Isolation and characterization of single domain antibodies from banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium) targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human health for three years. To mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the development of neutralizing antibodies has been accelerated, including the exploration of alternative antibody formats such as single-domain antibodies. In this study, we identified new variable antigen receptors (VNARs) specific for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 by immunizing a banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium) with recombinant wild-type RBD. Notably, the CoV₂NAR-1 clone showed high binding affinities in the nanomolar range to various RBDs and demonstrated neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. These results highlight the potential of the banded houndshark as an animal model for the development of VNAR-based therapeutics or diagnostics against future pandemics.

Retromuscular mesh and hernial sac technique in the reconstruction of 139 cases of large median incisional hernias: one institution's experience

PURPOSE

Incisional hernia is the most common complication of laparotomy. Postoperative parietal defects tend to relapse, even after the most optimal surgical methods. The aim of this study was to present the effectiveness of an adapted retromuscular technique with prolene mesh and a hernial sac, in patients with large incisional median hernias. The reported results were obtained by our team after more than 15 years of experience.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 139 consecutive cases of large median incisional hernias operated on using a retromuscular mesh and hernial sac technique. The cross-sectional diameter of incisional hernias was larger than 10 cm, being classified in the W₃ group, according to the European Hernia Society classification.

RESULTS

The study included 83 females (59.71%) and 56 males (40.29%) with a median age of 62.4 ± 16.6 years and an average body mass index of 32.4 ± 7.6 kg. The hernia was supraumbilically located in 54 cases, subumbilically in 61 cases, and supra- and subumbilically in 24 cases. Postoperative complications were recorded in eight cases (5.75%): one case with a hematoma in the right abdominal muscle sheath; five cases with supra-aponeurotic seromas; two cases with skin necrosis and one with a mesh infection. Recurrence occurred in seven cases (5.03%): four cases in the first 2 years postoperatively and three cases in the third year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The retromuscular technique with prolene mesh and a hernial sac is an effective method of restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall in large median incisional hernias with low rates of morbidity and recurrence.

P14.42 Diagnostic challenges of infratentorial hemangioblastomas: improvement of current radiological classification scheme

BACKGROUND

Hemangioblastomas (HBMs) are known to exhibit very typical radiological features and thus classified by well-established radiological classification scheme. However, after we have experienced unusual cases in which current radiological classification system was not enough to categorize them, we reviewed our series of infratentorial HBMs in order not only to evaluate the relevance of current classification scheme, but also to possibly improve it. Also, we added descriptions on several cases with unusual radiological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in which differential diagnosis was challenging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed preoperative MRI of 118 patients with pathologically diagnosed infratentorial HBMs at our institution between 2002 and 2015. Total 128 tumors were included to this study and classified into four categories based on the presence and nature of cystic components: extratumoral cystic (Type Ce, classical cystic with a mural nodule), intratumoral cystic (Type Ci), mixed cystic (Type Cm), and solid (Type S). The association with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease was also investigated.

RESULTS

In 118 patients (65 male and 53 female), 79 (66.9%) had solitary HBMs and 39 (33.1%) were diagnosed with VHL disease. Type Ce with typical radiological findings was the most prevalent type of HBM (63.3%), followed by Type S (21.1%). HBMs with intratumoral cysts were uncommon (Type Ci, 11.7%) and mixed extratumoral and intratumoral cysts (Type Cm) accounted for only 3.9%. No intergroup differences were observed in the proportions of each subtype between the solitary and VHL disease-associated HBMs.

CONCLUSION

Radiological features of HBMs are usually typical thus preoperative presumption is not difficult in majority of cases. Improved radiological classification scheme is more practical because it does not only help surgeons determine whether the cystic wall should be removed or not, but also covers cases with atypical radiological presentations. For solid and extraparenchymal HBMs, differential diagnosis is more difficult as well as very critical as surgical removal is often very challenging.

