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Purpose Evaluate histological changes in testicular parameters after hormone treatment in transgender women. Materials and Methods Cross-section study with 86 patients who underwent gonadectomy. Hormone treatment type, route of administration, age at initiation and duration were recorded. Atrophy parameters were observed: testicular volume, tubular diameter, basal membrane length, presence of spermatogonia and spermatids (diploid and haploid spermatozoid precursors). Results Duration of hormone treatment determines testicular atrophy and spermatogenesis arrest. Other characteristics of hormone treatment such as age of initiation, route of administration and type of treatment were not associated with testicular histological changes. Testicular volume may predict spermatogenesis arrest. Basal membrane length and tubular diameter ratio is an interesting predictor of germ cell presence. Conclusion Basal membrane length and tubular diameter ratio reduces inter variability of measurements and better exemplify how atrophic seminiferous tubules are. Fertility preservation should be addressed by healthcare providers in order to recognize gender affirming treatment impact on transgender health.

To investigate the discrepancy between the distal resection margin (DRM) assessed by surgeons and pathologists, and the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) on DRM. This study included 67 rectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. DRMs were assessed through four different techniques: in vivo subjective estimative, made by the surgeon before the rectal resection (by palpation and visual estimative); in vivo objective, measured with a ruler before the rectal transection; ex vivo objective, measured right after resection of the specimen; post-fixation objective measurement, conducted by the pathologist. The DRMs subjectively and objectively assessed by the surgeons were not significantly different (3.40 cm vs. 3.45 cm). There was a mean reduction in the length of DRMs of 35.6%, from 3.45 cm objectively measured by the surgeon to 2.20 cm measured by the pathologist. This difference was significant among patients that did not receive nCRT (3.90 cm vs. 2.30 cm, P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive and histological characteristics of fresh cultured ovarian tissue from transgender male patients. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Samples were collected during sex reassignment surgery for male transgender patients. Ovarian cortex was cut into fragments of 2, 3 and 4 mm and placed in a 96-well plate suitable for cultivation at days zero, 2, 4, 6 and 8, when the histology was analyzed. Results: Stromal hyperplasia was observed in all samples. Presence of stromal hyperplasia was not associated with obtaining primordial or primary follicles. Peripheral reduction in cells number was also a recurrent finding. Primordial and primary follicles were identified with a heterogeneous pattern between fragments from the same patient and between different patients, and follicles in more advanced stages of development (secondary and antral) were not found. There was an association between the diameter of the ovarian fragments and the identification of primary follicles (p=0.036). The number of days in culture was associated with histological signs of tissue suffering in the fragments (p=0.002). The total number of follicles identified in the 2 mm diameter samples was significantly lower than in the 4 mm diameter samples (p=0.031). Conclusion: Even after prolonged exposure to testosterone, ovaries presented primordial and primary follicles, maintaining viability over the days exposed to the culture. Follicles at more advanced stages of development were not identified. These findings suggest that in female to male transgender patients reproductive potential may be preserved to the time of reassignment surgery.

