Low expression of DUSP4 expression predicts unfavorable prognosis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma

Background: Dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), which regulates the mitogen activated protein kinases, has emerged as a tumor suppressor gene in several human malignancies. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we investigated the clinicopathologic significance and the prognostic role of DUSP4 in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: DUSP4 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in tissue microarray from 110 gallbladder adenocarcinoma samples and scored by H score system. The cut off (H score <170) was determined by ROC curve analysis. Results: Low expression of DUSP4 expression was observed in 57 (51.8%) out of 110 gallbladder adenocarcinoma samples. Low expression of DUSP4 expression was significantly associated with high histologic grade (P = 0.017), high pT stage (P = 0.002) and high AJCC stage (P = 0.007). Kaplan Meier survival curves revealed that patients with low expression of DUSP4 expression had significantly worse cancer specific survival (P = 0.024, log rank test). However, there was no significant association between DUSP4 expression and recurrence free survival. Conclusions: In conclusion, gallbladder adenocarcinoma with low expression of DUSP4 expression was associated with adverse clinicopathologic characteristics and poor patient outcome.patient outcome.

Lupus eritematoso sistémico asociado a anetodermia / Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with anetoderma

RESUMEN La anetodermia primaria es una dermatosis de baja frecuencia, crónica, la cual se caracteriza por pérdida de fibras elásticas. En algunas ocasiones se ha observado en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes, entre ellas el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Presentamos un caso de LES asociado a anetodermia, en una paciente de sexo femenino, de 19 años de edad.

ABSTRACT Primary anetoderma is an infrequent skin disease that has sometimes been observed in patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with anetoderma, in a 19-year-oldfemale patient.

Penfigoide Gestacional / Pemphigoid Gestationis

Resumen 22. Las enfermedades ampollares de tipo penfigoide,se caracterizan por la presencia de ampollas de origen autoinmune.El Penfigoide gestacional(PG), es parte de este grupo de enfermedades y se define por la presencia de una erupción ampollar,intensamente pruriginosa de comienzo agudo, generalmente en el segundo trimestre del embarazo o posparto inmediato, en ocasiones puede haber compromiso fetal y asociarse con otras enfermedades de origen autoinmune.

Abstract 26. Pemphigoid-type bullous diseases are characterized by the presence of blisters of autoimmune origin.Gestational Pemphigoid (PG) is part of this group of diseases and is defined by the presence of an intensely pruritic bullous eruption of acute onset, usually in the second trimester of pregnancy or immediate postpartum period, there may be fetal compromise and associated with other diseases of autoimmune origin.

Effect of nitrate, ammonium and phosphate on the growth and microcystin production of Korean Microcystis species

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nitrogen (NO3-N, NH3-N) and phosphorus (PO4-P) on the growth and microcystin production of two bloom-forming Microcystis species (toxic M. aeruginosa MAHC160824 and non-toxic M. viridis MVHC160824).Methodology: The two Microcystis species were isolated from the lower reaches of the Nakdong river, South Korea. In the culture experiments, the average nutrient concentrations (NH3-N, NO3-N and PO4-P) at which Microcystis appeared (> 15°C) was used as control medium. Different concentrations of NH3-N, NO3-N and PO4-P were then employed in nutrient testing (control, vs. 4 times and 16 times higher than the control). Microcystin levels were measured using a UPLC™ (LC MS/MS) system. Results: Both toxic and non-toxic Microcystis strains exhibited a maximum cell density at 30°C and a maximum growth rate at 25-30°C. In the nutrient addition assays, the maximum growth of two Microcystis species were found at nutrient concentrations 4 to 16 times higher than the control (NH3-N: 0.468 mg l-1, PO4-P: 0.100 mg l-1, NO3-N: 32.5 mg l-1). The highest microcystin production levels were found under optimal growth conditions. The microcystin levels of toxic M. aeruginosa MAHC160824 were below the detection limit despite a higher number of cells (> 300,000 cells ml-1) at the same nutrients concentrations as those found in raw water from the Nakdong river. Interpretation: Higher production of microcystin occurs when there is an increase in NH3-N and PO4-P within a restricted range in toxic species M. aeruginosa MAHC160824, else the production is low

Neurofibromatosis segmentaria / Segmental neurofibromatosis

RESUMEN Presentamos un caso de neurofibromatosis segmentaria, en un paciente de sexo masculino de 60 años de edad. Los neurofibromas se localizaban en región cervical, los mismos eran asintomáticos, de 8 años de evolución.

ABSTRACT A case of segmental neurofibromatosis in a 60 years old male patient is presented along with a brief review of the literature. The patient had 8 years old neurofibromas, located in the cervical region; they were asymptomatic. No other alteration of type 1 neurofibromatosis was found.

Granuloma anular atípico ¿sólo una patología benigna? / Atypical granuloma annulare¿only a benign entity?

RESUMEN El granuloma anular (GA) es una dermatosis inflamatoria crónica de carácter benigno, asintomática y autolimitada. Aún permanece desconocida la fisiopatología de dicha entidad, pero se ha sugerido una base inmunológica. Dicha dermatosis se caracteriza, en su forma clásica, por presentar pápulas que confluyen formando placas, de periferia elevada y centro deprimido, endisposición anular. Las lesiones son de color piel normal, ligeramente eritematosas o violáceas. Se describen diversas formas clínicas. Los cuatro tipos más frecuentes son: GA localizado, GA generalizado, GA perforante y GA profundo, subcutáneo o nodular. La clínica por sí sola, habitualmente, no presenta ningún desafío diagnóstico, ya que suele ser característica en la mayoría de los casos, peroen el caso de las formas clínicas atípicas es necesaria la confirmación con un estudio histopatológico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 41 años de edad con dermatosis compatible con una forma atípica de GA.

ABSTRACT Granuloma annulare is a benign cutaneous inflammatory disease. It is usually asymptomatic and self-limited. While the exact pathophysiology is unknown, it has been associated with a retarded hypersensitivity of type IV driven by the presence of unspecified antigens. Classical cutaneous lesions are characterized by the presence of papules coalescing to form annular plaques with a central clearing or a central depression.The clinical manifestations vary from a usual localized form to a generalized one, both with erythematous, violaceous or skin-colored lesions. Given that most cases present the classical form, they do not pose a diagnostic challenge. However, histopathological study is necessary in the case of atypical clinical presentations. A 41-year-old male presented with a 4-month dermatosis. The physical examination showed four 2cm erythematous plaques, slightly infiltrated in the right upper limb and three lesions of 1cm in the left upper limb with the same characteristics. Tactile, pain and thermal sensitivity was conserved. The patient only referred to an occasionally mild pruritus.

Methanolic extract of Kigelia africana exhibits antiatherosclerotic effects in endothelial cells by downregulating RAGE and adhesion molecules

@#The Kigelia plant is used in African countries for its medicinal properties. Kigelia africana is an interesting example of a medicinal plant due to its pharmacological activities, including its anti-inflammatory effect. Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, is related to lipoprotein oxidation, inflammation and immune responses involving the vascular endothelium and immune cells. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of Kigelia africana (Lam.) extract, focusing particularly on antiatherosclerotic effects in endothelial cells (ECs). The methanolic extract of Kigelia africana (MKA) showed no cytotoxicity on ECs at doses of 10~200 μg/ml. MKA reduced RAGE expression on oxLDL- or TNF-α-stimulated ECs in a dose dependent manner, showing significant inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. In addition, MKA significantly inhibited the oxLDL- or TNF-α- induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in ECs in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), resulting in downregulation of the migration and adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to ECs. These results suggest that MKA could be used for the treatment of atherosclerosis without cytotoxicity.

Interregional correlations of glucose metabolism between the basal ganglia and different cortical areas: an ultra-high resolution PET/MRI fusion study using 18F-FDG

Basal ganglia have complex functional connections with the cerebral cortex and are involved in motor control, executive functions of the forebrain, such as the planning of movement, and cognitive behaviors based on their connections. The aim of this study was to provide detailed functional correlation patterns between the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex by conducting an interregional correlation analysis of the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) data based on precise structural information. Fifteen participants were scanned with 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution research tomography (HRRT)-PET fusion system using 18F-FDG. For detailed interregional correlation analysis, 24 subregions of the basal ganglia including pre-commissural dorsal caudate, post-commissural caudate, pre-commissural dorsal putamen, post-commissural putamen, internal globus pallidus, and external globus pallidus and 80 cerebral regions were selected as regions of interest on the MRI image and their glucose metabolism were calculated from the PET images. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis was conducted for the interregional correlation analysis of the basal ganglia. Functional correlation patterns between the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex were not only consistent with the findings of previous studies, but also showed new functional correlation between the dorsal striatum (i.e., caudate nucleus and putamen) and insula. In this study, we established the detailed basal ganglia subregional functional correlation patterns using 18F-FDG PET/MRI fusion imaging. Our methods and results could potentially be an important resource for investigating basal ganglia dysfunction as well as for conducting functional studies in the context of movement and psychiatric disorders.

Allele‑specific duplex polymerase chain reaction to differentiate Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies and to detect highly clarithromycin‑resistant isolates.

On the basis of the structural differences of erm, we used a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus and subsp. massiliense isolates and to detect the point mutations of 23S rRNA gene that confer a high level of resistance to clarithromycin. Subsp. massiliense strains occupying almost half of the clinical isolates can be simply identified, and their clarithromycin susceptibility can be rapidly determined.

Manipulation of a quasi-natural cell block for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells

Recent advances have raised hope that transplantation of adherent somatic cells could provide dramatic new therapies for various diseases. However, current methods for transplanting adherent somatic cells are not efficient enough for therapeutic applications. Here, we report the development of a novel method to generate quasi-natural cell blocks for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells. The blocks were created by providing a unique environment in which cultured cells generated their own extracellular matrix. Initially, stromal cells isolated from mice were expanded in vitro in liquid cell culture medium followed by transferring the cells into a hydrogel shell. After incubation for 1 day with mechanical agitation, the encapsulated cell mass was perforated with a thin needle and then incubated for an additional 6 days to form a quasi-natural cell block. Allograft transplantation of the cell block into C57BL/6 mice resulted in perfect adaptation of the allograft and complete integration into the tissue of the recipient. This method could be widely applied for repairing damaged cells or tissues, stem cell transplantation, ex vivo gene therapy, or plastic surgery.

Is histologic differentiation a prognostic indicator for gastric carcinoma patients with curative resection.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic relevance of histologic differentiation in gastric carcinoma patients with curative resection is unclear. We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of gastric carcinoma patients with curative resection according to the histologic differentiation and evaluated surgical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1198 gastric carcinoma patients with curative resection (American joint committee on cancer, Stages I‑III), 274 (22.9%) had well‑differentiated, 331 (27.6%) had moderately differentiated and 593 (49.5%) had poorly differentiated gastric carcinomas. RESULTS: Patients with the poorly differentiated type had more prominent serosal invasion, much more lymph node involvement and more advanced stage than patients with the well‑differentiated type. The overall survival rate was higher for patients with a well‑differentiated gastric carcinoma than for patients with a poorly differentiated type. Using Cox’s proportional hazard regression model, histologic differentiation was found to be a statistically significant prognostic parameter (risk ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.028‑1.922; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patients with a well‑differentiated gastric carcinoma have a good prognosis compared with those with a poorly differentiated type. Therefore, histologic differentiation can be used as a prognostic indicator in gastric carcinoma patients with curative resection.

Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase expression increases upon exposure to hypergravity

Stimulation by a number of conditions, including infection, cytokines, mechanical injury, and hypoxia, can upregulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in hepatocytes. We observed that exposure to hypergravity significantly upregulated the transcription of the hepatic iNOS gene. The aim of this study was to confirm our preliminary data, and to further investigate the distribution of the iNOS protein in the livers of mice exposed to hypergravity. ICR mice were exposed to +3 Gz for 1 h. We investigated the time course of change in the iNOS expression. Hepatic iNOS mRNA expression progressively increased in centrifuged mice from 0 to 12 h, and then decreased rapidly by 18 h. iNOS mRNA levels in the livers of centrifuged mice was significantly higher at 3, 6, and 12 h than in uncentrifuged control mice. The pattern of iNOS protein expression paralleled that of the mRNA expression. At 0 and 1 h, weak cytoplasmic iNOS immunoreactivity was found in some hepatocytes surrounding terminal hepatic venules. It was noted that at 6 h there was an increase in the number of perivenular hepatocytes with moderate to strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. The number of iNOS-positive hepatocytes was maximally increased at 12 h. The majority of positively stained cells showed a strong intensity of iNOS expression. The expression levels of iNOS mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the livers of mice exposed to hypergravity. These results suggest that exposure to hypergravity significantly upregulates iNOS at both transcriptional and translational levels.

Xanthohumol inhibits cellular proliferation in a breast cancer cell line (MDA‑MB231) through an intrinsic mitochondrial‑dependent pathway.

AIMS: Xanthohumol isolated from hops has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects in diverse human cancers. However, its effect on breast cancer has not yet been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of xanthohumol on breast cancer cell proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After treatment with 5 µM, 10 µM, and 20 µM xanthohumol for 48 h, cells from the human breast cancer cell line MDA‑MB‑231 were studied using colony assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting. RESULTS: The survival rate of the MDA‑MB231 cells treated with 10 µM and 20 µM xanthohumol for 48 h decreased significantly by 64.7 ± 1.8% and 40.1 ± 1.8%, respectively. The numbers of SubG0/G1 cells in the group treated with 10 µM and 20 µM xanthohumol increased significantly to 11.3 ± 0.2 and 18.4 ± 0.1, respectively. A ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation was also observed. Xanthohumol increased the expression of Bax in the mitochondria, which correspondingly decreased in the cytoplasm. The activity of caspase‑3 and caspase‑9 was shown to increase significantly in the treated groups but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthohumol inhibited the proliferation of MDA‑MB‑231 cells through a mitochondria‑ and caspase‑dependent apoptotic pathway. This result suggests that xanthohumol might serve as a novel therapeutic drug for breast cancer.

Transgender in Africa: Invisible; Inaccessible; or Ignored?

Transgender people are an important key population for HIV risk globally; and several studies have found HIV prevalence rates in transgender populations that are significantly higher than those among other key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). There is a lack of research on transgender populations in Africa; and at present; there is almost no data available on HIV prevalence and risk among transgender people on the continent. It is possible that the invisibility of transgender people in epidemiological data from Africa is related to the criminalisation of same-sex behaviour in many countries and the subsequent fear of negative repercussions from participation in research. Alternatively; transgender people may be being overlooked in research due to confusion among researchers about how to ask questions about gender identity. It is also possible that transgender populations have simply been ignored in research to date. Without research on transgender-specific HIV prevalence and risk; it is very difficult to know what interventions and services are needed for this risk population. Therefore; it is important that researchers; governments; Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and donor organisations begin to pay explicit attention to transgender people in their HIV-related research and programmes in Africa

Comparative fine structure of the epididymal spermatozoa from three Korean shrews with considerations on their phylogenetic relationships

This study examined the fine structures of epididymal spermatozoa on the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens), the Japanese white-toothed shrew (C. dsinezumi) and the big white-toothed shrew (C. lasiura) belonging to the subfamily Crocidurinae living in Korea. In the spermatozoa of C. suaveolens, the head has a large acrosome, a smooth inner acrosomal membrane and a wavy, finger-like, electron-dense apical body. The neck has a solid proximal centriole that is filled with electron-dense material. These results showed the spermatozoa of C. suaveolens possess the characteristics of both Crocidurinae and Soricinae. In C. dsinezumi and C. lasiura, the head has a large acrosome, a serrated inner acrosomal membrane and a common apical body. The neck has a fistulous proximal centriole with slightly dense elec tron granules. These results showed the typical characteristics of Crocidurinae. Although C. suaveolens belongs to the subfamily Crocidurinae, the spermatozoan morphology is different from C. dsinezumi and C. lasiurai because it has conserved characteristicsof the subfamily Soricinae.

Electrographic evidence suggests that human dysplastic cortex is intrinsically epileptogenic

Lesöes displásicas corticais (LDC) estäo frequentemente associadas a epilepsias de difícil controle. Nós descrevemos os correlatos eletrográficos deste alto grau de epileptogenicidade, caracterizado por descargas epileptógenas rítmicas, contínuas ou quase-contínuas, registradas diretamente das LDC durante eletrocorticografia trans-operatória. Esta atividade ictal ou descargas epileptogênicas contínuas (AI/DEC) manifestava-se por um de três padröes: (a) crises eletrográficas repetidas; (b) surtos de polipontas recorrentes; ou (c) espículas rítmicas contínuas ou quase-contínuas. Um ou mais destes padröes estava presente em 23 de 34 pacientes (67 por cento ) com epilepsia partial de difícil controle associada a LDC. Esta AI/DEC era geralmente mais localizada, assim contrastando com a atividade interictal ao eletrocorticograma, que era mais difusa. Nós concluimos que LDC säo altamente e intrinsicamente epileptogênicas e discutimos mecanismos possivelmente relacionados a esta epileptogenicidade intrínsica

Efeitos do D-600 (metoxi-verapamil) na mortalidade e tamanho do infarto apos oclusao coronariana em ratos. / Effects of D-600 (metoxy-verapamil) on the mortality and infarction size after coronary occlusion in rats

A finalidade deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de metoxi-verapamil (D-600) na mortalidade e no tamanho final do infarto, em ratos com oclusao coronariana. Inicialmente, o tronco comum da coronaria esquerda foi ocluido em 212 ratos. Os animais foram randomizados em um grupo controle e um grupo tratado com D-600. A mortalidade apos os primeiros 15 minutos da oclusao do tronco comum da arteria coronaria esquerda era 40% menor no grupo tratado que no grupo controle (p < 0,01). A diferenca de mortalidade entre os dois grupos manteve-se 48 horas apos a oclusao. Os ratos que sobreviveram 48 horas apos-oclusao coronaria tiveram seus infartos medidos por planimetria e os resultados foram: 38,2% no grupo controle e 37,6% no grupo tratado. Estes resultados permitem-nos concluir que D-600 diminui a mortalidade apos oclusao coronariana em ratos, provavelmente por acao antiarritmica