Expression of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase in vaginal gastric-type adenocarcinoma and uterine clear cell carcinoma

Background: Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR, P504S) is a commonly used marker in immunohistochemical diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recent studies identified P504S markers of the clear cell histotype in the ovary and/or endometrium. Gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) is difficult to diagnose histologically, particularly when there is crossover with clear cell carcinoma (CCC). However, the significance of P504S for differentially diagnosing GAS and CCC is unclear. Aim: To evaluate P504S as a potential diagnostic marker of GAS and CCC. Settings and Design: We analyzed P504S expression in 48 cervical carcinomas (32 GAS and 16 CCC), as well as the expression of other markers including hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF-1?) and NapsinA. Material and Methods: The expression differences of HNF-1?, NapsinA, and P504S in GAS and CCC were detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical histoscores based on the intensity and extent of staining were calculated. Results: The positive rates of HNF-1? in GAS and CCC were 90.32% and 75%, respectively. (?2 = 2.251, P = 0.663). The positive rates of NapsinA in GAS and CCC were 19.36% and 81.25%, respectively. (?2 = 47.332, P < 0.01). The positive rates of P504S in GAS and CCC were 16.13% and 81.25%, respectively. (?2 = 41.420, P < 0.01). HNF-1? was frequently expressed in GAS and CCC, while NapsinA and P504S were frequently expressed in CCC, and reduced or lost in GAS. Conclusion: NapsinA and P504S can be used to differentiate between GAS and CCC.

Rapidly progressing malignant phyllodes tumor of the prostate with normal prostate-specific antigen levels: A case report

Malignant phyllodes tumor of the prostate is a very rare entity. Here, we describe a 51-year-old patient with a malignant phyllodes tumor of the prostate with a poor prognosis and normal prostate-specific antigen levels. Digital rectal examination revealed a hard, nodular mass in the prostate, and magnetic resonance imaging exhibited a cystic mass measuring 8.7 cm × 7.0 cm × 6.7 cm. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the epithelial components were positive for CK8/18 and cytokeratin AE1/AE3; the atypical stromal cells were positive for CD34 and vimentin. Histological analysis resulted in a diagnosis of malignant phyllodes tumor of the prostate. Radical surgery was the treatment of choice. However, tumor recurrence was identified 6 months after the surgery, and the patient died 10 months after the surgery.

Effect of feeding grape seed Proanthocyanidin extract on production performance, metabolic and anti-oxidative status of dairy cattle / Efeito da alimentação do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin sobre o desempenho da produção e o status metabólico e antioxidante de gado leiteiro

Aims to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on production performance, metabolism, and anti-oxidative status of Holstein dairy cattle in early lactation. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cattle were assigned to four groups (CON, G20, G40 and G80) and supplied with 0, 20, 40, and 80mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day. G20 significantly increased milk yield compared with other groups. Milk protein and non-fat-solids were increased in G20, G40 and G80 groups compared with the control group only at the 7th day during the experiment. No significant difference was observed in milk fat and somatic cell count, nor on parameters of energy metabolism in blood, liver function and kidney function between the four groups. There was no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and hydrogen peroxide between the groups; but the malondialdehyde content of G20 significantly increased at day 14 in comparison with CON, and tended to increase at the 28th day. In conclusion, feeding 20mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day was associated with a significant increase in milk yield without detrimental effects on liver or kidney function and with substantial energy metabolism and antioxidant parameters improvement in early lactation dairy cattle.(AU)

O presente trabalho visa investigar os efeitos do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin (GSPE) sobre o desempenho da produção, o metabolismo e o status antioxidante de gado leiteiro Holstein em lactação precoce. Quarenta e oito vacas leiteiras multíparas Holstein foram divididas em quatro grupos (CON, G20, G40 e G80) e receberam 0, 20, 40 e 80mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia, respectivamente. O G20 aumentou significativamente o rendimento do leite em comparação com os outros grupos. A proteína e os sólidos não gordurosos do leite foram aumentados nos grupos G20, G40 e G80 somente no sétimo dia durante a experiência. Não foi observada diferença significativa na gordura do leite e na contagem de células somáticas, bem como nos parâmetros de metabolismo energético no sangue, na função hepática e na função renal entre os grupos em relação ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa na glutationa peroxidase, na dimutase de superóxido, na capacidade antioxidante total e no peróxido de hidrogênio entre os grupos, mas o conteúdo malondialdeído do G20 aumentou significativamente no dia 14 em comparação com o CON, e tendia a aumentar no dia 28. Em conclusão, a alimentação de 20mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia foi associada a um aumento significativo no rendimento do leite, sem efeitos nocivos sobre a função hepática ou a renal, com o metabolismo de energia substancial e a melhoria dos parâmetros antioxidantes de gado leiteiro no início da lactação.(AU)