Purpose: This study assessed the regeneration potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from adipose tissue associated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in bone regeneration. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinos) were divided into five groups (according to the grafting material and time to euthanasia): (1) autograft - 14 days (control), (2) autograft - 28 days (control), (3) MSC + PRP - 14 days, (4) MSC + PRP + papaverine - 14 days and (5) MSC + PRP + papaverine - 28 days. After euthanasia, the graft was removed and histological slides were prepared. They were assessed by a blinded pathologist using a previously published histological scale as parameter. Results: There was some degree of neoformed bone trabeculae (NBT) in 93.3% of the samples, as well as osteoblastic activity (OA). The autograft groups (14 and 28 days) had higher levels in the formation of bone trabeculae. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and proved not to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusions: Experimental parietal bone reconstruction, combining MSC, PRP and papaverine presented regeneration in all groups with no significant difference among them.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent male tumours. Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is a glycoprotein and, although the role of STC1 in human cancer is poorly understood, it is suggested to be involved in the development and progression of different neoplasms. This study investigated the protein expression profile of STC1 in PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples and STC1 signalling during cell proliferation and cell death in vitro using cell lines. We found higher levels of STC1 in PCa when compared to BPH tissue and that STC1 inhibited forskolin stimulation of cAMP in PC-3 cells. A monoclonal antibody against STC1 was effective in reducing cell proliferation, in promoting cell cycle arrest, and in increasing apoptosis in the same cells. Since STC1 acts as a regulator of prostatic tissue signalling, we suggest that this protein is a novel candidate biomarker for prostate tumour clinical progression and a potential therapeutic target. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Justificativas e Objetivos: Câncer de colo de utero e considerado um problema de saude publica mundial. Seu diagnostico e realizado atraves do exame citopatologico (EC) e seu desenvolvimento relacionado a infeccao pelo papilomavirus humano (HPV). Este estudo objetiva avaliar o perfil de mulheres atendidas em centros de referencia em saude de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, assim como a relacao de alteracoes observadas ao EC com presenca do HPV. Metodos: Estudo transversal realizado em mulheres atendidas em unidades basicas de saude e um ambulatorio de referencia de hospital publico terciario, no periodo de julho de 2014 a janeiro de 2017. Coletaram-se amostras representativas da endo/ectocervice para realizacao do EC e investigadas quanto a presenca molecular do HPV. Resultados: Foram analisadas 169 mulheres com idade media entre 31 e 40 anos, das quais 125 (74%) informaram que a sexarca ocorreu na faixa de 15-20 anos e 37,9% relatou ter tido de tres a cinco parceiros sexuais. Em relacao ao EC, 71 (42%) apresentaram resultado negativo para lesao intraepitelial ou malignidade e 98 (58%) alguma anormalidade de celulas escamosas: 20 (11,8%) atipias; 22 (13%) lesao intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau e 56 (32,6%) lesao intraepitelial de alto grau (HSIL). Cinquenta (29,6%) apresentaram positividade para HPV, destas 56,4% foram diagnosticadas com HSIL (p

Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate agreement between preoperative endometrial samples and surgical specimens in endometrial carcinoma and to correlate this agreement with sample and patient characteristics. Methods Patients who received primary surgical treatment for endometrial carcinoma at a tertiary care center and had undergone preoperative endometrial sampling were included. Medical records were reviewed to collect information from pathology reports and data on patient characteristics. Results The study sample comprised 166 patients (mean age, 64.6 years). The histological results of the biopsies were the following: endometrioid cancer (n = 118), nonendometrioid tumor (n = 38), and hyperplasia (n = 10). The agreement rates were 93.2% for endometrioid and 68.9% for nonendometrioid tumors, with a κ coefficient of 0.73 for tumor cell type. Tumor International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade was distributed as follows: 37.1% G1, 35.7% G2, and 27.1% G3, with agreement rates of 61.5%, 56%, and 78.9%, respectively. The overall κ coefficient for FIGO grading was 0.46. Only 1.9% of the tumors originally classified as G1 were upgraded to G3, whereas 16% of G2 lesions were upgraded. There was no significant difference in agreement rates for tumor cell type and FIGO grade in relation to any of the studied variables, except that biopsy specimens weighing more than 3 g had significantly better agreement in FIGO grading (P = 0.040). Conclusions Preoperative biopsy has suboptimal accuracy for prediction of characteristics in the definitive surgical specimen. Caution must be taken when using preoperative information to determine extent of surgical resection, due to the risk of understaging. Additional information must be combined with the biopsy data to help in the decision-making process.

