Effects of chemical straighteners on the hair shaft and scalp

Abstract Background The effects of chemical straighteners on the scalp and hair shaft are not fully known, although such substances are widely used. Hair straightening became popular in Brazil with the use of formaldehyde and its derivatives, despite the prohibition by the current legislation. Objective To identify changes in hair shaft and scalp caused by the use of chemical straighteners. Methods A search was performed using keywords in three databases from 03/16/2020 to 05/20/2020, with publications between the years 2000 to 2020. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 articles were selected for review. Results In some studies, hair relaxers were associated with eczema, desquamation, pain, burns, and inflammation in the scalp. Hair loss, damage to the shaft, alteration in the color of the hairs and in the composition of their amino acids were observed. Findings are variable across the studies. Study limitations The search was restricted to three databases, in two languages, different study designs were accepted. Conclusions Straightening techniques can have side effects, including scalp inflammation, damage to the shaft, and hair loss. Its long-term effects remain unknown and further studies are necessary.

Immunostaining study of cytokeratins in human hair follicle development

Abstract Background: The hair follicle is a unique structure, one of the most dynamic structures in mammalians, which can reproduce in every new cycle all the mechanism involved in its fetal development. Although a lot of research has been made about the human hair follicle much less has been discovered about the importance of the cytokeratins (CKs) in its development. Objective: Study the immunohistochemical pattern of epithelial CKs during human hair follicle development. Methods: We performed an immunohistochemical study using fresh post-mortem skin biopsies of human fetuses between 4 and 25 weeks of gestational age to study the expression of cytokeratins (CKs): CK1, CK10, CK13, CK14, CK16 and CK20 during human hair follicle fetal development. Study limitations: Restrospective study with a good number of makers but with a small population. Results/conclusion: We found that, the CKs were expressed in an intermediate time during follicular development. The epithelial CKs (CK1, CK14, CK10, CK13) and the epithelial CKs with a proliferative character such as CK16 were expressed first, as markers of cellular maturation and follicular keratinization. At a later phase, CK20 was expressed in more developed primitive hair follicles as previously discussed in literature.

Acroqueratoelastoidosis de Costa: reporte de un caso esporádico / Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa: Report of a sporadic case / Acroqueratoelastoidose de Costa: relato de um caso esporádico

La acroqueratoelastoidosis de Costa es una rara genodermatosis autosómica dominante con expresividad variable, que se caracteriza por la presencia de múltiples pápulas hiperqueratósicas en la zona marginal de las manos, los pies o ambas. Debuta predominantemente en la niñez y vida adulta temprana, es de curso crónico y generalmente asintomática. Su diagnóstico diferencial del resto de las acroqueratodermias es un desafío para el clínico, sin embargo, el hallazgo histológico de elastorrexis nos permite categorizarla. Presentamos un caso esporádico de una paciente joven, con características clínicas e histopatológicas típicas de la enfermedad.

The acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa is a rare genodermatosis of autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity. It is characterized by the presence of multiple hyperkeratotic papules in the marginal zone of the hands and / or feet, which appears predominantly in childhood and early adulthood. It is generally asymptomatic and chronic. Its differential diagnosis from the rest of acrokeratodermias is a challenge for the physician; however, the histological finding of elastorhexis allows us to categorize it. We present a sporadic case of a young female patient, with clinical and histopathological characteristics typical of the disease.

A acroqueratoelastoidose de Costa é uma rara genodermatose autossômica dominante com expressividade variável, que se caracteriza pela presença de múltiplos pápulas hiperqueratósicas na zona marginal das mãos, dos pés ou ambas. Debuta predominantemente na infância e vida adulta precoce, é de curso crónico e geralmente assintomática. Seu diagnóstico diferencial do resto das acroqueratodermias é um desafio para o clínico, mas, a descoberta histológica de elastorrexis nos permite categorizá-la. Apresentamos um caso esporádico de uma paciente jovem, com características clínicas e histopatológicas típicas da doença.