TM5441, a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitor, protects against high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Recent evidences showed that elevation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) was responsible in mediating obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of TM5441, an oral PAI-1 inhibitor that lacks of bleeding risk, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice was daily treated with 20 mg/kg TM5441. To examine the preventive effect, 10-week-treatment was started along with initiation of HFD; alternatively, 4-week-treatment was started in mice with glucose intolerance in the interventional strategy. In vivo study showed that early and delayed treatment decreased hepatic steatosis. Particularly, early treatment prevented the progression of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in HFD mice. Interestingly, both strategies abrogated hepatic insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction, presented by enhanced p-Akt and p-GSK3β, reduced p-JNK signaling, along with p-AMPK and PGC-1α activation. Consistently, TM5441 treatment in the presence of either PAI-1 exposure or TNF-α stimulated-PAI-1 activity showed a restoration of mitochondrial biogenesis related genes expression on HepG2 cells. Thus, improvement of insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function was imperative to partially explain the therapeutic effects of TM5441, a novel agent targeting HFD-induced NAFLD.

Abstract P2-04-25: Breast cancer patients after kidney and liver transplantation: A Report from Asan medical center

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Genome-wide expression analysis of a rice mutant line under salt stress

Salinity is a major environmental stress to plants. In this study, the ability of plants to tolerate salt was investigated by studying growth, physiological characteristics, and expression levels of genes related to the salt-stress response in the salt-tolerant rice mutant (Till-II-877), which was derived from γ-ray irradiation. Compared to plants grown under normal conditions, the height and root length of wild type (WT) were reduced by approximately 40 and 29% following exposure to salt stress for 3 weeks, whereas Till-II-877 line showed 29 and 23% reductions in plant height and root length, respectively. No significant changes were observed in total chlorophyll content, and the malondialdehyde content of the mutant increased less than that of the WT under salt treatment. Gene expression was compared between the WT and mutant lines using microarray analysis. An unbiased analysis of the gene expression datasets allowed us to identify the pathways involved in salt-stress responses. Among the most significantly affected pathways, changes in gene expression were observed in α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism (in lipid metabolism), fructose and mannose metabolism and glycolysis-gluconeogenesis (in carbohydrate metabolism), cysteine and methionine metabolism (in amino acid metabolism), and carbon fixation (in the energy metabolism of photosynthetic organisms) under salt stress. These results show that the differential response of plants subjected to salt stress was due to changes in multiple metabolic pathways. These findings increase our understanding of the effects of salt stress in rice and may aid in the development of salt-tolerant rice cultivars.

A novel plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitor, TM5441, protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity and adipocyte injury in mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and dysregulated adipocyte function plays an important role in obesity-associated metabolic disorder. The level of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is increased in obese subjects, and PAI-1 null mice show improved insulin sensitivity when subjected to high-fat and high-sucrose diet-induced metabolic stress, suggesting that a best-in-class PAI-1 inhibitor may become a novel therapeutic agent for obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. TM5441 is a novel orally active PAI-1 inhibitor that does not cause bleeding episodes. Hence, in the present study we examined the preventive effect of TM5441 on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced adipocyte dysfunction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ten-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (18% of total calories from fat) or HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 10 weeks, and TM5441 (20 mg·kg(-1) oral gavage) was administered daily with the initiation of HFD.

KEY RESULTS

TM5441 prevented HFD-induced body weight gain and systemic insulin resistance. TM5441 normalized HFD-induced dysregulated JNK and Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that it prevents the insulin resistance of adipocytes. TM5441 also attenuated the macrophage infiltration and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, induced by the HFD. In addition, TM5441 prevented the HFD-induced down-regulation of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, suggesting that it may prevent adipocyte inflammation and dysregulation by maintaining mitochondrial fitness.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data suggest that TM5441 may become a novel therapeutic agent for obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Comparison of Cancer Yields and Diagnostic Performance of Screening Mammography vs. Supplemental Screening Ultrasound in 4394 Women with Average Risk for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

