Osteopontin splice variants expression is involved on docetaxel resistance in PC3 prostate cancer cells.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoprotein that activates several aspects of tumor progression. Alternative splicing of the OPN primary transcript generates three splicing isoforms, OPNa, OPNb and OPNc. In this report, we investigated some cellular mechanisms by which OPN splice variants could mediate PC3 prostate cancer (PCa) cell survival and growth in response to docetaxel (DXT)-induced cell death. Cell survival before and after DXT treatment was analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy and crystal-violet staining assays. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemical staining assays were used to evaluate the putative involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and OPN isoforms on mediating PC3 cell survival. Upon DXT treatment, PC3 cells overexpressing OPNb or OPNc isoforms showed higher cell densities, compared to cells overexpressing OPNa and controls. Notably, cells overexpressing OPNb or OPNc isoforms showed a downregulated pattern of EMT epithelial cell markers, while mesenchymal markers were mostly upregulated in these experimental conditions. We concluded that OPNc or OPNb overexpression in PC3 cells can mediate resistance and cell survival features in response to DXT-induced cell death. Our data also provide evidence the EMT program could be one of the molecular mechanisms mediating survival in OPNb- or OPNc-overexpressing cells in response to DXT treatment. These data could further contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which PCa cells acquire resistance to DXT treatment.

Ileal ureter.

Ureteral replacement with ileal bowel segments has become common in the armamentarium of the reconstructive urologist. The use of ileal bowel substitution, whether total or segmental, has provided yet another surgical alternative for renal preservation. The indications, surgical technique, and results with the ileal ureter are reviewed.

Conservative surgery for ureteral tumor associated with horseshoe kidney.

PURPOSE: We demonstrate the successful conservative management of a ureteral tumor in a horseshoe kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient with low grade transitional cell carcinoma of the left lower ureter had asymptomatic horseshoe kidney. Biopsy specimen revealed low grade tumor in the lower urinary tract that was associated with a congenital abnormality. The patient underwent total ureterectomy with bladder cuff excision and ileal ureteral interposition. RESULTS: With this technique renal function was preserved without resection through the isthmus of the kidney. The patient has no evidence of recurrent disease after 20-month followup by cytology, computerized tomography, excretory urogram and cystoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Organ preserving surgery is an alternative to total nephroureterectomy in lower ureteral tumors in select patients.

Survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma invading the inferior vena cava.

Renal cell carcinoma with extension of tumor thrombus into the vena cava occurs in 5% to 10% of patients diagnosed. It is important to determine the extent of the thrombus to plan the operative approach. As long as there is no evidence of metastatic disease to viscera or bones or involvement of the lymph nodes, radical nephrectomy with removal of the tumor thrombus remains the best treatment for patients and provides the best opportunity for long-term survival. In properly selected patients, extended operation offers good long-term survival as observed in patients treated at the Lahey-Hitchcock Clinic, where a demonstrated 5-year survival of 64% and a 10-year survival of 57% was achieved.

Um sistema de drenagem toracica com succao elevada. / A high suction device for thoracic drainage

Em determinadas circunstancias torna-se necessaria uma aspiracao da cavidade pleural com succao elevada. O sistema de aspiracao apresentado neste artigo permite um acrescimo aos valores habitualmente obtidos quando se utiliza uma fonte de vacuo conectada a apenas um frasco convencional regulador da pressao