Follicular Areas Research Articles

8500 Fvb/Ant Mice Carrying the Thr92Ala-Dio2 Polymorphism Have a Goiter

Abstract Disclosure: A. Batistuzzo: None. B. Bocco: None. E. McAninch: None. M.O. Ribeiro: None. A.C. Bianco: Consulting Fee; Self; Abbvie. Fvb/Ant Mice Carrying the Thr92Ala-Dio2 Polymorphism Have a Goiter Introduction: The Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism is prevalent worldwide, with about 50% of the population carrying at least one polymorphic allele. Ala-D2 is ectopically located in the Golgi apparatus and causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. It is also about 40 % less active than Thr92-D2, thus T3 production could be compromised in carriers of the polymorphism. Objective: C57BL/6J (B6) mice carrying the Ala92-DIO2 polymorphism exhibit no significant thyroid phenotype as compared to control Thr92-Dio2 mice. Here we wished to test whether changing the genetic background of mice can influence the thyroidal impact of the Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism. Therefore, we backcrossed B6-Thr92Ala-Dio2 mice to the FVB/Ant background for 8 generations. Methods: Mice were killed by asphyxiation in a CO2 chamber and blood collected from 7-18 weeks old female and male FVB/Ant Ala-Dio2 mice to measure plasma levels of TSH, T4, T3, and rT3. The thyroid gland was dissected, weighed and processed for histological analysis. The weight of the thyroid gland was normalized by femoral length. The QuPath Software was used for measuring follicular area, cell height, and the number of internalized follicular cells. Thr92-Dio2 mice of the same age and sex were used as controls. Data were analyzed using PRISM software and expressed as mean±SE (TH plasma levels and thyroid weight) or mean±SD (thyroid histology). A Student t-test was used to compare 2 groups. Results: Male and female Ala mice had significantly higher levels of TSH (males: 0.36±0.04 vs 1.1±0.21 ng/ml; p<0.01 and females: 0.017±0.006 vs 0.12±0.06 ng/ml; p<0.01), lower levels of plasmatic T4 (males: 2.9±0.2 vs 1.3±0.25 µg/dl; p<0.01 and females: 2.1±0.16 vs 1.15±0.16 µg/dl; p<0.001) and lower levels of rT3 (males: 23.8±2 vs 14.2±1.3 ng/dl; p<0.001 and females: 16.45±1.4 vs 10.4±1.17 ng/dl; p<0.01). Additionally, the thyroid gland of female polymorphic mice was heavier (4.3±0.39 vs 1.8±0.17 mg/cm; p<0.001) and both sexes presented enlarged thyroid follicle area (males: 1464±1464 vs 2055±2443 µm2; p<0.0001 and females: 1519±1364 vs 2597±2624 µm2; p<0.0001) and a higher number of internalized follicular cells (females: 0.06±0.007 vs 0.17±0.008 internalized cells/follicle; p<0.0001). No differences in the follicular cell height were observed. Discussion: In contrast to B6, FVB mice carrying the Thr92Ala-D2 polymorphism exhibit goiter, increased follicular area, slightly reduced serum T4 levels, and elevated serum TSH levels. These findings suggest that the impact of the Thr92Ala polymorphism varies according to the genetic background. They may explain why clinical studies of patients carrying the Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism have yielded inconsistent results when different populations are analyzed. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Administration of anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity to Fcγ receptors during acute SHIVAD8-EO infection

Anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have the dual potential of mediating virus neutralization and antiviral effector functions through their Fab and Fc domains, respectively. So far, bNAbs with enhanced Fc effector functions in vitro have only been tested in NHPs during chronic simian-HIV (SHIV) infection. Here, we investigate the effects of administering in acute SHIVAD8-EO infection either wild-type (WT) bNAbs or bNAbs carrying the S239D/I332E/A330L (DEL) mutation, which increases binding to FcγRs. Emergence of virus in plasma and lymph nodes (LNs) was delayed by bNAb treatment and occurred earlier in monkeys given DEL bNAbs than in those given WT bNAbs, consistent with faster clearance of DEL bNAbs from plasma. DEL bNAb-treated monkeys had higher levels of circulating virus-specific IFNγ single-producing CD8+ CD69+ T cells than the other groups. In LNs, WT bNAbs were evenly distributed between follicular and extrafollicular areas, but DEL bNAbs predominated in the latter. At week 8 post-challenge, LN monocytes and NK cells from DEL bNAb-treated monkeys upregulated proinflammatory signaling pathways and LN T cells downregulated TNF signaling via NF-κB. Overall, bNAbs with increased affinity to FcγRs shape innate and adaptive cellular immunity, which may be important to consider in future strategies of passive bNAb therapy.

Dermoscopic Features of Dermatitis Cruris Pustulosa et Atrophicans: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in South India.

Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans (DCPA) is a chronic superficial folliculitis that can cause scarring alopecia if left untreated. Hardly any studies are there describing the dermoscopic features of DCPA. Dermoscopy can be a useful tool for diagnosing DCPA in addition to clinical and histopathological features and for differentiating other conditions like superficial folliculitis, folliculitis decalvans, and pseudofolliculitis. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the dermoscopic features of 30 patients with DCPA at a tertiary care center in South India. A retrospective study of clinical and biopsy-proven cases of DCPA at a tertiary care center in South India. Thirty patients of DCPA of skin phototype IV or V were studied. Male preponderance of DCPA was noted in our study. Lower extremities 28 (93.3%) and upper extremities 2 (6.7%) were the common sites of involvement. The most common findings noted in dermoscopy were follicular-based pustules in 30 (100%) patients, follicular white structureless area in 16 (53.3%), perifollicular collarette of scales in 12 (40%), diffuse background dotted blood vessels in 12 (40%), and the absence of follicular orifices in 12 (40%). Other findings were yellow or hemorrhagic scales, perifollicular linear white lines, broken hair, and perifollicular dotted blood vessels. Pigmentary patterns observed were dark brown pigmentation, blue-grey globules, blue-grey dots, and accentuation of the pigmentary network. The limitations of the study were the retrospective nature of the study, the small sample size, and the lack of a comparison group. The predominant dermoscopic features observed in our patients were follicular-based pustules, follicular white structureless areas, perifollicular collarette of scales, diffuse background dotted blood vessels, and the absence of follicular orifices. Vascular and pigmentary patterns were less commonly noted.

Clinical analysis of lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei: a cross-sectional study and literature review.

The clinical similarity of lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) and other papular granulomatous facial disorders often makes its correct diagnosis challenging. Diagnosis often requires the assistance of pathological examination, and dermoscopy can be used as an auxiliary and non-invasive examination method, however, the current findings remain incomplete. This study aimed to summarize the clinical, histopathological and dermoscopic features of LMDF in the Chinese Han population and aiming to provide practical significance to correct diagnosis. 109 patients of LMDF were collected in the Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from August 2015 to August 2023. The clinical and histopathological manifestations of all patients, as well as the dermoscopic image features of 44 cases, including background, follicular findings, vessels, and other structures, were summarized and evaluated. The most significant histopathological features of LMDF in 109 cases is epithelioid granulomatous infiltrate in the superficial dermis, with or without caseation. The most significant dermoscopic features of LMDF in all 44 cases were orange structureless background (30/44), follicular plug (32/44), follicular white scar-like area (32/44), unspecific linear vessels (24/44), linear vessels with branch (24/44) and white streaks (18/44). Histopathologically, LMDF is characterized by the presence of epithelioid granulomatous infiltrate in the superficial dermis, with or without caseation. Dermoscopically, it exhibits a distinctive orange structureless background, follicular plug, follicular white scar-like area, nonspecific linear vessels, linear vessels with branches, and white streaks.

In Situ Characterization of Human Follicular Helper CD4 T Cells.