Multifaceted role of keratins in epithelial cell differentiation and transformation

Keratins, the epithelial-predominant members of the intermediate filament superfamily, are expressed in a pairwise, tissuespecific and differentiation-dependent manner. There are 28 type I and 26 type II keratins, which share a common structurecomprising a central coiled coil a-helical rod domain flanked by two nonhelical head and tail domains. These domainsharbor sites for major posttranslational modifications like phosphorylation and glycosylation, which govern keratin functionand dynamics. Apart from providing structural support, keratins regulate various signaling machinery involved in cellgrowth, motility, apoptosis etc. However, tissue-specific functions of keratins in relation to cell proliferation and differentiation are still emerging. Altered keratin expression pattern during and after malignant transformation is reported tomodulate different signaling pathways involved in tumor progression in a context-dependent fashion. The current reviewfocuses on the literature related to the role of keratins in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation in different types of epithelia.

The research progress of keratin′s roles in the pathology of middle ear cholesteatoma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Keratin (K) is the main component of the epithelial cell mesenchymal cytoskeleton, which protects the integrity of epithelial cells and maintains the function of normal epithelial cells. The expression of keratin affects epidermal proliferation and differentiation, and so as to be used as a marker for proliferation, differentiation and migration of keratinocytes. Middle ear cholesteatoma is one of the common ear diseases. In the middle ear cholesteatoma, keratinocytes over-proliferate and keratin debris accumulates. In this paper, we reviewed the recent studies on middle ear cholesteatoma and explained the possible mechanisms of keratin in the pathogenesis of middle ear cholesteatoma from the aspects of "proliferation" and " bone resorption ". At the same time, the existing problems as well as the prospect of the future research were discussed.

Early typing diagnostic and predictive value of AKA, APF and ACPA in juvenile idiopathic arthritis / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the early typing diagnostic and predictive value of anti-keratin antibodies(AKA), anti-perinuclear factor(APF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies(ACPA) in patients of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted to collect 144 cases of JIA who were hospitalized in Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2013 to June 2016 and followed up for at least one year.Among them,66 were males (46%) and 78 were females (54%).The age at diagnosis was between 1 year 5 months to 15 years 9 months.144 patients were tested for AKA,ACPA,APF and TNFα upon admission. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the positive rates of three antibodies among different subtypes. Mann-Whitney nonparametric test and Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to analyze the data of prognosis between antibody-positive group and antibody-negative group in the course of disease.@*Results@#In 144 patients, 49(34%) were classified as systemic arthritis, 28 (19.4%) as polyarthritis, 61(42.3%) as oligoarthritis, and 6(4.2%) as enthesitis-associated arthritis. 52 cases (36.1%) were positive for one antibody or more antibodies of AKA/APF/ACPA at the early stage, 14(9.7%) were AKA positive, 44(30.6%) were ACPA positive and 12(8.3%) were APF positive. The positive rates of ACPA/AKA/APF antibodies were significantly different among different subtypes(χ2=33.863,26.860,14.395; P<0.01,<0.01,<0.05).The rates in polyarthritis were higher than those in systemic arthritis and oligoarthritis; In 95 children with non-systemic form, the level of TNFα in antibody-positive group (43 cases) was higher than that in antibody-negative group (52 cases) at the early stage(Z=4.785, P<0.01);144 patients were followed up for at least one year,the rates of patients who accepted biologic therapies were significantly different between antibody-positive group and antibody-negative group (50% vs 25%). So do the rates of patients with joint deformities (17.3% vs 2.2%) and with important joints involvement (hip and axis joints) (59.6% vs 14.1%) (χ2=9.249,10.875,32.392; P<0.01,<0.01,<0.01). Further more, the number of joints involved in the antibody-positive group (7.07±3.85) was significantly more than that in the antibody-negative group (2.31±1.64) (F=63.822, P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#AKA,APF and ACPA are important in the early typing diagnosis of JIA,and may be closely related to the prognosis of patients with JIA.

