High Levels Of Ca Research Articles

Predictors of early post-operative hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

We sought to identify predictors of development of early post-operative hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The patients were divided into two groups according to their serum calcium (Ca) levels within 24 hours of undergoing para-thyroidectomy: the hypocalcemia group (22 patients) with post-operative serum Ca levels of 2 mmol/L or less, and the normocalcemia group (48 patients), with post-operative serum Ca levels higher than 2 mmol/L. By using multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, high pre-operative serum Ca level had the strongest predictive value of development of early hypocalcemia with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.01, followed by hypo-albuminemia (aOR = 2.72), younger age (aOR = 2.56), and high pre-operative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (aOR = 2.28). We conclude that among patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, age, levels of pre-operative serum Ca, ALP and albumin correlate positively with the development of early post-operative hypocalcemia. Patients with one of these factors should be monitored more closely in the early post-parathyroidectomy period.

A 56-year-old woman with ampullary adenocarcinoma and acute pancreatitis

This challenging condition has scarcely been reported on. A 56-year-old woman was admitted with jaundice, and laboratory data were indicative of pancreatitis, which recurred in spite of adequate clinical and nutritional management. The patient was an overweight diabetic using metformin, who had antecedents of cholelithiasis and recent cholecystectomy. Clinical and laboratory features were not conclusive about the cause of this acute pancreatitis. However, imaging data contributed to diagnosis suspicion, and the histopathology study of the transpapillary biopsy confirmed the ampullary adenocarcinoma. Whipple's surgery was the procedure of choice, associated with radical lymphadenectomy, followed by an uneventful outcome. Recrudescence of signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, with elevated serum levels of bilirrubins and of hepatic canalicular enzymes, should enhance the suspicion index about periampullary tumors. High levels of CA 19-9 can constitute a useful marker of this condition. Transpapillary biopsy can characterize the diagnosis of ampullary malignancies.

A 56-year-old woman with ampullary adenocarcinoma and acute pancreatitis

This challenging condition has scarcely been reported on. A 56-year-old woman was admitted with jaundice, and laboratory data were indicative of pancreatitis, which recurred in spite of adequate clinical and nutritional management. The patient was an overweight diabetic using metformin, who had antecedents of cholelithiasis and recent cholecystectomy. Clinical and laboratory features were not conclusive about the cause of this acute pancreatitis. However, imaging data contributed to diagnosis suspicion, and the histopathology study of the transpapillary biopsy confirmed the ampullary adenocarcinoma. Whipple's surgery was the procedure of choice, associated with radical lymphadenectomy, followed by an uneventful outcome. Recrudescence of signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, with elevated serum levels of bilirrubins and of hepatic canalicular enzymes, should enhance the suspicion index about periampullary tumors. High levels of CA 19-9 can constitute a useful marker of this condition. Transpapillary biopsy can characterize the diagnosis of ampullary malignancies.

Mineral and sensory profile of seasoned cracked olives packed in diverse salt mixtures

This work studies the effect of packing cracked seasoned olives with NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 mixture brines on their mineral nutrients and sensory attributes, using RSM methodology. The Na, K, Ca, and residual natural Mn contents in flesh as well as saltiness, bitterness and fibrousness were significantly related to the initial concentrations of salts in the packing solution. This new process led to table olives with a significantly lower sodium content (about 31%) than the traditional product but fortified in K and Ca. High levels of Na and Ca in the flesh led to high scores of acidity and saltiness (the first descriptor) and bitterness (the second) while the K content was unrelated to any sensory descriptor. The new presentations using moderate proportions of alternative salts will therefore have improved nutritional value and healthier characteristics but only a slightly modified sensory profile.

Peritoneal dialysis fluid activates calcium signaling and apoptosis in mesothelial cells

