Histological Appearance Research Articles

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children by polar vessels: histological examination result.

In children, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is mostly caused by intrinsic factors (IUPJO) such as abnormal amounts of muscle and collagen deposition; extrinsic UPJO are rare and often due to crossing vessels (CVs). What is not clear is whether there is also intrinsic UPJ pathology in patients with CV. The aim of our study was to compare the histology of the two types of obstruction and to determine whether these histologic features are distinguishable enough to enable to identify the cause of obstruction based on histologic appearance alone. We retrospectively reviewed pathology reports of 38 children with UPJO that underwent surgery in our hospital from 2008 to 2022. The intrinsic and extrinsic groups consisted of 18 and 20 patients, respectively. After ematoxylin-eosin and Gomori's trichrome staining the specimens were scored for fibrosis and muscular hypertrophy in histhopatology, and CD117 antibody were used to detect interstitial Cajal-like cells. In our study, histological analyses revealed no differences between the CV and IUPJO specimens in terms of presence and degree of fibrosis and muscular hypertrophy; likewise, for presence of interstitial Cajal-like cells.

“Paradoxical” p16 overexpression in cutaneous melanoma: Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis of a rare phenomenon with a focus on cell cycle regulatory molecules

BackgroundOne of the most relevant genetic alterations in cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the biallelic inactivation/loss-of-heterozygosis (LOH) of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 A (CDKN2A), which results in the immunohistochemical loss of p16 frequently found in CM. However, we recently described a rare case of dermal/deep-seated melanoma arising in giant congenital nevus (DDM-GCN) with p16 overexpression combined with p53 loss and tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation. Herein, we reported a case series of CM with p16 overexpression and analyzed their clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical expression of the cell cycle regulatory molecules (CCRM: p53, p21, Cyclin D1, Rb), and mutational landscape. MethodsWe retrospectively tested for p16 all cases of CM diagnosed at our institution between January 1st 2019-April 1st 2022. In CM with p16 overexpression, we reported clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical results for melanocytic markers and CCRM, and mutational landscape investigated with a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. In cases with zonal p16 overexpression, the immunohistochemical assessment for melanocytic markers and CCRM, as well as the NGS analysis have been performed in both components {with and without p16 overexpression [p16(+)c and p16(-)]}. ResultsOverexpression of p16 was found in 10/2879 (0.35%) CM [5/10 (50%) diffuse and 5/10 (50%) zonal]. We combined the immunohistochemical results for CCRM and molecular data to classify the cases as follows: a) Group 1 with altered expression of at least one CCRM but no TP53 mutations [3/10 (30%), all with Rb altered/lost]; b) Group 2 with altered expression of at least one CCRM and TP53 mutations [4/10 (40%), all with p53 altered]; c) Group 3 with normal expression of CCRM and no TP53 mutations [3/10 (30%), all with mutations in MAPK pathway genes (NRAS and BRAF)]. In CM with zonal p16 overexpression, the histologic appearance of p16(+)c was heterogeneous, whereas combining CCRM profiles and molecular data the cases could be categorized as follows: a) cases with the same CCRM and molecular profiles in both p16(+)c and p16(-)c; b) cases with p16(+)c showing additional genetic mutations and/or modifications of CCRM expression. Conclusionsp16 overexpression is a rare event, occurring in advanced-stage, clinically- and histologically-heterogeneous CM. These lesions may be classified into three different groups based on CCRM expression and mutational profiles (including TP53 mutation). The analysis of CM with zonal p16 overexpression suggests that, at least in a subset of cases, this phenomenon could represent a sign of “molecular progression” due to the acquisition of additional genetic mutations and/or modifications of the CCRM profile.

Delayed and limited administration of the JAKinib tofacitinib mitigates chronic DSS-induced colitis.

