A Case of Intra-Amniotic Umbilical Vein Varices Misdiagnosed as an Omphalocele.

Background: Intra-amniotic umbilical vein varices are characterized by a focal dilatation of the extra abdominal umbilical vein. Case report: We report a full-term baby female with extra-abdominal umbilical vein varices misdiagnosed clinically as an omphalocele. The umbilical vein was ligated and excised near the level of the liver. The infant died one day after surgery due to extrinsic compression of the renal pedicle by a massive thrombus, resulting in severe renal failure and life-threatening hyperkalemia despite intensive resuscitation. Conclusion: Large intra-amniotic umbilical vein varices can be clinically misdiagnosed as an omphalocele. Their resection near the level of the fascia, as with normal umbilical veins, could be a better management with a better prognosis.

Phyllodes Tumor of the Bladder in a 2-Year-Old Boy - An Exceptional Finding.

Background: Breast phyllodes tumor has a distinct histologic appearance. There are no pediatric phyllodes tumors of the bladder in English literature reported. Case report: A 2-year-old boy presented with a urinary infection and obstructive urinary symptoms. A 3-cm slow-growing bladder mass revealed by repeated transabdominal ultrasonography was initially considered a ureterocele. Cystoscopic and laparoscopic exploration using pneumovesicum confirmed the diagnosis of a bladder neck tumor. Histologically, the features were of a benign phyllodes tumor, morphologically similar to those seen in breast tissue. The patient received no further treatment and showed no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: Phyllodes tumor can cause a pediatric bladder tumor.

Subacute toxicity studies of meals prepared from genetically modified potato overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factor in rats.

BACKGROUND: Potato tubers from genetically modified plants overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factors that exhibited improved tolerance to salt and resistance to Fusarium solani infection were characterized and evaluated for safety in a 30 day rat feeding study. Male Wistar rats were split into four groups and provided with a diet composed of 33% (w/w) of either one of the two genetically modified potatoes (GMPs), 33% of the commercial Spunta variety (Sp), or a control group fed with the basal rats' diet. The influence of the GMPs on rat behavior and overall health parameters was evaluated and compared with that of commercial potato (i.e. the Sp group) and control diet. RESULTS: Small differences were noticed in the chemical composition of the different tubers, but all the diets were adjusted to an identical caloric level. Results showed no sign of toxic or detrimental effects on the rats' overall health as a result of these diets. The rats fed with the GMPs meal showed hematological and biochemical compositions of the plasma comparable to the control groups. No histopathological damage nor any structural disorganization, severe congestion, or acute inflammation were noticed in the rats' tissues. CONCLUSION: Under these study conditions, the GMP diets did not induce any apparent or significant adverse effects on rats after 30 days of dietary administration in comparison with rats fed diets with the corresponding non-transgenic diet and the standard diet group. These two GMPs were therefore considered to be as safe as their commercial comparator. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

An uncommon breast metastasis of mediastinal neuroblastoma within a child: A case report.

A 13-year-old girl presented with dull lumbar pain and recent paraplegia. Clinical examination found a breast mass associated with an axillary adenopathy. Imaging revealed a large mass in the posterior mediastinum with spinal cord compression. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma with mammary metastases. To the best of our knowledge, breast metastasis is being reported for the first time in a mediastinal neuroblastoma.

Renal angiomyolipoma: Clinico-pathologic study of 17 cases with emphasis on the epithelioid histology and p53 gene abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a rare potentially malignant variant of renal angiomyolipoma (RAML). This study aims to determine whether RAML clinico-pathologic and molecular features (i.e. p53 gene abnormalities) differ significantly with regards to its histologic variant or to the presence of an epithelioid component within it. METHODS: Consecutively resected RAML were reviewed, tumours comprising at least 80% of epithelioid cells were considered as EAML according to the 2016 World Health Organization classification of tumours of the kidney. P53 gene abnormalities were investigated using both immunohistochemical and molecular analysis. RESULTS: A total of 3 EAML among 17 RAML were identified, accounting for 3.9% of the total AML cases. Fatty aspect on imaging was more observed within tumours devoid of an epithelioid component. EAML showed a higher mitotic rate and a stronger p53 staining, no renal poles involvement and was not treated by nephron sparing surgeries. RAML comprising an epithelioid component demonstrated severer nuclear atypia as well as stronger p53 staining. P53 gene sequencing revealed a missense mutation (c.747G > C) in one classic AML harbouring a strong labelling with p53. CONCLUSIONS: Strong p53 staining in a RAML, even in the absence of gene mutation, may suggest the presence of an epithelioid component or of a truly EAML. To the best of our knowledge, c.747G > C p53 gene mutation is being reported for the first time in a RAML, although its role in AML pathogenesis is still unknown.