Meta-analysis on the efficacy and tolerability of the augmentation of antidepressants with atypical antipsychotics in patients with major depressive disorder

We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of the augmentation of antidepressants (ATDs) with atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) to treat patients with major depressive disorder. A retrograde study to identify relevant patient data included databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. Data from 17 trials, involving 3807 participants, were identified. The remission rate (RR) and overall response rate (ORR) of adjunctive treatment with AAPs were significantly higher than placebo treatment: RR=1.90 (95%CI=1.61-2.23, z=7.74, P<0.00001) and ORR=1.68 (95%CI=1.45-1.94, z=7.07, P<0.00001). We found that the short-term (4 weeks) treatment [ORR=1.70 (95%CI=0.98-2.95, Z=1.89, P=0.06)] was significantly different from the long-term (6-12 weeks) treatment [ORR=1.68 (95%CI=1.45-1.94, z=7.07, P<0.00001)]. No significant difference in ORR was observed between groups with or without sedative drugs. The discontinuation rate due to adverse effects was higher for adjunctive treatment with AAPs: ORR=3.32 (95%CI=2.35-4.70, z=6.78, P<0.00001). These results demonstrate that the augmentation of ATDs with AAPs (olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, and risperidone) was more effective than a placebo in improving response and remission rates, although associated with a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse effects.

The efficacy of pemetrexed and bevacizumab intrapleural injection for malignant pleural mesothelioma-mediated malignant pleural effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed chemotherapy combined with intrapleural injection of pemetrexed and bevacizumab in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)‑mediated malignant pleural effusion, and analyze the objective response rate (ORR), the median progression‑free survival (PFS) and the median overall survival (OS). METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data of 23 MPM patients with pleural effusion who were treated with a combination chemotherapy of pemetrexed at 500 mg/m2, on day 1 plus cisplatin (DDP) at 20 mg/m2 on day 1–5 of each 21 days cycle, and concurrently, intrapleural injection of pemetrexed 0.5 g and bevacizumab 300 mg was administered on day 3 or day 4 after complete effusion drainage. ELISA test was applied to detect the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in the pleural effusion and serum, and assess the ORR and survival. RESULTS: In the 23 evaluable patients, the VEGF level in the pleural effusion and serum was significantly decreased, P < 0.01, pleural effusion of 20 patients (86.96%) was controlled effectively. There were 8 complete responses, 7 partial responses, 5 stable disease and 3 progressive disease, the ORR was 65.21%, the disease control rate was 86.96%, the median PFS was 6 months, the median OS was 14.5 months, and the 1‑year survival rate was 41.22%. Toxicities were generally mild and manageable; the major toxicities included myelosuppression, fatigue, and anemia, mainly were grade 1–2 which could be managed by symptomatic treatments. CONCLUSION: The combination of pemetrexed chemotherapy with intrapleural injection of pemetrexed and bevacizumab is efficacious and safe for MPM pleural effusion, and results of the present study demonstrate some improvement in the PFS and OS. The expression of VEGF in the pleural effusion and serum plays a guiding role in monitoring the efficacy of bevacizumab in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal multiple submucosal tumors originating from the muscular propria layer: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent years, submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) was applied more and more often for single gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumor (SMT). However, little is known about this technique for treating multiple SMTs in GI tract. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility and outcome of STER for upper GI multiple SMTs originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A feasibility study was carried out including a consecutive cohort of 23 patients with multiple SMTs from MP layer in esophagus, cardia, and upper corpus who were treated by STER from June 2011 to June 2014. Clinicopathological, demographic, and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All of the 49 SMTs were resected completely by STER technique. Furthermore, only one tunnel was built for multiple SMTs of each patient in this study. En bloc resection was achieved in all 49 tumors. The median size of all the resected tumors was 1.5 cm (range 0.8–3.5 cm). The pathological results showed that all the tumors were leiomyoma, and the margins of the resected specimens were negative. The median procedure time was 40 min (range: 20–75 min). Gas‑related complications were of the main complications, the rates of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and pneumoperitoneum were 13.0%, 8.7% and 4.3%. Another common complication was thoracic effusion that occurred in 2 cases (8.7%), among which only 1 case (4.3%) with low‑grade fever got the drainage. Delayed bleeding, esophageal fistula or hematocele, and infection in tunnel were not detected after the operation there were no treatment‑related deaths. The median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 2–9 days). No residual or recurrent lesion was found during the follow‑up period (median 18, ranging 3–36 months). CONCLUSION: Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection is a safe and efficient technique for treating multiple esophageal SMTs originating from MP layer, which can avoid patients suffering repeated resections.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to HIV/AIDS among female migrant workers in the restaurant industry in Guangzhou, China / Conocimientos, actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con el VIH/SIDA entre las trabajadoras emigrantes en la industria de restaurantes en Guangzhou, China