The development of an effective humoral response to pathogens and immunogens is a multiphase biological process, which is mediated by the coordinated function of specialized immune cell types in secondary lymphoid organs and particularly in T cell and follicular areas. More specifically, within the follicular/germinal center area, the orchestrated interplay between B cells, follicular helper CD4 T cells (Tfh), and stromal cells triggers a cascade of immune reactions leading to the development of memory B cells and plasma cells able to generate effective, antigen-specific antibodies. The role of Tfh cells in this process is critical. Given the need for vaccines capable to induce antibodies of high affinity, neutralizing activity, and durability, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating Tfh cell development is of great importance. Here, we describe novel approaches for the comprehensive understanding of these cells and possible implications for future studies in vaccine development and the understanding of the pathogenesis of relevant diseases.

CD11b+ миелоидные клетки селезенки при карциномах

Introduction. Splenic myeloid cells include monocytes and myeloid suppressor cells, which are deposited in the spleen and recruited to the sites of chronic inflammation, reparative tissues, and tumor microenvironment. In vivo experiments are mainly used to study the influence of the splenic system on the development and progression of the malignant neoplasm. The characteristics of myeloid elements with a common marker (CD11b) that are located in different splenic morphological and functional zones and their relation to metastases are still poorly studied. We aimed to compare the number and phenotypic features of CD11b+ myeloid cells considering their location in different splenic structural and functional areas in cohorts of patients with and without a malignant neoplasm, as well as depending on hematogenous and lymphogenous metastases in patients with carcinomas of various locations. Materials and methods. To estimate the number of CD11b+ cells with different variants of CD45, CD34, and CD90 expression, we applied the TSA technique. The number of cells of each phenotype per 1 mm2 of follicular, marginal, and red pulp areas was calculated in both groups. The association of cell number with lymphogenic and distant metastases was investigated in the group of patients with malignant neoplasms. Results. The CD11b+ myeloid cell population is heterogeneous and represented by cells at different stages of monocyte/MDSC differentiation, whose numbers predominate in the red pulp. The following changes are associated with carcinomas: a 17-fold increase in the number of promonocytes in the red pulp, a 2-fold decrease in the number of myelopoiesis progenitors in the marginal zone, and a reduction in the quantity of immature monocytoid cells/monoblasts in the marginal zone and the red pulp (5- and 12.5-fold, respectively). The number of CD11b+ myeloid cells with such phenotypes decreased even more in the cases with lymphogenic metastases. No association was found with distant metastases. Conclusion. The number of CD11b+ splenic myeloid cells is associated with carcinomas and lymphogenic metastases. Keywords: spleen, myeloid cells, CD11b, carcinomas, metastasis

Digital and manual interfollicular Ki-67 are associated with a progression-free survival in patients with low-grade follicular lymphoma.

Novel histopathologic prognostic factors are needed to identify patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) at risk of inferior outcomes. Our primary objective was to evaluate the Ki-67 proliferative index in follicular and interfollicular areas in tissue biopsy specimens from patients with newly diagnosed FL and correlate with clinical outcomes. Our secondary objective was to correlate PD-L1 and LAG-3 with clinical outcomes. Seventy cases of low-grade FL from the University of Minnesota were evaluated with Ki-67 immunohistochemical stain. Ki-67 expression as a continuous variable was interpreted digitally and manually in follicular and interfollicular areas. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Cox regression, and hazard ratios (HRs) per 10-point increase in Ki-67 were calculated. Progression-free survival at 4 years was 28% (95% CI, 19%-41%). Interfollicular, but not follicular, Ki-67 was associated with PFS by manual (HR, 1.33; P = .01) and digital (HR, 1.38; P = .02) analysis. Digital and manual Ki-67 were only moderately correlated but demonstrated similar effects on PFS. At 4 years, OS was 90% with no association with follicular or interfollicular Ki-67 proliferation. Higher interfollicular Ki-67 by either digital or manual analysis is associated with a poorer PFS in patients with low-grade FL. These results suggest further validation of this marker is warranted to improve pathologic risk stratification at FL diagnosis. PD-L1 and LAG-3 were not associated with PFS or OS.

