Discordant expression of desmoglein 2 and 3 at the mRNA and protein levels in nodular and superficial basal cell carcinoma revealed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer. It is thought that skewed expression of desmogleins (Dsgs) in BCC may promote tumourigenesis. AIM: To comparatively examine expression of Dsg2/Dsg3, using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in BCC subtypes. METHODS: In total, 84 frozen sections from patients with various clinical or histological subtypes of BCC were analyzed. Expressions of Dsg2/Dsg3 protein and Dsg2/Dsg3 mRNA were evaluated using IHC and FISH, respectively, in BCC nests and BCC-free epidermis, and then quantitatively measured. RESULTS: There was loss of correlation between Dsg2 and Dsg3 (IHC) in nodular and superficial BCC (nBCC, sBCC), and significant correlation between Dsg2 and Dsg3 (FISH) in BCC, but not nBCC and sBCC. CONCLUSIONS: Because more prominent aberrations of Dsg2/Dsg3 expression were seen at the protein than at the mRNA level in BCC, these comparative observations indicate greater importance of events at the proteome level than those at the genome level in tumour functional compartments. Different Dsg2/Dsg3 expression in sBCC and nBCC might corroborate the possibility that sBCC and nBCC are separate conditions. These results may contribute to better understanding of the biological behaviour of BCC.

Acroangiodermatitis in a leg amputee using a suction-socket prosthesis: clinical, histological as well as HHV-8 and CD34 immunohistochemical study.

Acroangiodermatitis (AAD) is a rare, vascular phenomenon of unclear pathogenesis. Itchy, lichenoid, purple/violaceous/yellowish/brownish papules/nodules, plaques/patches mainly on lower limbs occasionally evolve into verrucous lesions and recurrent painful ulcerations. Elevated vein and capillary pressure due to the sub-atmospheric suspension system seems to be the triggering factor for angioproliferation in the amputation stump. A middle-aged male amputee, a suction-socket prosthesis user, showing combined clinical, histological and immunohistochemical (HHV-8 negative; CD34 and CD31 expressed in endothelial, but not perivascular, cells) features of AAD is presented. Dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, pathomorphologists, but also prosthesis makers and amputees themselves, should be aware of AAD as suction-socket prostheses become increasingly popular.

Tamoxifen epigenetically modulates CXCL12 expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

The CXCL12 chemokine binds to the CXCR4 receptor and contributes to survival, proliferation, and migration of malignant cells. Recent reports indicate that breast cancer cells lacking expression of CXCL12 but exhibiting CXCR4 can metastasize to target organs that secrete CXCL12. We observed that Tamoxifen (Tam), similarly to 5-dAzaC, results in significantly increased levels of CXCL12 transcript and protein in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Bisulfite sequencing suggests that Tam, similarly to 5-dAzaC, may increase CXCL12 expression via reduction in methylation of cytosine in the cytosine-guanosine (CpG) dinucleotide island of the CXCL12 promoter of MCF-7 cells. Our results, together with findings of other researches, may suggest that Tam epigenetically activates CXCL12 expression in breast cancer cells and can make these cells less susceptible to attraction by exogenous CXCL12 to metastasis sites.

Increased CXCR4 expression in AsPC1 pancreatic carcinoma cells with RNA interference-mediated knockdown of DNMT1 and DNMT3B.

The effect of DNA methylation on CXCR4 expression has been demonstrated in pancreatic cancer and melanoma cells, but little is known about the effect of DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3 (DNMT1 and DNMT3B) on CXCR4 expression. Employing lentiviral vectors, we created stable RNA interference-mediated knockdown of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in AsPC1 pancreatic cancer cells. Using reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR and flow cytometric analysis, we evaluated the increase in the expression of CXCR4 transcript and protein levels in these cells. Bisulfite sequencing analysis showed that the level of promoter demethylation appeared more effective in cells with knockdown of DNMT1 than in those with DNMT3B knockdown. Furthermore, the combined RNA interference knockdown of both DNMT1 and DNMT3B increased promoter demethylation, leading to a slight increase in CXCR4 expression. However, the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine exhibited the strongest effect on promoter demethylation, which correlated with the highest production of CXCR4 transcript and protein in AsPC1 cells. Our results indicate that DNMT1 plays the main role in maintenance of methylation of CXCR4 promoter, while DNMT3B may function as an accessory DNA methyltransferase to modulate CXCR4 expression in AsPC1 cells.