Early typing diagnostic and predictive value of AKA, APF and ACPA in juvenile idiopathic arthritis / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the early typing diagnostic and predictive value of anti-keratin antibodies(AKA), anti-perinuclear factor(APF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies(ACPA) in patients of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods A retrospective study was conducted to collect 144 cases of JIA who were hospitalized in Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2013 to June 2016 and followed up for at least one year.Among them,66 were males (46％) and 78 were females (54％).The age at diagnosis was between 1 year 5 months to 15 years 9 months.144 patients were tested for AKA,ACPA,APF and TNFα upon admission. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the positive rates of three antibodies among different subtypes. Mann-Whitney nonparametric test and Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to analyze the data of prognosis between antibody-positive group and antibody-negative group in the course of disease. Results In 144 patients, 49(34％) were classified as systemic arthritis, 28 (19.4％) as polyarthritis, 61(42.3％) as oligoarthritis, and 6(4.2％) as enthesitis-associated arthritis. 52 cases (36.1％) were positive for one antibody or more antibodies of AKA/APF/ACPA at the early stage,14(9.7％) were AKA positive, 44(30.6％) were ACPA positive and 12(8.3％) were APF positive. The positive rates of ACPA/AKA/APF antibodies were significantly different among different subtypes(χ2=33.863,26.860,14.395;P<0.01,<0.01,<0.05).The rates in polyarthritis were higher than those in systemic arthritis and oligoarthritis;In 95 children with non-systemic form,the level of TNFαin antibody-positive group(43 cases)was higher than that in antibody-negative group(52 cases)at the early stage(Z=4.785, P<0.01);144 patients were followed up for at least one year,the rates of patients who accepted biologic therapies were significantly different between antibody-positive group and antibody-negative group (50％ vs 25％). So do the rates of patients with joint deformities(17.3％vs 2.2％)and with important joints involvement (hip and axis joints)(59.6％vs 14.1％)(χ2=9.249, 10.875, 32.392; P<0.01, <0.01, <0.01). Further more, the number of joints involved in the antibody-positive group (7.07 ± 3.85) was significantly more than that in the antibody-negative group (2.31 ± 1.64)(F=63.822,P<0.01). Conclusions AKA,APF and ACPA are important in the early typing diagnosis of JIA,and may be closely related to the prognosis of patients with JIA.

White sponge nevus: a case report and literature review / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of white spongy spot nevus, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. @*Methods @#The clinical data and related literature of a case of white cavernous nevus in oral cavity were retrospectively analyzed.@*Results @#White spongy nevus is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disease with a family history. The mutations of keratin gene K4 and K13 in patients with white spongy nevus are considered to be the main causes. The disease usually starts in children and adolescents and tends to be stable in adulthood. It is characterized by extensive white water-wave folds on the mucosa, soft texture, and affects the bilateral buccal mucosa. Pathological examination usually shows excessive keratosis of epithelial cells, edema and vacuolation in spinous cells, while basal cells are generally normal. In clinic, it should be differentiated from oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus and oral candidiasis. At present, there is no specific treatment method. Retinoic acid is often applied locally and gargle is used to keep oral hygiene and cleanliness. Patients can not be treated without conscious symptoms. The prognosis of the disease is good and there is no tendency of malignancy.@*Conclusion @#White spongy nevus is very rare and easily missed by clinicians. Diagnosis mainly depends on medical history, clinical manifestations and pathological examination. Future research directions should be devoted to finding more effective treatment.

Clinical value of tumor marker combined with cytokeratin 18 and 19 in the diagnosis of malignant tumors / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the clinical value of tumor marker combined with cytokeratin 18 and 19 in the diagnosis of malignant tumors .Methods 264 patients with malignant tumor were selected as the observation group.During the same period,136 patients with benign tumor were selected as the control group .The tumor markers, cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) levels were compared between the two groups ,and the positive detection rate of tumor markers combined with CK 18 and CK19 were analyzed .Results The serum CK18 and CK19 levels of the observation group were (25.48 ±75.14) U/L,(18.67 ±64.85)U/L,respectively,which were signifi-cantly higher than those of the control group [(0.56 ±1.52)U/L,(0.76 ±0.43)U/L],the differences were statisti-cally significant (t=17.38,15.75,all P<0.05).The serum levels of CEA,CA125,CA50,CA19-9 and TSGF of the observation group were (21.24 ±30.16) μg/L,(69.85 ±112.75) mU/L,(47.32 ±121.81) mU/L,(41.87 ± 20.65) mU/L,(91.64 ±43.84) mU/L,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the control group [(1.27 ±0.85) ng/mL,(15.82 ±3.87) mU/L,(12.85 ±31.65) mU/L,(6.89 ±4.85) mU/L,(38.35 ± 8.01) mU/L],the differences were statistically significant (t=15.73,16.89,14.86,17.79,16.73,all P<0.05).The positive detection rates of CK18 and CK19 for gastric cancer (66.67％) and lung cancer (77.14％) were signif-icantly higher than tumor markers ,and the differences were statistically significant (χ2 =5.67,6.78,all P<0.05). The positive detection rate of tumor markers combined with CK 18 and CK19 for malignant tumors ( 75.00％) was significantly higher than CK18 and CK19 joint detection (65.91％),tumor markers (46.97％),the differences were statistically significant (χ2 =6.78,7.12,all P<0.05).Conclusion Tumor markers combined with CK18 and CK19 detection is helpful to improve the detection rate of malignant tumors and provide effective basis for following treatment.

