Neoplastic Changes Research Articles

A systematic review on odontogenic cysts and tumours.

There are still certain gaps in the research that need to be filled despite the fact that numerous studies have looked into the transformation of odontogenic cysts into neoplastic lesions. To identify pertinent research that had been published and to synthesise the available data and provide an overview of the current body of knowledge, this review also sought to do so. Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a search strategy was implemented across several online databases to search for relevant articles as per the defined selection criterion. After the search strategy was complete, 31 studies were chosen. Men tended to have more cancer than women. Swelling and discomfort were the primary pathology-related complaints. Although two cases were not detailed, radiologically, well-defined and poorly defined borders were reported in 18 and 11 participants, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma with good differentiation (n = 12) was the most common cancer kind. More than 74% of patients were still living 6 months to 10 years following follow-up, four (12.90%) experienced recurrences and/or metastases and two (6.45%) experienced a disease-related mortality between 2 months and a year. Prompt surgical follow-ups and cautious excision of odontogenic cysts are essential to avoiding neoplastic change and recurrence. Future research is required to look at possible reasons why odontogenic cysts can convert neoplastically.

O198: Cytosponge: Innovative technology in Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance

Abstract Introduction British Society of Gastroenterology guidance recommends oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) for Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance with quandrantic biopsies for every 2cm length of Barrett’s. The Covid pandemic led to delays in Barrett's surveillance and prolongation of surveillance intervals. This study assessed the potential role of Cytosponge, a novel cytology sampling device, in Barrett's surveillance. Methodology All patients due Barrett's surveillance in 2022/23 were identified and screened to assess suitability for Cytosponge. Cytology results and associated early clinical outcomes were assessed. Results 193 patients (77%) were suitable for Cytosponge, and 175 of these (90%) did not require OGD. 18 patients (10%) required urgent OGD for inadequate cytology samples (3), cellular atypia (8), aberrant p53 (3) or dysplasia (4). 2 patients had high grade dysplasia on subsequent OGD, successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation. No diagnosis of oesophago-gastric cancer was made during the follow-up period. By July 2023, 282 patients with Barrett’s oesophagus had completed Cytosponge assessment; minimum follow-up was 4 months and no patients had developed ‘inter-test’ malignancy. Conclusion These data are promising and suggest that endoscopy and biopsy may not be required for all Barrett’s surveillance. Cytology samples alone may be sufficient to assess for epithelial dysplastic and neoplastic change in Barrett’s surveillance, with judicious utilisation of endoscopy resources where indicated and necessary. Patients who received a Cytosponge in 2022 will be due for endoscopic surveillance in 2024 – these data will provide valuable additional information about the role of Cytosponge in Barrett’s surveillance and whether endoscopy can be replaced altogether.

Microbiome markers in HPV-positive and HPV-negative women of reproductive age with ASCUS and SIL determined by V4 region of 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Cervicovaginal microbiota plays an important role in HPV infection and is associated with the development of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). The natural history of cervical cancer involves reversible changes in the cervical tissue from a normal state, in which no neoplastic changes are detected in the squamous epithelium, to varying states of cellular abnormalities that ultimately lead to cervical cancer. Low-grade SIL (LSIL), like another cytological category - atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), may progress to high-grade SIL (HSIL) and invasive cervical cancer or may regress to a normal state. In this work, we studied cervical canal microbiome in 165 HPV-positive and HPV-negative women of a reproductive age with ASCUS [HPV(+) n = 29; HPV(-) n = 11], LSIL [HPV(+) n = 32; HPV(-) n = 25], HSIL [HPV(+) n = 46], and the control group with negative for intraepithelial lesion malignancy (NILM) [HPV(-) n = 22]. HPV16 is the most prevalent HPV type. We have not found any differences between diversity in studied groups, but several genus [like Prevotella (p-value = 0.026), Gardnerella (p-value = 0.003), Fannyhessea (p-value = 0.024)] more often occurred in HSIL group compared by NILM or LSIL regardless of HPV. We have found statistically significant difference in occurrence or proportion of bacterial genus in studied groups. We also identified that increasing of the ratio of Lactobacillus iners or age of patient lead to higher chance to HSIL, while increasing of the ratio of Lactobacillus crispatus lead to higher chance to LSIL. Patients with a moderate dysbiosis equally often had either of three types of vaginal microbial communities (CST, Community State Type) with the prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus (CST I), Lactobacillus gasseri (CST II), and Lactobacillus iners (CST III); whereas severe dysbiosis is linked with CST IV involving the microorganisms genera associated with bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis: Gardnerella, Fannyhessea, Dialister, Sneathia, Anaerococcus, Megasphaera, Prevotella, Finegoldia, Peptoniphilus, Porphyromonas, Parvimonas, and Streptococcus.