In inflammatory bowel disease, dysregulated T cells express pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using a chronic azoxymethane (AOM)/dextransulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model resembling ulcerative colitis, we evaluated whether and when treatment with the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib could be curative. Comparing the treatment with two and three cycles of tofacitinib medication in drinking water - intermittently with DSS induction - revealed that two cycles were not only sufficient but also superior over the 3-x regimen. The two cycles of the 2-x protocol paralleled the second and third cycles of the longer protocol. T cells were less able to express interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and the serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were significantly reduced in sera, while those of IL-10 and IL-22 increased under the 2-x protocol. Likewise, the frequency and effector phenotype of regulatory T cells (Tregs) increased. This was accompanied by normal weight gain, controlled clinical scores, and restored stool consistency. The general and histologic appearance of the colons revealed healing and tissue intactness. Importantly, two phases of tofacitinib medication completely prevented AOM-incited pseudopolyps and the hyper-proliferation of epithelia, which was in contrast to the 3-x regimen. This implies that the initial IBD-induced cytokine expression is not necessarily harmful as long as inflammatory signaling can later be suppressed and that time-restricted treatment allows for anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing cytokine activities.

Diffusely Infiltrating Gliomas With Poor Prognosis, TERT Promotor Mutations, and Histological Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma-Like Appearance Classify as Mesenchymal Type of Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype by Methylation Analysis

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) (World Health Organization grade II) is classified as a relatively benign and circumscribed glioma; however, anaplastic PXA (APXA, World Health Organization grade III) has a poorer prognosis, and differentiating from glioblastoma can be difficult both histologically and molecularly. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics of diffusely infiltrating gliomas with histological APXA-like features. METHODS: Four diffusely infiltrating gliomas in adult patients histologically diagnosed as APXAs at a single institute were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed their clinical, radiological, pathological, genetic, epigenetic, and prognostic characteristics. RESULTS: All tumors histologically showed classical characteristic PXA-like appearance with BRAF wildtype, mitotic figure, necrosis, and an increased mindbomb E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase 1 labeling index and were initially diagnosed as APXAs; moreover, they underwent high-grade glioma treatment. Three patients with TERT promotor mutations died within 18 months. These patients' MRIs showed widespread infiltrating fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions and Gd-enhancing lesions in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres in 2 of the patients. Contrastingly, a patient with the wildtype TERT promotor has survived for 2.5 years without recurrence. MRI revealed an unilateral fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense and Gd-enhancing lesion. By methylation classifier analysis, all 4 cases clustered toward GBM, IDH-wildtype, mesenchymal type, although one was deemed unclassifiable due to a low calibrated score. CONCLUSION: In diffusely infiltrating gliomas showing histological characteristics of APXA, methylation classification should be performed as these tumors may be difficult to differentiate between glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype by histological or genetic analysis. The aggressive nature of these tumors should be expected, especially in cases that are BRAF-wildtype and TERT promotor mutant.

Giant Eyelid Eccrine Hidrocystoma: A Case Report

Aims: To report a case of a rare giant eyelid eccrine hidrocystoma confirmed on histopathological examination and successful surgical excision with no recurrence.
 Presentation of Case: A young male presented with a mass over his eyelid which was gradually increasing in size, leading to drooping of the upper eyelid with no other associated symptoms. The mass 20x15x10 mm was present over the upper lid, non-mobile, non-tender, and firm. On the CT scan, a well-defined round to oval hypodense cystic mass was seen to be originating from the left upper eyelid. The cyst was excised and sent for histopathological analysis. The histological appearance of cystic spaces lined by cuboidal epithelium and containing mucinous fluid was suggestive of eccrine hidrocystoma. There was no recurrence till 2 months of follow-up.
 Conclusion: Eccrine hidrocystomas are 1-6 mm in size, generally 4 mm, and cysts larger than 10 mm are rare. Larger cysts have been described as “giant eccrine hidrocystoma.” Giant eyelid eccrine hidrocystoma is an unusual condition of the eyelid that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyelid tumours. They can be managed by complete surgical excision although recurrences are found to be common.