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to assess knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS among the migrant female workers in the restaurant industry in Guangzhou City, China. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire survey using a judgmental sampling method in the health examination clinic of Yuexiu District of Guangzhou during March 2011. A total of 428 participants completed and returned the questionnaires and data were analysed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one way ANOVA, and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Of 428 respondents, the average score of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge was 19.6 (full marks, 26). Knowledge on HIV/AIDS among respondents was classified as poor for 8.2%, fair for 42.5%, and good for 49.3%. The average score of AIDS-related attitudes of respondents was 7.2 (full marks, 10). Most of the respondents (88.8%) had relatively positive attitudes toward AIDS. Unmarried status, ages less than 30 years old and higher levels of education had higher scores of knowledge. Among the respondents who had sex experiences, 57.7% (130/225) reported that they never or only some of the time used condom. The young, unmarried women had significantly higher proportion of condom use than those above 30 years old, and/or married ones. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a half of respondents had only moderate and low levels of awareness about HIV/AIDS knowledge, although most of them had tolerant and positive attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. In addition, a relatively lower rate of condom use was reported. The findings indicate that there exists broad space for improvement of knowledge and behaviours toward HIV/AIDS for migrant women in China.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los conocimientos y actitudes relacionadas con el VIH/SIDA entre las trabajadoras emigrantes en la industria de restaurantes en la ciudad de Guangzhou, China. MÉTODOS: Realizamos una encuesta en forma de cuestionario utilizando un método de muestreo a juicio en la clínica de examen de salud del distrito de Yuexiu de Guangzhou en marzo de 2011. Un total de 428 participantes llenaron y entregaron los cuestionarios, y los datos fueron analizados mediante estadísticas descriptivas, prueba t, ANOVA unidireccional, y prueba de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: De las 428 encuestadas, la puntuación media de los conocimientos relacionados con el VIH/SIDA fue 19.6 (puntuación máxima, 26). El conocimientos sobre el VIH/SIDA entre las encuestadas fue clasificado de pobre por el 8.2 por ciento, aceptable por el 42.5%, y bueno por el 49.3%. La puntuación promedio de las actitudes relacionadas con el SIDA entre las encuestadas fue 7.2 (puntuación máxima, 10). La mayoría de las encuestadas (88.8%) tenían actitudes relativamente positivas hacia el SIDA. El estado civil de soltero, las edades menores de 30 años, y los niveles de educación más altos, estuvieron asociados con puntuaciones más altas de conocimiento. Entre las encuestadas que tenían experiencias sexuales, el 57.7% (130/225) reportó no haber usado condones nunca, o sólo algunas veces. Las mujeres jóvenes solteras hicieron un uso del condón en proporción significativamente mayor que las mujeres mayores de 30 años, y/o las casadas. CONCLUSIONES: En general, la mitad de las encuestadas tenía sólo niveles de conciencia moderados y bajos en cuanto a conocimientos de VIH/SIDA, aunque la mayoría de ellas tenía actitudes tolerantes y positivas hacia el VIH/SIDA. Además, se reportó una tasa relativamente baja de uso del condón. Los hallazgos indican que existe un amplio espacio para mejorar tanto los conocimientos como las conductas hacia el VIH/SIDA para las mujeres emigrantes en China.

Immunohistological localisation of vascular endothelial growth factor in human endometrium.

Several polypeptide growth factors regulate epithelial and stromal development in endometrium under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, and thereby regulate growth and differentiation of endometrium during menstrual cycle. However, little is known about the angiogenic growth factors that may affect endometrial vasculature throughout each menstrual cycle. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is suggestively an important angiogenic growth factor in the female reproductive tract. The aim of the present study was to immunolocalize and assess semi-quantitatively VEGF immunostaining in cells of proliferative phase (n = 3), secretory phase (n = 6) and hyperplastic (n = 6) human endometrial samples. VEGF concentrations were significantly higher in glandular (P < 0.001) and stromal (P < 0.01) compartments of proliferative stage endometrium compared with those in secretory stage and hyperplastic endometrial samples, with no difference in the scores for glandular and stromal compartments between secretory stage and hyperplastic endometrial samples. Generally, glandular expression of VEGF was higher as compared to stromal compartment. Thus, it appears that endometrial VEGF expression and concentration are enhanced by estrogen, and may be correlated with neovascularization and increased vascular permeability during late proliferative period. Additionally, there was no enhancement in VEGF expression in hyperplastic glands, suggesting that regulation of glandular growth and that of angiogenesis in human endometrium operate through different mechanisms.