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Background: Cutaneous adnexal tumors (CATs) are a large group of neoplasms of the skin and the pathological diagnosis can be challenging. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine clinicopathological features of malignant cutaneous adnexal tumors (MCATs) and to identify therapeutic and prognostic implications. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients diagnosed with MCATs and operated in our center were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, tumor size, histological subtype, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, re-excision status, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, recurrence, follow-up, and treatment choice were recorded. All lesions were excised with 1 to 2-cm surgical margin. Surgical margin was determined according to tumor size. Results: Of 26 patients, 14 were males and 12 were females (median age: 66 years). Median follow-up was 52.08 months. Tumor location was the face in 69.2% (n = 18) patients, followed by scalp and neck region. Four patients had coexisting skin tumors. Majority of MCATs (69.2%, n = 18) originated from sweat glands. Median tumor diameter was 4 (range, 0.8 to 17) cm. There was a statistically significant correlation between presence of perineural invasion and advanced disease (P = 0.036). Majority of the patients had Stage 1-2 disease, while two patients had Stage 4 disease. In six patients (23.1%), re-excision was performed due to surgical margin positivity. Conclusion: Incidence of MCATs has an increasing trend with advanced age and these tumors are more commonly seen in men and in visible sites of the body such as head and neck and scalp. Wide resection according to tumor size is the first-line treatment.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), known for diverse properties, was investigated for its potential in dental pulp therapy. This study investigated the potential of HA in dental pulp therapy by examining the physical properties and effects of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) pulpotomy materials containing varying HA concentrations on rat molar teeth. In vitro tests assessed compressive strength and hardness of ZOE materials blended with HA (0.5%, 1%, 3%) and HA gels (0.54%, 0.8%). 120 samples, encompassing the control group, underwent compressive strength testing, while 60 samples were designated for hardness assessment. In vivo experiments on rat molars studied histological effects of HA-containing ZOE on dental pulp over 1 week and 1 month. Gels with HA concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 0.54% were used in pulpotomy on 22 rats. Each rat underwent the procedure on four teeth, with one tooth serving as a control, totaling 88 teeth subjected to the intervention. In the analyses, SPSS 22.0 was used and the significance level was set at P = 0.05. Findings showed that HA at 0.5% maintained compressive strength, but higher concentrations decreased mechanical properties significantly (P = 0.001). Histological assessments indicated better outcomes with lower HA concentrations in terms of odontoblast layer continuity (P = 0.005 at 1 month) and pulp vitality (P = 0.001 at 1 week and P = 0.018 at 1 month). The study suggests HA holds promise for pulpotomy and regenerative endodontic treatments, but further research is needed to understand long-term clinical implications., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Adenoid ameloblastoma (AA) is an epithelial odontogenic tumor that was recognized as a separate entity in the last odontogenic classification of WHO in 2022. The etiology is unknown, and the pathogenesis remains controversial. The objective of this study is to contribute the clinicopathological features of 4 additional BRAF-negative cases to the existing literature, aiming to enhance the molecular understanding of this unique tumor in the forthcoming classification., Materials and Methods: This study consists of a case series of four patients diagnosed with AA. The patients' demographic and clinical information were collected from the universities' medical achieves. Histopathologically, all cases were reexamined according to the latest update of the WHO odontogenic tumor classification. In addition to H&E and immunohistochemical stains, cytogenetics was also evaluated., Results: Well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesions were observed in all cases. Ameloblastoma-like components exhibited reserved nuclear polarity, suprabasal stellate reticulum-like epithelium, duct-like structure, whorls/morules, and cribriform architecture were common features. Variable immunoreactivity to CK7, CK19, CK14, p63, and p40 were determined, and proliferative activity was greater than 15%. The BRAF molecular study revealed no mutations., Conclusions: When diagnosing AA, the essential histopathological characteristics must be rigorously applied, and a significant portion of the lesion should contain these features. Additionally, despite limited molecular data, since the BRAF mutation commonly observed in ameloblastomas is not present in the majority of AA cases, we propose changing the term "ameloblastoma" to "ameloblastic" and referring to it as "adenoid ameloblastic tumor" in the forthcoming classification., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Inborn