A larger diffusion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is limited by the progressive deterioration of the dialysis membrane structure and function, characterized in vitro and in vivo by mesothelial cell loss and closely related to the use of bioincompatible dialysis solutions. The apoptosis rate of rat and human mesothelial cells incubated in commercial PD fluid (PDF, 4.25g/dL dextrose) became significant as early as 1h after PDF addition and reached a plateau at 4-5h. This pattern was unchanged after exposure to 1.5g/dL dextrose PDF or freshly prepared PDF, indicating that effects were independent on the dextrose strength and manufacturing procedures but strictly dependent on PDF composition. Molecular studies revealed that PDF exposure inactivated the physiological volume recovery from hypertonic shrinkage, accompanied by an abnormal Ca(2+) signaling: a progressive intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) rise resulting from an increased Ca(2+) entry. PDF also affected cytoskeleton integrity: early dissolution of actin filaments occurred well before the appearance of typical apoptosis features. Lastly, the PDF dependent apoptosis was almost completely prevented by the contemporary Ca(2+) concentration decrease and K(+) addition. This study suggests that the PDF dependent apoptosis arises from the extreme volume perturbations in mesothelial cells, turned out unable to regulate their volume back once exposed to a hyperosmolal medium containing high Ca(2+) levels in the absence of K(+), such PDF.

Does This Patient Have Pancreatic-Biliary Cancer?

Purpose: Introduction: CA 19-9 (serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9) is a glycosphingolipid that was first isolated in 1979 by Koprowski as a monoclonal antibody to cultured cell from human colonic cancer. Since then, it has been used as a tumor marker for pancreatic and biliary cancers. However, high levels of CA 19-9 are occasionally found in benign diseases of the liver and biliary tract with a value usually <5000 U/m. Case: This is a 69-year-old morbidly obese male patient who presented with a 2 day history of painless jaundice with no history of viral hepatitis or liver disease and his family history was significant for pancreatic carcinoma. Physical examination revealed an obese male with scleral icterus and jaundice. Laboratory studies showed aspartate aminotransferase: 196 U/L; alanine aminotransferase: 15 U/L; alkaline phosphatase: 1045 U/L; total bilirubin: 12 mg/dL; carcinoembryonic antigen: 3.2 ng/mL; CA 19-9: 38,310 U/mL. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography of the abdomen were of poor quality due to body habits. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed intrahepatic biliary dilatation, a dilated common bile duct of 11 mm and no pancreatic mass. Endoscopic ultrasound was then performed and showed stones in gall bladder as well as an impacted stone in the ampula and normal pancreatic head. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography was then attempted but with failure to cannulate the bile due to body habitus. After 2 days, his symptoms started to improve. A repeat CA 19-9 level obtained 1 week later was 36 U/mL. Discussion: CA 19-9 is produced in normal pancreatic and biliary ductal cells with upper limit of normal 37-40 U/mL, and significant elevations above 1,000 U/mL being 99% specific for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Extreme elevations of serum CA 19-9 levels with benign biliary tract diseases have been reported in the literature. Several hypothesis have been postulated to explain the degree of elevation: 1) Inflammation resulting in increased proliferation of the epithelial cells leading to increased production of CA 19-9; 2) Biliary tract obstruction leading to accumulation of CA 19-9 in the biliary lumen; 3) Increased biliary pressure leading to irritation of bile duct cells and increased production of CA 19-9; 4) Reflux of CA 19-9 into the circulation by obstruction. Tumor markers alone should never use to establish the diagnosis of malignancy.Figure: EUS: Stone in ampulla.

Pancreatic Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

Context Pancreatic metastases are rare (2% of all pancreatic carcinomas). Very few cases about surgical treatment of colorectal cancer metastases to the pancreas are reported. Case report We report a case of single colorectal cancer metastasis to the pancreas managed by distal splenopancreatectomy in a patient undergone to left hemicolectomy for the primary tumor eight years before and to middle lung lobectomy for metastasis one year before. A 61-year-old asymptomatic woman with a history of colorectal cancer was admitted to our department after that during the oncological imaging follow-up a thoracic-abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a single 25 mm hypodense lesion in the pancreatic tail. She also presented high levels of CEA (61.7 ng/mL) and CA 19-9 (82.9 U/mL) before the admission. Eight years before the patient underwent to left hemicolectomy for a B2-Dukes classification colorectal cancer. The resected margins were free of tumor and no regional lymph nodes were positive. One year before the patient underwent to a lung lobectomy for a single 30 mm pulmonary metastases. Considering history and imaging findings, the pancreatic lesion was suspected a colorectal cancer metastasis. A distal splenopancreatectomy was performed. The patient was discharged in healthy conditions. Final pathology disclosed the pancreatic lesion was a colorectal cancer metastasis (CD20+, CK7-) with infiltration of the peri-pancreatic adipose tissue. The resected margins were free of tumor and no lymph nodes were metastasized. The patient is still alive. Conclusion Metastases to the pancreas are commonly considered rare, especially those from colorectal cancer. The improvement of imaging techniques has led to an increase of diagnoses and surgical procedures for metastases to the pancreas. Secondary tumors may be considered in the differential diagnosis of primitive pancreatic lesions. The diagnosis may be facilitated by clinical history and serum markers assessment. Metastatic colorectal cancer to the pancreas is an indication for pancreatic resection to increase the overall survival and, as palliative procedure, to treat symptoms like jaundice and pain.

