Incidental Finding of a Periampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report.

A 63-year-old male with multiple co-morbidities presented with a diabetic foot infection which was treated surgically. During admission to the hospital, he developed melena and underwent an endoscopic assessment which revealed an incidental finding of an ampullary mass. The histological analysis of the biopsy revealed ampullary carcinoma with mixed intestinal-type and pancreatobiliary-type features. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver with contrast presented the tumor as an ill-defined small soft tissue lesion measuring 8 x 9 mm in the ampullary region, with multiple lymph nodes in the periportal, peripancreatic, and para-aortic regions. There was no evidence of biliary obstruction. The patient underwent a Whipple procedure with no complications. The final histology report of the specimens taken stated that the tumor is predominantly in the duodenum and focally in the ampulla, and is a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor confirmed to be submucosal. The histopathologic and radiologic workup determined the pathological stage classification to be pT3N1, Mx G1.

Long-Term Esthetically Depigmented Gingiva in a Short Operative Duration, Using Two Modes of 940 nm Diode Lasers-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the two modes of 940 nm diode lasers on gingival depigmentation. Methods: Twenty patients (11 females and 9 males) participated in this study; they were free of any systemic or local condition and randomly assembled into two groups: continuous wave (CW) and pulsed groups, in contact modes. The diode laser was of 940 nm wavelength and 1-2 W irradiation power for the two modes in all cases. A single session of irradiation was applied to the facial gingivae of the upper and lower anterior segments. Photographs were taken preoperatively and postoperatively for all patients, and a questionnaire and follow-up were carried out for the next four weeks and after three years. Results: The intraoperative duration of both modes was considerably short, with a short chair time subsequently. A statistically significant decrease in the intensity of pain, discomfort, and bleeding (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed during the first week of follow-up within each group. Nonetheless, the two groups showed a close pattern of decline with no statistically significant differences between them. It was also clear that pain and discomfort were strongly correlated with each other within each group, and the correlation was statistically significant. On the other hand, carbonization was minimal in a few cases treated with CW mode but still not statistically significant. Finally, although the gingival pigmentation index (GPI) differences were not statistically significant between the two groups, they were significant within each group. Conclusions: The diode laser (940 nm) offered an effective and safe modality, providing an optimal aesthetic result that can meet patient satisfaction with minimal pain, bleeding, discomfort, intraoperative time, and the possibility of recurrence in the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation.

Fracture toughness of modified dental resin systems.

This study compared the relative fracture toughness of a Bis-GMA//TEGDMA (50:50 wt%)-based resin system modified by 5, 10, and 15 wt% of a methacrylate-terminated poly(butadiene-acrylonitrile-acrylic acid) terpolymer toughening agent. After storage in distilled water at 37 +/- 2 degrees C for 7 days, plane strain fracture toughness (KIC) was determined on an Instron testing machine at a 0.5-mm min-1 displacement rate. The glass transition temperature (Tg) in degrees C was determined after 7 days (dry and wet) storage by thermomechanical analysis. The results of this study showed significantly improved fracture toughness and lowered water sorption with the modified resin systems which was indicated by higher wet glass transition temperatures.

The mouse erythrocyte binding receptor is expressed on human keratinocytes.

Immunocytes and different types of epidermal cells share cell surface antigen characteristics e.g. keratinocytes react specifically with the Leu 11 (CD16) monoclonal antibody and they express MHC class II and OKM5 (CD36) antigens after gamma-interferon stimulation. The present study provides evidence that a subpopulation of human keratinocytes most probably at a certain stage of differentiation, possesses the mouse erythrocyte binding receptor the marker of a human B lymphocyte subset. This finding is a further evidence for the relationship between the epidermis and the immune system.

Xanthoma disseminatum: a rare condition with non-X, non-lipid cutaneous histiocytopathy.

We describe a 35-year-old man with cutaneous, mucosal, pulmonary, and bone involvement of xanthoma disseminatum. The 7-year course of the disease and the results of light and electron microscopic and immunocytochemical examinations are presented.

[Panarteritis nodosa with fatal outcome]. / Panarteriitis nodosa mit tödlichem Verlauf.

A case of panarteritis nodosa with lethal outcome is reported. Initially, the disease involved only the skin, later on it became systemic and lethal due to damage of pancreas and kidney. The atypical course and the therapy resistance of the disease are emphasized.