The effectiveness of supplemental screening ultrasound (US) was investigated in women ≥ 40 years at average risk for breast cancer regardless of breast parenchymal density. A total of 4394 women at average risk and having previously undergone screening mammography were classified as the mammography group. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 4394 women, 2005 underwent screening US after a final assessment of category 1 or 2 on screening mammography, and were categorized as the US group. Category 0, 4, and 5 on mammography and 3, 4, and 5 on US were defined as positive. The cancer yields per 1000 women and diagnostic performance of two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The total cancer and invasive cancer yields for the mammography group were 3.0 (95 % confidence interval 1.6, 5.1) and 2.0 (95 % CI, 0.9, 3.9) per 1000 women, higher than the US values of 2.0 (0.5, 5.1) and 1.0 (0.1, 3.6), not statistically significant. The specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) for mammography were 88.90 % (87.93, 89.81), 88.85 % (87.88, 89.76), and 2.61 % (1.39, 4.41), significantly higher than the US values of 69.07 % (66.99, 71.09), 69.13 % (67.05, 71.15), and 0.64 % (0.18, 1.64). The short-term follow-up rate of mammography was 5.51 % (4.85, 6.22), significantly lower than the rate of 26.58 (24.66, 28.58) for US. 

CONCLUSION

Supplemental screening US in mammographically negative breasts can find additional carcinomas in women at average risk but is not as effective as screening mammography because of the lower cancer yield, invasive cancer yield, specificity, accuracy, PPV and a high short-term follow-up rate.

Lethal gastric hemorrhage from a caliber-persistent artery of the antrum - a branch of the right gastric artery

AIM

To present a rarely diagnosed case of gastric Dieulafoy lesion.

DESCRIPTION OF CASE

A 62-year-old male was hospitalized with hematemesis. Laparoscopic ligature of two gastric ulcers located in the antrum was performed but the upper gastrointestinal bleeding was not stopped. The patient was transferred to another surgical clinic and he underwent an emergency abdominal laparotomy with re-suture of gastric ulcers. Considering his general condition and another recurrent bleeding, he was transferred to our hospital and a total gastrectomy of necessity was performed. The patient died four days after surgery because of sepsis. At autopsy, we identified diffuse peritonitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic pancreatitis with expanded fibrotic areas. Histological examination of the surgical specimen showed oversized tortuous vessels in the gastric submucosal layer with expansion into mucosa. Some of the vessels presented acute and/or organized thrombi with recanalization, in the others, lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques were observed. Based on these criteria, the 'caliber-persistent artery', also known as 'Dieulafoy's lesion', was diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Dieulafoy's lesion should be suspected in every case of gastrointestinal bleeding in both adults and children.

Molecular classification of colorectal cancer: a dream that can become a reality

Despite thousands of studies about colorectal cancer (CRC) as much as extensively usage of prognostic antibodies÷genes and clinical trials that include the newest targeted drugs, this tumor still remains in the top of both incidence and cancer-related mortality. In this review, we intended to correlate our experience in field of colorectal cancer with the literature data and to present our vision about the prognostic and predictive role of some of the most used molecular and immunohistochemical examinations in the field. The prognostic and predictive values of parameters such as microsatellite instability, angiogenesis, Maspin gene/protein, K-ras and BRAF mutations are discussed in relationship to the classical antibodies such as Keratin 7/20, p53 or HER2. At the end, we correlated these informations and tried to realize a molecular classification of colorectal cancer, similar to breast carcinomas, in order to establish targeted groups of patients for targeted therapy.

Real-time monitoring of adipocyte differentiation using a capacitance sensor array

As obesity and its associated metabolic diseases become a worldwide epidemic, the demand for novel anti-obesity agents is increasing. We report a label-free and real-time monitoring method that uses a capacitance sensor array to screen anti-obesity agents. The results for the real-time capacitance of 3T3-L1 cells treated with 12 different chemicals extracted from natural products were consistent with the biochemical indicators of adipogenesis such as the expression of perilipin, the major protein coating the surface of lipid droplets in adipocytes. The data demonstrate that a capacitance change during adipocyte differentiation is closely associated with lipid accumulation in the cells, suggesting that adipocyte differentiation can be monitored in real time. This capacitance sensor might be used for label-free and real-time monitoring of adipocyte differentiation, and may facilitate the development of high throughput screening methods for anti-obesity drugs.