errors of immunity have been implicated in causing immune dysregulation, including allergic diseases. STAT6 is a key regulator of allergic responses., Objectives: This study sought to characterize a novel gain-of-function STAT6 mutation identified in a child with severe allergic manifestations., Methods: Whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing, lymphocyte characterization, and molecular and functional analyses of mutated STAT6 were performed., Results: This study reports a child with a missense mutation in the DNA binding domain of STAT6 (c.1114G>A, p.E372K) who presented with severe atopic dermatitis, eosinophilia, and elevated IgE. Naive lymphocytes from the affected patient displayed increased T H 2- and suppressed T H 1- and T H 17-cell responses. The mutation augmented both basal and cytokine-induced STAT6 phosphorylation without affecting dephosphorylation kinetics. Treatment with the Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib reversed STAT6 hyperresponsiveness to IL-4, normalized T H 1 and T H 17 cells, suppressed the eosinophilia, and improved the patient's atopic dermatitis., Conclusions: This study identified a novel inborn error of immunity due to a STAT6 gain-of-function mutation that gave rise to severe allergic dysregulation. Janus kinase inhibitor therapy could represent an effective targeted treatment for this disorder., (Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO, IKK-γ) deficiency is a rare combined immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the IKBKG gene. Conventionally, patients are afflicted with life threatening recurrent microbial infections. Paradoxically, the spectrum of clinical manifestations includes severe inflammatory disorders. The mechanisms leading to autoinflammation in NEMO deficiency are currently unknown. Herein, we sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms of clinical autoinflammatory manifestations in a 12-years old male NEMO deficiency (EDA-ID, OMIM #300,291) patient by comparing the immune profile of the patient before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Response to NF-kB activators were measured by cytokine ELISA. Neutrophil and low-density granulocyte (LDG) populations were analyzed by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) transcriptome before and after HSCT and transcriptome of sorted normal-density neutrophils and LDGs were determined using the NanoString nCounter gene expression panels. ISG15 expression and protein ISGylation was based on Immunoblotting. Consistent with the immune deficiency, PBMCs of the patient were unresponsive to toll-like and T cell receptor-activators. Paradoxically, LDGs comprised 35% of patient PBMCs and elevated expression of genes such as MMP9, LTF, and LCN2 in the granulocytic lineage, high levels of IP-10 in the patient's plasma, spontaneous ISG15 expression and protein ISGylation indicative of a spontaneous type I interferon (IFN) signature were observed, all of which normalized after HSCT. Collectively, our results suggest that type I IFN signature observed in the patient, dysregulated LDGs and spontaneously activated neutrophils, potentially contribute to tissue damage in NEMO deficiency., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Salivary gland malignancies account for 2 to 4% of head and neck cancers. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is used in preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. Although FNAC is a highly reliable technique for preoperative diagnosis, there were no consensus on salivary gland cytopathology reporting. Recently, an international group has recommended a classification system for salivary gland FNAC reporting titled "Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology" (MSRSGC). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usability of the Milan System, its ability to determine the risk of malignancy for each category, with comparisons of inital cytologic and final histopathological diagnosis., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of salivary gland lesion FNAC in our department from 2013 to 2019. A total of 578 FNACs were performed in 514 patients. Of these, 85 cases had surgical follow-up (parotid gland, n = 73, submandibular gland, n = 12). The cytological samples were categorized according to the MSRSGC into six categories by two pathologists. The risk of malignancy (ROM) and diagnostic accuracy values were calculated for each diagnostic categories., Results: A total of 85 aspirates of the patients with follow-up, the MSRSGC diagnostic categories were as follows: non-diagnostic in 7 aspirates (8.2%), non-neoplastic in 3 (3.5%), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) in 9 (10.5%), benign neoplasm in 43 (50.5%), salivary gland neoplasm of undetermined malignant potential in 7 (8.2%), suspicious for malignancy in 10 (11.7%), and malignant in 6 (7%). The ROM for each category was 28, 5%, 0%, 33%, 0%, 28.5%, 90%, and 100%, respectively., Conclusion: FNAC plays a critical role in the evaluation of patients with salivary gland lesions. The MSRSGC helps in the standardization of the process of diagnosis and clinical management of salivary gland lesions, especially of AUS and SUMP categories that are indeterminate categories in nature., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Cytology.)