SUBACCUTE TOXICITY YELLOW FLOWER EXTRACT (Cananga odorata) ON HISTOPATHOLOGY OF WHITE RAT HEART (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: The inflammatory process is influenced by chemical mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and arachidonic acid metabolites. Currently, herbal treatment techniques are preferred by the public because they generally do not cause side effects. The therapeutic effect of herbal plants comes from the content of phytochemicals that have strong antioxidant activity. Objective of the study was to examine the phytochemical content and anti-inflammatory effects of Cananga odorata. Methodology: this research is a two-stage research, namely in vitro and in vivo tests. Many previous studies have proven that anti-inflammatory activity is not only related to antioxidant activity but also its ability to suppress the production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This effect is still being developed using a variety of herbal plants. One of the plants whose effects have not been studied in the field of health-medicine is ylang flower. Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) or ylang flower plant is a tropical plant that has fragrant petals and thrives without requiring special care. Results of the study were total phenol 1,06 %w/w and antioxidant IC50 DPPH by spectrophotometric examination was 808.86 ppm. These results do not show good antioxidant activity of ylang flower extract. Research in rats showed a decrease in blood glucose levels but not in lipid profiles. Furthermore, the toxicity test did not show any toxicity in experimental rats. Histological appearances showed no differences in cardiovascular disease model mice with standard-feeding mice. Conclusions: Cananga odorata ethanol extract did not showed any toxicity on histopatology on white rat heart.

NKX3.1 immunohistochemistry and methylome profiling in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: additional diagnostic value for a well-defined disease?

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is a rare and highly aggressive tumour of soft tissue and bone that is defined by an underlying and highly specific fusion transcript involving HEY1 and NCOA2. Histologically, the tumours show a biphasic appearance consisting of an undifferentiated blue and round cell component as well as islands of highly differentiated cartilage. Particularly in core needle biopsies, the chondromatous component can be missed and the non-specific morphology and immunophenotype of the round cell component can cause diagnostic challenges. We applied NKX3.1 immunohistochemistry which was recently reported as a highly specific marker as well as methylome and copy number profiling to a set of 45 well characterised MCS cases to evaluate their potential diagnostic value. Methylome profiling revealed a highly distinct cluster for MCS. Notably, the findings were reproducible also when analysing the round cell and cartilaginous component separately. Furthermore, four outliers were identified by methylome profiling for which the diagnosis had to be revised. NKX3.1 immunohistochemistry showed positivity in 36% of tumours, the majority of which was rather focal and weak. Taken together, NKX3.1 expression showed a low sensitivity but a high specificity in our analysis. Methylome profiling on the other hand represents a sensitive, specific and reliable tool to support the diagnosis of MCS, particularly if only the round cell component is obtained in a biopsy and the diagnosis is not suspected. Furthermore, it can aid in confirming the diagnosis in case RNA sequencing for the HEY1::NCOA2 fusion transcript is not available.

Retrospective histomorphologic study of meningeal masses in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: The rarity of many histologic entities and the common discordance between histologic appearance and biologic behaviour make the diagnosis of meningeal masses challenging. Except for a few common entities like meningioma and meningeal metastases, data on the prevalence of meningeal mass lesions is limited, and most exist as case reports and small case series. This study presents the pattern of meningeal masses in our environment, in the hope of adding to knowledge and awareness of the differential diagnoses of meningeal masses in our environment.
 Materials and methods: A retrospective study of meningeal masses histologically diagnosed at the the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria, based on clinical, demographic and histomorphologic data obtained over a 15-year period.
 Results: Total of 140 meningeal masses; 137 neoplastic and 3 non-neoplastic mass lesions. Ages ranged from 3-86 years. Mean age was 45.85 ± 18.16 years. There were 52 males and 88 females with an overall male-female ratio of 1:1.7; but non-meningothelial tumours were more common amongst males. Most common tumour was Meningioma (78.6%), then metastatic tumours (15%), non-meningothelial mesenchymal tumors (4.3%), and hypertrophic pachymeningitis (2.1%). Meningioma, hemangioblastoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma were the most common tumours in children.
 Conclusion: Rare histologic entities arising in the meninges, can easily be overlooked in the differential diagnosis of meningeal mass lesions, while the common ones like meningioma and meningeal metastases, are at risk of becoming ‘waste basket’ or ‘safety net’ diagnoses for meningeal tumours. There is need for continuous evaluation and audit of histological diagnoses of meningeal tumours to avoid missing the rare entities that may occasionally be encountered.