Objective To determine which mode and potency of electrocoagulation, using a modern electrosurgical generator, yields the smallest unobstructed area of the Fallopian tubes. Methods In an experimental study, tubes from 48 hysterectomies or tubal ligation were evaluated. Tubes were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: group A) 25 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group B) 30 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group C) 35 W x 5 seconds (n = 18), group D) 40 W x 5 seconds (n = 20); group E) 40 W x 5 seconds with visual inspection (blanch, swells, collapse) (n = 16); group F) 50 W x 5 seconds (n = 8). Bipolar electrocoagulation was performed in groups A to E, and monopolar electrocoagulation was performed in group F. Coagulation mode was used in all groups. Digital photomicrography of the transversal histological sections of the isthmic segment of the Fallopian tube were taken, and themedian percentage of unobstructed luminal area (mm2) was measured with ImageJ software (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The Kruskal-Wallis test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results Ninety-six Fallopian tube sections were analyzed. The smallest median occluded area (%; range) of the Fallopian tube was obtained in the group with 40 W with visual inspection (8.3%; 0.9-40%), followed by the groups 25 W (9.1%; 0-35.9%), 40 W (14.2; 0.9-43.2%), 30 W (14.2; 0.9-49.7%), 35 W (15.1; 3-46.4%) and 50 W (38.2; 3.1-51%). No statistically significant difference was found among groups (p = 0.09, Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusion The smallest unobstructed area was obtained with power setting at 40 W with visual inspection using a modern electrosurgical generator. However, no statistically significant difference in the unobstructed area was observed among the groups using these different modes and potencies. Resumo Objetivo Determinar em qual modo e potência, usando unidades geradoras modernas de eletrocoagulação, produz a menor área de não-obstrução das tubas de Falópio. Métodos Num estudo experimental, tubas uterinas derivadas de 48 histerectomias ou ligadura tubária foram avaliadas. As tubas foram alocadas aleatoriamente para um dos seguintes grupos: grupo A) 25 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo B) 30 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo C) 35 Wx 5 segundos (n = 18), grupo D) 40 W, 5 segundos (n = 20); grupo E) 40 W x 5 segundos inspeção visual (branqueia, incha e colapsa) (n = 16); grupo F) 50 Wx 5 segundos (n = 8). A eletrocoagulação bipolar foi usada nos grupos de A a E, e a eletrocoagulação monopolar, no grupo F. O modo de coagulação foi utilizado em todos os grupos. Cortes histológicos transversais do segmento ístmico das tubas de Falópio foram corados e fotografados digitalmente, e a percentagem da área luminal (mm2) não-obstruída foi medida com o software ImageJ (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). O teste de Kruskal-Wallis ou ANOVA foram usados para a análise estatística. Resultados Noventa e seis cortes histológicos de tubas de Falópio foram analisados. A mediana da menor área não-obstruída (%; amplitude) da tuba de Falópio foi obtida no grupo 40 W com inspeção visual (8,3%; 0,9-40%), seguido do grupo 25 W (9,1%; 0- 35,9%), 40W(14,2; 0,9-43,2%), 30 W(14.2; 0,9-49,7%), 35 W(15,1; 3-46,4%) e 50 W (38,2; 3.1-51%). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,09, teste de Kruskal-Wallis). Conclusão A menor área não-obstruída foi obtida com a potência de 40 W com inspeção visual usando um gerador moderno de eletrocirurgia. Contudo, nenhuma diferença significativa na área não-obstruída foi observada entre os grupos usando esses modos e potências.

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a rare ocular pathogen. We report a patient with fungal keratitis caused by L. theobromae. The patient was a 75-year-old male, a farmer with diabetes type II, and no previous history of ocular trauma. Histopathology analysis revealed the presence fungi invading Descemet’s membrane of the cornea. The fungus was characterized by septate, highly bulged fungal filaments involving full corneal thickness in the corresponding histopathology specimens. A dematiaceous mold was isolated and initally identified as L. theobromae by microscopic and macroscopic morphology, and further confirmed by PCR-based determination of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA. Antifungal susceptibility tests showed sensitivity to amphotericin B (AMB) and voriconazole ( VRC), and resistance to other azoles, including itraconazole (ITC) and fluconazole (FLC). Corneal transplant was performed. Despite in vitro itraconazole resistance, the patient was successfully treated with oral itraconazole, topical voriconazole and natamycin, combined with ocular injections of amphotericin B and voriconazole.

PURPOSE: Evaluate and compare two different experimental techniques of maxillary sinus ostium occlusion using N-butyl cyanoacrylate in developing chronic histological findings without the inoculation of pathogenic bacteria among rabbits. METHODS: In a randomized study, sixteen New Zealand rabbits were assigned for occlusion of the right maxillary sinus through a transmaxillary approach or through the roof of the nasal cavity. The contralateral sinus served as a control. After 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed for blinded histopathological analysis of the maxillary sinus mucosa. RESULTS: Histopathological changes consistent with CRS were found in eight (100%) of the maxillary sinuses approached transmaxillary and three of those through the roof of the nasal cavity (37.5%), p 0.008 and 0.250, respectively, comparing with the control side. Chronic mucosal changes were significantly better induced using the transmaxillary approach (p 0.026). CONCLUSION: It is possible to induce a model of chronic sinusitis among rabbits with transmaxillary sinus occlusion without bacterial inoculation. This model can be replicated for future cellular studies.

