The frequency and prognostic role of P53 and P16 immunoexpression in primary ovarian mucinous tumors.

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian mucinous tumors are uncommon. Factors leading to invasive progression and metastatic disease have not been fully delineated yet. The aim of this study is to determine the rates of p53 and p16 immunoexpressions in primary ovarian mucinous tumors, to investigate their relationship with clinicopathologic factors and their impact on prognosis and survival. METHODS: Seventy-eight primary ovarian mucinous tumors (30 mucinous cystadenomas, 30 mucinous borderline tumors (MBOT), 18 mucinous carcinomas (MOC)) were evaluated immunohistochemically with p53 and p16 staining. The demographic, clinicopathological data, and postoperative follow-up findings of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Mutation-type p53 staining was present in 1/30 (3.3 %) cystadenoma, 10/30 (33.3 %) MBOT and 9/18 (50 %) MOC (p = 0.001). p16 overexpression was detected in 3/30 (10.0 %) MBOT and 5/18 (27.8 %) MOC, but not in any cystadenoma (p = 0.04). The frequency of mutation-type p53 staining in MBOTs with microinvasion was higher (71.4 %) than in those without (28.6 %, p = 0.026). The frequencies of p16 or p53 mutations were similar in MBOTs with and without intraepithelial carcinoma, or mural nodule (p > 0.05). In MOCs with ovarian surface involvement, mutation-type p53 staining was detected in 66.7 % (6/9) and p16 overexpression in 55.6 % (5/9) of the cases. A significant difference was found between MOCs with or without ovarian surface involvement regarding the frequency of p16 overexpression (p = 0.029). Any relationship was not detected between survival and p53 and p16 expression in MOCs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: p53 and p16 mutation rates were higher in MOCs compared to mucinous cystadenomas and MBOTs and suggest a relevant role in the development of primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma, however further studies are needed in this regard.

Histopathological changes in tissues surrounding vagal nerve stimulation generators: A retrospective analysis of revision surgeries.

PURPOSE: Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for patients with epilepsy, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Understanding the tissue changes associated with VNS devices is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and device development. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes in the tissues surrounding the VNS generator and explore potential correlations with clinical factors and battery performance. METHODS: A total of 23 patients who underwent VNS generator revision surgery owing to battery depletion were included. Tissue samples from the areas surrounding the VNS generator were obtained and analyzed for histopathological changes. Demographic and device-related variables were also recorded. RESULTS: Capsule formation was observed in all patients. Acute inflammation were not detected in any case. Perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, foreign-body giant cell reaction (FBGCR), and calcification were observed in 8.7%, 26.1%, and 43.5% of patients, respectively. Crystalloid foreign body appearance was noted in 4 patients. The median output current of the generator was higher in patients with lymphocytic infiltration than in those without lymphocytic infiltration. The median off time was higher in patients with skin retraction than in those without skin retraction. Moreover, discomfort was associated with the presence of FBGCR. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights into the tissue changes associated with the VNS generator, with capsule formation being a common response. Crystalloid foreign body appearance was not reported previously. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between these tissue changes and VNS device performance, including the potential impact on battery life. These findings may contribute to VNS therapy optimization and device development.