Changes in expression of keratin genes in renal tissues during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the changes in the expression of keratin genes in renal tissues during renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods Six wild type male C57/B6 mice,aged 50 days,weighing 20-30 g,were divided into 2 groups (n=3 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (Sham group) and I/R group.Right renal arteries and veins were clamped for 1 h followed by reperfusion,and the left kidneys were removed to establish the model of renal I/R injury.At 24 h of reperfusion,blood samples were collected from the left ventricle for determination of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations by colorimetric method.The right kidney specimens were obtained for pathologic examination and for determination of the expression of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin mRNA (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR]) and keratin genes (by Affemetrixc DNA microarray).The differentially expressed genes identified were further confirmed by qRT-PCR.Results Compared with Sham group,the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly increased,the expression of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin mRNA was up-regulated (P＜0.05),and the damage to the renal tubules was aggravated in I/R group.The results of microarray analysis showed that only keratin 20 gene (the expresion was up-regulated) was the differentially expressed gene (P＜0.05),and the results measured by qRT-PCR were consistent with those measured by Affemetrixc DNA microarray.Conclusion Keratin 20 gene expression in renal tissues is up-regulated during renal I/R injury in mice,and the change may be involved in the endogenous protective mechanism during renal I/R injury.

Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Subclassification into Basal, Ductal, and Mixed Subtypes Based on Comparison of Clinico-pathologic Features and Expression of p53, Cyclin D1, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, p16, and Human Papilloma

BACKGROUND: Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma with distinct pathologic characteristics. The histogenesis of BSCC is not fully understood, and the cancer has been suggested to originate from a totipotent primitive cell in the basal cell layer of the surface epithelium or in the proximal duct of secretory glands. METHODS: Twenty-six cases of head and neck BSCC from Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, reported during a 14-year-period were subclassified into basal, ductal, and mixed subtypes according to the expression of basal (cytokeratin [CK] 5/6, p63) or ductal markers (CK7, CK8/18). The cases were also subject to immunohistochemical study for CK19, p53, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and p16 and to in situ hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV), and the results were clinico-pathologically compared. RESULTS: Mixed subtype (12 cases) was the most common, and these cases showed hypopharyngeal predilection, older age, and higher expression of CK19, p53, and EGFR than other subtypes. The basal subtype (nine cases) showed frequent comedo-necrosis and high expression of cyclin D1. The ductal subtype (five cases) showed the lowest expression of p53, cyclin D1, and EGFR. A small number of p16- and/or HPV-positive cases were not restricted to one subtype. BSCC was the cause of death in 19 patients, and the average follow-up period for all patients was 79.5 months. Overall survival among the three subtypes was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a heterogeneous pathogenesis of head and neck BSCC. Each subtype showed variable histology and immunoprofiles, although the clinical implication of heterogeneity was not determined in this study.

Cytokeratin immunoprofile of primary and metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands: a report of two cases

Distant metastases from salivary gland tumors are considered infrequent: the incidence of distant metastases ranges from 24% to 61% according to different histotypes and to the site of the primary mass. The most common site of distant metastases due to salivary gland malignancies is the lung. From the pathology point of view, cytokeratins (CK) are important differentiation markers in salivary gland tumors, which are often used for the diagnostic process. Their employment also may be useful to identify and confirm the diagnosis of their distant metastases. We report the expression of CK in two cases of primary and metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and their CK profiles of the primary and metastatic masses. Both patients-one male and one female-were diagnosed with an ACC cribriform and tubular, respectively, with lung metastases. In case 1, the metastatic mass presented the same histotype and CK profile of the primary tumor. For case 2, the metastatic lung mass was distinct from the primary mass (a solid ACC) and presented a different CK profile. Although salivary gland metastatic disease presents a poor prognosis, both patients reported herein are alive despite the presence of the disease in long-term follow-up. Therefore, the modifications seen in the CK profiles do not appear to be predictive of tumor behavior and outcome. The use of a CK profile seems to be useful to identify the nature of a distant mass and its possible correlations with a primary salivary gland tumor.