Background: Abnormalities in tumor suppressors p14, p16 and p53 are reported in several human cancers. In ovarian epithelial carcinogenesis, p16 and p53 show higher immunohistochemical staining frequencies in malignant tumors and are associated with poor prognoses. p14 was only analyzed in carcinomas, with conflicting results. There are no reports on its expression in benign and borderline tumors. This study aims to determine p14, p16 and p53 expression frequencies in ovarian benign, borderline and malignant tumors and their associations with clinical parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded ovarian epithelial tumor samples. Clinical data were collected from medical records. Fisher’s exact test and the Bonferroni correction were performed for frequency associations. Survival comparisons utilized Kaplan-Meier and log rank testing. Associations were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results: p14 absent expression was associated with malignant tumors (60 % positive) (p = 0.000), while 93 % and 94 % of benign and borderline tumors, respectively, were positive. p16 was positive in 94.6 % of carcinomas, 75 % of borderline and 45.7 % of benign tumors (p = 0.000). p53 negative staining was associated with benign tumors (2.9 % positive) (p = 0.016) but no difference was observed between borderline (16.7 %) and malignant tumors (29.7 %) (p = 0.560). No associations were found between expression rates, disease-free survival times or clinical variables. Carcinoma subtypes showed no difference in expression. Conclusions: This is the first description of p14 expression in benign and borderline tumors. It remains stable in benign and borderline tumors, while carcinomas show a significant absence of staining. This may indicate that p14 abnormalities occur later in carcinogenesis. p16 and p53 frequencies increase from benign to borderline and malignant tumors, similarly to previous reports, possibly reflecting the accumulation of inactive mutant protein. The small sample size may have prevented statistically significant survival analyses and clinical correlations. Future studies should investigate genetic abnormalities in p14 coding sequences and include all types of ovarian epithelial tumors. Bigger sample sizes may be needed for significant associations.

Current guidelines recommend the assessment of at least 12 lymph nodes for rectal cancer staging. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy may affect lymph node yield in this malignancy. This study investigated the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on the number of lymph nodes retrieved from rectal cancer patients.An analysis of 162 rectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery between 2005 and 2010. Seventy-one patients with stage II or III tumors received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Using multivariate analysis, we assessed the correlation between clinicopathologic variables and number of retrieved lymph nodes. We also evaluated the association between survival and number of lymph nodes obtained.On multivariate analysis, preoperative chemoradiotherapy was the only variable to independently affect the number of lymph nodes obtained. The mean number of lymph nodes was 14.2 in patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and 19.4 in those not treated (P 0.001). In the chemoradiotherapy group, 29.6 % of patients had fewer than 12 lymph nodes obtained compared with 9.9 % in the primary surgery group (P = 0.003). After chemoradiation, the number of retrieved lymph nodes was inversely correlated with tumor regression grade. Results showed that 5-year overall and disease-free survival were similar whether the patient had 12 or more nodes retrieved or not.Preoperative chemoradiotherapy reduces the lymph node yield in rectal cancer. The number of retrieved lymph nodes is affected by degree of histopathologic response of the tumor to chemoradiation. Thus, number of lymph nodes should not be used as a surrogate for oncologic adequacy of resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

RC-3095, a synthetic gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) antagonist, has been identified as a candidate compound for the treatment of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent chronic inflammatory conditions.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RC-3095 in a rat model of ulcerative colitis.Ninety Wistar rats were included in the study. Colitis was induced by a single intracolonic application of acetic acid. Rats were divided into three groups of treatment: subcutaneous RC-3095, intracolonic mesalazine, and subcutaneous dexamethasone. Additionally, there was a fourth group of animals submitted to induction of colitis without receiving any form of treatment, and a fifth group in which no colitis was induced. Seventy-two hours after instillation of acetic acid, the animals were killed and the following parameters were assessed: morphological score of damage, histological score of colonic inflammation, and immunohistochemical expression of TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta.RC-3095 was the only treatment to significantly reduce macroscopic and microscopic scores of inflammation as compared with the animals from the non-treated colitis group. RC-3095 also significantly reduced the colonic expression of TNF-alpha, but not the expression of IL-1beta.RC-3095 reduced the colitis severity in a well-established experimental model of IBD. The anti-inflammatory activity of this compound was associated with a reduction in the colonic expression of TNF-alpha. These results suggest that interference with GRP pathway might represent a potential new strategy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis that deserves further investigational studies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether topical renal hypothermia (TRH) at different levels of temperature has protective effects on lung tissue after renal I/R, through an analysis of organ histology and inflammatory markers in lung tissue.METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated across four groups and subjected to renal ischemia at different levels of topical renal temperature: normothermia (no cooling, 37°C), mild hypothermia (26°C), moderate hypothermia (15°C), and deep hypothermia (4°C). To induce I/R, the vessels supplying the left kidney of each animal were clamped for 40 minutes, followed by reperfusion. After four hours, another procedure was performed to harvest the tissues of interest. TNF-α, IL-1β and myeloperoxidase activity were measured in lung tissue. Histological analysis was performed in hematoxylin and eosin-stained lung specimens.RESULTS: Induction of renal I/R under deep topical hypothermia resulted in a significant decrease in lung concentrations of TNF-α compared with normothermic I/R (p