Follicular Unit Excision Donor Area Management and Considerations of the Scalp.

Over the last several years, follicular unit excision (FUE) donor harvesting has become the predominant donor harvest method, surpassing the traditional method of linear strip excision donor harvesting. While this may offer advantages in specific clinical settings, the reality of ongoing losses with the natural evolution of male patterned hair loss places a premium on obtaining as much lifetime donor hair as possible to address this clinical reality. This lifetime demand requirement must be weighed against the possibility of a detrimental cosmetic appearance of the donor area with serial donor harvests utilizing FUE. This chapter will examine the important technical and artistic considerations critical for hair restoration surgeons to appreciate in order to maintain cosmetically high-quality donor area outcomes in patients choosing to undergo FUE harvesting for hair transplantation surgery.

The effects of glyphosate-based herbicide on the hypothalamic-pituitary thyroid axis are tissue-specific and dependent on age exposure

The significant increase in glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) use raises concerns about residues in the environment and food, potentially jeopardizing human health. The involvement of GBHs in the increased incidence of thyroid disorders is speculated, since glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disease in farmers. In this sense, this study aims to investigate the potential effects of low levels of GBH exposure (0, 0.5 or 5 mg/kg) from weaning (postnatal day PND23) to adult life (PND60 and PND90) in male Wistar rats on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis function. The serum levels of T4 were increased. The hypothalamus showed reduced expression of Dio2, Thra1, and Thra2. The pituitary showed reduced expression of Mct8 and Dio2 and increased expression of Thra1. The thyroid showed increased expression of Tshr and Thra1. The heart showed increased expression of Mct8 and Myh6. The liver showed reduced expression of Mct8 and Thra2 and increased expression of Thra1. In thyroid morphometry, a decrease in both follicular diameter and area and decreased follicular and colloid diameters and areas were observed. These results suggested that GBH may affect several steps of HPT axis regulation at the transcriptional level in an age-dependent manner and alter the morphometric parameters of the thyroid gland and TH synthesis, with potential repercussions in the TH-target organs.

LBMPL Vaccine Therapy Induces Progressive Organization of the Spleen Microarchitecture, Improved Th1 Adaptative Immune Response and Control of Parasitism in Leishmania infantum Naturally Infected Dogs.

The spleen plays a central role in human and canine visceral leishmaniasis, where the activation of the immune response occurs in one of the tissues where Leishmania infantum reproduces. Therefore, this organ is both a target to understand the mechanisms involved in the parasite control and a parameter for assessing the therapeutic response. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the main histological, immunological and parasitological aspects in the spleen of symptomatic dogs naturally infected by L. infantum treated with the therapeutic vaccine LBMPL. For this, dogs were divided into four groups: dogs uninfected and untreated (NI group); L. infantum-infected dogs that were not treated (INT group); L. infantum-infected dogs that received treatment only with monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant (MPL group); and L. infantum-infected dogs that received treatment with the vaccine composed by L. braziliensis promastigote proteins associated with MPL adjuvant (LBMPL group). Ninety days after the therapeutics protocol, the dogs were euthanized and the spleen was collected for the proposed evaluations. Our results demonstrated a reduction of hyperplasia of red pulp and follicular area of white pulp, increased mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 and iNOS, and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β1, and intense reduction of splenic parasitism in dogs treated with the LBMPL vaccine. These results possibly suggest that the pro-inflammatory environment promoted the progressive organization of the splenic architecture favoring the cellular activation, with consequent parasite control. Along with previously obtained data, our results propose the LBMPL vaccine as a possible treatment strategy for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL).

Pediatric-Type Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas With Overlapping Clinical, Pathologic, and Genetic Features.

Pediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PTFL) and pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma (PNMZL) are rare pediatric-type indolent B-cell lymphomas (PedIBCL) that differ clinicopathologically from their adult counterparts. Accurate diagnosis is important to avoid overtreatment but is often challenging. The mutational landscape of PTFL is known and may aid diagnosis, but the genetic features of PNMZL are not well understood. We analyzed 21 cases of PedIBCL according to their clinicopathologic findings and classified them into PTFL (n=11), PNMZL (n=2), and “mixed type” tumors (n=8) showing ambiguous histology. We also analyzed 2 cases of adult B-cell lymphomas showing features of PedIBCL. Targeted sequencing of 121 lymphoma-related genes was performed. The median age of PedIBCL patients was 16 years (range: 3 to 47), and all but 1 PTFL patient were male. All patients presented with limited-stage disease, and only 1 relapsed. There were no significant differences in clinical features among the 3 PedIBCL groups. The most frequently mutated genes were MAP2K1, TNFRSF14, KMT2C, IRF8, and NOTCH2. The genetic features of all groups were similar to the established mutational landscape of PTFL. The 2 adult B-cell lymphomas cases also had MAP2K1, TNFRSF14, and IRF8 mutations, but the clinical features were not typical of PedIBCL. In summary, this study demonstrated that PTFL and PNMZL are similar diseases with overlapping clinical, pathologic, and genetic features; mixed type tumors can also occur. Atypical adult cases with similar histologic features were also observed. Therefore, the disease spectrum of PedIBCL may be much broader than is currently believed.

Aquatic Pollution and Risks to Biodiversity: The Example of Cocaine Effects on the Ovaries of Anguilla anguilla.

Simple SummaryThe increasing consumption of illicit drugs by man has determined the presence of these drugs in waters, both fresh and marine, in almost all the world. Many studies have shown the dangerousness of these substances to aquatic organisms, so the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cocaine, one of the most used drugs, on the ovaries of the Anguilla anguilla eel, a critically endangered edible fish, to understand if this drug could also compromise fish reproduction. Our results show that cocaine may impair reproduction in eels through changes in oocyte morphology, expressions of enzymes crucial for oogenesis, and alteration in the serum levels of cortisol and gonadotropins, which regulate the development and maturation of eel gonads. Though this study was conducted on eels, other species may also suffer similar effects from cocaine exposure; our results, therefore, show that illicit drug use is a serious problem not only for humans but also for the environment.Pollution is one of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity, currently one of the most important environmental problems. Important sources of aquatic pollution are illicit drugs, whose presence in waters is closely related to human consumption; their psychoactive properties and biological activity suggest potential adverse effects on non-target organisms, such as aquatic biota. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an environmentally relevant concentration of cocaine (20 ng L−1), an illicit drug widely found in surface waters, on the ovaries of Anguilla anguilla, a species critically endangered and able to accumulate cocaine in its tissues following chronic exposure. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) the morphology of the ovaries; (2) the presence and distribution of enzymes involved in oogenesis; (3) serum cortisol, FSH, and LH levels. The eels exposed to cocaine showed a smaller follicular area and a higher percentage of connective tissue than controls (p < 0.05), as well as many previtellogenic oocytes compared with controls having numerous fully vitellogenic and early vitellogenic oocytes. In addition, the presence and location of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and P450 aromatase differed in the two groups. Finally, cocaine exposure decreased FSH and LH levels, while it increased cortisol levels. These findings show that even a low environmental concentration of cocaine affects the ovarian morphology and activity of A. anguilla, suggesting a potential impact on reproduction in this species.

