Initial panel of immunocytochemical markers for identification of primary carcinoma site for effusions and peritoneal washings from women.

Introduction: In women, most malignant effusions are from breast and ovary primary carcinomas that have metastasized to body cavity fluids (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial). When carcinoma is diagnosed in effusions, it is not possible to identify its site of origin solely by cytology (morphology); therefore, immunocytochemistry is used as a complementary method. There are no immunocytochemical markers with 100% sensitivity and specificity for identifying carcinoma primary site.

Expression profile of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Data from Brazilian population.

Objective: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) signaling pathway is an important regulator of cell proliferation, survival, and motility. The gain or loss of function of proteins related to this pathway results in the neoplastic transformation in several types of cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profile of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines.

Local effect of simvastatin combined with different osteoconductive biomaterials and collagen sponge on new bone formation in critical defects in rat calvaria.

Purpose: To evaluate the local effect of simvastatin (SVT) combined with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) with hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate biphasic ceramics (HA/TCP) and with collagen sponge (CS) on bone repair in critical size defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria.

Methods: Forty-two 5-mm diameter CSDs were made bilaterally in the calvaria of 18 rats. The animals were allocated according to the type of biomaterial and associations used to fill the CSD.

P16 as a marker of carcinoma in effusions and peritoneal washing.

Background: Considering the potential of p16 as a marker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response, the aim of this study was to assess its presence, via immunocytochemistry, in metastatic carcinoma of different primary sites and histological types obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. A total of 118 samples including 85 of metastatic carcinoma and 33 samples of benign effusion/peritoneal washing were prepared by the plasma/thromboplastin method. Immunocytochemistry reactions were performed on cell block sections using antibodies against p16, claudin-4, MOC-31, calretinin, HBME and CD68.

Mucosal delivery of Lactococcus lactis carrying an anti-TNF scFv expression vector ameliorates experimental colitis in mice.

Background: Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha therapy has become clinically important for treating inflammatory bowel disease. However, the use of conventional immunotherapy requires a systemic exposure of patients and collateral side effects. Lactic acid bacteria have been shown to be effective as mucosal delivering system for cytokine and single domain antibodies, and it is amenable to clinical purposes.

Oropharynx HPV status and its relation to HIV infection.

Background: The number of oropharyngeal lesions caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus) has been increasing worldwide in the past years. In spite of the clinical relevance of HPV infection in the anogenital tract of HIV-positive patients, the relevance of oropharynx HPV infection in these patients is not clear. The aim of the present study was to detect HPV infection, and clinical and cytological changes in the oropharynx of HIV-positive patients.

Hippocampal and cerebellar histological changes and their behavioural repercussions caused by brain ischaemic hypoxia experimentally induced by sodium nitrite.

Introduction: Brain ischaemic hypoxia can produce severe neurological damage that leads to behavioural disorders. This research analysed the hippocampal and cerebellar histological alterations caused by brain ischaemic hypoxia experimentally induced by sodium nitrite (NaNO) and possible direct repercussions of this hypoxia on behaviour.

Methodology: An experimental study was carried out by administering 60mg/kg NaNO to 10 Wistar rats at 3 months of age for 15 consecutive days.

Electrical stimulation structurally affects the tissues of the rectum and anus of nulliparous rats.

Considering that the muscles of the anus perform a critical role in maintaining continence, losses in their structure can negatively affect the physiological control of the intestinal contents. Anorectal electro-stimulation (ARES) has been reported to have a positive effect on the functionality of treated patients, but how ARES affects the structural tissues of the anorectal segment remains unknown. Because the study of how ARES structurally affects human tissues is not possible, this study aimed to clarify these effects in a murine model, which has a similar anorectal segment (structure and physiology) to humans.

Cytological diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis: a report of four cases.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a common deep mycosis in South America caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a dimorphic fungus. Biopsy is the most frequent diagnostic method. The aim of this article is reporting four cases of PCM, in which intraoral involvement simulated squamous-cell carcinoma and was diagnosed by exfoliative cytology.

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma of the external auditory canal in an adult.

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FSCH) is a cutaneous hamartoma of pilosebaceous origin that usually occurs on the face. We present what we believe is only the second reported case of FSCH of the external auditory canal, and the first in an adult. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who presented with a 4-year history of a firm nodule on the left external auditory canal that had caused hearing loss, pruritus, and pain.

Case report of subcutaneous entomophthoromycosis with retroperitoneal invasion.

The authors describe a case of entomophthoromycosis in a previously healthy patient, who presented with an abscess in the right buttock. After surgical drainage it evolved into a retroperitoneal tumor. The patient improved clinically after resection of the mass and ketoconazole treatment.