Publications by authors named "Nora M V Laver"

Objectives: Hürthle cells are a common finding on thyroid fine-needle aspiration, but when they are the predominant cytology, they represent a difficult diagnostic challenge. The Thyroid Nodule App (TNAPP) is a new, publicly available web application utilizing ultrasound (US) features based on the updated 2016 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists clinical practice guidelines for thyroid nodule management. This pilot study was performed to assess the TNAPP recommendations and surgical pathology outcomes of Hürthle cell-predominant thyroid nodules.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The case study details a 63-year-old male with adult onset asthma and bilateral eyelid swelling due to orbital xanthogranulomatous disease (AOXGD), highlighting his diagnosis and treatment struggles.
  • Despite trials with medications like intralesional triamcinolone and oral prednisone, significant improvement was not achieved, prompting surgical intervention.
  • The study emphasizes the rarity of AOXGDs, their potential link to IgG4 related diseases, and the need for further research on effective treatments for these complex conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ocular cytology specimens are small, with limited options for a repeat biopsy. Appropriate handling of these specimens and triaging for ancillary testing can be taxing. In this article, the author reviews a selection of potentially challenging diagnoses and current common practices and methods used in diagnosing ocular diseases by cytology.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Non-melanoma skin cancers - basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - are the most frequent forms of malignant neoplasm in humans worldwide. The etiology of these carcinomas is multifactorial. In addition to the harmful effect of UV light, altered cross-talk between neoplastic epithelial cells and the supporting dermal fibroblasts contributes to the regulation of tumor cell behavior, growth and survival.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The mucosal glycocalyx of the ocular surface constitutes the point of interaction between the tear film and the apical epithelial cells. Membrane-associated mucins (MAMs) are the defining molecules of the glycocalyx in all mucosal epithelia. Long recognized for their biophysical properties of hydration, lubrication, anti-adhesion and repulsion, MAMs maintain the wet ocular surface, lubricate the blink, stabilize the tear film and create a physical barrier to the outside world.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Endothelial cell (EC) barrier function plays a prevalent regulatory mechanism for the integrity and homeostasis of blood vessels and modulates angiogenesis and immune responses. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a central role in the barrier function of ECs. Although Ig-containing and proline-rich receptor-1(IGPR-1) was recently identified as a novel CAM expressed in ECs, the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of IGPR-1 in ECs remain uncharacterized.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The cytomorphological features of normal ocular structures compared to those found in diagnostic samples from the anterior and posterior segments of the eye are discussed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Algae are generally noninfectious agents in mammals, with few known pathogenic algae. Prototheca is an achlorophylic nonphotosynthetic algae, globally ubiquitous, and readily isolated from rivers, lakes, ponds, and soil. Although canine and bovine protothecosis have been reported more widely, infections in humans are rare, particularly in patients with an intact immune system.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF