Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye - Are they effective or ineffective?

Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of omega?3 fatty acid supplements in relieving dry eye symptoms and signs in symptomatic visual display terminal users (VDT). Methods: A randomized controlled study was done; eyes of 470 VDT users were randomized to receive four capsules twice daily for 6 months (O3FAgroup), each containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid. The O3FA group was compared with another group (n = 480) who received four capsules of a placebo (olive oil) twice daily. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The primary outcome was improvement in omega?3 index (a measure of EPA and DHA ratio in RBC membrane). Secondary outcomes were improvement dry eye symptoms, Nelson grade on conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer test values, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear film osmolarity. Means of groups (pre?treatment, 1, 3, and 6?months) were compared with repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, 81% patients had low omega?3 index. In the O3FA group, a significant increase in omega?3 index, improvement in symptoms, reduction in tear film osmolarity, and increase in Schirmer, TBUT, and goblet cell density was observed. These changes were not significant in the placebo group. Improvement in test parameters was significantly (P < 0.001) better in patients with low omega3 index (<4%) subgroup. Conclusion: Dietary omega?3 fatty acids are effective for dry eye in VDT users; omega?3 index appears to be the predictor to identify potential dry eye patients who are likely to benefit from oral omega?3 dietary intervention

Tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes apendicular con metástasis endometrial

El tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes es una neoplasia mixta casi exclusiva del apéndice, con diferenciación neuroendocrina y mucinosa. La afección metastásica endometrial por carcinomas extragenitales, especialmente el tipo de células de anillo de sello, es rara. Se presenta un caso de tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes apendicular con metástasis endometrial. Se trató de paciente femenina de 70 años quien presentó sangrado genital. El examen ginecológico mostró sangrado genital en moderada cantidad de color rojo-marrón y cuello uterino endurecido. En la biopsia endometrial se halló nidos de células de anillo de sello. La impresión diagnóstica provisional fue carcinoma mal diferenciado de probable origen intestinal. Durante la intervención, el útero tenía consistencia pétrea, el apéndice cecal era fibrótico y engrosado y el epiplón engrosado con nódulos tumorales. Las secciones anatómicas del cuello y cuerpo uterino mostraron focos tumorales. En el apéndice cecal se encontró acúmulos de pequeño tamaño compuestos por células caliciformes. La inmunotinción fue positiva a sinaptofisina, CDX-2, EMA, CK20, CD56 focal. Estos hallazgos confirmaron el diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes, un tumor caracterizado por infiltración de la pared apendicular por pequeños nidos o cordones de células caliciformes con mucina intracitoplasmática y expresión focal de marcadores neuroendocrinos. Estas neoplasias tienen un comportamiento más agresivo que los tumores neuroendocrinos. La metástasis endometrial es rara y puede ser confundida con un carcinoma primario de células de anillo de sello. Se debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial después de excluir otros tumores primarios.

Goblet cell carcinoid tumor is an almost exclusive mixed neoplasm of the appendix with neuroendocrine and mucinous differentiation. Endometrial metastatic involvement by extragenital carcinomas, especially the signet ring cell type, is rare. A case of appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid tumor with endometrial metastasis is presented. This was a 70-year-old female patient who presented with genital bleeding. The gynecological examination showed moderate red-brown genital bleeding and hardened cervix. Endometrial biopsy reported nests of signet ring cells. The provisional diagnostic impression was poorly differentiated carcinoma of probable intestinal origin. During surgery, the uterus had a stony consistency, the cecal appendix was fibrotic and thickened, and the omentum was thickened with tumor nodules. Anatomical sections of the cervix and uterine body showed tumor foci. In the cecal appendix, small clusters composed of goblet cells were found. Immunostaining was positive for synaptophysin, CDX-2, EMA, CK20, focal CD56. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of goblet cell carcinoid tumor, a tumor characterized by infiltration of the appendiceal wall by small nests or cords of goblet cells with intracytoplasmic mucin and focal expression of neuroendocrine markers. These neoplasms have a more aggressive behavior than neuroendocrine tumors. Endometrial metastasis is rare and can be mistaken for a primary signet ring cell carcinoma. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis after other primary tumors have been excluded.

First report of deep crypt secretory cells in ascending colon in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera): a histological and histochemical study / Primer reporte de células secretoras de criptas profundas en colon ascendente en chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera): un estudio histológico e histoquímico

SUMMARY: The normal morphology of the colon differs among mammal species.The ascending colon presents several types of cells, responsible for carrying different functions for this organ. Among them, the mucus-secreting cells ensure the integrity of the mucosa, local defense, protection against different external factors, inflammatory diseases, cancer, etc. The ascending colon from 5 adult male chinchillas were processed for paraffin embedding and stained with three methods: Goldner's trichrome, PAS reaction, and Alcian blue staining procedure. The results showed that the structure of the ascending colon is similar to the one described in other species, i.e. mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. Regarding the mucus-secreting cells present in the deeper part of the mucosal crypts (deep crypt secretory or DCS cells) turned out to be different not only morphologically from the surface goblet cells but also regarding the type of mucus synthesized. DCS cells have a multivacuolated, faintly stained cytoplasm with moderately PAS-positive reaction and intensely positive reaction to Alcian blue stain. The mean surface of DCS cells was 521.6 μm2 as compared to 437.9 μm2 for goblet cells (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study describes for the first time in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) the presence of formerly known non-goblet or vacuolated cells, and recently entitled DCS cells in the glandular epithelium of the colon. The understanding of morphological peculiarities in chinchilla may serve as a good basis to understand the pathophysiology of various conditions that may arise.

RESUMEN: La morfología normal del colon es diferente entre las especies de mamíferos. El colon ascendente presenta varios tipos de células, encargadas de llevar varias funciones a este órgano. Entre ellos, las células secretoras aseguran la integridad de la mucosa, defensa local, protección frente a diferentes factores externos, enfermedades inflamatorias, cáncer, etc. Se procesaron para su inclusión en parafina el colon ascendente de 5 chinchillas machos adultos y se tiñeron con tres métodos: tricrómico de Goldner, reacción PAS y Azul de Alcian. Los resultados mostraron que la estructura de del colon ascendente es similar a la descrita en otras especies, es decir, mucosa, submucosa, muscular externa y serosa. Las células secretoras de la mucosa presente en la parte más profunda de las criptas mucosas (células secretoras de la cripta profunda o células DCS) resultaron ser diferentes morfológicamente de las células caliciformes superficiales, con citoplasma levemente teñido con reacción PAS positiva moderada y reacción intensamente positiva a Azul de Alcian. La superficie media de las células DCS fue de 521,6 μm2 en comparación con 437,9 μm2 de las células caliciformes (p <0,05). En conclusión, nuestro estudio describe por primera vez en chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) la presencia de células no caliciformes o vacuoladas anteriormente conocidas, y recientemente denominadas células DCS en el epitelio glandular del colon. La comprensión de las peculiaridades morfológicas de la chinchilla puede servir como una buena base para comprender la fisiopatología de las diversas afecciones.

Preliminary establishment of dry eye model in non-obese diabetic mice / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To determine the pathological changes in ocular surfaces dry eye excessive evaporation non-obese diabetic(NOD)mice model and to preliminarily explore the feasibility of diabetic dry eye model.<p>METHODS: In this study, 40 females NOD mice were selected. The experimental group consisted of NOD mice that were diagnosed with diabetes while the normal control group consisted of those NOD mice without spontaneous diabetes. Hypodermic injection of Scopolamine hydrobromide(0.5mg/0.2mL)was administered under 40% humidity to the experimental group and placed in a controlled drying box for 12h a day. This was to achieve a dry eye model. Testing indicators on the 1, 7, 10 and 14d after modeling, phenol red thread test was used to measure tear secretion and the eye sections were stained with periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)to examine the morphology and number of conjunctival goblet cells. On the 10d after modeling, the changes in the corneal epithelium were visualized after staining with hematoxylin. <p>RESULTS:For the NOD mice of the experimental group, the tear secretion was gradually decreased with timing, while there were no obvious changes in the normal control group. The volume of the conjunctival goblet cells of the experimental group became larger, and on the 1d after the molding, the experimental group had decreased density of the goblet cells when compared with the normal control group(<i>P</i>=0.008). From the 7d after the molding, as the time was prolonged, the density of the goblet cells was gradually decreased and the differences between the two group at same time point were significant(all <i>P</i><0.001). Besides, it was required to observe the corneal epithelium of the two groups on the 10d. The result shows that the corneal epithelium became thinned, some epithelial cells were denatured, and stromal cells became edema.<p>CONCLUSION: Dry eye model of NOD mice was preliminary established, and the changes of ocular surface were similar to those of dry eye in the clinic.

A case of appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid tumor: Getting it right under the microscope / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#<p>Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare neoplasm of the vermiform appendix and can be mistaken as a typical neuroendocrine tumour (TNET). The natural history of this disease is more aggressive compared to TNETs and requires a more aggressive approach. We report a case of a 37-year-old male who was initially diagnosed with TNET, but subsequently revised as Tang's A GCC. He underwent appendectomy and right hemicolectomy. Aside from a persistently elevated carcinoembyrogenic antigen (CEA) result, his 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and a 68-Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT scan showed no FDG or DOTATATE avid lesions. </p>

The effect of low protein on colonic mucosal barrier in pigs / El efecto de baja proteína en la barrera mucosa colónica en cerdos

Reducing nitrogen nutrients concentration in dairy food is economic for pig industry. Here, we used finishing pig as model to investigate the effect on colon mucosal barrier and nutrients absorption after reducing crude protein (CP) in dietary from 16 % to 13 %. The results showed that crypt depth, cells, claudin-1 and E-cadherin expression level will not be changed, which implied the integrity of colon mucosal structure. Furthermore, the expressions of ASCT1, EAAT3 and SGLT1 in colon were also maintained at normal levels in 13 % CP dietary. Interestingly, the CAT1 and GLUT2 expression were increased significantly after reducing CP level to 13 %, which might be attributed to the compensatory nutrients absorption. This study implied that 13 % CP was sufficient to maintain normal colon structure and will not change intestinal morphology, which provided a basis for an ideal economic protein feed formula.

La reducción de concentración de nitrógeno en los alimentos lácteos es económicamente favorable para la industria porcina. En este trabajo se utilizó el cerdo de acabado como modelo para investigar el efecto sobre la barrera de la mucosa del colon y la absorción de nutrientes después de reducir la proteína bruta (CP) en la dieta del 16 % al 13 %. Los resultados mostraron que la profundidad de la cripta, las células globulares, el nivel de expresión de Claudin-1 y E-cadherina no cambiaron, lo que implicaría la integridad de la estructura de la mucosa del colon. Además, las expresiones de ASCT1, EAAT3 y SGLT1 en el colon también se mantuvieron en niveles normales en el 13 % de la dieta de CP. Sin embargo, la expresión de CAT1 y GLUT2 incrementó significativamente después de reducir el nivel de CP a 13 %, lo que podría atribuirse a la absorción de nutrientes compensatorios. Este estudio indicó que el CP del 13 % era suficiente para mantener la estructura normal del colon y no cambiaría la morfología intestinal, lo que proporcionó una base para una fórmula económica ideal para la alimentación con proteínas.

Changes of tear film stability, goblet cell and mucin 5AC expression in conjunctivochalasis patients / 眼科新进展

Objective To observe the changes of tear film stability,goblet cell and mucin 5AC expression in conjunctivochalasis patients,and explore the mechanism of conjunctivochalasis.Methods Conjunctivochalasis patients (30 cases) and single age-related cataract patients (15 cases) were collected as conjunctivochalasis group and normal control group.Eye symptom assessment (OSDI score),tear break-up time (BUT),Schirmer Ⅰ test,tear fern crystallization tests were performed for all the selected persons.Conjunctival rescent-shaped resections were made for all the conjunctivochalasis patients.Conjunctival tissue samples were stained by HE staining,AB staining,mucin 5AC immunohistochemical staining from the conjunctivochalasis group and norral control group respectively,and then statistical analysis was made.Results The OSDI score in the conjunctivochalasis group (37.80 ± 8.94) was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (11.40 ±4.08) (P ＜0.01).BUT in the conjunctivochalasis group (6.70 ± 2.76) s was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (13.67 ± 3.48) s (P ＜ 0.01).Schirmer Ⅰ test in the conjunctivochalasis group (6.23 ± 3.13) mum was significantly lower than the normal control group (13.40 ± 3.74)mm (P ＜ 0.01).Tear ferbing crystallization of the conjunctivochalasis group was decreased significantly compared with the normal control group (x2 =14.309,P =0.003).Light microscopic showed that conjunctival thickness was thinned,collagen fibers were less,elastic fiber was reduced,the lamina propria and interstitial were congestion and edema,the number of goblet cells was significantly reduced,and the positive staining of mucin 5AC staining was significantly lower in the conjunctivochalasis group than in normal control group (x2 =9.499,P =0.023).Conclusion For patients with conjunctivochalasis,the tear film function is affected,goblet cells are decreased,tear fern crystallization is decreased,mucin 5AC content is decreased,which finally leads the excessive conjunctival relaxation and abnormal ocular surface and tear.

Research progress in characteristics of conjunctiva goblet cells and its relationship with ocular surface health / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Conjunctiva goblet cells are spread out within a stratified epithelium, and keep ocular surface homeostasis by secreting mucin.Previous research has shown conjunctiva goblet cells can secret mucin, remove debris and modulate ocular surface immune function.In this review, we will focus on biological characteristics of conjunctiva goblet cells and the effect of key factors SAM pointed domain Ets factor(SPDEF) on differentiation and function of conjunctiva goblet cells, and further understand relationship between goblet cells and eye health.

Focusing on the role of conjunctiva goblet cell in maintaining the health of ocular surface / 中华实验眼科杂志

Ocular surface tissues are vulnerable to various stimuli from the external environment,including microbial invasion,mechanical damage,chemical stimulation,dust,UV light,and allergen stimulation.Conjunctival goblet cells play an important role in maintaining ocular surface self-homeostasis and health.These cells are the only unicellular glands in humans and mammals that are mainly distributed in the epithelium of the digestive tract,respiratory tract,and the ocular surface.Many factors affect goblet cell development and differentiation,especially the newly discovered molecule Spdef,which is a transcription factor found in the ETS family.The main function of conjunctival goblet cells is to secrete mucin to protect and lubricate the ocular surface;however,they also secrete a variety of other bioactive substances.Recent studies have demonstrated that goblet cells are involved in antigen presentation,regulation of dendritic cell phenotype differentiation,and induction of immune tolerance on the mucosa.Many ocular surface diseases,such as dry eye,will alter density and function of conjunctival goblet cells.Therefore,ophthalmologists should be concerned about the biological behavior of conjunctival goblet cells and the relationship between them and ocular surface diseases.

Clinical Value of Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Detection of Serum Inflammatory Bowel Disease Antibody Spectrum in IBD / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate clinical significance of diagnosis of the anti saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), pancreatic acini antibody (PAB)resistance,resistance to small goblet cell antibody (GAB),anti neutrophil cytoplasm anti-bodies (ANCA)for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)and the differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC)and crohn's disease (CD).Methods Collected 200 cases of test group sets of inflammatory bowel disease,serum by indirect immunofluo-rescence (IF).Results In the serum of 200 patients,106 cases with positive or weakly positive.Among them,the positive ASCA/weak positive 24 cases,14 cases of PAB,GAB 63 cases,28 cases ANCA,and included in ASCA group respectively and PAB group,GAB group,ANCA group.Positive rate of ANCA and GAB in the diagnosis of UC were 34% and 58%. Positive rate of ASCA and PAB in the diagnosis of CD were 28.6% and 38.1%.ANCA associated with GAB detection in the diagnosis of UC specific degree was 60%,ASCA associated with PAB detection in the diagnosis of CD specific degree was 75%.Conclusion Serum inflammatory bowel disease antibody spectrum in ASCA,ANCA,GBA and PAB four antibod-ies of joint detection has important guiding value to the diagnosis of IBD,also can be used as one of UC and CD in the differ-ential diagnosis methods.

The Effect of 3% Diquafosol Tetrasodium on Corneal Wetting Property and Mucin-5AC Concentration in Rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effects of 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution on tear MUC5AC concentration and corneal wetting property in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Six New Zealand white rabbits were used in the present study. Fifteen minutes after instilling 50 microL of 3% diquafosol into the right eye of each rabbit and 50 microL of saline into the left eye, corneal wetting property, tear MUC5AC concentrations and the area of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-stained conjunctival goblet cells were evaluated under general anesthesia using conjunctival impression cytology. Corneal wetting property was evaluated by measuring the duration from when the image of the microscopic light beam was clear on the corneal surface immediately after blinking to when the image began to blur. RESULTS: The mean time of corneal wetting property was 86.40 (+/- 17.90) seconds in the diquafosol group and 49.00 (+/- 6.35) seconds in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.043). The mean concentration of tear MUC5AC was significantly higher in the diquafosol group (18.21 +/- 1.52 ng/mL) than the control group (12.75 +/- 1.82 ng/mL; p = 0.028). Conjunctival impression cytology showed the area of PAS-stained conjunctival goblet cells was significantly lower in the diquafosol group (23.17 +/- 0.05%) than the control group (32.49 +/- 0.08%; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after instilling 3% diquafosol, corneal wetting property improved significantly. Also tear MUC5AC concentration, which was released from conjunctival goblet cells increased compared to saline.

Incidentally discovered goblet cell carcinoid clinically presenting as acute intestinal obstruction: A case report with review of literature.

Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare variant of carcinoid tumor that exclusively involves the appendix. It usually occurs in 5th-6th decade with the most common clinical presentation being acute appendicitis. The natural history of this tumor is intermediate between carcinoids and adenocarcinomas. We here report a case of GCC diagnosed incidentally in a patient presenting with acute intestinal obstruction. Ultrasonographic examination supported the clinical diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction, following which the patient underwent laparotomy and resection of ileum along with appendix was done. On gross pathological examination, a nodular growth was present on the tip and body of appendix that was yellow in color with a semi-solid to mucoid consistency on cut section. On microscopy, lakes of mucin with few acinar structures fl oating in them were seen. The submucosa as well as serosa were infi ltrated by clusters of goblet cells and well-formed acini, with little atypia. Glands and nests were positive for per-iodic acid Schiff and immunohistochemistry showed focal chromogranin positivity in glandular structures, thereby confi rming the diagnosis of GCC. Although the prognosis of GCC is better than adenocarcinomas, it is one of the carcinoids having a poorer outcome when compared with other variants of carcinoid tumor. Therefore, it is important to rule out other differential diagnoses of goblet cell carcinoid, the most important being mucinous adenocarcinomas.

Mucosal Immune Responses of Mice Experimentally Infected with Pygidiopsis summa (Trematoda: Heterophyidae)

Mucosal immune responses against Pygidiopsis summa (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) infection were studied in ICR mice. Experimental groups consisted of group 1 (uninfected controls), group 2 (infection with 200 metacercariae), and group 3 (immunosuppression with Depo-Medrol and infection with 200 metacercariae). Worms were recovered in the small intestine at days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection (PI). Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), mast cells, and goblet cells were counted in intestinal tissue sections stained with Giemsa, astra-blue, and periodic acid-Schiff, respectively. Mucosal IgA levels were measured by ELISA. Expulsion of P. summa from the mouse intestine began to occur from days 3-5 PI which sustained until day 7 PI. The worm expulsion was positively correlated with proliferation of IEL, mast cells, goblet cells, and increase of IgA, although in the case of mast cells significant increase was seen only at day 7 PI. Immunosuppression suppressed all these immune effectors and inhibited worm reduction in the intestine until day 7 PI. The results suggested that various immune effectors which include IEL, goblet cells, mast cells, and IgA play roles in regulating the intestinal mucosal immunity of ICR mice against P. summa infection.

Efeitos do espaço de alojamento e da idade sobre desenvolvimento, integridade e proteção da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte / Effects of enclosure size and age on development, integrity and protection of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chickens

Foi avaliado se o espaço de alojamento influencia o desenvolvimento da mucosa do intestino delgado de frangos, sendo usado um esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (14, 28, 42, 55 dias de idade e alojamento pequeno: 0,11m²/ave e grande: 0,525m²/ave). Foram analisadas: altura, perímetro e número dos vilos, profundidade das criptas, número de células caliciformes e número de vilos sem e com perda de epitélio e exposição do conjuntivo. Em ambos os espaços de alojamento, o número de vilos diminuiu e a profundidade das criptas aumentou com a idade nas três regiões intestinais. A altura e o perímetro dos vilos aumentaram de 14 para 28 dias no jejuno e íleo, e o número de células caliciformes foi maior no duodeno e íleo a partir dos 42 dias. A perda de epitélio pelos vilos do íleo aumentou com a idade. Nas aves do alojamento grande, ocorreu aumento na altura e no perímetro dos vilos duodenais com a idade, possibilitado pelo aumento na profundidade das criptas, que resultou em vilos maiores nessas aves do que nas do alojamento pequeno aos 55 dias de idade. O número de células caliciformes diminuiu nas aves do alojamento pequeno aos 42 dias de idade. Os dados mostram que o tamanho do alojamento interferiu no modelo de desenvolvimento temporal da mucosa intestinal e que frangos apresentaram maior tamanho de vilo duodenal quando alojados em espaço maior.

This study evaluated if enclosure size and age influence the intestinal mucosa development of broiler chickens, using an experimental design in an 4x2 factorial arrangement (14, 18, 42 and 55 days of age and two enclosure spaces: small= 0.11m² /bird and large= 0.525m²/bird). Villous height, perimeter and number, and crypt depth, goblet cells number, and number of villous without and with epithelium loss and conjunctive tissue exposition were analyzed in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Regardless of enclosure size, the villous number diminished and the crypt depth increased with the age in the three intestinal regions. From 14 to 28 days of age, villous height and perimeter increased in the jejunum and ileum. The number of goblet cells was greater from 42 days in duodenum and ileum, and epithelium loss increased until 42 days in the ileum. Broilers housed in small and large enclosures differed in the intestinal characteristics from 42 days. In broilers housed in large enclosure, duodenal villous height and perimeter increased with the age, with an increase in the crypt depth, reaching greater size at 55 days of age than duodenal villous of the broilers housed in a small enclosure. These later presented at 42 days a smaller number of goblet cells than the former. According these results, enclosure size influenced the temporal pattern of the intestinal mucosa development, and broilers presented major duodenal villous growth when housed in large enclosures.

STAT6 Expression and IL-13 Production in Association with Goblet Cell Hyperplasia and Worm Expulsion of Gymnophalloides seoi from C57BL/6 Mice

In intestinal helminth infections, Th2 immune respones are generally associated with mucin secretion for worm expulsion from the host intestine. In particular, IL-4 and IL-13 are the important cytokines related with intestinal mucus production via STAT6 signalling in nematode infections. However, this perspective has never been studied in Gymnophalloides seoi infection. The present study aimed to observe the STAT6 signalling and cytokine responses in C57BL/6 mice, a mouse strain resistant to infection with this trematode. The results showed that worm expulsion occurred actively during days 1-2 post-infection (PI), when goblet cells began to proliferate in the small intestine. The STAT6 gene expression in the mouse spleen became remarkable from day 2 PI. Moreover, G. seoi infection induced a significant increase of IL-13 from day 4 PI in the spleen of infected mice. Our results suggested that goblet cell hyperplasia and worm expulsion in G. seoi-infected mice should be induced by STAT6 signalling, in which IL-13 may be involved as a dominant triggering cytokine.