Digital morphometry and cluster analysis identifies four types of melanocyte during uveal melanoma progression

BackgroundSeveral types of benign and malignant uveal melanocytes have been described based on their histological appearance. However, their characteristics have not been quantified, and their distribution during progression from normal choroidal melanocytes to primary tumors and metastases has not been reported.MethodsA total of 1,245,411 digitally scanned melanocytes from normal choroid, choroidal nevi, primary uveal melanomas, and liver metastases were entered into two-step cluster analyses to delineate cell types based on measured morphometric characteristics and expression of protein markers.ResultsHere we show that a combination of the area and circularity of cell nuclei, and BAP-1 expression in nuclei and cytoplasms yields the highest silhouette of cohesion and separation. Normal choroidal melanocytes and three types of uveal melanoma cells are outlined: Epithelioid (large, rounded nuclei; BAP-1 low; IGF-1R, IDO, and TIGIT high), spindle A (small, elongated nuclei; BAP-1 high; IGF-1R low; IDO, and TIGIT intermediate), and spindle B (large, elongated nuclei; BAP-1, IGF-1R, IDO, and TIGIT low). In normal choroidal tissue and nevi, only normal melanocytes and spindle A cells are represented. Epithelioid and spindle B cells are overrepresented in the base and apex, and spindle A cells in the center of primary tumors. Liver metastases contain no normal melanocytes or spindle A cells.ConclusionsFour basic cell types can be outlined in uveal melanoma progression: normal, spindle A and B, and epithelioid. Differential expression of tumor suppressors, growth factors, and immune checkpoints could contribute to their relative over- and underrepresentation in benign, primary tumor, and metastatic samples.

Comprehensive Brain Tumour Characterisation with VERDICT-MRI: Evaluation of Cellular and Vascular Measures Validated by Histology.

The aim of this work was to extend the VERDICT-MRI framework for modelling brain tumours, enabling comprehensive characterisation of both intra- and peritumoural areas with a particular focus on cellular and vascular features. Diffusion MRI data were acquired with multiple b-values (ranging from 50 to 3500 s/mm2), diffusion times, and echo times in 21 patients with brain tumours of different types and with a wide range of cellular and vascular features. We fitted a selection of diffusion models that resulted from the combination of different types of intracellular, extracellular, and vascular compartments to the signal. We compared the models using criteria for parsimony while aiming at good characterisation of all of the key histological brain tumour components. Finally, we evaluated the parameters of the best-performing model in the differentiation of tumour histotypes, using ADC (Apparent Diffusion Coefficient) as a clinical standard reference, and compared them to histopathology and relevant perfusion MRI metrics. The best-performing model for VERDICT in brain tumours was a three-compartment model accounting for anisotropically hindered and isotropically restricted diffusion and isotropic pseudo-diffusion. VERDICT metrics were compatible with the histological appearance of low-grade gliomas and metastases and reflected differences found by histopathology between multiple biopsy samples within tumours. The comparison between histotypes showed that both the intracellular and vascular fractions tended to be higher in tumours with high cellularity (glioblastoma and metastasis), and quantitative analysis showed a trend toward higher values of the intracellular fraction (fic) within the tumour core with increasing glioma grade. We also observed a trend towards a higher free water fraction in vasogenic oedemas around metastases compared to infiltrative oedemas around glioblastomas and WHO 3 gliomas as well as the periphery of low-grade gliomas. In conclusion, we developed and evaluated a multi-compartment diffusion MRI model for brain tumours based on the VERDICT framework, which showed agreement between non-invasive microstructural estimates and histology and encouraging trends for the differentiation of tumour types and sub-regions.