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells may be used for the treatment of sepsis. Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) are easily accessible but have not been studied in vivo or in clinical trials in sepsis models., Aim of the Study: We aim to elucidate DFSC effects on host immunological functions in a rat cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) sepsis model., Methods: Adult male rats were categorized into group 1 (sham procedure SP), group 2 (SP + 1 × 10 6 DFSCs administered 0 h after SP), group 3 (CLP + saline), group 4 (CLP + 1 × 10 6 DFSCs administered 0 h after CLP), and group 5 (CLP + 1 × 10 6 DFSCs administered 4 h after CLP). Green fluorescent protein-labeled cells were used for imaging. Histopathological examination of ileal tissues was performed., Results: A significant increase in the percentage of CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ Treg cells in groups 4 and 5 occurred compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in CD3+/CD4+ helper T-cells and CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells were observed. Treatment with DFSCs at 4 h significantly decreased the level of TNF-α compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in IL-10 levels and lymphocyte proliferation suppression were observed. During histopathological examination, no high scoring (Chiu scores: 3 or 4) rats were observed in the curative treatment group (group 5)., Conclusions: Treatment with DFSC after 4 h of sepsis induction downregulates tissue inflammatory responses by decreasing TNF-α levels and increasing Treg cell ratio. This also has a protective effect on intestinal tissues during sepsis., (Copyright © 2020 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Free jejunal flaps are among the most commonly used flaps for esophageal reconstruction. However, ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by warm ischemia seen during transfer limits their use. Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, has been shown to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in various organs. The authors investigated tissue damage in jejunal flaps with iloprost and ischemic preconditioning and compared the effectiveness of these two modalities., Methods: Thirty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: sham, ischemia-reperfusion (control), ischemic preconditioning, iloprost, and ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost. All flaps, except those in the sham group, underwent ischemia for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 2 hours. Flap perfusion was assessed by laser Doppler perfusion monitoring. Histologic sections were scored using the Chiu scoring system. Superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase levels were measured spectrophotometrically., Results: Animals that were administered iloprost and/or underwent ischemic preconditioning had better postischemic recovery of mesenteric perfusion (ischemic preconditioning, 78 percent; iloprost, 83 percent; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 90 percent; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 50 percent; p < 0.05). All intervention groups showed improved histology of jejunal flaps following ischemia-reperfusion injury (ischemic preconditioning, 3; iloprost, 2.3; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 3.2; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 4.7; p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). Superoxide dismutase levels were higher in ischemic preconditioning, iloprost plus ischemic preconditioning, and iloprost groups (ischemic preconditioning, 2.7 ± 0.2; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 2.5 ± 0.3; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 1.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.01; iloprost, 2.4 ± 1.1; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 1.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase, a marker for neutrophil infiltration, was lower in the iloprost group (iloprost, 222 ± 5; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 291 ± 25; p < 0.05)., Conclusions: This study showed that both iloprost and ischemic preconditioning reduced reperfusion injury in jejunal flaps. Based on histologic results, iloprost may be a novel treatment alternative to ischemic preconditioning.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Nowadays, pathologists are required to perform immunohistochemistry to demonstrate neuroendocrine and epithelial differentiation for diagnosis of MCC. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a zinc-finger transcription factor expressed in tissues undergoing terminal neuroendocrine differentiation, and INSM1 immunohistochemistry is a well-validated nuclear marker of neuroendocrine differentiation. We evaluated 24 cases of MCC for the expression of INSM1 and compared it with frequently used neuroendocrine markers, Chromogranin A, Synaptophysin, and CD56. INSM1 was positive in all cases, and its expression was stronger, more extensive, clean and homogeneous compared to other markers. As a consequence, INSM1 can be used to serve as a solitary marker for neuroendocrine differentiation due to high sensitivity and specificity in MCC cases., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acquired progressive lymphangioma (APL), or benign lymphangioendothelioma, is an unusual entity derived from vascular structures. Clinically and histopathologically it may resemble Kaposi's sarcoma and well-differentiated angiosarcoma, causing a diagnostic problem. We report an individual with APL initially diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma who underwent unnecessary laboratory testing. Imiquimod 5% cream stopped the progression of the lesion. Awareness of this rare entity may prevent patients from undergoing excessive testing. Imiquimod may be used as a safe, effective treatment option., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

