Proteome analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from a primary gastric melanoma and its meningeal metastasis: a case report.

Melanoma is the third most common brain metastasis cause in the United States as it has a relatively high susceptibility to metastasize to the central nervous system. Among the different origins for brain metastasis, those originating from primary gastric melanomas are extremely rare. Here, we compare protein profiles obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) tissues of a primary gastric melanoma with its meningeal metastasis.

In pursuit of prognostic factors in children with pilocytic astrocytomas.

Objective: This study described a 23-year experience in the treatment of children with pilocytic astrocytomas (piloA) with the aim of identifying putative clinical, histopathological, and/or immunohistochemical features that could be related to the outcome of these patients.

Methods: Clinical data of 31 patients under 18 years of age with piloA were obtained from 1984 to 2006.

Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.

Expression analysis of dopamine receptor subtypes in normal human pituitaries, nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas and somatotropinomas, and the association between dopamine and somatostatin receptors with clinical response to octreotide-LAR in acromegaly.

Context: Dopamine receptor (DR) and somatostatin receptor subtype expression in pituitary adenomas may predict the response to postsurgical therapies.

Objectives: Our objectives were to assess and compare the mRNA levels of DR1-5 and somatostatin receptors 1-5 in normal pituitaries (NPs), nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), and somatotropinomas. In addition, we determined whether the level of DR expression correlates with the in vivo response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients.

Glioblastomas: correlation between oligodendroglial components, genetic abnormalities, and prognosis.

It has been demonstrated that a small percentage (approximately 15%) of glioblastomas (GBM) presents an oligodendroglial component with a variable frequency of chromosome 1p and 19q deletions, the genetic alteration related to chemotherapy response and longer survival in oligodendrogliomas. There is a growing interest in investigating 1p and 19q losses in hybrid gliomas and their impact on prognosis. A series of 88 GBMs was investigated regarding 1p and/or 19q losses, 24 with oligodendroglioma-like areas, using quantitative microsatellite analysis and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Quantitative analysis of somatostatin receptor subtypes (1-5) gene expression levels in somatotropinomas and correlation to in vivo hormonal and tumor volume responses to treatment with octreotide LAR.

Objective: To determine whether the somatostatin receptor subtype (SSTR) expression profile correlates with hormonal and tumor volume responses to postsurgical octreotide long acting repeatable (OCT LAR) treatment.

Design And Methods: Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate the absolute mRNA copy numbers for all five SSTR subtypes in 22 somatotropinomas. Response to OCT LAR was studied by hormone levels (GH and IGF-I) and tumor volume (sella turcica magnetic resonance imaging).

Infectious diseases in paediatric pathology: experience from a developing country.

Infectious and parasitic diseases have always challenged man. Although many of them are typically seen in some areas of the world and can be adequately managed by just improving socioeconomic status and sanitary conditions, they are still quite prevalent and may sometimes be seen outside their original geographical areas. Human migration due to different reasons, tourism, blood transfusion and solid organ transplantation has created new concerns for health professionals all over the world.

Quantitative analysis of somatostatin receptor subtype (SSTR1-5) gene expression levels in somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas.

Objective: It is believed that the variable effectiveness of somatostatin analogs in post-surgical management of somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) may be due in part to variable expression of somatostatin receptor isoforms (SSTR1-5), within and between pituitary tumor types.

Design And Methods: Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to compare absolute mRNA copy numbers for all five SSTR isoforms in 23 somatotropinomas and 19 NFPA.

Results: Somatostatin receptor subtype 5 mRNA was present at the highest level in somatotropinomas, followed by SSTR2>SSTR3>>SSTR1>>>SSTR4.

[Myotonic dystrophy type 1 in cataract patients: molecular diagnosis for screening and genetic counseling].

Purpose: To detect MD1 premutation and full mutation carriers among cataract patients and offer familial genetic counseling.

Methods: We studied the DNA of 60 selected cataract patients through polymerase chain reaction analysis. This study was performed at the "Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto" where selected patients had been examined at the Cataract Outpatient Clinic from 01/01/1982 to 30/06/1995.