Absolute Quantification of Selected microRNAs Expression in Endometrial Cancer by Digital PCR.

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the process of carcinogenesis, including the development of endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to investigate the association between the expression of three miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-205-5p, and miR-222-3p) in endometrial cancer tissues. In addition, the stability of expression of SNORD48 and U6, which were initially planned to be used as reference miRNAs for normalization, was investigated. Endometrial tissue was obtained from 111 patients with EC during hysterectomy and from 19 patients undergoing surgery for uterine fibroids or pelvic organ prolapse as a control group without neoplastic changes. Our study was based on calculations made with a digital PCR method (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) to measure the absolute expression. In the endometrial cancer tissue, miR-205-5p was upregulated, while miR-222-3p and SNORD48 were downregulated compared to the control group. We detected statistically significant correlation of miR-205-5p, U6, and SNORD48 expression with different histological grades; the expression of miR-205-5p increases with the histopathological grade advancement (intraepithelial neoplasia- EIN = 1590, G1 = 3367.2, G2 = 8067 and G3 = 20,360), while U6 and SNORD expression decreases from EIN to G2 and increases again in the G3 grade (U6: EIN = 19,032, G1 = 16,482.4, G2 = 13,642.4, G3 = 133,008; SNORD48: EIN = 97,088, G1 = 59,520, G2 = 43,544, G3 = 227,200). Our study suggests that upregulation of miR-205-5p and downregulation of miR-222-3p and SNORD48 may influence development of endometrial cancer. Moreover, miR-205-5p, U6, and SNORD48 expression changes may be associated with progression of endometrial cancer. The results also indicate that SNORD48 and U6, commonly used as internal references, may influence endometrial cancer development and progression; therefore, they should not be used as references. However, it is important to note that further research is required to understand their role in endometrial cancer.

(248) Analysis of Biomarkers (MMP-9, TIMP-1, Ki-67 and Type IV Collagen) in the Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases

Abstract Introduction The combination of inflammatory, benign and malignant processes in the prostate reduces the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of modern examination methods. The development of immunohistochemical methods (IHC) promotes the search for molecular markers that are diagnostically significant in various processes in the prostate. This will improve the detection of malignant neoplasms and reduce the number of "unnecessary" prostate biopsies. Objective to study in biopsies of patients with various prostate diseases the relationship of type 9 metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), the role of the Ki-67 protein proliferation level and the diagnostic value of the type IV collagen distribution indicator. Methods The study included 263 patients. They were divided into 4 groups: chronic prostatitis - 21 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 0.7 years), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - 65 patients (69.3 ± 1.1 years), BPH + prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) - 59 patients (68.9 ± 0.9 years), prostate adenocarcinoma (PC) - 118 patients (68.2 ± 0.9 years). IHC was used to analyze type 9 metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), the role of the Ki-67 protein proliferation level and the diagnostic value of the type IV collagen distribution indicator. Results BPH is characterized by high production of MMP-9 (intensity 3 points), lack of proliferative activity of the secretory cell layer (Ki-67 less than 3.24 ± 0.61%) and degradation of collagen IV of the basement membranes, which associated with a compensatory increase in the activity of the inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP-1 (intensity 3 points). In prostate cancer, as neoplastic changes increase, the production of the Ki-67 protein significantly increases, reflecting the proliferative activity of the secretory cell layer (from 5.3 + 1.1% to 17.2 + 9.4%). With an increase in the Gleason number over the 3rd grade, collagen fibers around the tumor cells completely disappear. The production of MMP-9 type in adenocarcinomas is significantly reduced and the destruction of collagen IV of the basement membrane of glandular structures and stroma occurs due to a progressive (up to an intensity of 0.8 + 0.4 points as anaplastic changes increase) decrease in the production of the inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP-1 (p≤0.05). High production of MMR-9 in BPH is blocked by a high content of the TIMP-1 inhibitor. In adenocarcinomas, the production of MMP-9 is significantly reduced, but this protease destroys collagen IV of the basement membrane of glandular structures due to the absence or weak production of TIMP-1, which blocks the proteolytic effect of this enzyme on connective tissue collagen. The low production of the TIMP-1 inhibitor in adenocarcinomas can also explain the invasive properties of these tumors. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis of biomarkers in IHC can improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer and reduce the number of "unnecessary" biopsies. Disclosure No.