Gastric tricho-wool bezoar in an 18-year-old girl

An 18-year-old girl with no psychiatric history presented with abdominal pain. Four months previously she had given birth to a healthy baby. On palpation, a painful abdominal mass was identified in the epigastric region, and gastrotomy was performed. A J-shaped hair-wool ball and two large pieces of sheep's wool were removed. No history of trichotillomania was reported.

Search for photon-linelike signatures from dark matter annihilations with H.E.S.S

Gamma-ray line signatures can be expected in the very-high-energy (E(γ)>100 GeV) domain due to self-annihilation or decay of dark matter (DM) particles in space. Such a signal would be readily distinguishable from astrophysical γ-ray sources that in most cases produce continuous spectra that span over several orders of magnitude in energy. Using data collected with the H.E.S.S. γ-ray instrument, upper limits on linelike emission are obtained in the energy range between ∼ 500 GeV and ∼ 25 TeV for the central part of the Milky Way halo and for extragalactic observations, complementing recent limits obtained with the Fermi-LAT instrument at lower energies. No statistically significant signal could be found. For monochromatic γ-ray line emission, flux limits of (2 × 10(-7) -2 × 10(-5)) m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) and (1 × 10(-8) -2 × 10(-6)) m(-2) s(-1)sr(-1) are obtained for the central part of the Milky Way halo and extragalactic observations, respectively. For a DM particle mass of 1 TeV, limits on the velocity-averaged DM annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩(χχ → γγ) reach ∼ 10(-27) cm(3)s(-1), based on the Einasto parametrization of the Galactic DM halo density profile.

Practical value of the new system for Maspin assessment, in colorectal cancer

Maspin is a serine protease which belongs to the serpin family and seems to play an important role in inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. The significance of its expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been elucidated so far. In our study, we tried to identify, based on Maspin expression, four groups of CRC, with possible prognostic impact. In 121 CRC, we analyzed the Maspin expression in correlation with the clinico-pathological features, microsatellite status and other markers such as p53, bax, bcl-2, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and CD31. Based on the percentage and intensity of Maspin expression in the tumor cells, the cases were grouped in four classes: negative, with cytoplasmic predominance, nuclear predominated, and cases with mixed (cytoplasmic-nuclear) expression. 9% of the cases were negative, 44% presented cytoplasmic predominance, the nuclear predominance was revealed in 24% of the cases, and the other 23% of CRC having a mixed Maspin positivity. The cytoplasmic predominance was correlated with a better prognosis, p53 negativity, bax positivity, and lack of tumor budding. Forty percent of microsatellite instable (MSI) cases presented mixed expression, this pattern being also related to a lower angiogenesis. Nuclear predominance was associated with p53 positivity, the lowest survival rate and intense VEGF expression. In conclusion, CRC with cytoplasmic predominance and mixed Maspin expression seems to present better prognosis whereas nuclear predominance is connected with high aggressivity.

Mena, a new available marker in tumors of salivary glands?

Mena (mammalian Ena) is an actin regulatory protein involved in cell motility and adhesion. Based on its potential role in malignant transformation revealed in other organs, we analyzed the Mena expression in normal salivary glands (SG) and salivary tumors. Mena expression was determined in normal SG (n=10) and also benign (n=20) and malignant (n=35) lesions of SG. For the immunohistochemical staining we used the anti-Mena antibody. All normal SG and the benign lesions (10 pleomorphic adenomas, 10 Warthin's tumors) were Mena negative. Salivary duct carcinomas (n=5), carcinomas in pleomorphic adenoma (n=5), acinic cell carcinomas (n=5), squamous cell carcinomas (n=10) and high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=2) were positive. The lymphomas (n=5) and low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=1) were Mena negative. In one case the lymphoblastic cells stained positive for Mena. Some of the endothelial cells, in the peritumoral vessels, were Mena positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature about Mena expression in salivary tumors. Our study suggests that Mena protein seems to play a role in malignant transformation and its intensity is correlated with the type and grade of tumor and also with vascular invasion. Its positivity in endothelial cells may suggest its potential role in tumor angiogenesis.