Comparative assessment of aluminum and lead concentrations in serum and tissue bioptates in patients with laryngeal papilloma or cancer.

A comparative assessment of toxic element concentrations in serum and tissue bioptates in patients with laryngeal papilloma or cancer was performed. Examinations were conducted in 60 patients (40 men and 20 women) aged 20-88 years (average 59 +/- 05). Patients were divided into 3 groups; 20 patients with laryngeal papilloma were in group I, 20 with laryngeal cancer were in group II, and 20 with deviated nasal septums were included as a control group (III). Diagnosis of laryngeal papilloma (removed by direct microlaryngoscopy--Kleinsasser method) and laryngeal cancer (removed by the Rethi method) was histopatologically confirmed in patients from groups I and II, respectively. Patients in the control group received functional surgery to repair deviated nasal septums. Serum and tissue samples were obtained from all patients before surgery. Aluminum and lead concentrations were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) using a Spectroflame M spectrometer. The considerable rise of aluminum and lead concentration in tissue bioptates and aluminum in serum in groups I and II in comparison to the control group suggests that these elements may play a significant part in the aetiology and development of precancerous lesions and laryngeal cancers. Measuring toxic chemical element concentrations in tissue bioptates can be useful in the diagnosis and estimation of development of precancerous lesions of the larynx as well as laryngeal cancer. Toxic elements concentration may play a significant role in carcinogenesis and may determine trends in cancer aetiology.

Lithium carbonate 24-hour extended-release capsule filled with 6 mm tablets.

A 24-h extended-release multiparticulate capsule containing a dose of 500 mg of lithium carbonate divided into 6 tablets 6 mm in size was produced. In order to achieve an immediate and prolonged drug release profile one uncoated tablet and 5 tablets coated with methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer Kollicoat MAE30DP were filled into a capsule. The core of tablets consisted of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, povidone, macrogol and magnesium stearate.

[Tumors of external ear canal. Case reports]. / Guzy przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego. Opis przypadków.

The authors described two rare cases of tumors of the external auditory meatus. All patients were male 40 and 51 years old. The tumors were removed via external auditory canal approach and extraauricle approach with successful.

Tinnitus suppression by electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Almost 10-15% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. There are clinical indications that a 'pathological sound' may be induced by any level of the auditory pathways. Theraupeutical difficulties and many hypotheses about tinnitus and places from which they originate might indicate various methods of treatment. Electrostimulation tinnitus suppression was achieved by many authors from 22 (Graham, Hazell) to 87% (Portman). The aim of our study was to define the usefulness of electrostimulation in treatment of persistent noise induced cochlear lesion tinnitus (group I - 43 men) and compare the results with the non noise induced tinnitus group II (68 patients). METHODS: Otolaryngological and audiological examination of the patients was made before and after electrostimulation, and at 90 days. The stimulation system consisted of a prototype tinnitus suppressor, the active platino-iridium needle electrode and silver surface electrode located on the forehead. Transtympanal electrical stimulation was performed using positive polarity direct current. Parameters of electrical impulse were individually different and depended on tinnitus parameters and patients sensation. The current levels ranged from 20 to 600 microA and frequency ranged from 60 to 10000 Hz. Average time of EPS was 60 s. RESULTS: The control examination 90 days after stimulation in group I showed subjective improvement in 18 (41.9%) patients, 22 (51.2%) did not notice any change and tinnitus deteriorated in 3 (6.9%) of the patients. In the comparative group II improvement was occurred in 34 (50%) persons including 2 (17.6%) in whom tinnitus was abolished, in 30 (44.1%) tinnitus was unchanged and 4 (0.6%) became worse. In both groups our method did not have a destructive influence on hearing. Electrical stimulation to relieve tinnitus has been used for nearly 200 years, but it is unclear how electrical stimulation works to suppress tinnitus. CONCLUSION: In our opinion electrical stimulation by using positive DC changes the spontaneous activity of cochlear nerve fibres. According to our results it is suggested that the mechanism of beneficial effects is due to increased microcirculation in part of the auditory pathways. Poorer results in patients with noise induced tinnitus could be explained by greater damage of the cochlea outer hair cells. In our opinion EPS could be a method of treatment for persistent tinnitus in cases which fail to respond to other methods.