The role of HPV in the etiopathogenesis of pterygium and the relationship with recurrence.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in pterygium with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and to investigate the relationship with clinicopathological factors. A secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between HPV and the recurrence of pterygium. METHODS: The study included 60 patients. PCR analysis was used to determine the presence of HPV. All the patients were followed up in respect of the development of recurrence. Analyses were performed of patient age, pterygium site, specimen and pterygium size, histopathological findings, HPV status, operation technique and postoperative follow-up findings. In the HPV-positive patients, the relationship between HPV subtypes and other factors was evaluated. To determine the risk factors affecting recurrence rates, multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied subsequent to univariate analysis. In the Cox regression model, HPV status, age, sex, specimen size, size and site of pterygium were included among factors that may affect recurrences rates. RESULTS: Of the total 60 patients, the HPV-PCR test result could not be analysed in 14 because of an insufficient sample. Of the 46 patients with sufficient material for HPV-PCR analysis, the HPV-PCR result was positive in 15 (32.6%). The HPV subtype most often determined was type 16. No statistically significant relationship was determined between HPV positivity and HPV subtype and age or sex. Recurrence was determined in 10% of all the patients. Of the cases determined with recurrence, 66.7% were HPV positive. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the recurrence rates in HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients were 26.7% and 6.5%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of recurrence rates (p: 0.046). According to the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis, though not statistically significant, the risk of recurrence was increased 6.18 times in HPV-positive patients with pterygium compared to HPV-negative ones. CONCLUSION: HPV infection may have a role in the development of pterygium and recurrence, but may not be sufficient alone. HPV probably has a role in the development of pterygium by acting together with several co-factors in the multi-stage process.

Expression of p16 in pterygium and its relation with epithelial dysplasia and possible etiologic role of HPV.

Context: p16 is an important tumor suppressor gene and responsible for regulating the cell cycle. Diffuse positivity with p16 in the cervix and head/neck carcinomas can be regarded as a surrogate marker of the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Aim: The aim of our study was to search the existence of p16 expression in pterygium. We also analyzed the association of p16 expression with epithelial dysplasia and HPV expression. Subjects and Methods: The study enrolled 75 cases of pterygium. The conjunctival tissues of 10 patients excised by the strabismus surgery were used as control group. All of the slides were stained with p16 via the immunohistochemical method. Results: 49 (65%) of pterygiums showed low-grade epithelial dysplasia. None of the control groups showed dysplasia. Positive expression of p16 in patient group was significantly higher (P < 0.001). Staining percentage (SP) of p16 was between 0 and 26% in pterygium; mean SP was 5.1%. There was no staining in the control group. A total of 59 (72%) pterygium cases were positive with p16. Appoximately 42 of 49 (85%) cases with dysplasia showed p16 staining. There was a significant relation between dysplasia and positive expression of p16 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: P16 is significantly expressed in pterygium and correlated with epithelial dysplasia. Furthermore, the existence of p16 expression suggests that HPV is a possible ethiological factor in pterygium. We think that examination of p16 expression and analysis of HPV DNA in p16 positive cases can help us to understand the etiopathogenesis of the disease better.

Concordance of HER2 status tested by IHC and FISH in biopsy and surgical resection specimens and comparison with clinicopathological features in gastric carcinoma.

Context: HER2-targeted therapy has been shown to benefit HER2-positive gastric cancer. It is very important to determine the HER2 expression level correctly to select the appropriate test and sampling method. Aim: In this study, we investigated the frequency of overexpression of HER2 and intratumoral heterogeneity of HER2-positive cases, comparison of HER2 used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) performance in biopsy and resection specimens, the correlation of HER2 status between biopsy and resection specimens, and its relationship with clinicopathological findings. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of a total of 40 surgically resected and biopsy specimens of gastric cancer were analyzed. HER2 status was examined using both IHC and FISH techniques, and the findings and their association with different clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Results: The concordance rate between the results of IHC and FISH in biopsy and resection specimens was 96.6% and 86.6%, respectively. In paired 20 cases, the overall concordance rate of HER2-IHC and HER2-FISH status between biopsy and resection specimens was 90% and 100%, respectively. HER2-IHC analysis revealed that 5/40 cases were IHC 2+ and only 1 of 5 IHC 2+ cases demonstrated HER2-FISH amplification. Conclusion: Our results showed that HER2-IHC was well concordant with FISH in cases with a score of 0/1+ or 3+ and demonstrates strong concordance between biopsy and resection specimens. FISH should be performed when the IHC result is equivocal. In our study, no statistically significant correlation was observed between HER2 positivity and clinicopathological parameters. Overall, both biopsy and resection specimens are appropriate for HER2 testing.