Hypoxia-induced protein CAIX is associated with somatic loss of BRCA1 protein and pathway activity in triple negative breast cancer

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between tumor hypoxia assessed by CA IX protein expression and loss of BRCA1 function in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Protein expression of CA IX and BRCA1 was evaluated by AQUA™ technology on two breast cancer cohorts: an unselected cohort of 637 breast cancer patients and a TNBC cohort of 120 patients. Transcriptional profiling was performed on FFPE samples from the TNBC cohort to evaluate a gene expression signature associated with BRCA1 mutation (van't Veer et al., Nature 415(6871):530-536, 2002). CA IX is expressed in 7% of the unselected breast cancer cohort and in 25% of the TNBCs and is significantly associated with the triple negative phenotype. CA IX protein expression and BRCA1 protein expression are inversely correlated in both cohorts. Patients expressing high levels of CA IX show significantly worse overall survival (p=0.02). Importantly, high CA IX protein expression occurs in patients who show the BRCA1 mutant signature and low levels of BRCA1 protein. These data suggest that elevated CA IX protein in TNBC is associated with a BRCA1 mutant signature and loss of BRCA1 function. CA IX may be a useful biomarker to identify triple negative patients with defective homologous recombination, who might benefit from PARP inhibitor therapy.

Effect of solar eclipse on certain blood biochemicals in goats under intensive and extensive housing systems

During solar eclipse, unusual disturbances in the circadian rhythm affects the metabolism of animals through change in their biological clock. Therefore, the present study was designed to know the effects of solar eclipse on certain serum biochemicals of goats under intensive and extensive housing systems. Experiment was started from 19 July 2009 (control) to study the effects of solar eclipse (22July 2009). Adult goats (24) of both sexes were divided into 4 groups of male and female, viz. group1 (male extensive), group 2 (female extensive), group 3 (male intensive), and group 4 (female intensive). They were provided ration and water ad lib. during entire period of investigation. All the experimental goats were housed in extensive (groups 1 and 2) and intensive (groups 3 and 4) housing system to know the protective effect of different housing during solar eclipse. Daily (19–23 July 2009), we collected blood samples for analysis of serum T3, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Ca, and P. After solar eclipse (23 July 2009), TSH level was significantly increased in group 3. Serum ALT activity was significantly low in group1 on day of solar eclipse and end of experiment, whereas low activity of ALT was recorded in group 3 and4 at the end of experiment. Interestingly, high level of Ca in group 3 as well as ALP in group1 and 3 was recorded on solar eclipse day and was persistent till the end of experiment. However, serum T3 was significantly decreased in group 3 on solar eclipse day at the end of experiment. These findings are interesting and noticable in contest of observation on certain serum biochemical profile of goats during solar eclipse under different housing systems, which require further exploration.

Drosophila TRPML Is Required for TORC1 Activation

Loss-of-function mutations in TRPML1 (transient receptor potential mucolipin 1) cause the lysosomal storage disorder, mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). Here, we report that flies lacking the TRPML1 homolog displayed incomplete autophagy and reduced viability during the pupal period--a phase when animals rely on autophagy for nutrients. We show that TRPML was required for fusion of amphisomes with lysosomes, and its absence led to accumulation of vesicles of significantly larger volume and higher luminal Ca(2+). We also found that trpml(1) mutant cells showed decreased TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling and a concomitant upregulation of autophagy induction. Both of these defects in the mutants were reversed by genetically activating TORC1 or by feeding the larvae a high-protein diet. The high-protein diet also reduced the pupal lethality and the increased volume of acidic vesicles. Conversely, further inhibition of TORC1 activity by rapamycin exacerbated the mutant phenotypes. Finally, TORC1 exerted reciprocal control on TRPML function. A high-protein diet caused cortical localization of TRPML, and this effect was blocked by rapamycin. Our findings delineate the interrelationship between the TRPML and TORC1 pathways and raise the intriguing possibility that a high-protein diet might reduce the severity of MLIV.