Introdução: Neste estudo, descreve-se o perfil clínico das pacientes e as características histopatológicas dos carcinomas de endométrio tratados no setor de Oncologia Genital do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), assim como as formas de tratamento, fatores prognósticos e sobrevida. Métodos: Estudo de coorte histórica incluindo todas as pacientes submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico primário entre 1996 e 2012. Após revisão de prontuários médicos, foram analisadas as variáveis idade, status hormonal, tipo histológico e grau tumoral, invasão miometrial, estadiamento cirúrgico, cirurgia realizada, tratamento complementar e sobrevida. Resultados: Cento e sessenta e quatro pacientes foram incluídas no estudo, com idade média de 64,2 anos (31-95 anos), sendo quase 90% delas pós-menopáusicas. O tempo de seguimento variou de 4 dias a 14,6 anos. O tipo histológico endometrioide foi o mais encontrado (78% dos casos). A histerectomia com salpingo-ooforectomia bilateral com linfadenectomia pélvica foi a cirurgia mais realizada (77,5%). Tratamento complementar foi realizado em 57,9% das pacientes, sendo a radioterapia o tratamento de escolha em 87,4% deles. Ocorreram 36 óbitos (22%) durante o seguimento, com uma sobrevida média global de 125 meses. Em análise bivariada, idade ≥ 65 anos, tipo histológico não endometrioide, tumores pouco diferenciados (G3), invasão miometrial ≥ 50% e metástase linfonodal relacionaram-se significativamente a um menor tempo de sobrevida. Em análise multivariada, a histologia não endometrioide, estádio III, estádio IV e a presença de comprometimento linfonodal foram significativamente associados ao óbito. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados são compatíveis com a literatura existente e vêm em acréscimo à escassa estatística nacional. Introduction: This study describes the clinical profile and the hystopathologic characteristics of endometrial carcinomas from patients treated at the Gynecologic Oncology department of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), as well as the forms of treatment, prognostic factors, and survival. Methods: Historic cohort study including all patients subjected to primary surgical treatment between 1996 and 2012. After review of the medical records, the variables age, hormonal status, tumor histologic type and grade, myometrial invasion, surgical staging, performed surgery, complementary treatment, and survival were analyzed. Results: One hundred sixty four patients were included, with a mean age of 64.2 years (31-95 years), of which almost 90% were postmenopausal women. Follow-up time ranged from 4 days to 14.6 years. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma was the most frequently histological type (78% of cases). Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy plus pelvic linfadenectomy was the most frequently performed surgery (77.5%). Adjuvant treatment was held in 57.9% of the patients, with radiotherapy being the treatment of choice in 87.4%. Thirty-six deaths (22%) occurred during followup, with a mean overall survival of 125 months. In the bivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, non-endometrioid histology, poorly differentiated tumors (G3), myometrial invasion ≥ 50%, and lymph node metastasis were correlated to lower survival. In the multivariate analysis, non-endometrioid histology, stage III, stage IV and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with death. Conclusion: The results found are compatible with the existing literature and contribute to the scarce existing national statistics.

O Carcinoma basocelular (CBC) é a mais freqüente das neoplasias epiteliais, localizando-se preferencialmente em áreas expostas ao sol. A ocorrência deste tumor na região perianal é extremamente rara. Neste artigo, relatamos um caso de CBC perianal. Apresentamos também uma revisão da literatura médica sobre o tema, salientando as características clínicas e histopatológicas, bem como o tratamento preconizado para esse tipo de tumor. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It is preferentially found in sun-exposed areas and it is extremely rare at perianal region. In this article, we report a case of perianal BCC. In addition, we present a review of the medical literature on this subject, outlining clinical and histologic characteristics of this type of tumor as well as the choices of treatment.