Immunomodulatory amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells preserve muscle function in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable genetic disease characterized by degeneration and necrosis of myofibers, chronic inflammation, and progressive muscle weakness resulting in premature mortality. Immunosuppressive multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy could be an option for DMD patients. We focused on amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs), a clinically viable cell source owing to their unique characteristics, such as non-invasive isolation, mitotic stability, ethical acceptability, and minimal risk of immune reaction and cancer. We aimed to identify novel immunomodulatory effects of AMSCs on macrophage polarization and their transplantation strategies for the functional recovery of skeletal and cardiac muscles.MethodsWe used flow cytometry to analyze the expression of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage markers on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with human AMSCs (hAMSCs). hAMSCs were intravenously injected into DMD model mice (mdx mice) to assess the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. hAMSC-treated and untreated mdx mice were monitored using blood tests, histological examinations, spontaneous wheel-running activities, grip strength, and echocardiography.ResultshAMSCs induced M2 macrophage polarization in PBMCs via prostaglandin E2 production. After repeated systemic hAMSC injections, mdx mice exhibited a transient downregulation of serum creatin kinase. Limited mononuclear cell infiltration and a decreased number of centrally nucleated fibers were indicative of regenerated myofibers following degeneration, suggesting an improved histological appearance of the skeletal muscle of hAMSC-treated mdx mice. Upregulated M2 macrophages and altered cytokine/chemokine expressions were observed in the muscles of hAMSC-treated mdx mice. During long-term experiments, a significant decrease in the grip strength in control mdx mice significantly improved in the hAMSC-treated mdx mice. hAMSC-treated mdx mice maintained running activity and enhanced daily running distance. Notably, the treated mice could run longer distances per minute, indicating high running endurance. Left ventricular function in DMD mice improved in hAMSC-treated mdx mice.ConclusionsEarly systemic hAMSC administration in mdx mice ameliorated progressive phenotypes, including pathological inflammation and motor dysfunction, resulting in the long-term improvement of skeletal and cardiac muscle function. The therapeutic effects might be associated with the immunosuppressive properties of hAMSCs via M2 macrophage polarization. This treatment strategy could provide therapeutic benefits to DMD patients.

Effects of dietary starch and metformin levels on the growth performance, body composition, hepatic glycolipid metabolism, and liver histology of juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

In this study, an 8-week feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary metformin inclusion on the growth performance, body composition, glucose homeostasis and liver histology of juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (LMB) fed high starch diets. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, four isoproteinic (50%) and isolipidic (13%) diets were formulated with two starch levels (9% and 14%) with or without 0.25% metformin inclusion at each starch level. Each diet was assigned to triplicate tanks of LMB with an initial body weight of 10.8 g. The results showed that an increase of dietary starch from 9% to 14% retarded the growth performance (weight gain ratio and specific growth rate) of LMB through impairing feed utilization (feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value). Though feed consumption increased, the growth performance of LMB did not benefit from dietary metformin administration as a result of the impaired feed utilization. Both the glucose homeostasis (fasting blood glucose) and glucose tolerance of LMB were impaired with increasing dietary starch from 9% to 14%. However, LMB metabolically adapted well to high starch diets through stimulating glycolysis and glycogen synthesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver at the molecular level. Moreover, an increase of dietary starch from 9% to 14% upregulated hepatic lipogenic capacities while down-regulated fatty acid oxidation thereby promoting lipid deposition in the liver and whole fish. Dietary metformin improved the glucose homeostasis and glucose tolerance of LMB through promoting glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis rather than glycogen deposition in the liver. However, dietary metformin did not mitigate the liver injuries (the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the plasma along with histological appearance) in LMB fed high starch diets. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that dietary metformin inclusion did not mitigate the growth retardation and liver injury of LMB fed high starch diets, but improved the glucose homeostasis and glucose tolerance through promoting the glycolytic and lipogenic pathways in the liver.

A STUDY OF HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN LESIONS IN ADULTS

Background: Hyperpigmentary skin disorders may be dened as increased pigmentation of the skin and/or mucus membranes. Pigmented skin lesions comprise a large component of most histopathologists' workload, and although there is a wide spectrum of histological appearances most can be reported as simple benign naevi. Pathologic examination often serves as a complementary or a conrmative part of the diagnosis. The histologybased treatment principles may be helpful for establishing a standardized treatment algorithm for hyperpigmented skin lesions. A prospective study was conducted to assess histomorphological features of hyperpi Methods: gmented skin lesions. The study included 60 patients for a duration of 2 years. Clinical history like age, sex, site, duration of the lesion, size of the lesion, signicant medical history, and clinical diagnosis were noted. Out of 60 cases, major Result: ity (40 %) were classical lichen planus and its variants. Most of cases were in the age group of 21–30 years and showed male preponderance with both upper and lower limbs as the most common site of distribution. In present study, Conclusion: hyperpigmented skin lesions were most common in males with lichen planus as the most common histopathological diagnosis. The histopathologic examination serves as a complementary or a conrmative part of diagnosis, which helps in management of these patients.