Combined detection of anti CCP antibodies,AKA and APF in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value for rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by using combined detection of anti‐cy‐clic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti CCP ) ,anti keratin antibody (AKA ) and the antiperinuclear factor (APF ) in serum . Methods A total of 110 RA patients(RA group) ,50 patients with other autoimmune diseases(non RA group) and 110 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study .The concentrations of AKA ,APF were detected by using indirect immunofluo‐rescence assay and anti CCP by using ELISA .Results The positive rates of anti‐CCP ,AKA ,APF in RA group were higher than those in non RA group and control group(P<0 .05) .In the series detection of the three indicators ,the sensibility and specificity were 44 .55% and 99 .38% respectively ;in the parallel detection of the three indicators the sensibility and specificity were 93 .64%and 85 .63% respectively .Conclusion Anti CCP detection exhibits relatively higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of RA .Series detection of the 3 indicators can improve the specificity ,reduce the rate of misdiagnosis;parallel detection of the 3 indica‐tors can improve the sensitivity ,reduce the rate of misdiagnosis .The Combined detection of anti CCP ,AKA and APF has better di‐agnostic efficiency than single detection .

Identificação de subtipos moleculares baseada no perfil imunoistoquímico de carcinomas mamários triplo-negativos em mulheres com idade até 45 anos e sua distribuição nas diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil / Identification of molecular subtypes based on immunohistochemical profile of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBCs) in women aged up to 45 years and its distribution in different geographical regions of Brazil

Carcinomas mamários triplo-negativos correspondem ao grupo heterogêneo de neoplasias mamárias caracterizadas pela ausência de expressão dos receptores de estrogênio e progesterona e sem amplificação ou superexpressão do HER2. São mais prevalentes em mulheres jovens e em afrodescendentes. Eles se associam frequentemente ao fenótipo basal-símile determinado geneticamente, entretanto, incluem também outros tipos moleculares intrínsecos. Metodologias de análise genética de novas gerações têm permitido sua estratificação em subgrupos distintos, o que justifica a heterogeneidade clínica deste grupo de neoplasias. A identificação desses subgrupos através de marcadores imunoistoquímicos de aplicação prática ainda é pouco explorada, embora seja uma ferramenta promissora na sua estratificação e determinação de alvos terapêuticos. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo é explorar os perfis imunoistoquímicos dos carcinomas mamários triplo-negativos em mulheres com idade até 45 anos e investigar possíveis diferenças entre as cinco regiões geográficas brasileiras. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 118 amostras de tumores de pacientes com idade até 45 anos, com carcinoma invasivo, blocos de parafina disponíveis e perfil imunoistoquímico triplo-negativo, procedentes das cinco regiões geográficas. Estes casos foram revisados quanto à determinação de tipo e grau histológico e as seguintes características anatomopatológicas: contorno do tumor, presença e fração do componente "in situ", embolização vascular peritumoral, tipo e grau da reação estromal, presença de necrose tumoral e formação de túbulos pela neoplasia. Foram selecionadas áreas representativas do tumor para construção de blocos de microarranjos de tecido para estudo imunoistoquímico. Foram pesquisados os seguintes marcadores: citoqueratinas basais 5/6 e 14, citoqueratinas luminais 8 e 18, receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR ou HER1), receptor de androgênio, e-caderina, catenina-beta,...

Triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBC) correspond to a heterogeneous group of neoplasia characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and by the absence of amplification or overexpression of HER2. They are more prevalent among African descendants and younger women. They are often associated with the basal-like genetic phenotype; however, other intrinsic molecular types are included. Genomic analyses of next-generation methods have allowed stratification of TN breast carcinomas into distinct subgroups, explaining the clinical heterogeneity of this group of neoplasias. The identification of these subgroups by immunohistochemical markers is not well explored, although it represents a potential useful tool for the stratification and determination of therapeutic targets. OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to explore the TNBC immunohistochemical profile in patients of 45 year-old or younger, and to investigate possible differences among the five Brazilian geographic regions. METHODS: We've selected 118 samples of tumors from patients up to 45 years-old from five Brazilian geographic regions, with invasive carcinoma, available paraffin blocks, and triple-negative immunohistochemical profile. All the cases were reviewed as for determination of histologic type and grading, and the following pathological features: tumor contour, presence and percentage of in situ component, peritumoral vascular embolization, type and grade of stromal reaction, presence of tumoral necrosis, and tubule formation by neoplasia. Representative tumor areas were selected for tissue microarray construction for immunohistochemical study. The following markers were studied: Basal cytokeratins 5/6 and 14; luminal cytokeratins 8 and 18; Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or HER1); androgen receptor; e-cadherin; catenin-beta; claudins (3,4 and 7); vimentin; smooth-muscle actin; p63, ALDH1, and Ki-67. According to the expression of the markers, the tumors...

Clinicopathological Features and Immunohistochemical Alterations of Keratinocyte Proliferation, Melanocyte Density, Smooth Muscle Hyperplasia and Nerve Fiber Distribution in Becker's Nevus

BACKGROUND: Although Becker's nevus (BN) is a relatively common disease, the systematic studies of clinicopathological and immunohistochemical results are poorly reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical alterations of keratinocyte proliferation, melanocyte density, smooth muscle hyperplasia and nerve fiber distribution in BN. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data were collected in 60 newly-diagnosed BN cases. Immunohistochemical stain of Ki-67, Melan-A, keratin 15, smooth muscle actin and protein gene product 9.5 was performed in 21 cases. RESULTS: The median diagnostic and onset age was 17 and 12 years, respectively. Skin lesions usually appeared on the upper trunk and upper limbs. The pathological features included the rete ridge elongation and fusion and basal hyperpigmentation. Epidermal Ki-67, Melan-A and keratin 15 expression and dermal nerve fiber length were significantly higher in lesional and perilesional skin than in normal skin (p<0.05~0.01), while smooth muscle actin expression was upregulated only in skin lesion (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the clinical diagnosis of BN is often straightforward, histopathology is helpful to differentiate from other pigmentary disorders. The hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, melanocytes, arrector pili muscle and dermal nerve fibers could be involved in the pathogenesis of BN.

Ghost Cells and its Histogenesis: A Narrative Review.

Many research workers have made an attempt to elucidate the nature of ghost cells by employing special histochemical methods, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, and several hypotheses have been offered without any universal agreement. With the purpose of unraveling some of the facts regarding ghost cells with emphasis on their histogenesis, a comprehensive review of available literature on ghost cells and ghost cell containing pathologies was undertaken using PubMed database. A search revealed articles with different theories of histogenesis of ghost cells in various odontogenic and non-odontogenic pathologies. Most of the authors favored aberrant keratinization while abortive enamel matrix formation, degeneration, coagulative necrosis, metaplasia of odontogenic epithelium, abnormal terminal differentiation, or apoptosis were other theories of histogenesis. Recent articles suggested an accumulation of hard keratin in ghost cell cytoplasm and emphasized on role of Wnt-β-catenin pathway in tumorigenesis of ghost cell-containing tumors. Future molecular studies are required to clarify further genetic and predisposing factors along with types and role of keratins involved in ghost cell transformation.

Dermatosis neglecta

Dermatosis neglecta is the name of a skin condition characterized by papules and polygonal plaques, which are sometimes warty, brownish and hyperpigmented, adherent and symmetric, though removable with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. It occurs due to inadequate skin cleansing causing accumulation of sebum, sweat, keratin and impurities. Its occurrence, though little reported, is frequent. The main differential diagnosis is the Terra fi rma-forme dermatosis. The treatment is simple, with exfoliation, moisturizing and even rubbing of alcohol. Causes of negligence on the patient’s side, which can range from hygiene carelessness to psychiatric disorders, local hypersensitivity, limbs negligence or motor paralysis, should be investigated. We illustrate the case of dermatosis neglecta in a 45-years old patient admitted with pulmonary sepsis.