Morphological Modulation of Broiler Organs in Response to an Organic Acid–Phytogen Composite in Healthy Broilers

In this study, we investigated broiler growth traits, intestinal health and immune aggregates in response to supplementation of Origanum vulgare and Cinnamomum verum, citric acid and malic acid in drinking water at varying levels and durations on broiler. We randomly allocated 140 day-old broilers into four (4) groups, with each group having seven replicates (n = 5). A basal diet and water were provided to all the groups ad libitum in accordance with standard farming practices. Keeping group I as the control, group II was supplemented with 1 mL/3.3 L of water for 1–4 days, 1 mL/4 L from 15–18 days and 1 mL/4 L water from 26–29 days. Group III and IV were supplemented with 1 mL/4 L of water and 1 mL/6 L of water for 35 days, respectively. After the completion of the trial (day 35), two broilers per replicate (14 birds per group) were slaughtered to sample the visceral organs. The results demonstrated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain improved (p ≤ 0.05) during the fourth and fifth week of the trial in group III in comparison to the control group. Although the small intestine villus height and villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio improved (p ≤ 0.05) in group III, the muscularis externa thickness of the ileum was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in the control group. Similarly, the lymphatic follicular and nodular area of the immune organs improved (p ≤ 0.05) in group III. In all segments of the small intestine (duodenal, jejunal and ileal), the number of acidic and total goblet cells was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in group II. In conclusion, dietary Origanum vulgare, Cinnamomum verum, citric acid and malic acid at the dose of 1 mL/4 L of drinking water (group III) was the most effective in improving the growth performance, gut development and associated immune components in broilers.

Clinicopathological analysis of immunohistochemical expression of immune checkpoint molecules in follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by an indolent clinical course and a high relapse rate, and often exhibits a diffuse pattern beyond the follicular area. Our group previously reported that immune checkpoint (ICP) pathways, such as programmed cell death (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), are poor prognostic factors for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. In this study, the association between the expression of multiple ICP molecules according to immunohistochemistry and clinicopathological features in FL was determined via immunostaining of 173 biopsy samples. Membrane and/or cytoplasm expression of CD86 (nCD86) and PD-L1 (nPD-L1) was found in tumor cells, whereas PD-1 (miPD-1), Galectin-9 (miGalectin-9), OX40 (miOX40), CTLA-4 (miCTLA-4), Tim-3 (miTim-3), OX40L (miOX40L), and LAG-3 (miLAG-3) were expressed in non-neoplastic stromal cells. MiPD-1 expression was significantly higher in the follicular area than in the diffuse area (p=0.0450). Expression of miOX40 and miCTLA-4 was significantly higher in the diffuse area than in the follicular area (respectively, p=0.0053 and p=0.0092). MiTim-3 tended to be higher in the diffuse area than in the follicular area (p=0.0616). MiTim-3 was significantly higher in relapse cases than in new-onset cases (p=0.0440); miLAG-3 tended to be higher in relapse cases than in new-onset cases (p=0.0622, not significant). The miOX40L-high FL group had a significantly worse overall survival than the miOX40L-low group (p=0.0320). The expression of multiple ICP molecules on several cells reflects activated anti-tumor immunity and the unique FL microenvironment. Further studies on gene expression or genomic abnormalities will reveal the clinical and biological significance of ICP molecules in FL.

Hypermethylation at the CXCR5 gene locus limits trafficking potential of CD8+ T cells into B-cell follicles during HIV-1 infection

AbstractCD8+ T cells play an important role in HIV control. However, in human lymph nodes (LNs), only a small subset of CD8+ T cells express CXCR5, the chemokine receptor required for cell migration into B-cell follicles, which are major sanctuaries for HIV persistence in individuals on therapy. Here, we investigate the impact of HIV infection on follicular CD8+ T cell (fCD8) frequencies, trafficking patterns, and CXCR5 regulation. We show that, although HIV infection results in a marginal increase in fCD8s in LNs, the majority of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells are CXCR5− (non-fCD8s) (P < .003). Mechanistic investigations using Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing showed that non-fCD8s have closed chromatin at the CXCR5 transcriptional start site (TSS). DNA bisulfite sequencing identified DNA hypermethylation at the CXCR5 TSS as the most probable cause of closed chromatin. Transcriptional factor footprint analysis revealed enrichment of transforming growth factors (TGFs) at the TSS of fCD8s. In vitro stimulation of non-fCD8s with recombinant TGF-β resulted in a significant increase in CXCR5 expression (fCD8s). Thus, this study identifies TGF-β signaling as a viable strategy for increasing fCD8 frequencies in follicular areas of the LN where they are needed to eliminate HIV-infected cells, with implications for HIV cure strategies.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Secretory Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland in a Young Patient

Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a rare recently described entity that has characteristics similar to those of secretory breast carcinoma. We report a case of a 23 years old male with a swelling on the parotid gland. The ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology was performed on mass. Cytologically, the background of the aspirate is composed of inflammatory cells admixed with mucinous material. There were isolated cells as much as loosely cohesive clusters making papillary follicle-like glands with eosinophilic material in the lumen. Tumor cells were medium-sized round shape and eccentric nuclei with prominent nucleoli, remarkably vacuolated cytoplasm. The parotidectomy was performed and the pathology report revealed a SC. Histologically, the tumor is composed of microcystic, follicular, and micropapillary areas. The cytoplasm is usually vacuolated with also clear eosinophilic appearance. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells labeled with S100, MUC-4. At 5 years, the patient is disease-free and under regular follow-up.

Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is the medical term for an oral inflammatory condition brought on by an infection of the soft tissues in proximity to the crown of an immature tooth, including gingiva and dental follicle. It is believed that microbial entry into the follicular area begins the infection once the tooth's follicle establishes contact with the oral cavity. Pericoronitis's microbiota primarily consists of anaerobes. It is commonly accepted that the build-up of food particles close to the opercula and the occlusal injuries caused by the opposing tooth to the tissues present pericoronally both accelerate this process. Third molars that are oriented vertically are more frequently affected by pericoronitis than those that are oriented horizontally, which had a lower incidence of the condition. Pericoronitis may be more likely to develop in patients with impaired immune systems, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or immunodeficiency diseases. Patients with acute pericoronitis exhibit regional erythema, edema, purulence, and intense throbbing pain radiating to the ear, throat, floor of the mouth, temporomandibular joint, and posterior submandibular region during intraoral physical examination. Advanced cases including those developing into cellulitis, Ludwig's angina and peritonsillar abscesses may necessitate immediate attention including surgical intervention. It is advised to utilize only localized treatment measures for patients with localized pain and edema involving the pericoronal tissues and are free of local or systemic symptoms. Antimicrobial therapy is advised if the patient is displaying regional or systemic manifestations in as well as local pain and edema. Surgery is advised only when there have been two or more incidences of pericoronitis or other pathological conditions which maybe potentially be complicated by the presence of partially erupted tooth.

Effects of thymulin 5cH in granuloma evolution and B1 cell differentiation: an experimental model to understand its biological mechanisms

In previous studies, we found that thymulin (a thymic hormone), when prepared in homeopathic 5cH potency, had the property to improve the productive performance of broiler chickens infected with reovirus, as well as modulate the development of Ehrlich tumor and granuloma inflammatory lesions in mice by immune-mediated mechanisms. The aim of the present work was to study the immunomodulatory mechanisms of thymulin 5cH in a granuloma experimental model, by subcutaneous inoculation of BCG in mice, focusing the B-1 cells and zinc involvement in this process. Three groups of male Balb/c SPF mice (group A treated with thymulin 5cH, group B treated with thymulin 5cH incubated in Chelex ® - a zinc chelant - and group C, control, treated with vehicle) were inoculated with BCG in the left footpad and subcutaneous granuloma and spleen were harvested for histomorphometry analysis, after 7, 14 and 21 days. Ziehl-Neelsen, HE and Prussia Blue staining methods were used. Flow cytometry was also used in the same times to characterize and quantify peritoneal cells. Positive cells for CD11b (activated phagocytes, B-1 cells), CD19 (B-1 and B-2 cells), CD23 (negative B-1 cells, positive B2 cells) and CD5 (B-1a cells) were analyzed in a FACS Calibur (BD) device. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal - Wallis / Dunn for nonparametric evaluations and ANOVA / Tuckey-Krammer for the parametric ones. The X² method was used to evaluate the cell count in flow cytometry. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Mice treated with thymulin 5cH presented higher macrophage activity and increase in the follicular area were seen in spleen after 7 days. Increase in gross lesion diameter and decrease in local BCG infection were seen after 21 days. At this time, the flow cytometry demonstrated the increase in peritoneal phagocytes derived from B-1 cells in thymulin 5cH treated mice, independently of Chelex ® incubation. The incubation of thymulin 5cH with Chelex ® blocked its effects only upon the number of B2 cells in the peritoneum and reduces Mn levels in the medicine solution. We conclude that thymulin 5CH modulates the BCG-induced granuloma through more than one mechanism, especially by peritoneal B1 cell differentiation into phagocytes.