NOTA TÉCNICA: ISOTERMA DE ADSORÇÃO DE FÓSFORO EM PÓ COLETADO NO SISTEMA DE TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTES ATMOSFÉRICOS GERADOS EM INDÚSTRIA SIDERÚRGICA

O pó coletado no sistema de tratamento dos efluentes atmosféricos do alto-forno é considerado um resíduo de difícil disposição final, em decorrência das grandes quantidades produzidas e de seu potencial poluente para o meio ambiente. Objetivou-se, com a realização deste trabalho, caracterizar física, química e mineralogicamente o pó coletado no sistema de tratamento dos efluentes atmosféricos de alto-forno em indústria siderúrgica, avaliar sua capacidade em adsorver fósforo, e obter a isoterma de adsorção que melhor ajuste proporcionar aos dados obtidos. A concentração total de Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, K e P foi obtida após digestão nítrico-perclórico da amostra e quantificação da&#x0D; concentração em solução utilizando-se espectrometria de absorção atômica. A análise mineralógica foi feita utilizando-se um Difratômetro de raio X. O resíduo apresentou altos teores de Fe, Ca, Cr e Mg, além de alto pH, sendo constituído predominantemente por hematita e magnetita, além de grande capacidade de adsorção de fósforo. Os modelos de Langmuir e Freundlich se ajustaram razoavelmente bem aos dados para representar a isoterma de adsorção.

EFFECT OF BORON AND CALCIUM ON GROWTH AND QUALITY OF ‘EASY LOVER’ CUT ROSE

This study was conducted to determine the effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) treatments on growth, quality, and mineral concentration of ‘Easy Lover’ rose grown in soilless culture. The experiment was arranged in a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were consisted three levels of B (25, 50 and 75 μM) and three levels of Ca (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mM). Increasing B and Ca concentration in nutrient solution improved root development. The tallest stems were obtained from the application of 75 μM B and 7.5 mM Ca. Application of B and Ca showed a further increase in stem diameter, with the thickest stem caused by 50 μM B and 7.5 mM Ca. Plants receiving 50 μM B and 2.5 mM Ca had highest number of flowering stem. High Ca level in the nutrient solution antagonized the B concentration in leaf and petal.

P-0260 Impact of Ldh, Cea snd CA 19.9 On Response, Overall and Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Bevacizumab

ABSTRACT Introduction Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor-A and has clear efficacy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the evaluation of response to angiogenesis inhibitors and the prognosis of the patients not always correlate directly with RECIST criteria. Recently, two studies have suggested that pre-treatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels correlated with objective response and prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab, and that the changes in CEA and CA19.9 could be an early sign of progression in this group of patients. The aim of this study is to explore the role of pre-treatment LDH, CEA and CA 19.9 serum levels in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving first-line bevacizumab, specifically the correlation with objective response and the impact on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Methods Retrospective review of 41 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line association of bevacizumab/FOLFIRI (infusional 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid, irinotecan), between 2006 and 2011, with collection of demographic data, date of diagnosis, treatment, objective response to treatment, date of progression, last visit or date of death and pre-treatment LDH, CEA and CA 19.9 serum levels. OS and PFS were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in survival were considered significant when p Results Median OS and PFS were similar for patients with high and normal LDH levels (28 and 9 months, respectively). For patients with high and normal levels of CEA, the median OS was 28 and 26 months, respectively, and the median PFS was 10 and 9 months, respectively, without statistical significance. For patients with high and normal levels of CA 19.9, the median OS was 26 and 28 months, respectively, without statistical significance; the median PFS was similar in both groups (9 months). Baseline high levels of LDH, CEA and CEA 19.9 didnt correlate with a worse result in terms of objective response to treatment. Conclusion In this study, pre-treatment LDH, CEA and CA 19.9 serum levels in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving first-line bevacizumab didnt significantly correlate with objective response, OS and PFS, fact that could be explained by the small size of the sample.