VEGF and CD31 expression in arthritic synovium and cartilage of human knee joints

PURPOSE

To determine the histological differences and the particular aspects of local angiogenesis in knee joint of the patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 10 cases with RA and five OA, immunohistochemical stains were performed with CD31 and VEGF-A (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). All surgical samples provided from total knee joint arthroplasty. Angiogenesis was quantified in both synovial membrane and cartilage.

RESULTS

In patients with OA, villous proliferation of the synovial membrane was more prominent that in RA. In the last, invasion of the cartilage by the proliferated synovial tissue was more characteristic. The neovascularization was more intense in RA than in OA, in both synovium and degenerated cartilage. In RA, the vessels were immature in the superficial areas and became larger in the deep synovium. The local angiogenesis was characterized by sprouting and splitting (intussusceptions) mechanisms. In OA, the mature vessels predominated in the subintimal zones. Sprouting or non-sprouting mechanisms of local angiogenesis, which can indicate vascular formation from the resident mature vessels, were not identified in OA.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiogenesis seems to have particular behavior in RA and OA. In RA, local active angiogenesis seems to predominate but in OA up taking of the circulating precursors may be more intensely involved. Intra-articular inhibition of local angiogenesis could have therapeutically impact in RA but not in OA. Finally, we can conclude that there probably are many different pathways leading to the same joint damage having certain therapeutic consequences.

Microvascular density in non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas measured using digital morphometry

INTRODUCTION

The growth of solid tumors requires the development of microvessels, therefore tumor expansion depends on angiogenesis. Microvessels provide nutrients and oxygen and remove catabolytic substances, while endothelial cells produce growth factors for tumor cells in a paracrine fashion. The microvascular component of a tumor also plays a role in the metastatic capacity of the tumor, enabling the tumor cells to spread to distant locations by providing a large endothelial surface.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to review the literature about angiogenesis regarding malignant lymphomas and to perform basic measurements by means of digital morphometric methods in large B-cell lymphomas and follicular lymphomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After thorough analyzing currently available assessment methods, we performed angiogenesis assessment on 19 randomly selected cases, from paraffin-embedded specimens using digital morphometry. We used immunohistochemistry and the CD34 antigen to mark microvessels. We measured average vascular diameter and a previously successfully applied digital morphometric method to quantify the extent of endothelial area.

RESULTS

According to literature data, our knowledge and understanding of angiogenesis grew rapidly from early studies such as Folkman's classic paper. Many studies showed that angiogenesis plays a key role in the biology of tumors and therefore the study of angiogenesis might open new therapeutic possibilities. There have been many studies of angiogenesis in malignant lymphomas, however not as many articles as in other tumor types. Our morphometric studies showed there are statistically significant differences between diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) regarding average vascular diameter and that high grade lymphomas tend to have a greater CD34+ endothelial area.

Synchronous intestinal tumors: aggressive jejunal carcinoid and sigmoid malignant polyp

Association of aggressive jejunal carcinoid tumors and other primary gastrointestinal neoplasms are rarely observed. We describe the case of a synchronous jejunal carcinoid tumor and two colorectal polyps in a 78-year old woman. Surgical intervention was performed for the colorectal tumors and the carcinoid was incidentally found. It was well differentiated but was accompanied by lymph node metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis. In this case, the prognosis was not depending by the colorectal tumors but the aggressive feature of jejunal carcinoid lead to patient's death.