Rate of Incidental Pathological Lesions in Reduction Mammoplasty Specimens and Incidence of Invasive Breast Carcinoma Following Breast Reduction Operation.

INTRODUCTION: Reduction mammoplasty (RM) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. The incidental determination of significant pathologic lesions (SPL), that is precursor and malignant lesions, in RM specimens is rare. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SPL in RM specimens, to evaluate the relationship between SPL and clinicopathological factors, and to examine the incidence of invasive breast carcinoma forming in the remaining breast tissue during the postoperative follow-up period developing in patients after RM operation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective study included 874 females who underwent RM operation between January 2012 and January 2021. Demographic, clinicopathological findings, and preoperative radiological findings were recorded. The patients were followed up after the RM operation in respect of the first occurrence of breast cancer. RESULTS: Invasive carcinoma was determined in 0.2% and SPL in 3.5% in RM. The probability of SPL determination was greater in patients aged ≥ 40 years and with ≥ 4 paraffin blocks (p=0.038, p=0.01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between patients with and without SPL in respect of radiological findings (p=0.35). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 53.6 months, and invasive carcinoma was diagnosed during follow-up in 0.2% of all patients (6.9% of the patients with SPL). CONCLUSION: Age over 40 years and an increased number of sampled blocks were found to be factors increasing the possibility of the determination of precursor and malignant lesions in RM specimens. RM could decrease the risk of the development of breast cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

FOXA1 is associated with high tumor grade, myometrial invasion and lymph node invasion in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: FOXA1 expression has been demonstrated in several hormone-dependent cancers. However, data are limited concerning the role of FOXA1 in endometrial cancers. The present study aimed to investigate FOXA1 expression via the microarray technique in benign hyperplasia, endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, and endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. We also aimed to determine whether there were any associations between FOXA1 expression, tumor grade, myometrial invasion and lymphatic invasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded sections prepared from samples obtained from 114 patients who underwent surgical hysterectomy or curettage were analyzed. Data were retrieved from digitally-stored medical records. Tissue microarrays were prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Full tumor sections were used for immunohistochemical analysis performed. RESULTS: Carcinomas with nuclear grade 3 had higher FOXA1 values than others, while grade 2 carcinomas also had higher FOXA1 values relative to grade 1 (p < 0.001). FOXA1 values of FIGO stage III carcinomas were significantly higher than others and stage II values were also significantly higher than stage I FOXA1 values (p < 0.001). Patients with myometrial and lymph node invasion had significantly higher FOXA1 values than others (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). FOXA1 had 91.30% sensitivity, 63.60% specificity and 77.78% accuracy for predicting the presence of myometrial invasion with a cut-off value of 9. CONCLUSIONS: FOXA1 expression is higher in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma compared to benign endometrial hyperplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia. In patients with endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, high FOXA1 expression is associated with high tumor grade, myometrial and lymph node invasion. However, FOXA1 expression is not associated with lymphovascular or cervical invasion.

The role of cyclin D1, BCL-2, p53 and Ki-67 in epithelial cells in the etiopathogenesis of pterygium.