Reliability and Agreement of Ultrasonographic Measures of the Ovarian Stroma: Impact of Methodology

Increased ovarian stromal area (SA), stromal-to-ovarian area ratio (S/A), and echogenicity (SEcho) on ultrasonography have been proposed as diagnostic markers for polycystic ovary syndrome. Although several methods to evaluate the stroma exist, their reproducibility has not been defined which limits clinical utility. This study aimed to determine the interrater reliability and agreement of methods to evaluate SA, S/A, and SEcho. Five raters tested 3 methods to obtain SA and S/A, and one to obtain SEcho on 30 ovarian cineloops under two imaging conditions, simulating real-time (free-choice) or offline (fixed-frame) imaging. For SA, Method 1 subtracted follicular area from the ovarian area, Method 2 involved outlining the periphery of the stroma, and Method 3 represented a hybrid approach in which central follicles were subtracted from the outlined stroma. SEcho was scored on a subjective 3-tiered scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the coefficient of variation were determined for SA and S/A, and Fleiss' kappa agreement statistics (κ) were determined for SEcho. Interrater reliability of SA was superior using Method 1 (ICC=0.558 and ICC=0.705) versus Method 2 (ICC=0.522 and ICC=0.230) or Method 3 (ICC=0.429 and ICC=0.305) under free-choice and fixed-frame imaging conditions, respectively. Interrater reliability of S/A was also moderate to poor across methods. SEcho was also not reliably assessed across raters (κ=<0.500). Ultrasonographic assessments of the ovarian stroma were associated with moderate to poor reproducibility. Indirect estimates of the ovarian stroma (Method 1) could be optimized to yield a reproducible approach, clarifying the clinical relevance of the stroma.

Evaluation of ImageJ software in ultrasonic image analysis: Follicular and luteal morphological characteristics of cattle

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of two methodologies in evaluating B- and Doppler-mode ultrasonic images: analysis using ultrasonic software and utilizing a computer with ImageJ software. To determine if ImageJ software utilization is an efficacious alternative to ultrasonic software device- analysis, there were comparisons of values when using the two methods for morphological and vascular characteristics of follicular dynamics and luteal function in 18 crossbred cattle. From day 8 of an ovarian dynamics synchronization treatment regimen period until the time of ovulation (Day 10), B-mode and power-flow ultrasonic cineloops were obtained every 12 h to assess follicular diameter, wall area, and wall blood perfusion area. On Day 14 after ovulation, US cineloops of ovaries were obtained in B mode and power flow to evaluate various morphological and vascular characteristics of the corpus luteum (CL), including luteal diameter, luteal area, and CL blood perfusion area. Cineloops were evaluated and analyzed using ultrasonic software, and in a computer with ImageJ software. To evaluate consistency in results between the two methods, there was evaluation utilizing paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plot, and Linear Regression Test procedures to calculate proportion of bias between values for measurements of variables evaluated. Results indicated none of the values for variables before and after ovulation differed (P > 0.05). It, therefore, was concluded that utilization of ImageJ software is an efficacious biomedical technique to analyze ultrasonic images of morphological and vascular characteristics before and after ovulation in cattle.