In this study we aimed to evaluate the usability of calretinin staining in the diagnosis and exclusion of HD in 36 rectal biopsies. Through immunohistochemical examination, in of a total of 21 pediatric patients in whom ganglion cells were detected in first rectal biopsies and in re-biopsies, ganglion cells were seen through nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. In the lamina propria and superficial submucosa, staining of nerve fibers was detected in a granular pattern in varying intensities. Out of a total of 5 biopsies (including one re-biopsy) of non-HD patients, where ganglion cells could not be seen, the nerve fibers were all stained. On the other hand, in 10 HD patients, diagnosed by a colon pull through operation, calretinin staining was not detected in any area of the rectal biopsies except for the mast cells. We conclude that calretinin immunostaining for the diagnosis of HD is an easy and reliable method for use in daily practice., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Indirect acute lung injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We investigated the link between Rho kinase (ROCK) activation and apoptotic cell death in sepsis induced acute lung injury. This hypothesis was tested by administering a specific, selective inhibitor of ROCK (Y-27632) to rats subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as; sham-operated, sham + Y-27632, CLP and CLP + Y-27632. Twenty-four hours later, each experiment was terminated and lungs analyzed. Histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and the presence of apoptosis was evaluated through the TUNEL assay. Pulmonary activity of caspase 3 and ROCK 1 & 2 were measured by western blot. Interstitial edema, severely damaged pulmonary architecture with massive infiltration of the inflammatory cells and an increase in lung tissue TBARS levels as well as 3-NT to total tyrosine ratios were observed in untreated CLP animals. Pretreatment of animals with Y-27632, reduced lung injury in the CLP induced septic rats in each of these parameters of lung injury (p<0.05). Western immunoblot revealed active caspase cleavage and increased expression of active fragment of ROCK 1 & 2 in the CLP group. TUNEL assay showed an increase in percentage of apoptotic cells when comparing the CLP group with the CLP + Y-27632 group. These results suggest an important role of Rho kinase in sepsis induced lung injury by a mechanism that might be related to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress mediated caspase cleavage leading to apoptosis.

Background: Clinical and experimental studies have shown that the laparoscopic procedure provides a typical model of ischemia-reperfusion injury in the organs by oxygen-derived free radicals. A pneumoperitoneum produces ischemia during insufflation and reperfusion during desufflation. The aim of this study was to assess the causative role of free radical-mediated reactions in tissue damage under different intra-abdominal insufflation pressures., Materials and Methods: Thirty five mature New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to three groups of 10 animals. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the designated pressures of 10, 15, and 20 mm Hg, respectively. The remaining 5 animals underwent laparotomy, using a 10-cm midline incision taken as group 4 (control). Blood samples were collected before (0 minutes) and at the end of the procedure (60 minutes). After the collection of the last blood samples, all animals were sacrificed and the samples from the liver, kidney, and gut were obtained for histologic evaluation and also measurements of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels., Results: The nitric oxide levels were not changed in groups 1 and 2, but increased significantly in group 3. Tissue MDA levels were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than groups 3 and 4. Histopathologic examination of the kidney revealed some findings of reversible hypoxic cell injury, including acute cellular swelling, vascular congestion, and some early findings of irreversible injury, such as lysis of the cytoplasmic membrane in all groups and focal parancymal bleeding area in only group 3 as a consequence of increased pressure. Liver histology revealed cellular swelling and karyorhexis in hepatocytes in group 1, whereas only congestion and sinusoidal dilatation was observed in groups 2 and 3., Conclusion: Our experimental study showed that abdominal insufflation causes ischemia and free radical production, which seems responsible for the cell damage that occured during laparoscopic surgery.