CONTEXT: Pterygium is a degenerative disease that consists of conjunctival epithelia and fibrovascular tissue. Some studies suggest that there is a defect in the regulation of apoptosis in the epithelial cell cycle characterized by the development of the disease. But, still this matter being debated. AIMS: In this study, the clinical, histopathological data, and the expression of the cell cycle regulator Cyclin D1, anti-apoptotic BCL-2, tumor suppressor p53, and cell proliferation marker Ki-67 were searched in pterygium samples. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 62 cases of primary pterygium who underwent excision between 2014 and 2017. Recurrent and pseudo-pterygium cases were excluded from series. The clinical data were obtained from the patient files and the slides were reevaluated for the histopathological data. Slides of all were stained by Cyclin D1, BCL-2, and Ki-67 by the immunohistochemical method. For each immunohistochemical marker, first the staining was determined as negative or positive. Then if there is a staining, the hot zone (the area containing more positive cells) was determined and staining percentage (SP) was assessed by counting positive cells/100 epithelial cells). RESULTS: Solar elastosis, edema, inflammation, and epithelial dysplasia were found statistically different between the control group and the patient group (P value <0.001, <0.001, <0.001 <0.001, respectively). A significant difference was found for staining percentage (SP) of Ki-67, p53, BCL-2 between the control group and the patient group (P values <0.001, 0.002, <0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the SP of Cyclin D1 between the two groups (p: 0,133). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate an abnormal expression of p53, BCL-2 and elevated proliferation measured by Ki-67 in pterygium samples when compared to normal conjunctiva. Besides the mesenchymal changes, the increased proliferation and the failure of apoptosis in the epithelial cells participate in the development of pterygium, as well.

The diagnostic significance of trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2 expression in benign and malignant thyroid lesions.

CONTEXT: Thyroid cancers are the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Over-expression of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) in various tumors has been found to correlate with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor behavior. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluateTROP-2 expression in thyroid neoplasms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study contained 152 cases, including 48 follicular nodular disease (FND), 29 follicular adenoma (FA), 57 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 12 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 3 medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), 2 poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and 1 undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (UDTC). TROP-2 expression was investigated via immunohistochemistry in sections prepared from paraffin blocks of the cases. RESULTS: The cases comprised 32 (21%) males and 120 (79%) females with a mean age of 46.8 years (range, 15-85 years). TROP-2 expression was observed in 74.6% of the malignant lesions of the thyroid except for medullary carcinoma, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma. Immunoreactivity was 3.4% in FA, 41.7% of cases with FTC and 81.8% in PTC follicular variant (PTC fv). The difference between FA/FTC and FA/PTC follicular variant were both significant (P < 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between FTC/PTC fv (P = 0.089). CONCLUSION: TROP-2 can be considered a useful marker for distinguishing PTC fv cases from follicular nodular disease and follicular adenoma cases because of its high sensitivity in the identification of papillary carcinomas of the thyroid.

High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) expression in gastric adenocarcinomas.

PURPOSE: High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), the most important member of the high mobility group box protein family, is a nuclear protein with different functions in the cell; it has a role in cancer progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of HMGB-1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) and to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. METHODS: This study included 85 cases histopathologically diagnosed with GC. Sections obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were stained immunohistochemically with HMGB1 antibody. HMGB1 expression was compared with clinicopathologic and prognostic data. RESULTS: HMGB1 expression was negative in 16 (18.8%) patients and positive in 69 (81.2%) patients. There was no correlation between HMGB1 expression and age, sex, histologic subtype of tumor, lymph node involvement (p=0.455, p=0.365, p=0.448, p=0.077, respectively ). There was a significant correlation between HMGB1 expression and tumor grade, local invasion depth (T stage) and pTNM stage (p=0.016, p=0.022, p=0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was found that in the presence of HMGB1 expression, the grade of tumor differentiation decreased and the depth of invasion increased, which was associated with higher stage. These findings suggest that HMGB1 is an independent prognostic factor for GC.

Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in thyroid neoplasms.