Search for a dark matter annihilation signal from the galactic center halo with H.E.S.S

A search for a very-high-energy (VHE; ≥100  GeV) γ-ray signal from self-annihilating particle dark matter (DM) is performed towards a region of projected distance r∼45-150  pc from the Galactic center. The background-subtracted γ-ray spectrum measured with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) γ-ray instrument in the energy range between 300 GeV and 30 TeV shows no hint of a residual γ-ray flux. Assuming conventional Navarro-Frenk-White and Einasto density profiles, limits are derived on the velocity-weighted annihilation cross section (σv) as a function of the DM particle mass. These are among the best reported so far for this energy range and in particular differ only little between the chosen density profile parametrizations. In particular, for the DM particle mass of ∼1  TeV, values for (σv) above 3×10(-25)  cm(3) s(-1) are excluded for the Einasto density profile.

Molecular pathways and pathomorphology of colorectal cancers

Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) evolve through multiple pathways. These pathways may be defined based on two molecular features: (1) chromosomal instability and (2) chromosomal stability. Tumors showing chromosomal stability evolve through the so-called microsatellite instability pathway. These types of tumors show different clinico-pathological features and need different therapy so very important to separate them. As Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) based histology is influenced by the different genetic alterations of a tumor, it is reasonable that different gene expression profiles result in different HE morphology. Our aim was to find specific histomorphological features specific for colorectal tumors showing different molecular features. We analyzed the clinicopathological parameters of 324 colorectal carcinomas, 26 hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers, 32 sporadic high-level microsatellite-instable (MSI-H) cancers and 266 microsatellite-stable or low-level microsatellite-instable (MSI-L) cancers among them. Our results showed that we could recognize different genetic types of tumors on the base of clinicopathological features like patient's age, tumor localization and histological characteristics of CRCs. Main histological parameters help in differentiation are inflammatory background, nuclear features and pattern of infiltration. Clinical parameters like clinical stage and localization and careful histological analysis helps to select molecular method to define molecular features and to select the most appropriate therapy of a given tumor.

Hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas: precancerous lesions with mixed immunophenotype

Our immunohistochemical study wants to be a contribution to clarifying the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and serrated pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis. Thus, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of hyperplastic polyps (HP), serrated adenomas (SA), and classical adenomas (tubular adenomas - TA and tubulovillous adenomas - TVA) and carcinomas developed from adenomas (CA) using expression of p53, Ki-67, c-myc, APC, MSH2 and Ets-1 proteins. Because of correlation of the expression of these proteins, we propose several immunophenotypes, which show modifications along the known carcinogenetic mechanisms. Along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence we noted an increase in the expression of p53, Ki-67, c-myc and Ets-1, and a decrease in APC expression. The majority of TAs and TVAs are characterized by p53+÷Ki-67+, p53+÷c-myc+, p53+÷APC+, and Ets-÷p53+, Ets-÷Ki-67+ immunophenotypes. The majority of HPs and SAs are Ets-÷p53-, Ets-÷Ki-67+, Ets-÷c-myc+, APC+÷MSH2-. In approximately 1÷3 of the hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas, we noted that the decrease in expression of MSH2 is associated with an increase in the expression of p53, c-myc, Ki-67, and Ets-1. Thus, we can conclude that a group of hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas display similar immunohistochemical characteristics to tubular and tubulovillous adenomas, which delineates a group of precancerous lesions that can develop via mixed carcinogenic pathways.

Practical value of the complex analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in colorectal carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Despite modern factors, which seem to predict outcome, lymph node (LN) status remain the main prognostic factor, which also shows the need for complex oncotherapy in colorectal carcinomas (CRC). Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) mapping is a very controversial method, which can increase the number of identified LN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 28 patients who underwent surgical intervention between December 2009 and December 2010, we performed in vivo SLNs mapping followed by ex vivo examination at 1, 10, and 48 hours. All blue nodes were separately included. In cases without LN metastases (pN0) five multilevel sections and immunohistochemical stain with cytokeratin 20 were performed in SLNs.

RESULTS

Two cases were excluded because they were in pT4 stage. In one case the diameter of lymph nodes was about 10 mm and we obtained a false negative result (negative SLNs with positivity in the non-SLNs). From the other 25 cases, 13 do not presented LN metastases or micrometastases, nine had metastases only in the SLNs and the other three in both SLNs and non-SLNs. Mean identified number of LNs was 15. The blue dye intensity increased after formalin fixation and some nodes with metastases were blue stained only after 10 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

SLNs mapping is a simple and inexpensive technique, which can improve the management of CRC. All in vivo and ex vivo blue LNs should be considered SLNs. Ultrastaging of SLNs is an expensive method, with uncertain results. High diameter of LNs seems to be an exclusion criterion for SLNs mapping.