Background: It is generally accepted that proinflammatory mediators, including cytokines, are responsible for the metabolic changes associated with injury. Recent clinical and experimental studies have also shown that the laparoscopic procedures actually produce ischemia-reperfusion injury in the organs by oxygen-derived free radicals. This study aimed to assess the effect of different insufflation pressures and laparotomy on tissue response by comparing the proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein, and serum and tissue levels of oxygen-derived free radicals., Methods: Forty mature New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to 4 groups of 10 animals. In groups 1 to 3, CO2 pneumoperitoneum was created using an automatic insufflator to the designated pressure of 10, 15, and 20 mm Hg, respectively. The remaining 10 animals underwent laparotomy using 10 cm midline incision (group 4). Blood samples were collected before (0 min) and at the end of the procedure (60 min). After the collection of last blood samples, all animals were killed and samples from liver and gut were obtained for measurements of tissue malondialdehyde levels and histology., Results: The proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased significantly in groups 1 to 3, but did not change in the laparotomy group. Serum C-reactive protein levels were elevated in all groups. The comparison of the results between the laparotomy and laparoscopy groups showed that serum interleukin 6 and nitric oxide levels were significantly elevated in relation the intra-abdominal pressure, and serum interleukin 6 and nitric oxide levels peaked in group 3. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in groups 3 and 4., Conclusions: The findings of our experiment suggest that the elevated intra-abdominal pressure is responsible for ischemia, free radical production, and proinflammatory cytokine response-mediated cell damage during laparoscopic surgery.

It is known that cancer is not a single transformational event. It is rather a multistage process involving complex interactions with the surrounding cellular microenvironment. Mast cells accumulate at sites of tumor growth in response to numerous chemoattractants. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between mast cell density (MCD) and myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 35 unselected consecutive hysterectomy specimens from patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. C-kit-positive mast cell assessment was performed in the myometrium adjacent to tumor tissue. A mean number of or=16 mast cells was regarded as high mast cell density (H-MCD). A significant correlation (p=0.018, Pearson Chi-Square test) between H-MCD and the presence of myometrial invasion was demonstrated in endometrial carcinomas. H-MCD was found in 54% of all cases, and 94% of H-MCD cases had myometrial invasion, suggesting a role of mast cells or an interaction with tumor. Therapeutic modalities orientated to these cells or their microenvironment as a new target for adjuvant treatment might determine the prognosis in endometrial carcinomas.

Background: The molecular mechanisms in malignant transformation of laryngeal mucosa are unknown; many clinical and pathological factors affect prognosis. We investigated a possible correlation between overexpression of p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and c-erbB-2, and the clinicopathologic features of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and clarify their prognostic value., Material/methods: Thirty-three men with laryngeal SCC participated; all underwent primary surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy between 1999 and 2004 at our department. Paraffin sections of laryngeal SCC were immunohistochemically stained for p53, PCNA, and c-erbB-2., Results: Overall, p53 overexpression was found in 16 patients. There was no relation between p53 immunohistochemical staining and tumor region. PCNA immunostaining was significantly stronger in supraglottic tumors compared with glottic tumors. Immunostaining of c-erbB-2 was not different in either location. There was no relation between the T stage of the tumor and p53 and c-erbB-2 immunostaining. However, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the PCNA staining and T stage (stronger staining was present in T3 and T4 stages than in T1 and T2 stages)., Conclusions: We could not find a statistically significant correlation between p53, PCNA, and c-erbB-2 and lymph node status, histologic differentiation, and survival rate. We demonstrated only a statistically significant positive correlation between PCNA staining and T stage. These data suggest that overexpression of p53, PCNA, and c-erbB-2 is not prognostic in laryngeal SCC.