PURPOSE: Distinction of thyroid neoplasms that include papillary carcinoma (PC) and follicular carcinoma (FC) from benign thyroid neoplasms can be performed successfully by histopathologic examination in most of the cases. However, in some cases it may be difficult to distinct PC and FC as well as FC and follicular adenoma (FA) and also FA and the dominant nodule of multinodular goiter (MNG) histopathologically. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the distinction of thyroid neoplasms and its relation with prognostic factors by immunohistochemical methods. METHODS: This retrospective study included 138 cases histopathologically diagnosed with benign and malignant thyroid neoplasia. Sections obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded blocks were stained with hTERT antibody. Cases were divided into hTERT-positive and -negative categories according to hTERT expression score that included percentage and intensity of staining in neoplastic cells. RESULTS: hTERT expression was negative in 93 (67.4%) and positive in 45 (32.6%) patients. Twenty-three (46.0%) of 50 PC, 12 (36.0%) of 33 FA, 1 (10.0%) of 10 FC, 4 (13.0%) of 31 MNG, 2 (66.0%) of 3 medullary carcinoma (MC) patients were found hTERT (+), showing that the difference between PC and FC was significant (p=0.034). There was also a significant difference between FA and MNG (p=0.030). There was no difference between FA and FC (p=0.117). CONCLUSION: The high expression of hTERT can be useful for making a differential diagnosis between PC and FC, and between FA and MNG when histopathological findings are equivocal.

HMGB1 expression in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE: HMGB1, the most important member of the high mobility group box protein family, is a nuclear protein with different functions in the cell; it has a role in cancer progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis development. We studied the expression of HMGB1 and whether it is a prognostic factor in urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) or not. METHODS: The study included 90 cases that were histopathologically diagnosed with UCB in the tissue samples obtained by transurethral resection (TUR). HMGB1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients, 80 (88.9%) male and 10 (11.1%) female, were enrolled in the study. The histopathological diagnosis was infiltrating urothelial carcinoma (IUC) in 63 (70.0%) and non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (NIPUC) in 27 (30.0%). When the NIPUC cases were grouped according to grade, 24 (88.9%) of the cases were low grade and 3 (11.1%) were high grade. HMGB1 expression was found positive in 51 (56.7%) and negative in 39 (43.3%) of the patients. HMGB1 expression was significantly higher in IUCs (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate that HMGB1 overexpression has a significant role in UCB progression and it corroborates the idea that it might be an important prognostic factor.

Expression of claudin 1, 4 and 7 in thyroid neoplasms.

The distinction of thyroid carcinoma from benign thyroid neoplasm, as well as the subtyping of papillary carcinoma (PC) and follicular carcinoma (FC), may be performed histopathologically in the majority of cases. However, in certain cases, it is difficult to histopathologically distinguish between PC and FC, as well as follicular adenoma (FA), FC and the dominant nodule of multinodular goiter (MNG-DN). The present study aimed to determine the roles of the expression levels of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, 4 and 7 in the differential diagnosis of PC, FC, FA, MNG-DN, medullary carcinoma (MC) and anaplastic carcinoma (AC). The current study included 114 cases of histopathologically diagnosed thyroid neoplasia, which were distributed as follows: 29 FA, 18 MNG-DN, 47 PC, 10 FC, 5 MC and 5 AC. The expression levels of claudin 1, 4 and 7 were examined using immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed a significant difference in claudin 1 expression between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms (P<0.001). Claudin 1 expression was not detected in any of the MNG-DN cases, and no significant difference in claudin 1 expression levels was identified between FA and FC (P=0.653). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between FC and PC (P<0.001). Claudin 4 expression did not differ between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms, neither between MNG-DN, FA and FC, nor between FC and PC (P=0.068, P=0.502 and P=0.481, respectively). Claudin 7 exhibited positive immunohistochemical staining in 107 patients (94%); however, no significant difference in claudin 7 expression §levels was identified between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms among MNG-DN, FA and FC (malignant, P=0.135; benign, P=0.470). Claudin 7 exhibited positive staining in all PC and FC cases. Therefore, claudin 1 expression levels may be useful in distinguishing cases of FC and PC with overlapping histopathological features, and provide a novel immunohistochemical marker for the subtyping of thyroid carcinoma.

The effect of platelet-rich fibrin membrane on the repair of perforated tympanic membrane: an experimental study.

CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane could be used successfully in the repair of tympanic membrane perforation and wound healing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin membrane in the repair of perforated tympanic membrane. METHODS: After otoscopic examination, a 3-mm perforation was made in the posterior quadrant of both tympanic membranes of 50 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Venous blood was withdrawn from the rats, then centrifuged. PRF was obtained in membrane form. The membrane was placed on the right tympanic membrane perforation. The perforations on the left side were left to spontaneously heal and, thus, formed the control group. Daily examinations were made of 20 rats and the time to healing of the tympanic membrane was recorded. The remaining 30 rats were separated into five groups of six, and histopathological examination was made. Evaluation was made in respect of the presence of oedema in the lamina propria, neovascularization, fibroblastic reaction, and inflammatory cells. RESULTS: The healing time of the tympanic membrane perforation was determined as mean 10.3 ± 2.18 days in the study group applied with PRF and 17 ± 2.40 days in the control group. Higher values in respect of fibrosis and neovascularization were obtained in the study group.

The Frequency of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Fibromyalgia in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of sicca complex, Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Seventy seven IBS patients who fulfilled the Rome-III criteria were included in the study. All patients were assessed for FM according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria. After examination for objective evidence of sicca complex by Schirmer test, TBUT and Ocular Staining Score (OSS), serological tests were performed. And the diagnosis of SS was made according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SS - 2012. RESULTS: Thirteen (16.9%) of IBS patients had FM. Dry eye was detected in 20(26.0%), 7(9.1%) and 29(37.7%) patients by OSS, Schirmer test and TBUT, respectively. Of 77 patients with IBS, the diagnosis of SS was established in two patients (2.6%). CONCLUSION: The frequency of Sjogren's Syndrome among patients with IBS is relatively higher than the general population. All IBS patients should be questioned for dryness of the mouth and eyes, and if necessary, should be evaluated for SS.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome in patients with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many autoimmune diseases occur concomitantly with celiac disease (CD). We aimed to determine the frequency of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in CD patients based on SS-specific serology verified by minor labial salivary biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight-two patients with CD were included in the study. After examination for objective evidence of sicca complex, all patients were tested for serological presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and for ANA profile. Minor labial salivary biopsy was performed for patients with positive serology and/or clinical signs of SS. RESULTS: Of the patients included, 24 (29.3%) had dry eye symptoms while 20 (24.4%) had dry mouth symptoms. Dry eye was detected by Schirmer test in 10 patients (12.2%) and by ocular staining score in only 2 patients (2.4%). All samples were negative for RF while 12 (14.6%) samples were positive for ANAs. Of 82 patients with CD, the diagnosis of SS was established in only one patient (1.2%), while one patient (1.2%) was diagnosed with morphea and 4 patients (4.9%) were classified as having undifferentiated connective tissue disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SS in CD is low, so there is no need for serologic screening of all patients with CD for SS.

VEGF receptor subtypes may serve as novel prognostic factors and putative indicators for anti VEGF receptor treatment response in renal cell carcinoma cases.