Nanotechnology as a Promising Method in the Treatment of Skin Cancer.

The incidence of skin cancer continues to grow. There are an estimated 1.5 million new cases each year, of which nearly 350,000 are melanoma, which is often fatal. Treatment is challenging and often ineffective, with conventional chemotherapy playing a limited role in this context. These disadvantages can be overcome by the use of nanoparticles and may allow for the early detection and monitoring of neoplastic changes and determining the effectiveness of treatment. This article briefly reviews the present understanding of the characteristics of skin cancers, their epidemiology, and risk factors. It also outlines the possibilities of using nanotechnology, especially nanoparticles, for the transport of medicinal substances. Research over the previous decade on carriers of active substances indicates that drugs can be delivered more accurately to the tumor site, resulting in higher therapeutic efficacy. The article describes the application of liposomes, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, and polymer nanoparticles in existing therapies. It discusses the challenges encountered in nanoparticle therapy and the possibilities of improving their performance. Undoubtedly, the use of nanoparticles is a promising method that can help in the fight against skin cancer.

National adoption of an esophageal cell collection device for Barrett's esophagus surveillance: impact on delay to investigation and pathological findings.

High quality Barrett's esophagus surveillance is crucial to detect early neoplastic changes. An esophageal cell collection device (OCCD) was introduced as a triage tool for Barrett's surveillance. This study aims to evaluate whether the Scottish OCCD program (CytoSCOT) has reduced delays to Barrett's surveillance, and whether delayed surveillance negatively impacts endoscopic pathology. All patients undergoing OCCD testing for Barrett's surveillance across 11 Scottish health boards between 14/9/2020 and 13/9/2022 were identified. Patients were dichotomised into two groups (Year 1 vs. Year 2), with individual records interrogated to record demographics, recommended surveillance interval, time from last endoscopy to OCCD test, and OCCD result. Patients were deemed high-risk if the OCCD demonstrated atypia and/or p53 positivity. Further analysis was performed on patients who underwent endoscopy within 12months of OCCD testing. A total of 3223 OCCD tests were included in the analysis (1478 in Year 1; 1745 in Year 2). In Year 1 versus Year 2, there was a longer median delay to surveillance (9 vs. 5months; P < 0.001), increased proportion of patients with delayed surveillance (72.6% vs. 57.0%; P < 0.001), and more high-risk patients (12.0% vs. 5.3%; P < 0.001). 425/3223 patients (13.2%) were further investigated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 57.9% of which were high-risk. As surveillance delay increased beyond 24months, high-risk patients were significantly more likely to develop dysplasia or malignancy (P = 0.004). Delayed Barrett's esophagus surveillance beyond 24months is associated with increased risk of pre-cancerous pathology. The CytoSCOT program has reduced delays in surveillance, promoting earlier detection of dysplasia and reducing burden on endoscopy services.

Computer-aided polyp characterization in colonoscopy: sufficient performance or not?

Computer-assisted polyp characterization (computer-aided diagnosis, CADx) facilitates optical diagnosis during colonoscopy. Several studies have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of CADx tools in identifying neoplastic changes in colorectal polyps. To implement CADx tools in colonoscopy, there is a need to confirm whether these tools satisfy the threshold levels that are required to introduce optical diagnosis strategies such as "diagnose-and-leave," "resect-and-discard" or "DISCARD-lite." In this article, we review the available data from prospective trials regarding the effect of multiple CADx tools and discuss whether they meet these thresholds.

Poorly differentiated sebaceous carcinoma of the lacrimal sac in a young adult: A case report

Lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct tumors are extremely rare, and most of them are malignant tumors, which are often misdiagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis. We herein report a rare case of a 29-year-old female, presented with a history of watering in the right eye associated with a rapidly progressive mass for 4 months near the medial canthus. Further clinical examination revealed firm, non-tender mass occupying the lacrimal sac fossa extending above the medial canthus. The systemic examination was unremarkable, with a palpable right submandibular lymph node palpable. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) orbit revealed a well-defined mass at the medial canthus extending into the osseous nasolacrimal canal. An excision biopsy was performed, and histopathology revealed a poorly differentiated sebaceous carcinoma of the lacrimal sac. The oncologist advised CECT chest, face, and neck post-surgery, which revealed malignant neoplastic changes at the right lacrimal sac region and lacrimal duct with metastasis at right nodes I b, II, V, and left nodes I b and II. Five-month follow-up showed no signs of recurrence.