CD105/Ki67 double immunostaining expression in liver metastasis from colon carcinoma

The liver is the most common and critical site for the development of colon cancer metastases. Tumor angiogenesis in liver metastasis from colon carcinoma is a controversial subject. Liver microenvironment, immunophenotypical and morphological particularities of hepatic vessels are only few aspects, which establish difficulties in quantification of tumor vascularisation from liver metastasis. The aim of this work is to study the distribution of CD105 positive vessels and the proliferation rate of endothelial cells from liver metastasis of colon carcinoma based on double immunostaining CD105/Ki67. In liver metastasis from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma we found a high number of CD105+/Ki67- vessels. On the other hand, in liver metastasis from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma we noticed rare CD105+/Ki67+ vessels. It is hypothesized that neoangiogenesis of liver metastasis is performed through intussusceptive mechanism rather than sprouting and could be supported by the presence of kissing phenomenon, CD105 positive transcapillary pillars and the absence of endothelial cells proliferation in this vessels. We conclude that in liver metastasis principal mechanism of neovascularisation formation is based on intussusception.

Mast cells contribute to the angiogenesis in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. An immunohistochemical study based on the relationship with microvessel density

Only few data are available in the literature concerning angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma classified on the base of molecular profile is frequently characterized by unpredictable behavior that seems to be related to tumor cells and also to the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment contains blood vessels and a large variety of cells that can play an important role to the progression of angiogenesis and tumor growth. From these, mast cells have been shown to be a source of angiogenic factors. The aim of this work was to investigated the relationships between mast cells and blood vessels in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and reactive lymphoid tissue from three different anatomical sites. Using double immunostaining method CD34/mast cell tryptase we noticed that mast cell density was significantly lower in the follicular lymphoma than in diffuse type lymphoma. The morphology of vessels, the presence of pillars and splitting suggested that intussusceptions is the main mechanism of angiogenesis. In the cases with primary lymphoma of the spleen, we found few mast cells and a high number of blood vessels. Our data suggest that lymphoma-associated angiogenesis is driven in part by the tumor microenvironment, and particularly, by mast cells. On the other hand, our results support the organ-specific tumor-associated angiogenesis in malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Vascular endothelial growth factor: a possible mediator of endothelial activation in acute respiratory distress syndrome

AIM

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic and endothelial factor, which is abundantly found in the normal lung tissue. The objective of the study was to assess the VEGF levels in lung tissue and plasma in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients compared with controls who died from non-ARDS causes.

METHODS

Plasma and tissue samples were prospectively collected from 20 patients with ARDS within 6 hours after intubation (VEGF in plasma and tissue samples) and on the day of extubation (plasma VEGF) or postmortem (lung tissue). We used an ELISA to measure the VEGF level in plasma. Lung specimens were obtained by bronchoscopic biopsy or by open biopsy during autopsy. All lung samples were stained for standard histopathological analysis and for immunohistochemical methods. Biomarker levels were compared between survivors (N=12), non-survivors (N=8) and controls (N=10).

RESULTS

Compared with the levels in controls, in the early stages of ARDS, plasma VEGF levels rose and intrapulmonary levels fell, but during recovery, these levels went back to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

The initial phase of ARDS is associated with a decrease in VEGF in the lung and an increase in the plasma. This down-regulation may represent a protective mechanism aimed at limiting endothelial permeability and may participate in the decrease in the capillary number that is observed during early ARDS. A persistent elevation of plasma VEGF over time predicts poor outcome.

