Do Histologically Aggressive Subtypes of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma have Worse Clinical Outcome than Non-Aggressive Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Subtypes? A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Histologically aggressive micropapillary thyroid carcinomas (PTMC) subtypes are thought to be associated with an aggressive clinical course. However, evidence for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with aggressive PTMC subtypes is not clear. In this study, we intended to determine the difference in clinical outcomes between patients with aggressive and non-aggressive PTMC subtypes. In this multicenter cohort study, the computer-recorded clinical and histopathological data of patients who underwent thyroid surgery between January 2000 - January 2021 in 9 referral centers and were diagnosed as PTMC were analyzed. A total of 1585 patients [female 1340 (84.5%), male 245 (15.5%), mean age 47.9±11.63 years), with a mean follow-up time of 66.55±37.16 months], were included in the study. Ninety-eight cases were diagnosed as aggressive and 1487 as non-aggressive subtypes. Persistent/recurrent disease was observed in 33 (33.7% )and 41 (2.8%) patients with aggressive and non-aggressive subtypes (p<0.001). Diseases-free survival rates were markedly lower in patients with aggressive than in those with non-aggressive PTMC subtypes (66.3 vs. 94.8%, log-rank p<0.001). Moreover, in multivariate analysis, aggressive histology was an independent predictor of persistent/recurrent disease, after controlling for other contributing factors (HR 5.78, 95% CI 3.32-10, p<0.001). Patients with aggressive PTMC subtypes had higher rates of incomplete biochemical and structural response than patients with non-aggressive subtypes as well (p<0.001). Aggressive PTMC subtypes share many characteristics with histologically identical tumors>1 cm in size. Therefore, the histopathological subtype of PTMC should be taken into consideration to tailor a personalized management plan.

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma of stomach.

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma is an unusually encountered lymphoid neoplasm of stomach with aggressive course, and is an uncommon morphologic variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. An ulcerated mass, 7x5x1 cm in size was observed within the gastrectomy specimen of a 76-year-old female patient. In cross sections, besides mature lymphoid cells displaying T-cell phenotype, a neoplastic formation composed of large, pleomorphic atypical lymphoid cells with, prominent nucleoli, vesicular nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm displaying B-cell phenotype were observed. Meanwhile, histiocyte-like mononuclear cells and Reed-Sternberg-like multinuclear cells expressing CD68 and Mac387 were also observed. The diagnosis of the case was T cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma. This rarely encountered neoplasm should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of primary gastric lymphomas.

Pycnogenol prevents peritoneal adhesions.

PURPOSE: This study tested the ability of pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), to prevent intra-abdominal adhesions. METHODS: Thirty female Wistar albino rats were separated randomly into three equal groups: Group (1) the control group, which underwent surgery, but was given no drug; Group (2) given 10 mg/kg of pycnogenol dissolved in normal saline intraperitoneally for 10 days after surgery; and Group (3) given 0.1 mL of normal saline for 10 days intraperitoneally after surgery. On post-operative day 10, all of the animals were killed and any adhesions were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. RESULTS: The macroscopic adhesion scores (mean ± SD) for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.5 ± 0.53, 0.60 ± 0.70, and 2.0 ± 0.82, respectively. The macroscopic adhesion score was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.001). All three components of the histopathological evaluation (inflammation, fibrosis, and neovascularization) were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Groups 1 or 3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pycnogenol was found to be effective at preventing surgery-related adhesions in an animal model.

Unilateral ovarian agenesis and clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus mimicking ovarian malignancy.

A case of unilateral absent ovary together with clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus mimicking ovarian malignancy discovered during laparotomy is presented. Unilateral absence of an ovary is an extremely rare finding. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanism is not known, it could result from a defect in embryological development or asymptomatic torsion of ovary. Clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus is also a rare variant, composed of round or polygonal 'clear' cells rather than typical spindle-shaped cells and ultra structurally differs from non-uterine counterparts.

The Structural Profile of HPV 18 in Terms of Chromosomal and Nuclear Degenerative Changes and the Ratio of Nucleus/Cytoplasm on Liquid based Cervical Cells.