Efeitos das emissões geradas pela queima dos canaviais sobre a superfície ocular / Effects of sugar cane burning emissions on the ocular surface

Efeitos adversos das emissões geradas pela queima da cana-de-açúcar representa um problema que afeta principalmente os países em desenvolvimento. Estudos prévios têm demonstrado que, durante o período de queima, há um aumento das admissões hospitalares e atendimentos de emergência nas cidades do Brasil próximas às plantações de cana. Entretanto, até o momento, não há estudos que avaliaram os efeitos sobre a superfície ocular. O presente trabalho avalia o impacto causado pela queima da cana sobre a superfície ocular em cortadores de cana e na população da região de Tatuí-SP. Vinte e dois cortadores de cana e dezenove voluntários do perímetro urbano de Tatuí-SP, localizada no Estado de São Paulo, foram recrutados para o estudo. Medidas ambientais das concentrações de material particulado de 2,5 Vm (MP2,5), temperatura e umidade foram mensuradas durante os períodos de queima e entre safra. Ao mesmo tempo, avaliações histológicas e clínicas da superfície ocular, tais como, citologia de impressão da região tarsal, tempo de rotura do filme lacrimal (TRFL), teste de Schirmer I, colorações vitais por rosa bengala e fluoresceína, biomicroscopia e sintomas oculares foram realizadas durante os dois períodos. Níveis de MP2,5 durante a atividade de corte da cana queimada foi 3,5 vezes mais elevados do que o limite de 25Vg/m3 sugerido pelo órgão de regulamentação. Nas avaliações oculares, observamos que os valores médios das áreas coradas por ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) das amostras dos cortadores foram menores durante o período de queima (57±6,8%) do que na entre safra (64,3±12%; p=0,014) e quando comparadas com as amostras dos voluntários da cidade (63,9±6.8%; p=0,009). Modelo de regressão não-linear revela uma forte associação entre os valores médios das áreas PAS positivas e os anos de trabalho no corte da cana queimada. Detectamos um aumento nas áreas PAS positivas conforme os anos de trabalho acumulados no corte da cana queimada durante o período...

The adverse effects of particle emissions produced by sugar cane burning represent a problem that affects mostly developing countries. Previous studies have shown that, during the burning period, there is an increase in respiratory hospital admissions and emergency room visits in communities surrounded by sugar cane plantations in rural cities of Brazil. However, until this date, no previous studies have evaluated the effects on the ocular surface. The aim of the present work is to study the impact of the sugar cane burning on the ocular surface of cane workers and the people at the city of Tatuí, near the burning crops. Twenty-two healthy sugar cane workers and nineteen volunteers from Tatuí region located at the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were recruited to the study. Measurements of the average concentrations of particulate matter 2.5 Vm, temperature and humidity were done during the burning and non-burning periods. Concurrently, histological and clinical assessments of the ocular surface such as, inferior tarsal impression cytology, tear film break-up time, Schirmer´s I test, fluoresce in and rose bengal staining, biomicroscopy and eye irritation symptoms were evaluated during the two periods. PM2.5 exposure levels in the crops during the activity of burnt cane cutting were 3.5-fold higher than the suggest limit of 25Vg/m3 proposed by governmental regulation. On ocular assessments, we observed that the average of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive areas of sugar cane workers samples were lower during the burning (mean 57%, SD 6.8) than the non-burning period (mean 64.3%, SD 12; p=0.014) and the downtown volunteers samples (mean 63.9%, SD 6.8; p=0.009). A non-linear regression model reveals a strong relationship between average PAS positive areas and years working in sugar cane harvesting. We noticed an increase in PAS positive areas as long as the years accumulated in sugar cane harvesting...

Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix

A goblet cell appendiceal carcinoid (GCAC) is an uncommon tumor. It shares the histologic features of both adenocarcinoma and conventional carcinoids. The metastatic potential of GCAC is higher than that of classic appendiceal carcinoids. Their management, whether an appendectomy alone is an adequate treatment or whether a right hemicolectomy is indicated, is still under debate. The metastatic potential of GCAC is similar to that of classic appendiceal carcinoids and depends on the tumor size and the mitosis rate. Therefore, some authors advocate a simple appendectomy, not expanding beyond the appendix adventitia, for selected patients with tumors less than 1 cm in diameter with a low mitosis rate (<2/10 HPF). Otherwise, a right hemicolectomy is indicated for all other patients to reduce the risk of developing metastatic disease. Chemotherapy is the usual treatment option for metastatic disease, but more data are required if an optimal regimen is to be determined. Finally, colonoscopy plays an important role in patients with an appendiceal adenocarcinoid because of their high risk of developing a colorectal adenocarcinoma. Recently, we discovered one case of a GCAC that was diagnosed incidentally at appendectomy. A 48-yr-old man visited the emergency department with the symptom of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Acute appendicitis was suspected after evaluation, and a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. The type of appendicitis was gangrenous, and there were no obvious signs of malignancy. However, a pathologic diagnosis of a goblet cell carcinoid was made. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was subsequently performed. The patient received 5 cycles of chemotherapy applied to the goblet cell carcinoid and has shown no other remarkable indispositions during the last 12 mo.