Genetic characterization of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus in Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni identified from eight separate cases between 2000 and 2017

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this publication. The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in National Center for Biotechnology Information at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, reference number MN432490, MT926123. Figure S1 Histologic appearance of a typical infected Banggai cardinalfish from the BCIV-2010 case. (a) and (b) Spleen: Basophilic inclusion bodies in megalocytic cells whose morphology is often obscured. Foci of necrosis within intervening pulp areas. (c) and (d) Kidney: Basophilic inclusion bodies in megalocytic cells within foci of interstitial haematopoietic necrosis. (e) and (f) Intestine: Basophilic inclusion bodies in megalocytic perivascular cells but minimal mucosal reaction. Pigmentation within normal limits. Original magnifications: (a, c) 100×, (d, e) 200×, (b, f) 400×; H&E stain. Figure S2 Conventional PCR results of the Banggai cardinalfish case from 2000 (BCIV-2000) using the MCV-F/R primers (Koda et al., 2018) and a 100 bp ladder. (a) a single positive band for BCIV-2000 at the 173 bp position. Samples (b) and (c) are negative and correspond to the extraction control and negative template control, respectively. (d) a single bright band at the 173 bp position, representing the positive control for the MCV assay. Table S1 Genome annotation of the Banggai cardinalfish iridovirus from 2012 (BCIV-2012). Table S2 Genome annotation of the Banggai cardinalfish iridovirus from 2017 (BCIV-2017). Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Effects of taxifolin on tramadol-induced oxidative and inflammatory liver injury in rats: an experimental study

In this experimental study we aimed to investigate the biochemical and histopathological effects of concomitantly administered taxifolin on tramadol-induced liver damage in rats. The rats were divided into three groups; control group (CG), tramadol alone (TRG), and taxifolin + tramadol given (TTRG) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were measured in liver tissues. Liver tissues were also examined histopathologically. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined in blood samples. In tissue analyses, determinants of oxidative stress and inflammation, all were significantly higher in the TRG group compared with the control and TTRG groups. In the TTRG group, all oxidative stress and inflammation markers were significantly lower than in the TRG group. In addition, there was not any significant difference between the control and TTRG groups regarding the TOS and TAS status. Serum liver enzymes were also significantly higher in the TRG group than in the other two groups. In histopathological examinations, the control group had a normal histological appearance. Degenerative-necrotic hepatocytes and hemorrhage, which were seen at a severe level in the TRG group, were found to be moderate in the treated TTRG group. In addition, mononuclear cell infiltrations were found to be severe in the TRG group and mild in the treated TTRG group. Finally it was concluded that Taxifolin alleviated the toxic effects of tramadol on the liver including the histopathological and biochemical changes as well as the oxidative damage.

Distinct histological patterns in chronic hepatitis D with nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.

Chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection leads to a more severe hepatitis than hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alone. Specific histological staining patterns have been described in HBV mono-infection, however this has not been extensively investigated in HDV co-infection. This study evaluated whether the use of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) for concurrent HBV infection has an impact on the histological appearance of chronic HDV. Liver biopsies of all patients referred for management of HDV infection were reviewed and hepatitis-specific stains for HBV antigens were evaluated. Clinical and histological characteristics were compared between patients on and off-NA therapy. 50 patients were included in our analysis, of which 26 (52%) were on NA therapy at the time of the biopsy. Overall, 8% stained for HBV core antigen and 86% stained for HBV surface antigen. On and off-NA groups had similar degrees of fibrosis and inflammation, however NA patients had an odds ratio of 7.15 for membranous staining and 0.13 for scattered granular staining (p = 0.001). No association was found with markers of disease severity or viral activity, with nonetheless a lower score of total inflammation noted in biopsies with a positive membranous stain (8.5 vs. 10.3 p = 0.04). In chronic HDV infection, patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs demonstrate a unique membranous staining pattern for hepatitis B surface antigen, which is not associated with HBV or HDV replicative activity. These findings may help improve the understanding of the role of HBV directed therapy in HDV pathophysiology. Histological staining is associated with viral activity in chronic HBV, however this has been infrequently explored in HDV. In HDV, staining patterns differ based on HBV treatment status and do not appear to be associated with markers of viral activity.