Background: HPV 18 is one of the important oncogenic types. HPV 18 is generally evaluated together with HPV 16 and/or high-risk HPV types in light microscopic studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of only HPV 18 on the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, and chromosomal and nuclear degenerative changes in liquid-based samples. Materials and Methods: Eighty liquid-based cervical samples were used in this retrospective study. These smears were prepared by HPV Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) detection and genotyping with the Cobas 4800 HPV system. Forty HPV 18 infected and forty smears with no infection agent were evaluated for chromosomal (nuclear budding, micronuclei), nuclear degenerative changes (membrane irregularity, nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, abnormal chromatin distribution, binucleation (BN), karyorrhexis (KR), karyolysis (KL), karyopyknosis (KP)), and cytologic findings (koilocyte (KC), cells with perinuclear PR) using light microscopy. Cellular diameters were evaluated using image analysis software. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0. p values < .05 were considered significant. Results: The statistically significant difference between the presence of HPV 18 and karyorrectic cell, KC, nuclear membrane irregularity, enlargement, the mean nuclear width and height (p < 0.05). No cellular changes other than those mentioned were observed. Conclusions: The present study is significant in that, it reveals the relationship between only and particularly HPV 18 and nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, and chromosomal and nuclear degenerative changes in liquid-based cytology. HPV 18 affects KR, koilocytosis, nuclear membrane irregularity, enlargement, and nuclear diameters. Light microscopic analysis of these abnormalities increases the sensitivity and specificity of cytology in the evaluation of cellular pictures due to HPV 18.

Placental chorangiosis: the association with oxidative stress and angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chorangiosis is considered to be strongly associated with fetal, maternal, and placental disorders, and has been found to be correlated with increased fetal morbidity and mortality. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the association of angiogenesis and oxidative stress with the pathogenesis of chorangiosis. METHODS: Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), which are investigated with avidin-biotin-peroxidase method in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from placental tissues diagnosed as no chorangiosis (n = 18) and chorangiosis (n = 18), have been evaluated in a semiquantitative manner. RESULTS: There were significant differences between chorangiosis and no chorangiosis cases with respect to birth weight, birth length, and Apgar scores (p < 0.001). Statistically significant (p < 0.001), diffuse and strong expressions with HSP70, VEGF-A and b-FGF were observed in the villous tissue of placental chorangiosis cases when compared with no chorangiosis cases. CONCLUSION: The majority of the chorangiosis cases had an accompanying poor perinatal outcome, and also those with accompanying angiogenesis and increased oxidative stress demonstrated diffuse and strong expressions of HSP70, VEGF-A and b-FGF. The interaction of maternal, placental, and fetal factors with increased oxidative stress and angiogenesis may possibly contribute to this arising pathologic change.

Mammae erraticae: a case report and reappraisal of the related theories.

UNLABELLED: Extra nipples and breast tissue outside the orthotopic location of the mammary glands are called polythelia and polymastia, respectively. Although the theory of mammary ridge remnants can explain extra breast tissue along the milk line, other locations such as the dorsum of the body still need further discussion. This report describes a 28-year-old Caucasian woman with a perfectly formed breast together with a meningocele in the lumbar region. Kyphoscoliosis and growth retardation were accompanying pathologies. As far as the authors can discern, this is the first case in the literature showing a well-formed breast and dysraphism occurring together. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 at www.springer.com/00266.

The effect of atorvastatin and its role on systemic cytokine network in treatment of acute experimental colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by disabilities in gastrointestinal system and defects in mucosal immune system. Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor and are used to treat hypercholesterolemia in patients with coronary artery and atherosclerotic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that statins have immunomodulatory role by effecting different pathways in immune system. In this study, we investigated the effect of atorvastatin and its mechanism on systemic immune response in treatment of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mice. We observed that atorvastatin significantly suppressed the severity of TNBS-induced colitis in BALB/c mice. This was manifested in reduced rectal bleeding, decrease in colon length, reduction of histological damage, and improved survival. Concurrently, we investigated the immunomodulatory role of atorvastatin on systemic immune system. We investigated the proinflammatory (IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α), Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10), and Th17 (IL-17, IL-23) cytokine levels in serum samples of colitis and atorvastatin-administered mice. We discovered that administration of atorvastatin significantly down-regulates systemic TNF-α level and Th17 cytokine levels. Furthermore, atorvastatin treatment switches Th1 type T-cell response toward/to Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) type response.

Is Subdivision of Atypia of Undetermined Significance AUS/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance Cases According to Detailed Nuclear Features Vital for Assessing the Risk of Malignancy?