Prevalence of goblet cell metaplasia in endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma: A histochemical study

To determine the prevalence of goblet cell metaplasia in endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinomas by histochemial staining and to investigate the most sensitive histochemical staining method to detect this metaplasia, a total of 90 tissue blocks representing 30 non-neoplastic cervix, 30 non-neoplastic endometrium, 30 endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma cases were obtained for histochemical staining with Toluidine Blue (TB), Methylene Blue (MB), Mucicarmine (MUC), Periodic Acid Schiff before and after Diastase digestion (PAS, PAS-D), Alcian Blue pH 2.5 (AB), and Periodic Acid Schiff after Alcian Blue pH 2.5 (PAB). The cases were blinded and evaluated by a pathologist [NHO] for the presence of goblet cell metaplasia, the amount of goblet cells present and the histochemical differentiation of the goblet cells compared with its surrounding glandular epithelium. Goblet cell metaplasia was present in 2 out of 30 cases in non-neoplastic cervix, 0 out of 30 cases in non-neoplastic endometrium, 7 out of 15 cases in endocervical adenocarcinoma and in 2 out of 15 cases in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Relatively few goblet cells were seen in endometrial adenocarcinoma, few to moderate amounts were seen in endocervical adenocarcinoma and relatively more goblet cells were seen in non-neoplastic cervix. The differentiation of the goblet cells with its surrounding glandular epithelium was moderate to strong in non-neoplastic cervix and endocervical adenocarcinoma, while the differentiation in endometrial adenocarcinoma was weak to moderate. The various staining methods showed differences in presence, amount anddifferentiation of the goblet cells. Goblet cell metaplasia of the reproductive organs is not as rare as previously reported. There was no statistical difference in presence, amount and differentiation of goblet cells according to the various cases. The must optimum staining methods for staining goblet cells in non-neoplastic cervix, endocervical adenocarcinoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma were PAS, PASD and AB.

Primary research on the influence of trabeculectomy on tear film and epithelial cells of ocular surface / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the early influence nf trabeculectomy on tear film and epithelial cells of ocular surface.Methods Twenty-six patients (36 eves) with glaucoma underwent trabeculectomy with adjustable suture,and with or without use of intraoperative mitomycin-C(MMC) undel conjunctiva and sclera were included from March 2006 to May 2007.Routine ocular examinations and ocular surface examina- tions,including Schirmer I test,break-up time,fluorescein staining,rose bengal staining,and conjunctival impression cytology,were conducted preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively.Results Compared with normal controls,troth postoperative and preoperative BUT were significantly shortened,and FL,RB scores, conjunctival Nelson classification significantly higher,and goblet cell density was significantly decreased in glaucomatous patients.No statistically significant difference of Sit were observed between the patients and the normal controls.There were no statistically significant difference of Sit,BUT,FL and RB scores between pre- operation and 1 month postoperation.Postoperative conjunctival Nelson classification was significantly higher than preoperative level,and goblet cell density was significantly lowered.There were no significant difference of Slt,BUT,Nelson classification and goblet cell density between 0.25 mg/ml MMC group and the control preoperatively and 1 month pnstoperatively.The FL and RB scores of the control group were significantly high- er than MMC group postoperatively.Conclusion There may be some influence of trabeculectomy on tear film stability and ocular surface epithelium,which is manifested by teat film unstability,epithelial staining, conjunctival squamous metaplasia,and goblet cell density decrease 1 month postoperatively.These may not be related to use of low concentration of MMC in operation.