[Histopathological verifications clinical indications in the inferior turbinoplasty]. / Weryfikacja histopatologiczna wskazan klinicznych do turbinoplastyki dolnej.

Surgical treatment in cases of disturbances of nasal patency caused changes in the nasal inferior turbinates are controversial. The authors performed the microscopic (light microscope) and morphometric examinations of mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates obtained after inferior turbinoplasty in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and compensation hypertrophy of nasal inferior turbinate accompanied of nasal deviation septum. Analysing of morphologic changes in mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates verified of clinic indications to inferior turbinoplasty.

[Otoacoustic emission examinations in soldiers before and after shooting]. / Badanie emisji otoakustycznej u zolnierzy przed strzelaniem i po strzelaniu.

Firearms are a common source of impulse noise that may potentially damage hearing organ. The purpose of this study was evaluation of the click evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) before and after shooting and comparison with conventional pure tone audiometry. Standard pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, TEOAE and DPOAE were made before and 10-15 minutes after shooting. Ten male soldiers (20 ears) were exposed to impulse noise from automatic gunfire (15 single rounds of live ammunition). They did not use any earplugs. The reduction amplitude of the TEOAE after shooting was found especially for the frequency 3,4 kHz for the right ear and 1 and 2 kHz for the left ear. The DPOAE greatest reduction concerned frequency 2,5 and 4 kHz for the left ear. All our shooters were right-handed and probably the asymmetrical effect resulted from the shooting posture. Any differences existing between the audiometric threshold before and after shooting were not noticed. Clinical experience with OAE indicates that it may play a role as a screening method for the soldiers exposed to noise and as a tool for monitoring early changes in cochlea. Emissions seem to be more sensitive for monitoring early cochlear changes after shooting than pure tone audiometry.

[Treatment results of acoustic trauma]. / Wyniki leczenia ostrych urazów akustycznych.

20 patients aged from 18 to 42 treated in the past few years because of acoustic trauma. Together the investigations concerned 24 years. Therapeutic schema comprised intravenous infusion--Sermion (Nicergoline--amp. a 4 mg) or Cavinton (Vinpocetine--amp. a 10 mg) 1 amp.--twice a day for 10 days. The treatment of 60% of the patients started in the first week after the trauma occurred, of 20% in the second week and the remaining 20% later on after 15 days when the trauma took place. The obtained results of treatment both of improvement of hearing (79.2%) and tinnitus (66.6%), support the necessity of treatment of acoustic trauma independently from the time that passed after trauma had occurred. Better results of audiometric improvement of hearing (54.2%) and tinnitus disappearance (50%) were obtained in the patients whose treatment started in the first week after trauma. The improvement of hearing and tinnitus disappearance was more observed in patients after treatment by using Sermion than Cavinton.

[A prognostic value of of stapedius reflex and accommodation coefficient in patients with Bell's palsy]. / Prognostyczne znaczene odruchu strzemiaczkowego oraz wspólcyznnika akomodacji u chorych z samoistnym porazeniem nerwu twarzowego typu bella.

At 25 patients with Bell's palsy every 7 days stapedius reflex (SR), accommodation coefficient as well as improvement of mimical facial movements were examined. At 5 patients SR was noticed before treatment, at 13 after 14 days, at 4 after 21 and at 3 after 28 days since disease beginning. There was significant correlation between return SR and improvement of mimical facial movements, but there wasn't correlation between SR and accommodation coefficient.

[Clinical evaluation of Olbas oil effect on nasal mucosa in acute rhinitis patients during common cold]. / Ocena kliniczna dzialania olejku olbas na blone sluzowa nosa u chorych z ostrym katarem w przebiegu choroby przeziebieniowej.

The aim of the study was the clinical evaluation of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold. 15 patients with 2-3 days history of acute rhinitis during common cold, both sexes, in the age between 23-47 were investigated. All the examinations were done before using, after the first inhalation, and after 7 days of Olbas oil administration. The investigation before using Olbas oil was comprised of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, saccharin translocation time, olfactometry, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. At the end, after 7 days of Olbas oil inhalation 3 times a day for 4 minutes 4 drops of Olbas oil applied into a handkerchief, all the test were done again, as at the beginning. The study showed a good of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold.

[Clinical studies of Olbas oil tolerance and its effect on nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers]. / Badania kliniczne nad tolerancja i wplywem olejku Olbas na blone sluzowa nosa u zdrowych ochotników.