Metaplastic breast cancer: A case report and literature review

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Metaplastic breast cancer is characterized by two or more poorly differentiated cellular types, with epithelial or mesenchymal components. Metaplastic breast carcinoma is a rare and aggressive entity, accounting for less than 1% of invasive breast cancers. Hence, there is insignificant literature and research. Few cases are described in the literature. We report a rare case of metaplastic breast carcinoma with squamous and spindle cell differentiation. Case Report: An 82-year-old female was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer with squamous and spindled differentiation based on histological appearance. She underwent mastectomy, and we track her radiation follow-up. Conclusion: The report reviews and corroborates existing literature regarding clinical features, histologic characteristics, and treatment methods, and explores genetic components and clinical trials underway.

Exploratory study on tissue ablation with cryoelectrolysis.

This is an exploratory study on the effect of electrolysis, delivered during the thawing stage of a cryoablation protocol, on tissue ablation. This treatment protocol, that combines freezing and electrolysis, is named "cryoelectrolysis". In cryoelectrolysis the cryoablation probe is also used as the electrolysis delivering electrode. The study was performed on the liver of Landrace pigs and the tissues were examined 24 hours after treatment (two pigs) and 48 hours after treatment (one pig). The cryoelectrolysis device and different cryoelectrolysis ablation configurations tested are described. This exploratory, non-statistical study shows that the addition of electrolysis expands the ablated area in comparison to cryoablation alone and that there is a substantial difference between the histological appearance of tissue treated by cryoablation alone, tissue treated by cryoablation and electrolysis at the anode and tissue treated by cryoablation and electrolysis at the cathode.

Effect of Hair Dressing Salon Effluent on the Juveniles of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The toxicity of hair dressing salon effluent on Clarias gariepinus juveniles was studied using static bioassay method. This study investigated haematological, histopathological and biochemical changes in Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The fish samples were distributed randomly into T1 (800 ml/L), T2 (600 ml/L), T3 (400 ml/L), T4 (200 ml/L), and T5 control (water alone). All samples were studied in three replicates, in a completely randomized experiment. Mortality increased with increased effluent concentrations; 250.96 ml/L was recorded as LC50 for 96 h. Various behavioural changes observed in fishes before death include: odd swimming patterns, jerk movements, bottom resting and loss of appetite. Histopathological changes were observed in treated fishes while the livers and gills of the control fishes showed normal histological appearance. It was concluded that hair dressing salon effluents had some negative effect on histopathology and behavioural responses of juvenile Clarias gariepinus. Therefore, it is recommended that the effluent should be properly treated before being discharged into the environment.

Pathological nodal status as a main predictive factor of survival and treatment outcomes of submandibular salivary gland cancers: A 25-year single center experience

IntroductionAim of this study was to explore the survival predictive factors and treatment outcomes in a cohort of SGC patients treated at a single center over a period of 25 years. Materials and methodsPatients who had received primary treatment for SGC were enroled. Outcomes evaluated were: overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DFS). ResultsA total of 40 patients with SGC were enroled in the study. The most common tumor was the adenoid cystic carcinoma (60% of cases). Cumulative OS for 5-and 10-year follow up period was 81% and 60%, respectively. Thirteen patients (32.5%) developed distant metastases during follow-up. Nodal status, high-grade histology, tumor stage and adjuvant radiation-therapy (RT) were significant variables on multivariate analysis for survival and treatment outcomes. ConclusionsSubmandibular gland carcinomas represent rare and heterogenous tumor group regarding histological appearance and locoregional and distant metastatic potential. Tumor histological grade, AJCC tumor stage and nodal status were the strongest predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes. RT improved OS and locoregional treatment outcome, but not DFS. Elective neck dissection (END) could be beneficial for selected cases of SGC. Superselective neck dissection of levels I-IIa may be the level of dissection for END. Distant metastases were the main cause of death and treatment failure. Prognostic factors for poor DMFS were AJCC stage III and IV, high tumor grade and nodal status.