Non-Stimulated, Agonist-Stimulated and Store-Operated Ca2+ Influx in MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cells and the Effect of EGF-Induced EMT on Calcium Entry

In addition to their well-defined roles in replenishing depleted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ reserves, molecular components of the store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway regulate breast cancer metastasis. A process implicated in cancer metastasis that describes the conversion to a more invasive phenotype is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study we show that EGF-induced EMT in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells is associated with a reduction in agonist-stimulated and store-operated Ca2+ influx, and that MDA-MB-468 cells prior to EMT induction have a high level of non-stimulated Ca2+ influx. The potential roles for specific Ca2+ channels in these pathways were assessed by siRNA-mediated silencing of ORAI1 and transient receptor potential canonical type 1 (TRPC1) channels in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Non-stimulated, agonist-stimulated and store-operated Ca2+ influx were significantly inhibited with ORAI1 silencing. TRPC1 knockdown attenuated non-stimulated Ca2+ influx in a manner dependent on Ca2+ influx via ORAI1. TRPC1 silencing was also associated with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and changes in the rate of Ca2+ release from the ER associated with the inhibition of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (time to peak [Ca2+]CYT = 188.7±34.6 s (TRPC1 siRNA) versus 124.0±9.5 s (non-targeting siRNA); P<0.05). These studies indicate that EMT in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells is associated with a pronounced remodeling of Ca2+ influx, which may be due to altered ORAI1 and/or TRPC1 channel function. Our findings also suggest that TRPC1 channels in MDA-MB-468 cells contribute to ORAI1-mediated Ca2+ influx in non-stimulated cells.

EP-1087 RESULTS FROM A PHASE II NON RANDOMIZED TRIAL ON 145 PATIENTS WITH HEPATO-CELLULAR CARCINOMA WITH VMAT

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 106 patients with EBDC who received curative intent surgery. The definitions of tumor location were as follows: proximal EBDC from the confluent portion of the bilateral bile ducts to the junction of cystic duct, and distal EBDC between the junction of cystic duct and intrapancreatic portion. Twenty nine patients had proximal EBDC and 77 patients had distal EBDC. A total of 9 patients underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy; chemoradiotherapy for 7 patients and chemotherapy for 2 patients. Complications were graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. Results: The median follow-up was 24 months for the surviving patients. The median overall survival (OS) and locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) were 46 months and 30 months in all patients, respectively. The 3-year OS and LRPFS rates were 54% and 49% for all locations, 43% and 39% for proximal EBDC, and 57% and 55% for distal EBDC, respectively. A total of 40 patients experienced locoregional recurrence (LRR) initially; 13 (45%) patients with proximal EBDC and 27 (35%) patients with distal EBDC. The area around hepatoduodenal ligament and adjacent tumor bed was the most commonly involved sites. Distant metastases were noted in 10 patients (34%) with proximal EBDC and 15 patients (19%) with distal EBDC. The liver was the most common organ of distant metastasis. In the multivariate analysis, perineural invasion and high level of postoperative CA 19-9 (> 37 U/ml) were associated with poor LRPFS, distant metastasis-free survival, and progression-free survival, while OS had association with angiolymphatic invasion, venous invasion, and CA 19-9. Grade 3 or more acute complications were occurred in 30 patients, and 1 patient died of complicated fluid collection followed by septic shock. Seventeen patients experienced Grade 3 or more chronic complication. Conclusions: Both proximal and distal EBDC showed considerable LRR probabilities without significant difference by tumor locations. The area around hepatoduodenal ligament and adjacent tumor bed, the risky site of LRR, could be routinely encompassed by adjuvant radiotherapy. We can speculate the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy can improve LRPFS in these patients. Especially adjuvant radiotherapy needs to be considered in the patients with perineural invasion and high postoperative CA 19-9 for better LRPFS.

SZ95 sebocytes induce epidermal melanocyte dendricity and proliferation in vitro

The regulatory effects of sebocytes on melanocytes (HMel) are unknown. In this study, SZ95 sebocytes co-cultured with HMel, whether in direct cell contact or with SZ95 sebocytes in inserts, resulted in epidermal HMel flattening with increase in surface area and multiple small dendrites formation. Only in high Ca(2+) level and direct cell contact co-culture, the HMel dendrites were remarkably long and preferentially targeted and attached to SZ95 sebocytes. Likewise, only high Ca(2+) SZ95 sebocyte conditioned medium stimulated HMel proliferation in a time-dependent manner at days 9 (142.9%, P < 0.01) and 12 (179.2%, P < 0.0001) of incubation when compared with day 0. In contrast, melanin contents significantly decreased on incubation with high Ca(2+) SZ95 sebocytes in comparison with low Ca(2+) SZ95 sebocytes at days 6 (P < 0.01) and 9 (P < 0.05) of incubation. These results denote that sebocytes also modulate HMel functions and may contribute to skin colour in sebaceous glands-rich body regions.

