The Relationship Between MRI Findings and Molecular Subtypes in Women With Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preoperative MRI findings of patients with breast cancer according to molecular subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI findings of women diagnosed with breast cancer in our department between January 2013 and June 2017 who had preoperative breast MRI examinations were evaluated and histopathological findings were recorded retrospectively. The findings were classified according to the BI-RADS MRI classification by three radiologists. Correlations of MRI findings with the molecular subtypes were evaluated using Chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: Among 234 lesions in a total of 224 cases diagnosed with breast cancer, subtypes of breast cancer as following: Luminal (162 cases, 69%), triple negative (39 cases, 17%) and HER2 positive (33 cases, 14%), respectively. Lesions of patients with luminal, triple negative and HER2 positive invasive ductal cancer were round or lobular in shape (9.9%, 42.9%, 20.7%), had high/very high intratumoral T2 signal intensity (24.8%, 54.2%, 31%) and rim enhancement pattern (9.2%, 51.4%, 24.1%), respectively. The difference between the triple negative cases and the other subtypes was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: One of the most important factors that determine the prognosis and treatment in breast cancer is the molecular subtype of the tumor. Morphologic findings of MRI can be a useful tool for differentiating triple negative breast cancer from other subtypes.

Total monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition by chestnut honey, pollen and propolis.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are generally used in the treatment of depressive disorders and some neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the MAO [MAO (E.C.1.4.3.4)] inhibiting effect of various apitherapeutic products, such as chestnut honey, pollen and propolis. Extracts' MAO inhibition was measured using peroxidase-linked spectrophotometric assay in enzyme isolated from rat liver microsomes, and the values are expressed as the inhibition concentration (IC50) causing 50% inhibition of MAO. The antioxidant activity of the bee products was also determined in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power in aquatic extracts. All samples exhibited substantial inhibition of MAO, propolis having the highest. Inhibition was related to samples' TPCs and antioxidant capacities. These results show that bee products possess a sedative effect and may be effective in protecting humans against depression and similar diseases.

Dipyrone increases the blood flow of arterial dorsal skin flaps.

BACKGROUND: Findings have shown that dipyrone has a beneficial effect on skin flap survival. A pharmacologic explanation for this effect points to its vascular smooth muscle-relaxing effect. This study evaluated the effect of dipyrone on blood flow and thus survival of rat random dorsal skin flaps. METHODS: For this study, 27 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to control (treated with sterile saline) and treatment (treated with dipyrone 100 mg/kg) groups. A random dorsal skin flap measuring 4 x 10 cm was raised in each animal. The edges of the flap were sutured back into their original place. Dipyrone treatment continued at 100 mg/kg per day during the 7-day observation period. Blood flow was recorded by laser Doppler preoperatively (baseline), immediately after the flap was sutured back to its original position (acute), and on postoperative day 7. The degree of necrosis was evaluated by the grid method on day 7. Mean percentage necrosis and minimum laser Doppler readings were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A significant increase in blood flow was observed in the dipyrone group at the acute phase but not on postoperative day 7. The percentage of the necrotic area was lower in the treatment group. However, it did not reach the significance level (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Dipyrone significantly increases [corrected] skin blood flow at the acute phase of flap elevation although the necrotic area does not reach the significance level.

The effect of strabismus surgery on retrobulbar hemodynamics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential alterations of ocular hemodynamics after strabismus surgery using color Doppler ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty eyes of 18 patients and the left eyes of 20 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the number of operated muscles. Group 1 included seven patients with surgery on one rectus muscle; group 2 included 13 patients with surgery on two rectus muscles. Nine patients underwent adjustable suture eye muscle surgery. The ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, short posterior ciliary artery, long posterior ciliary artery, and central retinal veins of both groups were examined. With spectral analysis, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistivity, and pulsatility indices were calculated. RESULTS: There was no difference in the Doppler ultrasonography parameters between the group with surgery on one-horizontal rectus muscle and the group with surgery on two-horizontal rectus muscles. The adjustable suture procedure did not affect retrobulbar hemodynamics. There was no difference between the preoperative and postoperative Doppler examinations. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with some recent studies, our results suggest that the strabismus surgery involving one- or two-horizontal rectus muscles does not have a measurable effect on retrobulbar blood flow.

Implantation of novel small-diameter polyurethane vascular prostheses interposed in canine femoral and carotid arteries.

OBJECTIVES: The performance of small-diameter (3-5-mm) vascular grafts still poses a challenge in the field of vascular surgery. We present here our preliminary experience with implanting unique small-sized polycarbonate urethane vascular grafts in 7 dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each animal was implanted with 4 interposition grafts, 2 femoral and 2 carotid. No anti-thrombotic medication was administered. Doppler sonography was performed at 3-month intervals to examine for patency and flow characteristics. Animals were sacrificed electively at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: At 3 months, all grafts were patent. After 6 months, 3 grafts occluded and at 1 year a further 6 grafts occluded. Hence 9 of 28 grafts occluded (67.9% patency). During the study, no correlation could be established between flow velocity or resistance index and occlusion. Histopathology showed intimal hyperplasia to be the cause of occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to literature data on small-diameter grafts in the same position, ADIAM's Biomechanical grafts performed clearly better. Compliance data suggest a correlation between elastic compliance and patency.