The value of immunochemistry staining of TTF1, CK7, P63 and CK5/6 in the differential diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer / 中国医师杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of the immunochemistry staining of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), cytokeratin7 (CK7), P63, and cytokeratin5/6 (CK5/6) in the bronchoscop-ic forceps biopsy specimen in the differential diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancers.Methods Totally 143 cases of non-small cell lung cancers from Department of Respiratory and Department of Oncology from Nov 2012 to Jan 2014 were diagnosed with pathological examinations of the bronchoscopic forceps biospy.The sen-sitivity and specificity of TTF-1, CK7, P63, and CK5/6 of forceps biopsy at the diagnosis of lung adenocarci-noma and squamous cell carcinoma were calculated.Results The expressions of TTF-1 and CK7 in the pul-monary adenocarcinomas were higher than the pulmonary squamous cell cancer ( P <0.01).The diagnosis sensitivity and specificity of TTF-1 in the pulmonary adenocarcinoma were 85.1%(63/74) and 98.6%(68/69), respectively.The diagnosis sensitivity and specificity of CK7 in the pulmonary adenocarcinoma were 82.4%(61/74) and 91.3%(63/69), respectively.The diagnosis sensitivity and specificity of P63 in the pulmonary squamous cell cancer were 97.1% ( 67/69 ) and 89.2% ( 66/74 ) , respectively.The diagnosis sensitivity and specificity of CK5/6 in the pulmonary squamous cell cancer were 79.7%(55/69) and 89.2%(66/74), respectively.The combined expression of CK7(+)/TTF-1(+) in the pulmonary adenocarcinoma was higher than the pulmonary squamous cell cancer ( P <0.01).The combined expression of P63(+)/CK5/6(+) in the pulmonary squamous cell cancer was higher than the pulmonary adenocarcinoma ( P <0.01).Conclusions The combination use of the immunochemistry staining of TTF-1, CK7, P63, and CK5/6 helps to differentiate lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer.

Value of serum HE4, CYFRA21-1, CA199 in the diagnosis of ovarian benign and malignant tumor / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnosis significance of human epididymis (HE4),cytokeratin-19-fragment (CYFRA21-1),carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) on the malignant ovarian tumor,and to evaluate the value of individual and combined detection in judging high risk ovarian cancer.Methods The serum HE4,CYFRA21-1,CA199 levels of 45 patients with primary ovarian cancer,56 patients with benign ovarian tumor and 50 healthy check-up women in our hospital were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECL).The positive rates and coincidence rates of them were analyzed and the diagnostic value of them were compared.Results HE4 and CYFRA21-1 levels of ovarian cancer group were significantly higher compared with the benign tumor group and healthy control group and the differences were statistically significant (Z=-8.61,P＜0.001;Z=-8.39,P＜0.001;Z=-8.60,P＜0.001;Z=-8.39,P＜0.001),however there is no difference between benign tumor group andcontrol group(Z =-1.31,P =0.189;Z =-1.29,P =0.191).The difference of CA199 between benign tumor group and control group was statistically significant (Z =-8.79,P ＜ 0.001).For the malignant tumors,the specificity and positive predictive value of HE4 (99.8％,99.7％),CYFRA21-1 (99.0％,96.7％) were very high and the diagnostic accordance rates were relatively high (93.4％,88.7％),but the sensibilities of them were lower compared with CA199.CA199 was increased both in benign and malignant ovarian tumors with different degrees,but the specificity was not very high (85.8％),and the positive predictive value and the diagnosis accordance rate were low (70.6％,84.1％).The combined detection of HE4,CYFRA 21-1 and CA199 could improve the sensitivity and of the diagnosis of ovarian cancer (100％) and accuracy (89.4％).Conclusions HE4 and CYFRA21-1 only increas in malignant ovarian tumors,and they are mainly used for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer;CA199 level is increased both in benign and malignant ovarian tumors,but the extent is different and it can be used for distinguishing and diagnosing of benign and malignant ovarian tumors.Combining the three indexes can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis of ovarian cancer,and has an important significance for the early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Three-dimensional aspects of superficial disseminated porokeratosis with scanning electron microscopy

The three-dimensional findings of the surface and from a cross section from a case of disseminated superficial porokeratois using scanning electron microscopy are reported. On the surface of the skin, irregular keratin with a serpiginous distribution was seen. A gross aspect of keratin in the hyperkeratotic wall was also observed and compared to the normal area, in which the release of corneocytes seemed normal. The cross-sectional imaging easily identified the cornoid lamella, with compact keratin surrounded by normal stratum corneum.