Background: Watermelon colon, or rectal vascular ectasia of the colon, is a very rare vascular lesion., Case Report: A 56-year-old male heavy drinker was admitted to hospital with hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed linear, watermelon-like vascular stripes throughout the entire colon. Rectal biopsies confirmed the vascular nature of these lesions, showing dilated and trombosed capillaries in the lamina propria. He had neither cirrhosis nor portal hypertension. The watermelon-like lesions regressed spontaneously following the cessation of alcohol intake., Conclusions: This observation suggests that this condition can be triggered by alcohol.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural bee-produced compound, and compared it with corticosteroids in the treatment of experimentally induced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) endophthalmitis in addition to intravitreal antibiotics. An experimental endophthalmitis model was produced in 24 New Zealand albino rabbits by unilateral intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml of 4.7 x 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU) methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis. The animals were then divided randomly into three treatment groups and a control group, group 1 (six rabbits), received only intravitreal vancomycin (1.0 mg/0.1 ml); group 2 (six rabbits), received both intravitreal vancomycin (1.0 mg/0.1 ml) and intravitreal dexamethasone (400 microg/0.1 ml) and group 3 (six rabbits), received both intravitreal vancomycin (1.0 mg/0.1 ml) and subtenon CAPE (10 mg/0.3 ml) after 24 h post-infection. No treatment was given to the control group. Treatment efficacy was assessed by clinical examination, vitreous culture and histopathology. There were no statististically significant differences between clinical scores of all groups in examinations at 24 and 48 h post-infection (p = 0.915 and p = 0.067 respectively), but in examinations at 72 h post-infection and after 7 days post-infection, although the clinical scores of treatment groups were not significantly different from each other, they were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The culture results of all groups were sterile. As a result, CAPE was found to be as effective as dexamethasone in reducing inflammation in the treatment of experimental MRSE endophthalmitis when used with antibiotics. More studies are needed to determine the optimal administration route and effective dosage of this compound., (Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Purpose: Pterygium is a proliferative, inflammatory, and invasive ocular surface disease associated with excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure and has several tumor-like characteristics. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme and recently increased expression of the enzyme was found in many cancers and premalign lesions. This study was conducted to identify the COX-2 expression in pterygium tissues., Methods: Immunohistochemical staining using a primary antibody for COX-2 was performed on 30 specimens with primary pterygium (20 pterygium without recurrence and 10 pterygium which recurred during a 12-month follow-up), 11 specimens with recurrent pterygium, and 8 specimens of conjunctival tumor. As a control we used 10 specimens of normal conjunctiva. Extent and intensity of cytoplasmic and membranous staining in epithelial cells were evaluated., Results: Higher expression of COX-2 was detected in conjunctival tumor (87.5%) specimens and recurrent pterygium specimens (72.7%) compared to the both normal conjunctiva (30%) and primary pterygium without recurrence (30%). COX-2 expression in primary pterygium tissues with recurrence (60%) was not different from primary pterygium without recurrence (p=0.114) and recurrent pterygium (p=0.537). However, recurrent pterygium tissues were found to express higher COX-2 than primary pterygium without recurrence (p=0.022)., Conclusions: COX-2 expression is increased in recurrent pterygium tissues and COX-2 expression may be a marker for the prediction of recurrence.

Superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCC) comprise 9% to 11% of BCC, and are commonly found on the trunk or limbs. We report a case of a superficial BCC on the scalp that was misdiagnosed and treated as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Any erythematous plaque-type lesion of long duration must have superficial BCC considered in the differential diagnosis.