Non-endodontic periapical radiopaque jaw lesions: A mini review

Endodontic practice may be affected by periapical radiopaque/ hyperdense lesions. Oral medicine specialists and endodontists may have trouble diagnosing and treating radiopaque lesions. Inflammatory, non-inflammatory, neoplastic, dysplastic, metastatic or metabolic bone changes may occur. With the increased use of cone-beam CT, a detailed review of radiopaque lesions may help clinicians differentiate these lesions. Differentiating inflammatory, non-inflammatory and neoplastic disorders simplifies diagnosis and helps choose the best treatment. Aim: The aim of this review was to investigate the periapical radiopaque/hyperdense lesions. An extensive review of the literature was carried through. The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine)-PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar without restrictions concerning the date of publication. The inclusion criterion was that the article should be written in English, whereas the exclusion criterion was the opposite. This literature review covers radiopaque/hyperdense lesion differential diagnoses, clinical, radiographic, histological, and management issues. The effectiveness of root canal therapy is measured by the absence of pain, the absence or reduction of periapical lesions, and the restoration of tooth function. In endodontic practice, the diagnosis of periapical lesions is difficult because many of these lesions can mimic endodontic lesions, even when derived from different sources. For the diagnosis of periapical lesions in this scenario, a comprehensive clinical examination, in conjunction with clinical and radiographic aspects of the disease, is essential. The oral medicine specialist and endodontist must know how to diagnose radiopaque periapical lesions. Knowing how to differentiate between inflammatory, non-inflammatory, neoplastic and metabolic lesions expedites diagnosis and ensures the selection of the appropriate treatment.

Intraoperative thermal mapping of mammary tumors in dogs.

In this study, videothermometry's application in detecting mammary tumors in dogs is explored in-depth. The research hypothesizes that this technique can effectively identify cancerous tissues during surgery by analyzing thermal patterns. The methodology involved comparing thermal imaging results from dogs with palpable mammary nodules against a control group, focusing on capturing real-time thermal patterns. Results were significant, showing distinct thermal patterns in carcinomas. This indicates videothermometry's capability in accurately identifying micro metastases and differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes. The study concludes that videothermometry has considerable potential in enhancing surgical precision, especially in tumor resection and safety margin definition, but emphasizes the need for further research to thoroughly understand the thermal signatures of various mammary tumors in dogs.

Hybrid systems based on avobenzone–wrinkled mesoporous silica as ingredients of sunscreen formulations

Excessive exposure to solar radiation causes skin reddening, and sunburn, may accelerate photoaging processes, and lead to neoplastic changes. Therefore, it is recommended to apply cosmetic formulations containing UV protection filters. In recent years, doubts have arisen regarding the safety of certain chemical sunscreen agents that can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, undergo photodegradation, generate allergies, and affect the endocrine system. The aim of this study was to develop a strategy to limit the permeation of avobenzone from emulsions. Wrinkled mesoporous silicas modified with zinc oxide and/or aminosilane were synthesized, characterized, and next applied as the carriers for the selected UV filter – avobenzone. The introduction of organic groups and ZnO did not disturb the wrinkled morphology of materials, but it changed the textural parameters due to the blocking of micropores. The modification of the wrinkled mesoporous silica had a positive effect on reducing avobenzone rate of desorption. The smallest amount of avobenzone was released from wrinkled mesoporous silica modified with zinc oxide. The release of avobenzone from nanocarriers followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, while the diffusion from emulsion was based on the Higuchi model. It was proved that the introduction of avobenzone to functionalized wrinkled mesoporous silica materials reduced the diffusion process of avobenzone from cosmetic emulsions. Nanoporous carriers may help solve the problems related to transepidermal penetration and the potential impact of UV filters on the endocrine system.

Analysis of the expression of matrix RNA of a panel of genes of morphologically unchanged rectal epithelium as a method of early diagnosis of colon pathology

Introduction. The absence of specific clinical symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer development leads to the fact that a quarter of patients who seek help for the first time have a metastatic stage of the disease. For the timely detection of pre-tumor disorders or hidden foci of malignancy, the possibilities of modern molecular biological technologies are being actively studied today.Aim. To develop a method for diagnosing tumor diseases of the colon based on molecular genetic analysis of morphologically unchanged intestinal epithelium distant from the focus of the tumor lesion.Materials and methods. We examined the matrix RNA (mRNA) expression profile of 63 candidate genes potentially associated with the pathogenesis of neoplastic changes in rectal mucosal samples. Samples were obtained during prophylactic and/or diagnostic video colonoscopy of 122 patients, 41 of whom had no history of breast cancer (“Normal”), 32 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer polyps (“Polyposis”) and 49 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer (“colorectal cancer”). mRNA expression was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results. Using the discriminant analysis method, it was established that the cellular material of scrapings from the rectum in the “colorectal cancer” group reliably, with a classification accuracy above 96 %, differs in expression phenotype from the “Normal” and “Polyposis” groups.Conclusion. The data obtained are a prerequisite for the development of a minimally invasive diagnostic method that can be used as part of an outpatient examination to assess the risk of colon tumor disease.