Immunohistochemical comparative study of fibrosis and biliary ductular reaction in alcoholic and viral chronic hepatitis

Our study includes 102 cases of liver biopsy previously diagnosed with chronic alcoholic hepatitis and also B and C viral hepatitis. In these cases, we analyzed the extension of fibrosis with two different methods. First, we evaluated fibrosis with the subjective Knodell score; secondly, we used digital image analysis to achieve this. We also used immunohistochemical methods to mark those cells positive at Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP). We have observed that the extension of fibrosis was most predominant in cases with B viral chronic hepatitis, while the number of cells responsible of fibrosis (stellate cells, myofibroblasts) was highest in C viral chronic hepatitis. These differences help clinician to divide patients into those who may be treated with interferon and those treatable with antiviral therapy. We observed ductular reaction (as shown by cytokeratin 7 immunostaining) within the lobular structure more frequently in alcohol related chronic hepatitis, whilst in C viral chronic hepatitis this reaction was more readily seen in portal spaces. We have concluded that patients with C viral hepatitis can benefit most from a correctly indicated hepatic biopsy since in these cases the lesions might be observed in an early and potentially curable phase.

Using encounters versus episodes in syndromic surveillance

BACKGROUND

Automated electronic medical records may be useful for syndromic surveillance to quickly detect infectious disease outbreaks. Some syndromic surveillance systems include every encounter in the analysis, whereas others exclude individuals' repeat encounters within the same syndrome occurring within a short period of time, with the rationale that these represent follow-up visits rather than new episodes of illness.

METHODS

We evaluate the effect of keeping all encounters as compared with removing repeat encounters. Using the prospective space-time permutation scan statistic, we performed daily analyses on all encounters versus on episodes defined as encounters new within 2, 6 or 12 weeks. Data were taken from a Massachusetts Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) for the calendar year 1999 for four different syndromes.

RESULTS

We found extensive disagreement in the number of signals detected: 70, 68, 21 and 15 signals when using all encounters versus 15-20, 3, 4-5 and 0 signals when using only new episodes for lower respiratory, lower gastrointestinal, upper gastrointestinal and neurologic syndromes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Using all encounters in syndromic surveillance may not only create too many signals but may also miss some signals by masking the anomalies generated by actual episodes. However, it is also possible to miss signals when using episodes.

A randomized phase II trial of weekly docetaxel plus either cisplatin or oxaliplatin in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer: Preliminary results

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Background: Docetaxel, in combination with cisplatin or oxaliplatin, has demonstrated efficacy against AGC. This randomized phase II trial evaluated two weekly docetaxel-based regimens to see which would be most promising according to objective response rate (ORR) as first-line therapy in AGC. Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with measurable unresectable and/or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and a performance status ≤2 were randomly assigned to receive docetaxel (35 mg/m2) weekly on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle plus either cisplatin (60 mg/m2 on day 1) (arm A) or oxaliplatin (120 mg/m2 on day 1) (arm B). Toxicity was assessed on days 1, 8, and 21 of each cycle, and response was evaluated every 2 cycles. Results: Between March 2007 and December 2008, 61 eligible patients entered. In Arm A, 29 patients were evaluable for objective response and 31 for safety. In Arm B, 28 patients were evaluable for objective response and 30 for safety. Median age was 52 years and disease status was comparable for both arms. Ten of 29 (34.5%) patients had a confirmed objective response in the arm A (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.1–51.8%) and 11 of 28 (39.2%) patients had a confirmed objective response in the arm B (95% CI 21.1- 57.2%). No significant difference was noted between the arms both for ORR (p=0.202) or for disease control (58.6% and 82.1%, respectively, p=0.082). Median progression free survival time was 4.4 month in the arm A and 4.3 months in the arm B (Hazard ratio = 0.936; 95% CI, 0.503–1.744; p = 0.836). There was no relevant difference in the occurrence of overall grade ¾ toxicity between the two arms (51.6% vs. 46.6%, respectively; p=0.800). Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 toxicity (32.3% vs. 36.6%, respectively). There was one treatment related death in Arm B. Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that both treatment arms have similar clinical efficacy as front-line treatment in AGC. Each regimen has a manageable tolerability profile. The accrual is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.