Viability of diced, crushed cartilage grafts and the effects of Surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose) on cartilage grafts.

The viability of cartilage grafts has been well documented; however, controversy still exists about the viability of crushed cartilage. Recently, there has been a tendency to use diced cartilage grafts wrapped with oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel) sheets for improving dorsal contour in rhinoplasty. The viability of diced cartilage grafts and the effect of Surgicel on cartilage grafts are not well known. In this study, we used ear cartilage from 18 New Zealand rabbits. Cartilage grafts were transplanted to surgically created subcutaneous pockets on the back of the rabbits on both the left and right sides. There were three groups: (1) intact cartilage grafts, (2) crushed cartilage grafts, and (3) diced cartilage grafts. The grafts that were transplanted to the right side were wrapped with Surgicel. Cartilage grafts in all groups were viable. In grafts that were wrapped with Surgicel, a marked increase in the collagen content was investigated. Grafts that were wrapped with Surgicel demonstrated no evidence of proliferation, whereas the bare cartilage grafts demonstrated significant amounts of proliferation.

Tissue engineering of high density porous polyethylene implant for three-dimensional reconstruction: an experimental study.

Three-dimensional defects have been reconstructed with carved and remodelled frameworks wrapped within vascular carriers. If sufficient vascular penetration can be established without any change in the size and shape of an implant, it will be possible to cover it with a skin graft and aesthetically important fine details can be obtained. To achieve this, we first prefabricated high-density porous polyethylene implant in rabbits. Secondly, we applied full-thickness skin grafts over the anterior surface of the prefabricated implant. The implants were placed and anchored underneath the superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein pedicle bilaterally. A total of 10 implants were prefabricated and then grafted in five rabbits. The implants were evaluated by perfusion scintigraphy and histological examination. Results showed that the implants were invaded by fibroneo-vascular tissue, and that this tissue, which can be transferred as a pedicled or a free flap, was sufficient to sustain a skin graft.

Malignant triton tumor of the maxilla: a patient report.

Malignant Triton tumor (or malignant schwannoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation) is a rare entity with a very poor prognosis. This is the second report of this type of rare and aggressive sarcoma arising in the maxilla. The clinical course, therapeutic approach, and histopathological aspects of the case are presented.

The effects of tissue expansion on skin lymph flow and lymphatics: an experimental study in rabbits.

Histomorphological, physiological, and biomechanical changes of the skin and tissue that are being expanded have been extensively studied in the past. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the skin lymph flow and lymphatics may be influenced during tissue expansion, and also to study different pattern of vascular supply of skin on lymph flow during tissue expansion. The skin lymph flow was quantitatively assessed by 99mTc-dextran lymphoscintigraphy, and the structure of dermal lymphatics was evaluated by histological examination in 12 rabbits. Lymphoscintigraphic results showed that lymph flow is significantly reduced both in expanded and non-expanded (sham-operated) skin. Histologically, we saw widespread lymphatic distension in both expanded and non-expanded skin. There were no quantitative differences in the number of lymphatic vessels compared with control skin. We did not see any lymphatic capillaries in the subdermal capsule of either expanded or non-expanded skin. These results show that lymphostasis has an obstructive (mechanical) aetiology, and the tissue expander itself reduces the lymph flow regardless of expansion, and interferes with the formation of new lymphatic vessels.

Prefabrication of a high-density porous polyethylene implant using a vascular induction technique.

Three-dimensional defects have been reconstructed with carved and remodeled frameworks wrapped within vascular carriers and have wide use in ear and nose reconstruction. The main problem with thick coverings is masking of the fine details in the frameworks. Other problems are insufficient blood supply, infection, and exposure of the implant. If sufficient vascular penetration can be established without any change in size and shape of the implant, it will be possible to cover it with a thin skin graft and improve aesthetic results. In this study we planned to prefabricate a high-density porous polyethylene implant that has been used frequently. The implants were placed and anchored underneath the superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein pedicle bilaterally in 10 adult New Zealand White rabbits. Twenty implants were prefabricated in this procedure, and they were evaluated via histological examination and perfusion scintigraphy. Results revealed that the implants were invaded by fibroneovascular tissue. Blood supply coming from the vascular pedicle was sufficient to maintain the implant as a prefabricated composite flap, which could be transferred as a pedicled flap or a free flap.

Sarcoma developing in a burn scar: case report and review of the literature.

The development of malignancy in burn scars is a well known entity. However, burn scar sarcomas are rarely seen. This report presents the first case of a leiomyosarcoma arising in a burn scar of scalp in the English literature.

Pilomatrixoma of the earlobe.

BACKGROUND: Pilomatrixoma most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, appearing primarily in the first two decades of life. The lesion is described as a tumor with differentiation toward hair cells and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: We report an uncommon localization of a perforating type pilomatrixoma of 5 x 4 x 4 cm in size that developed from the earlobe. METHODS: Histopathological examination revealed pilomatrixoma. Total resection of the tumor was performed. The earlobe was reconstructed by forming a posterior-superior pedicled skin flap. RESULTS: No recurrence was observed and a good cosmetic result was obtained. CONCLUSION: Local recurrence does not generally occur if the tumor is completely removed. The case we present is of interest in having a history of trauma to the region and a relatively rapid growth with perforation of the overlying skin.