BACKGROUND: It has been known that the "atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS)" category is the most problematic category in Bethesda system due to its highly heterogeneous morphological features. Recently, it has been reported that aspirates including nuclear atypia in the AUS/FLUS category have a higher risk of malignancy. AIMS: This study aimed to assess each nuclear property in aspirates with cytological atypia and also to determine the relationship with the risk of malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 980 AUS/FLUS fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) performed between '2012 and 2019' at a single institution. We classified these aspirates into four groups: AUS-N (nuclear atypia), AUS-A (architectural atypia), AUS-H (Hurthle cell change), and AUS-O (other). Nuclear features were detailed sub-classified; size and shape (enlargement, elongation, and overlapping), membrane irregularities (irregular contours, grooves, pseudoinclusion), and chromatin characteristics (pale chromatin). The estimated risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated for each subgroup. RESULTS: Of 980 AUS/FLUS cases, follow-up histological outcome data were available for 209 cases. Among these cases, the estimated ROM was 27.8%. The ROM were 26.4%, 15.4%, and 22.5% for AUS-N, A, and H, respectively. The most common nuclear findings associated with ROM were nuclear groove (67.9%); irregular contours (76.9%) suspected pseudoinclusion (100%) and overlapping (56%) (P < 0,001). But nuclear findings such as nuclear enlargement, mild pleomorphism, or pale chromatin have a similar ROM as architectural atypia. CONCLUSION: Although it is known that the presence of cytological atypia in an AUS/FLUS nodule increases the estimated risk of malignancy, all nuclear properties are not equally effective in predicting malignancy risk. Emphasizing nuclear atypia details in reports of AUS case may be a more sensitive way to identify nodules with a high risk of malignancy.

Gliosarcoma with chondroblastic osteosarcomatous differentation: report of two case with clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features.

Gliosarcoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system characterized by a biphasic histological pattern. Our objective is to describe clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of two cases of gliosarcoma with chondroblastic osteosarcomatous differentiation and to discuss its pathogenetic mechanisms. CASE 1: A 52- year-old male patient underwent parietal craniotomy due to anaplastic ependymoma. The case had radiotherapy and chemotherapy postoperatively. After the first operation, additional resections were performed for tumor because of recurrences at the fourth, seventh and tenth months. The patient died after the last tumor resection. Histopathologic examination of the postmortem biopsy revealed neoplasm displaying a biphasic morphologic pattern including both gliomatous and sarcomatous components. CASE 2: The case was a 69-year-old male patient with a right frontal lobe mass histologically diagnosed as gliosarcoma displaying sarcomatous and glial components. Immunohistochemical features were similar to those of the first case in general, but diffuse nuclear reaction with p53 protein was detected in both components. We report two cases with an extremely rare histopathological diagnosis of "gliosarcoma with features of chondroblastic osteosarcoma".

Effects of ozone preconditioning on recovery of rat colon anastomosis after preoperative radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is a devastating complication of colorectal surgery. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for colorectal cancer can affect the mechanical and biochemical parameters of anastomotic healing. It has been reported that ozone increases antioxidant enzyme activity and stimulates adaptive processes to oppose the pathophysiologic conditions mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of controlled administration of ozone on the healing of anastomosis and the activation of antioxidant enzymes in the colon after radiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats (n = 48) were randomly assigned to the following groups: control groups (1 and 2), saline-treated and irradiated (IR) groups (3 and 4) and ozone oxidative preconditioning (OOP) and IR groups (5 and 6). Rats were exposed to whole-body IR (6 Gy) after pretreatment with either saline or ozone. Rats in groups 1, 3 and 5 were euthanized on postoperative day 3, whereas those in groups 2, 4 and 6 were euthanized on postoperative day 7. The anastomoses were performed on day 7 post-IR. The anastomotic segment was resected to measure hydroxyproline (HPO) content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: The mean bursting pressure of the groups that underwent radiotherapy was lower than that of the control groups (p < 0.001). In groups 5 and 6, the tissue HPO concentrations were higher than those in groups 3 and 4. Although mean values for MPO activity in groups 5 and 6 were higher than those in groups 3 and 4, the differences were not significant. Regarding oxidative damage markers, MDA concentrations were significantly lower in group 5 than those in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, OOP exerted favorable effects on colon anastomotic healing after radiation exposure.

Expression of adhesion molecules in first trimester spontaneous abortions and their role in abortion pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Early placental development is associated with complex regulatory mechanisms, and molecular communication problems that arise during the developmental process are dangerous for continuation of the pregnancy. As studies on the process of invasion and migration of trophoblast cells have shown the importance of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, we examined the effects of adhesion molecules on the mechanism(s) of spontaneous abortions and compared them to elective abortion materials using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate adhesion molecules in spontaneous abortions. METHODS: Curettage materials from abortions were examined retrospectively in the Department of Pathology, Zonguldak Karaelmas University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey. CD31/PECAM-1 (endothelial cell marker), CD44v (variant 3), E-cadherin, CD54/ICAM-1, and CD106/VCAM-1 expression profiles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and cellular localization was determined under light microscopy. The results of spontaneous abortions were compared to those of elective abortions. RESULTS: The staining percentages of CD31, CD44, CD106, and E-cadherin decreased in cases of spontaneous abortion, but CD54 (ICAM-1) expression increased. Statistically significant differences were detected between spontaneous and elective abortion materials with regard to cytotrophoblasts (CTs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) with the anti-CD31 antibody (p=0.0001). In addition, CD54 (p=0.007 and p=0.002) and E-cadherin (p=0.002 and p=0.02) expression in CTs and STs, respectively, were significantly different. Furthermore, CD44 expression (p=0.003) in decidual (D) cells and CD106 (p=0.0001) expression in vessels of endometrial (E) and villous tissues were also significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased CD31 expression in CTs that invade the spiral arterioles and mimic E cells in spontaneous abortion cases suggests that CD31/PECAM-1 is an important molecule in uteroplacental adequacy. Moreover, diminished expression of CD44 in D cells caused impaired stroma-villous connections. Enhancement of ICAM-1 in placental and invading STs may be useful as a diagnostic marker for patients who may have a tendency to have spontaneous abortions. A down-regulation of E-cadherin was observed, which may be responsible for impaired CT differentiation and loss of the pregnancy. Furthermore, decreased VCAM-1 expression in spontaneous abortions may be consistent with the importance of VCAM-1 in trophoblast-endothelial cell interactions. Many adhesion molecules are known to be effective in the normal development of a pregnancy, and the analysis of adhesion molecules in spontaneous abortions will provide useful information for clarifying the physiopathology of spontaneous abortions.

Oxidized low-density-lipoprotein accumulation is associated with liver fibrosis in experimental cholestasis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the probable relationship between the accumulation of oxLDL and hepatic fibrogenesis in cholestatic rats. INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence to support the current theories on how oxidative stress that results in lipid peroxidation is involved in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury and fibrogenesis. One of the major and early lipid peroxidation products, OxLDL, is thought to play complex roles in various immuno-inflammatory mechanisms. METHODS: A prolonged (21-day) experimental bile duct ligation was performed on Wistar-albino rats. Biochemical analysis of blood, histopathologic evaluation of liver, measurement of the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue homogenates, and immunofluorescent staining for oxLDL in liver tissue was conducted in bile-duct ligated (n=8) and sham-operated rats (n=8). RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of MDA and lower concentrations of SOD were detected in jaundiced rats than in the sham-operated rats. Positive oxLDL staining was also observed in liver tissue sections of jaundiced rats. Histopathological examination demonstrated that neither fibrosis nor other indications of hepatocellular injury were found in the sham-operated group, while features of severe hepatocellular injury, particularly fibrosis, were found in jaundiced rats. CONCLUSION: Our results support the finding that either oxLDLs are produced as an intermediate agent during exacerbated oxidative stress or they otherwise contribute to the various pathomechanisms underlying the process of liver fibrosis. Whatever the mechanism, it is clear that an association exists between elevated oxLDL levels and hepatocellular injury, particularly with fibrosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential effects of oxLDLs on the progression of secondary biliary cirrhosis.

Elastofibroma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of seven cases and literature review.

Elastofibroma is a rare fibrous lesion characterized by accumulated abnormal elastic fibers whose etiology remains largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed seven cases of elastofibroma to further explore the characteristics of its cellular composition. Immunohistochemistry was performed for mast cell tryptase, S-100 protein, vimentin, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin and collagen type IV. Histochemical staining methods for Gomori's trichrome and Verhoeff elastica-van Gieson were also evaluated. Histopathologically, a haphazard array of collagen, eosinophilic amorphous fibers, and globules in a fibrous tissue was seen. The elastic nature of the fibers was confirmed by elastic stain, and with Gomori's trichrome collagen fibers were also demonstrated. The interspersed spindle or stellate cells were almost consistently positive for vimentin and frequently positive for CD34. Mast cell tryptase-positive cells were present in five of the cases. Collagen type IV immunoreactivity was seen in two cases. No staining was observed with smooth muscle actin, desmin or S-100 protein. Our findings suggest that CD34-positive mesenchymal cells are an integral component of elastofibroma.

Intraoperative and histochemical comparison of the skeletonized and pedicled internal thoracic artery.

