organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD). Therefore, it can be concluded that the present study area does not pose any health implication to the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays for the detection of chromosomal rearrangements involving TFE3 and TFEB are considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of MiTF family altered renal cell carcinoma (MiTF-RCC). We reviewed 801 clinical TFE3 / TFEB FISH assays performed at our tertiary-level institution between 2014 and 2023 on kidney tumors suspicious at the morphologic or biomarker level for MiTF aberrations. Methods We summarized and analyzed clinical information, TFE3 / TFEB FISH results, and available biomarker staining results in a cohort of 453 consecutive kidney tumor cases suspicious for MiTF-RCC. Results In total, 61 of 434 (14%) kidney tumors were confirmed for TFE3 translocation; 10 of 367 cases (2.7%) were confirmed for TFEB translocation. Since TFEB amplification interpretation was implemented in our service line, 20 of 306 cases (6.5%) were diagnosed with TFEB amplification. Importantly, TFE3 and TFEB rearrangements were never co-detected within the same kidney tumor. Patients with TFEB amplification were significantly older (P <.001) than patients with TFE3 or TFEB translocation. Kidney tumors with TFEB amplification were seen to be at least 3 times as common as those with TFEB translocation. Conclusions Clinical TFE3 / TFEB FISH assays successfully identified and confirmed rare MiTF-RCC with TFE3 and TFEB rearrangements. Although morphologic and biomarker features associated with a kidney tumor may be suggestive of MiTF-RCC, clinical TFE3 / TFEB FISH assays are crucial for a confirmation and definitive subclassification of patients with MiTF-RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The synergy of combining androgen receptor-signaling inhibition (ARSI) to radiotherapy (RT) in prostate cancer has been largely attributed to non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) inhibition. However, this mechanism is unlikely to explain recently observed trial results that demonstrated the sequencing of ARSI and RT significantly impacts clinical outcomes, with adjuvant ARSI following RT yielding superior outcomes to neoadjuvant/concurrent therapy. We hypothesized this is driven by differential effects on AR-signaling and alternative DNA repair pathway engagement based on ARSI/RT sequencing. Methods: We explored the effects of ARSI sequencing with RT (neoadjuvant vs concurrent vs adjuvant) in multiple prostate cancer cell lines using androgen-deprived media and validation with the anti-androgen enzalutamide. The effects of ARSI sequencing were measured with clonogenic assays, AR-target gene transcription and translation quantification, cell cycle analysis, DNA damage and repair assays, and xenograft animal validation studies. Results: Adjuvant ARSI after RT was significantly more effective at killing colony forming cells and decreasing the transcription and translation of downstream AR-target genes across all prostate cancer models evaluated. These results were reproduced in xenograft studies. The differential effects of ARSI sequencing were not fully explained by NHEJ inhibition alone, but by the additional disruption of homologous recombination specifically with adjuvant sequencing of ARSI. Conclusion: We demonstrate that altered sequencing of ARSI and RT mediates differential anti-AR-signaling and anti-cancer effects, with the greatest benefit from adjuvant ARSI following RT. These results, combined with our prior clinical findings, support the superiority of an adjuvant-based sequencing approach when using ARSI with RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We further performed ERG IHC assessment on the patient's recent abdominal biopsy, which demonstrated focal and weak-to-moderate ERG protein expression, supporting a clonal phenotypic origin and evolution from the patient's original conventional (acinar) prostatic adenocarcinoma (Figs 2E and 2F). Armed with the knowledge that this patient's squamous cell carcinoma was either a trans-differentiated or metaplastic variant of prostate cancer, we discussed the possible therapeutic implications at this point, when the patient was taking only single-agent bicalutamide. We elected not to pursue the therapies that could target molecular alterations in his tumor because of the known survival benefit of docetaxel in men with advanced prostate cancer, but therapies targeting his tumor's molecular alterations remain options down the road if his disease progresses. [Extracted from the article]

In the present study, an attempt has been made to measure the radionuclide contents in soil samples from the region around coal-based thermal power plant (TPP) in Tarn Taran district of Punjab state in India and to assess the impact of coal-based TPP on the radionuclide distribution in surrounding areas. For this purpose, soil samples collected from the region, coal samples, and fly-ash samples collected from the plant were analyzed using the gamma spectrometry technique employing thallium-activated sodium iodide detector. The activity concentration of radionuclides was observed to be higher for the samples collected from the locations nearer to the power plant and decreased as the distance from power plant increased indicating an increase in soil radioactivity due to TPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (aTOS) due to subclavian arterial compression at the thoracic outlet, represents the least common type of TOS (< 1%) among the three: neurogenic (nTOS), venous (vTOS), and arterial (aTOS), and it requires surgical intervention in almost all the cases, being a constant threat to limb if remains untreated. This study analyses all aTOS patients admitted and managed at two vascular centres, over a span of 8 years. In our study, we had twenty-four limbs with arterial TOS, distributed among 23 patients (bilateral cervical rib in one), mean age of presentation was 38.85 years with male predominance. Fourteen out of 24 limbs (58.33%) had chronic, eight (33.33%) had an acute presentation and two limbs (8.34%) were asymptomatic. Rest pain was the most common symptom seen in 10 (41.67%) limbs. Complete/partial cervical rib was observed in 37.5% (9/24) and 62.5% (15/24) of cases, respectively. All patients of aTOS underwent thoracic outlet decompression (TOD): as a standalone procedure in five, combined with reinforced synthetic interposition graft in 10, and with thrombectomy by Seldinger technique using a Fogarty catheter, in eight patients. Three patients (12.5%) developed post-op complications: arm haematoma, Graft Thrombosis, and haemothorax; however, no limb loss or mortality was observed during the period of follow-up. Considering the unusual and varied presentation, limb and life-threatening complications of aTOS, early detection, and appropriate management (Open/Endovascular/Hybrid) is of paramount importance for optimal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic biomarkers have the potential to better predict the outcome and select the most appropriate treatment for patients with kidney cancer; however, further research is needed before any of the biomarkers currently developed are adopted into clinical practice. Dramatic gains in our understanding of the molecular biology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have created a foundation for clinical translation to improve patient care. To review and contextualize clinically impactful data surrounding genomic biomarkers in ccRCC. A systematic literature search was conducted focusing on genomic-based biomarkers with an emphasis on studies assessing clinical outcomes. The advancement of tumor sequencing techniques has led to a rapid increase in the knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of ccRCC and with that the discovery of multiple candidate genomic biomarkers. These include somatic gene mutations such as VHL , PBRM1, SETD2, and BAP1 ; copy number variations; transcriptomic multigene signatures; and specific immune cell populations. Many of these biomarkers have been assessed for their association with survival and a smaller number as potential predictors of a response to systemic therapy. In this scoping review, we discuss many of these biomarkers in detail. Further studies are needed to continue to refine and validate these molecular tools for risk stratification, with the ultimate goal of improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. While no tissue or blood-based biomarkers for ccRCC have been incorporated into routine clinical practice to date, the field continues to expand rapidly. There remains a critical need to develop and validate these tools in order to improve the care for patients with kidney cancer. Genomic biomarkers have the potential to better predict outcome and select the most appropriate treatment for patients with kidney cancer; however, further research is needed before any of these currently developed biomarkers are adopted into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]