Extracts of propolis, a natural beehive product, have been known for centuries to have a variety of beneficial medical properties, among which their anti-inflammatory effect is a major one. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active propolis component, has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, carcinostatic and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of CAPE in endotoxin-induced lung injury in rats. Lung injury was induced by a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the treatment group, 10 micromol kg(-1) CAPE was injected intraperitoneally immediately after LPS injection. At 24 h after LPS and/or CAPE injection, blood and lung tissue specimens were collected. MDA levels and MPO activity in serum and lung tissue, serum total antioxidant levels, lung tissue Na(+)/K(+) ATP-ase activity and histopathological evaluation were determined to assess the efficacy of CAPE treatment. CAPE was found to be efficient in reducing inflammation and lung tissue damage induced by LPS in rats.

Purpose: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and carcinostatic properties. In this study, the efficacy of CAPE in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats is investigated., Methods: EIU was induced by a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the treatment group, 10 micromol/kg CAPE was injected intraperitoneally immediately after LPS injection. At 24 hr after LPS injection, the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in aqueous humor; malondialdehyde (MDA), MPO, and total antioxidant levels in serum were determined. Eyes were enucleated for histopathologic evaluation, and, counting inflammatory cells in iris-ciliary body (ICB), the efficacy of treatment was determined., Results: CAPE significantly suppressed LPS-induced increase in the number of inflammatory cells (p = 0.0001), protein concentration (p = 0.0001), and MPO levels (p = 0.0001) in aqueous humor as well as MDA (p = 0.001) and MPO (p = 0.0001) levels in serum. Histopathologic evaluation of ICB showed significant reduction in the inflammatory cell counts in the treatment group (p = 0.0001)., Conclusions: CAPE was found efficient in suppressing inflammation and ocular tissue damage induced by LPS in rats.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a phenolic antioxidant and is an active anti-inflammatory component of honeybee propolis. The authors evaluated the effects of CAPE on oxidative stress and lung damage in an oleic acid (OA)-induced lung-injury model. Rats were divided into 5 groups as sham, OA, CAPE, pre-OA-CAPE, and post-OA-CAPE. Acute lung injury was induced by intravenous administration of 100 mg/kg of OA. Pre-OA-CAPE group received CAPE (10 micromol/kg. intravenously) 15 minutes before OA infusion and post-OA-CAPE group received CAPE 2 hours after OA administration. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level of plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue; myeloperoxidase activity of BALF and lung tissue; Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity of lung tissue; and total protein content of BALF were measured. Light microscopic analyses of lung specimens were performed. The increased MDA levels in lung homogenates (47.98+/-13.75 nmol/mL), BALF (31.12+/-3.07 nmol/mL), and plasma (61.84+/-15.34 nmol/mL) decreased significantly to 24.33+/-3.09 nmol/mL (P = 0.000), 23.19+/-4.97 nmol/mL (P = 0.002), and 27.36+/-5.37 nmol/mL (P = 0.000), respectively, following CAPE administration in pre-OA-CAPE group. Another important finding was the restoration of the enzymatic activity of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase from a value of 203.89+/-32.18 nmol Pi/mg Protein/h in OA group, to a value of 302.17+/-51.90 nmol Pi/mg Protein/h (P = 0.012) in pre-OA-CAPE group with CAPE treatment. CAPE has been shown to have a clear attenuating effect on oxidative damage in experimental animal studies. However, further investigations are necessary to suggest CAPE as a treatment agent in critically ill patients with lung injury.