PURPOSE: Targeted therapies are novel treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Of the target molecules investigated, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEFGRs) were seldom evaluated. The current study investigated the prognostic significance of VEGFRs and IMP-3 as a potential prognostic markers. METHODS: Pathological material and clinical files of 100 patients with RCC were retrospectively evaluated. For each case, the clinical outcome and disease stage were assessed and resected materials were histologically reevaluated. VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3 and IMP-3 expression of tumor samples were analyzed with immunohistochemistry. These expressions were compared with prognosis and clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: Five-year overall survival (OS) was 80% in the whole cohort. Mean survival was 20.3±1.9 months in metastatic disease (95%CI:16.4-24.2). Two-year OS was 20% and 5-year OS was zero in the metastatic group. Survival was significantly longer in VEGFR-2 expressing group than in the nonexpressing group (78.7±2.6 vs 63.9±6; 95%CI:73.7-84 and 52.1-75.7, respectively; p=0.031). VEGFR-3 and IMP-3 expressions were not significantly correlated with survival. In the non-metastatic group mean OS was 82.6±2.1 months and 2- and 5-year OS were 96 and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Since VEGFRs were expressed on all histological subtypes and significantly correlated with survival, assessment of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 on tumor samples might serve as a putative prognostic factor in RCC cases. These expressions might identify a subset of patients that may benefit from antiangiogenic treatments targeting VEGFR receptors.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of E-Cadherin, p53 and Inhibin-α Expression in Hydatidiform Mole and Hydropic Abortion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α immunostaining in the differential diagnosis of hydropic abortion (HA), partial hydatidiform mole (PHM), and complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α protein expression patterns were investigated immunohistochemically using paraffin -embedded tissue sections from histologically diagnosed cases of HA (n = 23), PHM (n = 24), and CHM (n = 23). Expression patterns of these markers were scored semi-quantitatively according to the staining intensity, percentage of positive cells, and immunoreactivity score. Classification of cases was established on histologic criteria and supported by the molecular genotyping. Immunostaining allowed the identification of specific cell types with E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α expression in all cases. E-cadherin expression was detected on the cell surface of villous cytotrophoblasts. We observed a marked decline in the expression of E-cadherin from HAs to PHMs to CHMs. The p53-positive reaction was restricted to the nucleus of villous cytotrophoblasts. Significantly increased p53 expression was observed in CHMs, compared with HAs and PHMs. The expression of inhibin-α was localised in the cytoplasm of villous syncytiotrophoblasts, and the expression of this marker was significantly higher in PHMs and CHMs than HAs. In conclusion, immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α expression could serve as a useful adjunct to conventional methods in the differential diagnosis of HA, PHM, and CHM.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the eyelid and literature review.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC) is a rare malignant epithelial tumor most commonly observed in the scalp and skin of the chest and originating from the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland in the orbit. Here we describe the diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of PCACC in an eye of a 52-year-old male. The patient presented with a mass lesion of the right lower eyelid. During incisional biopsy, lack of encapsulation and a secretion pattern different to that of chalazion was observed, which differentiated the lesion from chalazion. Pathological analysis revealed the diagnosis of PCACC. This case highlights the importance of careful inspection for macroscopic differentiation of PCACC from chalazion after initial surgery and pathological evaluation of all surgically removed mass lesions for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the eyelid and literature review / Carcinoma adenóide cístico cutâneo primário de pálpebra e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACTPrimary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC) is a rare malignant epithelial tumor most commonly observed in the scalp and skin of the chest and originating from the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland in the orbit. Here we describe the diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of PCACC in an eye of a 52-year-old male. The patient presented with a mass lesion of the right lower eyelid. During incisional biopsy, lack of encapsulation and a secretion pattern different to that of chalazion was observed, which differentiated the lesion from chalazion. Pathological analysis revealed the diagnosis of PCACC. This case highlights the importance of careful inspection for macroscopic differentiation of PCACC from chalazion after initial surgery and pathological evaluation of all surgically removed mass lesions for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

RESUMOO carcinoma adenóide cístico cutâneo primário (PCACC) é um tumor maligno epitelial raro, mais comumente observado no couro cabeludo e na pele do peito sendo originário da porção palpebral da glândula lacrimal na órbita. Apresentamos o diagnóstico e tratamento de um caso raro de carcinoma adenóide cístico cutâneo primário do olho em um paciente do sexo masculino de 52 anos de idade, com uma lesão maciça da pálpebra inferior direita. A observação da falta de encapsulamento e um padrão de secreção diferente do calázio durante biópsia incisional permitiu a diferenciação da lesão de um calázio. A avaliação dos resultados do exame patológico resultou no diagnóstico de carcinoma adenóide cístico cutâneo primário. A análise do caso indica a importância de uma inspeção cuidadosa para a diferenciação macroscópica da carcinoma adenóide cístico cutâneo primário do calázio após a cirurgia inicial e avaliação patológica de todas as lesões de massa removidas cirurgicamente para o diagnóstico e tratamento corretos.