Systematic Evaluation of Clinical, Nutritional, and Fecal Microbial Factors for Their Association With Colorectal Polyps.

The identification of risk factors for precursor lesions of colorectal cancer (CRC) holds great promise in the context of prevention. With this study, we aimed to identify patient characteristics associated with colorectal polyps (CPs) and polyp features of potential malignant progression. Furthermore, a potential association with gut microbiota in this context was investigated. In this single-center study, a total of 162 patients with CPs and 91 control patients were included. Multiple variables including information on lifestyle, diet, serum parameters, and gut microbiota, analyzed by 16S-rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and functional imputations (Picrust2), were related to different aspects of CPs. We observed that elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were significantly associated with the presence of high-grade dysplastic polyps. This association was further seen for patients with CRC. Thereby, AP correlated with other parameters of liver function. We did not observe significant changes in the gut microbiota between patients with CP and their respective controls. However, a trend toward a lower alpha-diversity was seen in patients with CRC. Interestingly, AP was identified as a possible clinical effect modifier of stool sample beta diversity. We show for the first time an increased AP in premalignant CP. Furthermore, AP showed a significant influence on the microbial composition of the intestine. Relatively elevated liver enzymes, especially AP, may contribute to the detection of precancerous dysplastic or neoplastic changes in colorectal lesions. The association between elevated AP, premalignant CP, and the microbiome merits further study.

Periprostatic adipose tissue thromboinflammation triggers prostatic neoplasia in early metabolic impairment: Interruption by rivaroxaban

AimsProstate cancer is among the highest incidence malignancies in men with a prevalence rate increasing in parallel to the rising global trends in metabolic disorders. Whereas a sizeable body of evidence links metabolic impairment to negative prognosis of prostate cancer, the molecular mechanism underlying this connection has not been thoroughly examined. Our previous work showed that localized adipose tissue inflammation occurring in select adipose depots in early metabolic derangement instigated significant molecular, structural, and functional alterations in neighboring tissues underlying the complications observed at this stage. In this context, the periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) constitutes an understudied microenvironment with potential influence on the prostatic milieu. Main methods and resultsWe show that PPAT inflammation occurs in early prediabetes with signs of increased thrombogenic activity including enhanced expression and function of Factor X. This was mirrored by early neoplastic alterations in the prostate with fibrosis, increased epithelial thickness with marked luminal cellular proliferation and enhanced formation of intraepithelial neoplasia. Significantly, interruption of the procoagulant state in PPAT by a 10-day anticoagulant rivaroxaban treatment not only mitigated PPAT inflammation, but also reduced signs of prostatic neoplastic changes. Moreover, rivaroxaban decreased the murine PLum-AD epithelial prostatic cell viability, proliferation, migration, and colony forming capacity, while increasing oxidative stress. A protease-activated receptor-2 agonist reversed some of these effects. SignificanceWe provide some evidence of a molecular framework for the crosstalk between PPAT and prostatic tissue leading to early neoplastic changes in metabolic impairment mediated by upregulation of PPAT thromboinflammation.

Oligodendroglioma of the Brain with a Gliomatous Growth Pattern Mimicking the Radiologic Features of Autoimmune Encephalitis

In this case report of a patient with verified oligodendroglioma with gliomatous growth pattern, at primary clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) diagnosis, the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) was proposed due to the presence of certain radiological patterns typically seen in AE. Further investigation, including advanced MR methods such as magnetic resonance spectrometry, suggested a possible diffuse multifocal glial involvement, which was further confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical examination. The comprehensive approach of evaluating dynamic MRI data, clinical presentation and the use of extended MRI protocols may assist in precise determination of neoplastic changes in the brain tissue.

Review of clinical and diagnostic imaging of the thymus: from age-related changes to thymic tumors and everything in between.