A 54 year-old woman presented with severe headache. Neuroimaging showed an enhancing intra-axial mass in the right superior temporal region associated with severe peritumoral oedema. Preliminary diagnosis was cerebral metastasis. The mass was surgically removed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed the mass to be an intraparenchymal meningioma, which is rare. The relevant literature is reviewed.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) on tissue damage in lung after hind limb ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), by assessing blood biochemical assay and histopathological analysis. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups. After application of anaesthesia both hind limbs were occluded with tourniquets. Following ischemia period for 60 min, the tourniquets were removed allowing reperfusion for 120 min. The IR group received 0.5 ml of saline while the IR+AB group received 3-AB (10 mgkg(-1) intraperitoneally). The IR+DMSO group was given 0.5 ml 10% DMSO 30 min before the removal of the tourniquets. The control group received 0.5 ml saline and the AB group received 0.5 ml 3-AB (10 mgkg(-1)) intraperitoneally. At the end of the reperfusion period, mid-line sternotomy was performed. Blood samples were taken with cardiac puncture. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of the left lung was performed with saline. Right lung was preserved for histopathological evaluation and biochemical examination. Lung tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3-nitrotyrosine levels, myeloperoxidase and Na+/K+ ATP-ase activities, wet to dry weight ratios, and plasma and BAL fluid MDA levels were determined. Histopathological evaluation was performed, too. Hind limb IR caused significant increase in the lung tissue 3-NT to total tyrosine ratio (p = 0.014), wet to dry weight ratio (p = 0.000), MPO activity (p = 0.000), and MDA levels (p = 0.000). The animals treated with 3-AB showed a statistically significant decrease in these values (p < 0.05). Na+/K+ ATP-ase activity which was found to be decreased significantly with IR, returned to near normal levels with 3-AB treatment. Additionally, lung tissue injury in IR group characterized with moderate interstitial congestion and neutrophil infiltration, showed remarkable amelioration following 3-AB treatment. Our results strongly support the view that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) plays an important role in the inflammatory process in hind limb I/R-induced lung injury and as a PARP inhibitor, 3-AB seems to have a potential to treat this inflammatory injury.

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast is a very rare tumour. We present a case with pure signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast, which was recognized as metastasis on the pelvic floor, before developing breast symptoms and signs. A 40-year old woman was admitted with abdominal pain. First diagnostic effort revealed a cystic mass on the pelvic floor, compressing the colon and other neighbouring organs. A biopsy of the pelvic mass was performed. The histopathological examination revealed metastatic signet-ring cell carcinoma. At the time of the first operation, the mammary glands were not suspicious. No other sources of primary tumour were evidenced. An inflammatory sign developed in right breast two months after biopsy of the pelvic metastasis. The histopathology of the breast incisional biopsy revealed primary pure signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast. Because the oestrogen and progesterone receptor were negative in the tumoral tissue, the patient underwent chemotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, and palliative resection of the metastatic mass. The patient was followed up for eight months. To our knowledge, in English literature, we believe that this case is the first report of signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast presenting with pelvic floor metastasis without breast sign.

The possible contribution of Rho/Rho-kinase signalling in oleic acid (100 mg kg-1, i.v., for 4 h)-induced lung injury was investigated in rats. Furthermore, the possible protective effect of the administration of a Rho-kinase inhibitor, (+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride monohydrate (Y-27632, 0.5-5 mg kg-1, i.v., 15 min before the administration of oleic acid), was also examined. Western blot analysis as well as histopathological examination revealed that Rho-kinase (ROCK-1 and ROCK-2) was upregulated in lungs obtained from oleic acid-administrated rats. In addition, the markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress, i.e., malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, 3-nitro-L-tyrosine and nitrite/nitrate, in serum and lung tissue were also increased in the injury group. Treatment of rats with 5 mg kg-1 Y-27632 reversed the oleic acid-induced lung damage, which was demonstrated by histopathological assessment and confirmed in Western blot experiments: ROCK-blots were more intense in the oleic acid group than in control and Y-27632 treatment reversed ROCK upregulation. In addition, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, 3-nitro-L-tyrosine and nitrite/nitrate were also normalized after the administration of Y-27632 (0.5 mg kg-1 and 5 mg kg-1). These findings suggest that ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 are involved in oleic acid-induced lung damage in rats, and that inhibition of this enzyme by Y-27632 may have a protective effect against such damage. Consequently, Rho kinase inhibitors may be potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).