The aim of the study was the clinical examinations of the tolerance and effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers during permanent 4 weeks administration. 23 healthy volunteers both sexes in the age between 20-50 were investigated. This investigations consisted of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination, with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, olfactometry, saccharin translocation time, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. Besides, each patient has follow up self evaluating chart of symptoms and adverse effect from the eyes, nose, pharynx and others. All the examined persons showed a very good tolerance of Olbas oil after 28 days of inhalation.

[Aeroacoustic and pneumotachometric studies in the evaluation of vicarious voice in laryngectomy patients]. / Badania aeroakustyczne i pneumotachometryczne w ocenie mowy zastepczej u chorych po laryngektomii.

The aim the study was showed some spirometric and aerodynamic parameters of the respiratory system and of vicarious voice at laryngectomized patients, which were performed in plethysmographic cabin and by using of pneumotachometer. Clinical material stated 20 laryngectomized men, aged 45-77 years, who were divided into two groups (by Pruszewicz): A-well or very well speaking and B-bad speaking. The obtained results showed that laryngectomized well or very well speaking made bigger work of the respiratory system during vicarious voice than bad speaking ones. The well and very well speaking patients used twice (in case of consonants) and three times (in case of vowels) the volume of oesophageal-throat's air greater than bad speaking patients. Aerodynamic examinations in plethysmographic cabin allows for monitoring of vicarious voice at laryngectomized after operation and qualification some of ones for voice prosthetization in the aim of voice amplification.

[Spirometric examinations at laryngectomized patients and healthy subjects]. / Badania spirometryczne u laryngektomowanych i ludzi zdrowych.

Spirometric studies were conducted at 40 patients, divided into on basic group (20 laryngectomized men, aged 48-77 years) and comparative group (20 healthy men, aged 20-57 years). The results obtained showed that the mean value of airways resistance was about 5-times higher than at healthy subjects. The large resistance of airways influence for considerable decreasing of the maximum ventilation volume. Tracheitis and bronchitis chronic in cause of increase resistance of airways at laryngectomized patients and it can influence for quality and understanding of vicarious voice.

[The evaluation of granulocyte (PMNL) function of patients with chronic hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses]. / Ocena funkcji granulocytów (PMNL) u chorych ze zmianami rzerostowymi krtani i zatok przynosowych.

The evaluation of granulocytes function (PMNL) at patients with chronic hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses. There were 40 people examined and divided into: 10 patients with hypertrophy of larynx, 13 patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and 17 healthy people. There were evaluated: emission of chemiluminescence (CL), absorption of isotope (phagocytic index) in our modification migration in vivo and in vitro and the bacteriotoxic index. The function of granulocytes in patients with hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses were changed more in comparison with the healthy people.

[The generation of oxygen free radicals in blood in patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx]. / Generacja anionorodnika ponadtlenkowego w krwi obwodowej u chorych ze zmianami przerostowymi zatok przynosowych i krtani.

The evaluated of oxygen specious generation in blood granulocytes of patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx. There were 33 patients tested (13 with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses, 10 with hypertrophy of larynx and 10 healthy). The superoxide anion generation of peripheral blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reduced cytochrome C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite were measured. There were statistically significant differences between the superoxide anion generation in patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx in comparison with the healthy ones.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in tumors of neck and pharynx encountered in clinical cases]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne i terapeutyczne w guzach szyi i gardla w oparciu o wlasny przypadek kliniczny.

The authors show case of lateral cervical cyst and carcinoma of the tonsil in woman 50 years, paying attention to large diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. After operation of the lateral cervical cyst on the left side, metastasis of tumor followed, which was operated (after negative result of the thin-needle biopsy method) and histopathological examination of the tumor didn't prove atypical cells. In a few month after operation there followed tumorous infiltration in region angle of mandibula and in tonsillar region on the side and performed the thin-needle biopsy method showed planoepithelial carcinoma of the tonsil with transitional cells, which infiltrated the lingua, fundus of the oris and lymphonodes of the neck. Next the patient was sent to further treatment in the Oncological Hospital in Lodz. In connexion with advanced of the carcinoma, the using treatment (radiotherapy Co--60 and chemotherapy) was only the palliative treatment and prolongated life of the patient about 3 years.