The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, undergoes several changes due to a variety of reasons, ranging from aging to pathological conditions. These changes can make distinguishing between benign and neoplastic changes in the thymus challenging, thereby complicating the histopathological diagnoses of thymic tumors. Moreover, most patients with thymic tumors are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, imaging plays an extremely important role in the evaluation of thymic lesions. In this review, we introduced the imaging characteristics of the thymus, ranging from benign findings, such as normal maturation and benign lesions, to neoplasms.

Histopathological Evaluation Of Liver Changes In Rainbow Trout After Diethlynitrosamine (DEN) Exposure

The aim of this study was to determine the hepatocarcinogenic effect of diethylnitrosamine in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the most cultivated and consumed fresh water fish. In this study, 120 fish weighing 50-70 g each were used. Randomly selected fish were divided into 3 dosage groups and a control group that contained 30 fish per group. Diethylnitrosaminewas dissolved in 0.1 ml of dimethylsulfoxideat 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, and respectively administered to each of the dosage groups intraperitoneally. On the 15th, 30th and 45th days of the study, 10 fish from each study group were euthanised while under sedation, and necropsies were performed. For histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, tissues were routinely processed and sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and examined by light microscopy. Histology revealed hyperaemia, parenchymal degeneration, mononuclear cell infusion, necrosis, bile ducts hyperplasia, cholangiofibrosis and fatty degeneration of the liver. In immunohistochemical staining, CYP1A was slightly positive in the bile duct epithelium in the C2, A3, B3 and C3 groups, and negative in the other groups. Cytokeratin 18 showed negative staining in all groups. Mild positive staining in the bile duct epithelium, A3, B3 and C3 and negative staining in other groups for glutathione-S-transferase. It was concluded that diethylnitrosamine causes significant damage to liver tissuein fish, even in short-term applications, and may cause neoplastic changes in liver cells over the long term.

Sonographic Changes in Endometrium after Use of Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer poses a significant global health concern affecting a large number of women. Treatment strategies for breast cancer often involve the use of hormonal therapy, such as tamoxifen. However, the use of tamoxifen is associated with potential side effects, particularly in the endometrium. Objective: To evaluate the sonographic changes in the endometrium following the use of tamoxifen therapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental trial conducted at the Department of medical oncology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan from Jan 2023 to Jun 2023. Patients aged 18 years or older, histologically confirmed hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and having tamoxifen treatment with a dose of 20mg/day for at least six months were included. Endometrial evaluation using transvaginal ultrasonography performed by experienced sonographer and sonographic parameters were assessed. Endometrial evaluation was conducted at baseline and 6 months after start of tamoxifen at regular interval as determined by the treating physician. Results: The median duration of tamoxifen therapy was 24 months with IQR as 10 to 36 months. There was statistically significant difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment endometrial thickness with p-value=0.0001. About 80.5% of the females had endometrial thickness difference of less and equal to 5mm and polyps were observed in 5 cases. Conclusions: Tamoxifen increases the risk of endometrial abnormality; this study highlights the need for monitoring endometrial changes before and after starting tamoxifen therapy in breast cancer patients to detect early suspected neoplastic changes in endometrium.

Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectral Discrimination in Human Tissue of Oesophageal Transformation to Adenocarcinoma.

This study presents ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared) spectral analysis of ex vivo oesophageal tissue including all classifications to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). The article adds further validation to previous human tissue studies identifying the potential for ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in differentiating among all classes of oesophageal transformation to OAC. Tissue spectral analysis used principal component analysis quadratic discriminant analysis (PCA-QDA), successive projection algorithm quadratic discriminant analysis (SPA-QDA), and genetic algorithm quadratic discriminant analysis (GA-QDA) algorithms for variable selection and classification. The variables selected by SPA-QDA and GA-QDA discriminated tissue samples from Barrett's oesophagus (BO) to OAC with 100% accuracy on the basis of unique spectral "fingerprints" of their biochemical composition. Accuracy test results including sensitivity and specificity were determined. The best results were obtained with PCA-QDA, where tissues ranging from normal to OAC were correctly classified with 90.9% overall accuracy (71.4-100% sensitivity and 89.5-100% specificity), including the discrimination between normal and inflammatory tissue, which failed in SPA-QDA and GA-QDA. All the models revealed excellent results for distinguishing among BO, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and OAC tissues (100% sensitivities and specificities). This study highlights the need for further work identifying potential biochemical markers using ATR-FTIR in tissue that could be utilised as an adjunct to histopathological diagnosis for early detection of neoplastic changes in susceptible epithelium.