Background Some techniques of transvaginal ovarian drilling have been previously described. Nevertheless a monopolar transvaginal ovarian cauterization, that use the expertise and safety of transvaginal puncture for oocyte captation seems to be an easier and feasible approach. The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive ovarian cauterization technique under transvaginal ultrasound control, and to evaluate the safety of the transvaginal ovarian monopolar cauterization, female sheep at reproductive age were used as an experimental model. Findings An experimental study was performed in a university research center. Seventeen female sheep (15 Corriedale e 2 Suffolk) in reproductive age were submitted to transvaginal ovarian cauterization with a monopolar Valleylab Force 2 electrocautery. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were assessed. Ovarian size were 1.31 cm2 ± 0,43 (Corriedale) and 3.41 cm2 ± 0,64 (Suffolk). From 30 ovaries from Corriedale sheep punctured, only 3 were cauterized, presenting macroscopic and typical microscopic lesion. In the Suffolk sheep group, only one ovary was cauterized. No lesion could be found in the needle path. Conclusions This is the first experimental animal model described for ovarian cauterization needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. The sheep does not seem to be the ideal animal model to study this technique. Another animal model, whose ovaries are better identified by transvaginal ultrasound should be sought for this technique, theoretically less invasive, before it could be offered safely to women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial transporter present in the inner membrane of mitochondria, and it uncouples substrate oxidation from ATP synthesis, thereby dissipating the membrane potential energy and consequently decreasing ATP production by mitochondrial respiratory chain. As a consequence of the uncoupling, UCP2 decreases the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by mitochondria. ROS overproduction is related to diabetic retinopathy (DR), a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Recently, our group reported that the −866A/55Val/Ins haplotype (−866G/A, Ala55Val and Ins/Del polymorphisms) of the UCP2 gene was associated with increased risk for DR in patients with DM. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of this haplotype on UCP2 gene expression in human retina. In addition, MnSOD2 gene expression was also investigated according to different UCP2 haplotypes. This cross-sectional study included 188 cadaveric cornea donors. In a subset of 91 retinal samples differentiated according to the presence of the mutated UCP2 haplotype and risk alleles of the −866G/A and Ins/Del polymorphisms, UCP2 and MnSOD2 gene expressions were measured by semi-quantitative RT-qPCR. Mutated UCP2 haplotype carriers (homozygous + heterozygous) had a lower UCP2 gene expression than reference haplotype carriers (8.4 ± 7.6 vs . 18.8 ± 23.7 arbitrary units; P = 0.046). Accordingly, UCP2 gene expression was decreased in −866A carriers when compared with G/G carriers ( P = 0.010). UCP2 gene expression did not differ between Ins allele carriers and Del/Del carriers ( P = 0.556). Interestingly, subjects carrying the heterozygous UCP2 haplotype showed increased MnSOD2 gene expression ( P = 0.025). This is the first report suggesting that the presence of the −866A/55Val/Ins haplotype is associated with decreased UCP2 gene expression in human retina. Possibly, MnSOD2 expression might influence the UCP2 effect in the protection against oxidative stress.

Está bem estabelecido que fatores genéticos têm papel importante no desenvolvimento do diabetes melito tipo 2 (DM2) bem como de suas complicações crônicas e que indivíduos geneticamente suscetíveis podem desenvolver essa doença após exposição a fatores de risco ambientais. Assim, grandes esforços têm sido feitos para a identificação de genes associados ao DM2. A proteína desacopladora 2 (UCP2) é expressa em diversos tecidos e atua na proteção contra o estresse oxidativo, na regulação negativa da secreção de insulina pelas células-beta e no metabolismo dos ácidos graxos, mecanismos associados tanto à patogênese do DM2 como a suas complicações crônicas. Portanto, o gene UCP2 é um gene candidato para o desenvolvimento dessas doenças. De fato, diversos estudos têm relatado que três polimorfismos comuns no gene UCP2 estão possivelmente associados ao DM2 e/ou à obesidade. Apenas poucos estudos investigaram esses polimorfismos em relação às complicações crônicas do diabetes, obtendo resultados pouco conclusivos. It is well established that genetic factors play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and its chronic complications, and that genetically susceptible subjects can develop the disease after being exposed to environmental risk factors. Therefore, great efforts have been made to identify genes associated with DM2. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is expressed in several tissues, and acts in the protection against oxidative stress; in the negative regulation of insulin secretion by beta cells, and in fatty acid metabolism. All these mechanisms are associated with DM2 pathogenesis and its chronic complications. Therefore, UCP2 is a candidate gene for the development of these disorders. Indeed, several studies have reported that three common polymorphisms in UCP2 gene are possibly associated with DM2 and/or obesity. Only a few studies investigated these polymorphisms in relation to chronic complications of diabetes, with inconclusive results.

