Abstract: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer a high risk of breast cancer (BC), although they account for only a small fraction of BC susceptibility. Rare mutations in genes conferring moderate risk may contribute to BC risk. Previous studies have shown that mutations in the CHEK2 gene, which encodes for an upstream regulator of BRCA1, may cause a moderately increased BC risk. In the current study we investigated the status of three founder mutations in the CHEK2 gene (c.1100delC, R145W and I157T) using direct sequencing in 50 BC and 50 control samples. No mutations were detected. This result is in line with the postulated existence of a c.1100delC frequency gradient from the North to the South in Europe with higher frequencies in the Northern countries.

Abstract: In this prospective study, search for high risk cases of premalignant oral lesions were attempted through evaluation of oncoprotein expression, cell proliferation and micronuclei. Materials and methods: A total 50 cases of oral leukoplakia were diagnosed and adequate controls along with detailed history were included in this study. Study of tumour markers like p53, PCNA and Ki-67 were done immunohistochemically on tissue sections. Study of micronuclei was performed by feulgen staining method. Results: The mean age of the 50 cases were 44.48 ± 9.76 and median age was 50 years. There were 45 male cases (90%) and 5 female cases (10%). There were 26 non dysplastic (52%) and 24 dysplastic cases (48%). The smokers consist of 25 cases (50%) and other addictions (betel quid chewers, ghutka, khaini, alcohol etc.) had 24 cases (48%) and 1 case was non addict (2%). Out of 25 cases of smokers, 20 (80%) were positive in case of p53, 19 (76%) were positive in case of PCNA and 17 (68%) were positive in case of Ki67. Out of 24 cases of other addictions, 16 (66.67%) cases were positive in case of p53, 13 (54.17%) positive cases in case of PCNA and16 cases (66.67%) were positive in case of Ki67.The smokers had 0.51 ± 0.21 micronuclei frequency whereas other addiction groups had 0.24 ± 0.10. Conclusion: The histopathological risk assessment of these cases is inconclusive and thus p53, PCNA, Ki67 and micronuclei evaluation are needed for risk categorization.

Abstract: Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells displays uncontrolled growth and invasion that destroys adjacent tissues, and sometimes send metastasis to other locations in the body. When one is interested in cancer research, mice will be the preferred animal. Murine models of cancer include transplantable models, spontaneous and autochthonous models, human tumor xenografts, orthotopic models, models of metastasis and transgenic tumor models.

Abstract: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are diagnostic tools widely used to detect solid tumors and monitor therapy response. The ice-water calibration phantom has led to more accurate and reproducible DWI and ADC diagnostics by reducing intra- and inter-vendor dispersion, independent of field intensity (1.5 - 3 Tesla). The ice-water calibration phantom method is based on the idea of thermal equilibrium. The discovery of exclusion zone (EZ) may deeply change such understanding. This paper highlights how thermodynamic, structural and kinetic results of the EZ paradigm may help to explain the ice-water energy paradox and cement our understanding of the ice-water phantom and its application in the diagnosis of solid tumors and other complex diseases.

Abstract: In this study, quantitative DNA estimation (DNA ploidy), AgNORs and koilocytotic changes were assessed in oral leukoplakia for risk categorization. Materials and methods: 50 cases of oral leukoplakias along with adequate controls were selected for the study. Quantitative DNA analysis was done by FACS scan. AgNORs were studied by silver staining method, koilocytotic changes and histopathology were studied in HE stained tissue sections. Results: Out of 50 cases, 45 cases (90%) were linked to traditional addiction of various forms and 5 cases (10%) were non-addicts. Histologically, there were 52% non dysplastic and 48% dysplastic cases. Out of these 50 cases, there were diploid, tetrapoid and aneuploid population including hypodiploid DNA content. The DNA index (DI), among these cases, were ranged from 0.22 (hypodiploid) to 2.12 (tetrapoid) (co-efficient of variation ranged from 0.39 to 18.43). The mean AgNOR count for smokers were 3.5 ± 2.058 whereas the mean AgNOR count for the betel quid group was 2.85 ± 1.47 and for khaini- gutka group was 3.67 ± 2.21. Less than 50% cases showed positivity for koilocytotic changes (20 out of 50 cases). Conclusion: The quantitative DNA (ploidy) study along with AgNORs can be considered dually as a prospective prognostic marker for cancer risk prediction in cases of oral leukoplakia. But koilocytotic changes for the HPV association as a marker for risk prediction in cases of oral leukoplakia is controversial and needs to be investigated on a large scale basis and follow up for a longer duration.