Pigs in a blanket: an unusual presentation of malignant ascites in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Malignant ascites in prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma is very rare. We present an 84-year-old man with a rare malignant ascites due to prostatic adenocarcinoma demonstrating hepatoid differentiation by immunohistochemistry. The patient was diagnosed with the malignant ascites due to metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma. We identified the unique cytological feature of envelopment of tumour cell clusters by benign mesothelial monolayers.

Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma of thyroid - a case report and review of literature

Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma of thyroid is a rare tumour first described in 1987. It’s cytological and histopathological features are very close to other thyroid neoplasms specially papillary and medullary carcinoma. So misinterpretation of cytological feature may lead to a total thyroidectomy whereas a lobectomy is enough to cure this benign condition. Here we present such a case in a 30-year-old female patient and review the diagnosis and management DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i2.12018 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(2): 203-206

Chromosome numbers of Norfolk Island endemic plants

Documented chromosome numbers are reported for the first time for 11 (encompassing 11 genera and families) of the 49 endemic vascular plants from Norfolk Island. Confirmatory counts are provided for the endemic Achyranthes arborescens and Rhopalostylis baueri var. baueri. At least 11 of the taxa counted are probable polyploids, supporting the common cytological feature of oceanic island floras. In addition to these new counts, we also infer a base number of x = 5 for the recently reinstated monogeneric Pennantiaceae and query the generic placement of the two arborescent species of Achyranthes, A. arborescens and A. margaretarum.

Comparative ultrastructural analysis of mycorrhizal associations

Electron microscopy is a powerful tool in understanding functional mechanisms in symbiosis (i.e., recognition and transfer of nutrients between partners), but mycorrhizal associations are not yet so well known as host–pathogen and host – mutualistic bacterial associations. However, the study of mycorrhizal ultrastructure has provided some interesting information. In fact unknown symbionts can be recognized with electron microscopy and mycorrhizae can be classified according to a sequence linking intercellular and intracellular interactions between host and fungus. General conclusions can be drawn from this ultrastructural sequence. (i) The most significant cytological feature in mycorrhizae is the presence of an interface through which partners communicate along a vast surface area. This is the key area for symbiotic interactions (both recognition and nutrient transfer) and can vary a great deal mostly in intracellular interactions. (ii) The ultracytochemical aspects of those interfaces, mostly as regards the components of the interfacial matrix, appear quite different from those of host–pathogen associations and suggest a compatibility mechanism. (iii) As regards the transfer of nutrients, even though it has been claimed that transfer of nutrient in all intracellular interactions is achieved by a digestion mechanism of the fungus by the host, available ultrastructural data are not consistent with this hypothesis.