In Situ Observation of Gypsum-Anhydrite Transition at High Pressure and High Temperature

An in-situ Raman spectroscopic study of gypsum-anhydrite transition under a saturated water condition at high pressure and high temperature is performed using a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC). The experimental results show that gypsum dissolvs in water at ambient temperature and above 496 MPa. With increasing temperature, the anhydrite (CaSO4) phase precipitates at 250–320°C in the pressure range of 1.0–1.5GPa, indicating that under a saturated water condition, both stable conditions of pressure and temperature and high levels of Ca and SO4 ion concentrations in aqueous solution are essential for the formation of anhydrite. A linear relationship between the pressure and temperature for the precipitation of anhydrite is established as P(GPa) = 0.0068T−0.7126 (250°C≤T≤320°C). Anhydrite remained stable during rapid cooling of the sample chamber, showing that the gypsum-anhydrite transition involving both dissolution and precipitation processes is irreversible at high pressure and high temperature.

Struma ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meig's syndrome and high serum level of CA 125; a case report

Struma ovarii is a rare form of ovarian neoplasm in a form of mature teratoma and is composed predominantly of thyroid tissue. In the literature review, there has only been 10 cases of this tumor, associated with ascites and pleural effusion (Meig's Syndrome) and increased CA125 so far. In such cases, the tumor mimics malignant ovarian tumor. In this article, the case of a 72-year-old symptomatic woman with a pelvic mass, pleural and peritoneal effusion and high level of serum CA125 is presented. Cytological evaluation for the pleural fluid was performed. She underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The result of pathologic diagnosis is presented in this paper. The patient was well in postoperative period and paraclinical tests including CA 125 were normal as well.

Cholesterol loss during glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity

The deregulation of brain cholesterol metabolism is typical in acute neuronal injury (such as stroke, brain trauma and epileptic seizures) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease). Since both conditions are characterized by excessive stimulation of glutamate receptors, we have here investigated to which extent excitatory neurotransmission plays a role in brain cholesterol homeostasis. We show that a short (30 min) stimulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission induces a small but significant loss of membrane cholesterol, which is paralleled by release to the extracellular milieu of the metabolite 24S-hydroxycholesterol. Consistent with a cause-effect relationship, knockdown of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) prevented glutamate-mediated cholesterol loss. Functionally, the loss of cholesterol modulates the magnitude of the depolarization-evoked calcium response. Mechanistically, glutamate-induced cholesterol loss requires high levels of intracellular Ca(2+), a functional stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) and mobilization of CYP46A1 towards the plasma membrane. This study underscores the key role of excitatory neurotransmission in the control of membrane lipid composition, and consequently in neuronal membrane organization and function.

Soil composition and nutritional status of apple as affected by long-term application of gypsum

Gypsum does not affect the soil negative charges and maintains sulfate in the soil solution, making it one of the cheapest products to increase Ca activity in soil solution, especially in the deeper soil layers. Higher Ca levels in the soil solution can increase the uptake of this nutrient by apple trees, reducing the risk of physiological disorders caused by Ca deficiency. This study assessed the effect of long-term gypsum application on some soil properties and on the chemical composition of leaves and fruits of an apple cultivar susceptible to fruit disorders associated with low Ca. The experiment was conducted in São Joaquim, in the South of Brazil, from 2001 to 2009. Gypsum rates of 0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 t ha-1 were annually broadcast over the soil surface, without incorporation, in an apple orchard with cultivar ´Catarina´, planted in 1997. Gypsum application over eight consecutive years had no effect on soil exchangeable K and Al to a depth of 80 cm, but increased exchangeable Ca in the sampled layers (0-10, 10-20, 40-60 and 60-80 cm), while exchangeable Mg decreased only in the surface layer (0-20 cm). Gypsum did not affect the concentration of any nutrient in the fruits, including Ca. The same was verified in the leaves, except for Mg which decreased with increased gypsum rate. Despite increasing the availability of Ca in the soil profile to a depth of 80 cm, gypsum was not effective to increase the Ca content in leaves and fruits of an apple cultivar susceptible to Ca deficiency grown in an appropriately limed soil.