BACKGROUND: Skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) has advantages, but the variation of ITA preparation may be traumatic for the arterial wall. We sought to compare intraoperative results and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) expression on the vessel wall after left ITA harvesting with skeletonization and the conventional technique. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of 84 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting was performed: 40 patients with skeletonized and 44 patients with pedicled left ITA. The lengths of ITA and free ITA blood flow were measured. Distal ITA segments were analyzed histopathologically and stained by antibodies against e-NOS. RESULTS: In the skeletonized group, the length of the ITA were significantly longer than in the pedicled group (15.7 +/- 0.4 cm versus 19.0 +/- 0.6 cm; P = .001). Also, the free-flow capacity of the ITA was significantly higher than in the pedicled group (62.4 +/- 4.8 mL/min versus 88.6 +/- 6.9 mL/min; P = .001). e-NOS expressions on endothelial cells were similar between the groups. Dense e-NOS immunostaining was observed in vaso vasorum of the adventitia in the pedicled group. However, there was not any e-NOS immunostaining in vaso vasorum of the adventitia in the skeletonized group. CONCLUSIONS: Although skeletonization of the ITA is a more technically demanding procedure, it provides some advantages such as increased available graft length and reduced sternal devascularization. This technique did not have any detrimental effects on the endothelial cell lining and e-NOS expressions on the endothelial layer. To reach a definitive judgment for using skeletonized ITA, we need information about the long-term angiographic patency rates.

Immunohistochemical comparison of traditional and modified harvesting of the left internal mammary artery.

The left internal mammary artery is the conduit of choice for coronary artery bypass grafting. In the traditional ("clipped-artery") harvesting technique, this artery is prepared as a pedicle; the distal part is clipped, cut, and covered with a papaverine-soaked cloth until anastomosis is performed. In modified ("nonclipped-artery") harvesting, the prepared artery is kept in situ and left connected to the systemic circulation until anastomosis. Better outcomes from use of the nonclip technique have been reported. In order to determine comparative endothelial integrity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, we performed an immunohistochemical study of arterial graft segments that were procured by each technique. This cross-sectional study involved 40 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting. The patients were randomized into 2 groups of 20. One group underwent traditional clipped-artery harvesting; the other group, modified nonclipped-artery harvesting. By immunohistochemical methods, we examined redundant segments taken from bifurcation levels of the arteries. The tunica media was thinner in the clipped arterial segments, a phenomenon that we attribute to high luminal pressure. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunostaining was absent in regions of denudation in the luminal endothelia of the clipped arteries; in contrast, pronounced immunostaining occurred in the endothelia of the nonclipped segments. We found that traditional harvesting disrupted the integrity of the luminal endothelia of the clipped arteries. In addition, the traditional procedure decreased nitric oxide production, as was revealed by immunostaining.

Examination of lung toxicity, oxidant/antioxidant status and effect of erdosteine in rats kept in coal mine ambience.

Occupational exposure to coal dust causes pneumoconiosis and other diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coal dust-induced lung toxicity. In this experimental study, we investigated the oxidant/antioxidant status, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyproline (HP) levels in lungs and blood of rats exposed to coal dust in mine ambience. In addition, we also investigated the attenuating effects of erdosteine. At the end of the experiment processes, tissue levels of HP, malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, xanthine oxidase (XO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were evaluated in the lung tissues, plasma samples or erythrocytes of rats. Exposure to coal dust resulted in a significant increase in the oxidant parameters (MDA, NO levels, and XO activity) and HP levels, as compared to the controls. A decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes, and an increase in MPO activity were found in the study group, compared to the controls. Increased NO levels of lung were found in the study groups, that were significantly reduced by erdosteine. Our studies provide evidence that supports the hypothesis for ROS mediated coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Erdosteine may be beneficial in the coal dust-induced lung toxicity via antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties.

Obstructive jaundice leads to accumulation of oxidized low density lipoprotein in human liver tissue.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) molecule is one of the most important modified lipoproteins produced during the oxidative stress. Modified lipoproteins have been defined as being part of the immune inflammatory mechanisms in association with oxidant stress. We have reported the accumulation of ox-LDL in Balb/c mice liver after bile duct ligation previously. Here, we investigated this finding in human beings with obstructive jaundice. Our study demonstrates that obstructive jaundice results in tremendous accumulation of ox-LDL in the liver tissue of patients.

Clinical evaluation of submucosal colonic lipomas: decision making.

Even lipomas are the most common mesenchymal benign tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, symptomatic colonic presentation is rare. Herein, we evaluated four patients suffering from various size of colonic lipomas and approached by different therapeutic modalities.

Radiologic findings of a congenital suprasternal dermoid cyst.

A congenital cystic mass was detected at the suprasternal notch of a seven-month-old male infant. After radiologic examinations including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, the cyst was excised and diagnosed as a dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts of the head and neck are rare lesions, but a midline location is characteristic for these congenital masses. To our knowledge, only two reports have been published, which were similar to our case in localization. Dermoid cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of midline cysts.