To assess the feasibility of the sentinel lymph node procedure in patients with rectal cancer extending to the anal canal. Between January 2005 and April 2008, 15 patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum with direct invasion of the anal canal and no clinical evidence of inguinal involvement were prospectively enrolled in the study. The sentinel node procedure consisted of a combination of preoperative radiocolloid lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative detection of the inguinal sentinel node with a gamma probe. Patent blue dye was also used to facilitate direct identification of the blue-stained lymph node. After removal, the sentinel node was studied by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Detection and removal of inguinal sentinel nodes was possible in all patients. Four patients (26.7%) had sentinel nodes identified as positive for metastatic adenocarcinoma. All positive cases also had metastases detected in perirectal lymph nodes; three of them developed hepatic or pulmonary metastases within 6 months after surgery. Of the 11 patients with negative sentinel nodes, only four (36.4%) also presented metastatic perirectal lymph nodes. Although none of the negative cases developed late inguinal metastases, three developed systemic or pelvic recurrence within 12 months after surgery. The standardized procedure was highly effective in sampling inguinal sentinel nodes in very low rectal cancers, allowing the detection of subclinical metastatic disease. Although this technique can be potentially useful for a subgroup of patients with isolated inguinal metastases, it cannot be routinely recommended for patients with rectal tumors invading the anal canal at this moment.

To assess the hormone secretion and viability of subcutaneous autotransplanted testicles in Wistar rats.Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham (group I, n = 4), bilateral orchiectomy (group II, n = 4), sliced autotransplantation group (group III, n = 4), and whole-testicle autotransplantation group (group IV, n = 4). Sexual behavior (genital sniffing, thrusting intromissions, mounts with pelvic thrusting frequency), serum testosterone levels, and body weight were measured eight weeks after the procedure.Subcutaneous autotransplantation elicited an increased number of mounts (P0.007) and intromissions (P0.009) and a significant reduction in the latency of these two behaviors (P0.034) compared with castrated animals. The frequency of sniffing of the bodies of sexually receptive females was not affected by castration (P = 0.326). Serum testosterone in whole autotransplantation group (219.23; 184.02-229.23) was higher than for the sliced autotransplantation group (0.74; 0.54-0.91) and bilateral orchiectomy group (0.59; 0.4-0.82; P0.05). We demonstrated that testicles transplanted without vascular anastomosis maintain their hormone secretion and exert neuroendocrine function on sexual behavior in rats. Autotransplantation could be an important alternative means of gonadal preservation for oncological patients considered for oncological therapies.

In this letter, we report a case of a 57-year-old woman referred to our Coloproctology Division with symptoms of progressive constipation and a colonoscopy showing a rigid stenosis of the sigmoid colon, without any mucosal lesion. She had a history of a radical hysterectomy, performed 5 years earlier, due to a well-differentiated villoglandular cervical adenocarcinoma (Fig 1a). After a preoperative workup without additional findings, she underwent a sigmoid resection. Histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed a well-differentiated glandular malignant tumor (3 9 3 cm) within the intestinal wall (Fig. 1b), without extension to the mucosal layer, but showing tumor emboli within subserosal vessels (Fig 1c). This glandular pattern was very similar to that previously seen in the cervical adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma originating in the cervix. The immunohistochemical profile was as follows: strong intensity staining for CEA, CA125 and CK7 in 100 % of the tumor cells; strong staining for CK20 in 70 % of the cells; and negative staining for p53, k-ras and progesterone receptor. Considering the well-known etiological correlation of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, we decided to analyze tumor tissues through MY/GP-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and through GP5?/ GP6? auto-nested PCR. Specific primer sets targeting the E6/E7 region of the HPVs 16, 18, 33, 45 were used for typing. The molecular analyses revealed the presence of HPV18 in both the primary cervical adenocarcinoma and the metastatic tumor. Metastatic lesions involving the colon are rare, being usually related to carcinomas of the breast and kidney or to melanoma. Colonic metastases of cervical cancers are exceedingly rare. To date, there are only 9 cases reported in the literature (eight squamous carcinomas) [1–5]. There is only one report of a cervical adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the large bowel, which also involved the sigmoid colon with extension to the subserosa [5]. HPV has been definitely implicated in the process of cervical carcinogenesis. Its role in development of primary colorectal cancer has also been demonstrated [6]. Some authors have reported the identification of HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in bone, lung, liver and lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix [4]. However, to the best of our knowledge, the present article is the first to report the detection of HPV within a metastastic adenocarcinoma of the cervix involving the colon. Our findings confirm the importance of HPV in cervical carcinogenesis and reinforce prior data indicating that viral integration into host cell DNA represents a crucial step for development of the malignant phenotype and tumor dissemination. A. P. Damin G. Agnes Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil

PURPOSE Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) reduces mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS overproduction is related to diabetic retinopathy (DR), a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, deleterious polymorphisms in the UCP1 gene are candidate risk factors for DR. We investigated the relationships between the UCP1 -3826A/G polymorphism and risk of DR and UCP1 gene expression in human retina. Considering that superoxide dismutase-2 (MnSOD2) enzyme is the first line of defense against oxidative stress in mitochondria, we also analyzed MnSOD2 gene expression in retinal samples according to different UCP1 -3826A/G genotypes. METHODS In a case-control study, frequencies of -3826A/G polymorphisms were analyzed in 257 type 1 DM patients (154 cases with DR and 103 controls without DR). In a cross-sectional study comprising cadaveric cornea donors, UCP1 and MnSOD2 gene expressions were evaluated in 107 retinal samples differentiated according to different -3826A/G genotypes. RESULTS In the type 1 DM group, multivariate analysis confirmed that the G/G genotype was an independent risk factor for DR (OR = 3.503; P = 0.043). In cornea donors, G allele carriers had higher UCP1 cDNA and protein concentrations than A/A carriers (P = 0.034 and P = 0.039, respectively). Interestingly, G allele carriers exhibited increased MnSOD2 expression (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the -3826A/G polymorphism is associated with DR in type 1 DM patients. This is the first report demonstrating UCP1 gene expression in human retinas and indicates that the -3826A/G polymorphism influences its expression. In addition, the -3826G allele was associated with increased MnSOD2 expression; thus, suggesting that this allele could be a marker of oxidative stress.

A distrofia corneana gelatinosa em gotas é uma desordem rara e pouco descrita em nossa literatura. O caso apresentado demonstra a dificuldade de realizar o diagnóstico nas fases mais iniciais da doença. O uso de modernos exames de imagem, como a tomografia de coerência óptica de segmento anterior, auxilia no diagnóstico e pode ser crucial para definir a melhor conduta terapêutica. Apresentaremos as alterações histopatológicas e as características clínicas desta incomum distrofia. Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy is a rare disorder with few cases described in the present literature. The following report will show how difficult it is to diagnose this disease in early stages. Modern image exams, such as optical coherence tomography helps to diagnose and can be crucial to establish the best treatment. We will present the histopathological changes and clinical features in this unusual dystrophy.

Background To develop a minimally invasive ovarian cauterization technique under transvaginal ultrasound control and evaluate the safety and feasability of monopolar cauterization to cause ovarian injury using female cattle of reproductive age as an experimental model. Method Experimental study in a university research center was performed. Eleven female bovines of reproductive age were submitted to monopolar transvaginal ovarian cauterization. The right ovary (RO) was punctured at four sites and 40 W was applied for 5 s at each point, resulting in a total of 800 J (Joules) of thermal energy. In the left ovary (LO), the procedure was similar, with the same time and 80 W, resulting in a thermal energy of 1600 J. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were assessed. Results Of 22 ovaries punctured, 20 were cauterized and exhibited macroscopic and typical microscopic lesions. No lesions could be found in the needle path. The measures of the areas of microscopic electrocautery lesions calculated estimating a cylindrical volume showed a median of 1.12% in the right ovary and 1.65% in the left ovary. When the estimate was calculated by spherical shape, the medians were 1.77% in the right ovary and 3.06% in the left ovary. There was a statistically significant difference in these two estimates (sphere, p = 0.008; cylinder, p = 0.021). Conclusion The experimental animal model described for transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovarian needle cauterization seems to be feasible. The ovaries were successfully cauterized without injuries in needle path and more energy resulted in significantly more thermal lesion. The safety and effectiveness of this technique, theoretically less invasive than current ovarian drilling methods, could be tested in anovulatory women with PCOS.