Combinatorial effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AG1 biosurfactant and Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa16 toxin on Spodoptera littoralis larvae.

Spodoptera littoralis, one of the most serious and destructive agricultural pests in the world, is very susceptible to Vip3 toxin. In order to develop a new efficient bioinsecticide and to prevent the development of resistance by the target pest, insecticidal activity of biosurfactant produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AG1 was evaluated against S. littoralis. Bioassays revealed the susceptibility of the first instar larvae of this pest to AG1 biosurfactant with an LC50 of 245ng/cm2. Moreover, the histopathology examination of the larval midgut treated by AG1 biosurfactant showed vacuolization, necrosis and disintegration of the basement membrane. Binding experiments revealed that the AG1 biosurfactant recognized three putative receptors located in the brush border membrane vesicles of S. littoralis with sizes of 91, 72 and 64kDa. Competition assays using biotinylated metabolites indicated that AG1 biosurfactant and Vip3Aa16 toxin did not compete for the same S. littoralis receptors. When combined, AG1 biosurfactant and Vip3Aa16 showed an additive effect against S. littoralis larvae. These findings suggested that B. amyloliquefaciens AG1 biosurfactant could be a promising biocontrol agent to eradicate S. littoralis and to prevent resistance development by this pest.

New food from a potato somatic hybrid: nutritional equivalence and safety assessment by a feeding study on rats.

BACKGROUND: Potato tubers from the STBd somatic hybrid line that exhibited improved tolerance to salinity and resistance to fungal and PVY infections were characterised. They were compared for their chemical composition to the Spunta variety produced by conventional agronomic practices. This study aimed to compare nutritional value and safety by feeding rats with STBd or commercial tubers added to the standard diet (20/80 w/w). RESULTS: The analysis of soluble sugar, fat, fibre and ash content of tubers did not reveal any significant differences between the hybrid line and the control Spunta variety. Small differences were observed in dry matter, starch and protein content of hybrid potatoes in comparison to controls. However, all values were within normal ranges reported in the literature. The feeding study on rats showed that overall health, weight gain, food consumption, morphological aspects and weights of organs were comparable between rat groups fed the STBd hybrid and the Spunta variety. CONCLUSION: Taken together, 28 days of consumption of STBd hybrid potato did not exert any adverse effect on rats compared with commercial Spunta potato. The STBd potato line was therefore considered to be as safe for food utilisation as the commercial variety.

Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report and comprehensive review of the literature.

Background: Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent endocrine malignancy with a variety of histological presentations. Warthin-like Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (WLPTC) is an uncommon neoplasm that is recognized as a distinct subtype of PTC in the WHO classification of thyroid tumors. In this report, we present a novel case of WLPTC in a female patient and provide an in-depth review of the available literature on its clinical, pathological, and therapeutic characteristics. Case presentation: A 27-year-old female patient was referred for neck swelling. Ultrasound showed two suspicious thyroid nodules leading to a thyroidectomy. She was diagnosed with intermediate-risk bifocal foci of classic PTC and WLPTC, arising from a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). This pT1b(m) N1b M0 malignancy was treated with adjuvant isotopic ablation and suppressive thyroxine therapy. The 1-year outcomes were favorable. Literature review: It covered articles published from 1995 to 2022, by searching PubMed and Google Scholar using specific terms. Out of 148 articles reviewed by two authors, 25 relevant articles were selected, including 13 case reports and 12 case series. The study included 150 cases of WLPTC. Data related to clinical presentation, imaging, histological features, management, and outcomes, were extracted. The mean age of diagnosis was 39 years, with a female predominance. The most common clinical presentation was neck swelling. Thyroid autoimmunity was positive in 71.6% of patients. Lymph node metastases were present in 28% of cases, with no reported distant metastases. Overall, the outcomes were favorable. Conclusion: WLPTC shares similar clinical and radiological presentations as classic PTC. The hallmark histological features of WLPTC are papillae lined with oncocytic tumor cells with papillary nuclear changes and lymphoid stroma. WLPTC is almost constantly associated with CLT. The management of WLPTC aligns with that of classic PTC with comparable stage and risk category, often resulting in favorable outcomes.

Atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor of the tongue: A rare entity arising in an unusual location.

Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor (ASCPT) constitutes an emerging entity of lipomatous tumors. It is a benign tumor. It occurs typically in limbs and limb girdles. The occurrence in oral cavity is unusual. The diagnosis of this neoplasm is challenging. Herein, we report a case of ASCPT arising in the tongue.

A pediatric posterior neck venous malformation with an endocranial extension.

Venous malformations are frequently localized in the head and neck region. However, a cervical localization with an endocranial extension is rather a very uncommon occurrence. We present a case of a 4-year-old child who presented with a large posterior cervical mass evolving for a year, firm and painful at palpation. Imaging was required, revealing a posterior cervical mass with an extension to adjacent structures, a destruction of the occipital bone and an endocranial extension. A macrobiopsy of the mass showed numerous irregular vessels. A surgical treatment was performed due to the extension of the mass, the esthetic prejudice it caused and the uncertain diagnosis. Venous malformation diagnosis was confirmed by a histological examination of the resected piece. Surgical management was not associated with the mass recurrence in our case. Here, we aim at identifying the clinical and radiological features of venous malformations, and at describing the different therapeutic features of this condition.

Alveolar Adenoma: A Rare Benign Tumour of the Lung with A Challenging Diagnosis.

Alveolar adenoma is a rare lung benign tumour originating from type II pneumocytes. It presents as a well-defined nodule. In some cases, it is difficult to differentiate from lung cancer. Few cases of this tumour have been reported. We describe here a case of alveolar adenoma in a 63-year-old man discovered incidentally on chest X-ray. The lesion was reported as lepidic adenocarcinoma in bronchoscopic biopsy. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations resulted in a diagnosis of alveolar adenoma. We report this case to describe its morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics and to emphasize its diagnostic difficulties.

Immunohistochemical Overexpression of Cyclin D1 in Tunisian Invasive Breast Carcinoma Women.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer represents the most frequent cancer and cause of death in women worldwide and in Tunisia. Cyclin D1 is a gene of cell cycle regulation. It represents a potential oncogene in invasive breast cancer; however; the results are conflicting. We performed a retrospective study aiming to analyze the prognostic impact of cyclin D1 expression in patients with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type and its relation with clinical-pathological features. METHODS: One hundred cases of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type diagnosed between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed for cyclin D1 in all cases. Results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Cyclin D1 positivity was seen in 74 cases (74%), of which 32 cases (32%) showed strong immunoreactivity. Cyclin D1 staining was statistically significantly associated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positivity (P<0.0001) and with low grade SBR (P=0.007). None of the clinical data and other pathological features had any association with cyclin D1 expression (P>0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that expression of cyclin D1 was not statistically associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.459 and P=0.564, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results confirm that cyclin D1 overexpression can be employed as a beneficial prognostic marker and suggest that anti-cyclin D1 therapy may be efficient, especially for ER positive tumors.

Study of the Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa16 histopathological effects and determination of its putative binding proteins in the midgut of Spodoptera littoralis.

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces, at the vegetative stage of its growth, Vip3A proteins with activity against a broad spectrum of lepidopteran insects. The Egyptian cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis) is an important agricultural pest that is susceptible to the Vip3Aa16 protein of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki strain BUPM95. The midgut histopathology of Vip3Aa fed larvae showed vacuolization of the cytoplasm, brush border membrane destruction, vesicle formation in the apical region and cellular disintegration. Biotinylated Vip3Aa toxin bound proteins of 55- and 100-kDa on blots of S. littoralis brush border membrane preparations. These binding proteins differ in molecular size from those recognized by Cry1C, one of the very few Cry proteins active against the polyphagous S. littoralis. This result supports the use of Vip3Aa16 proteins as insecticidal agent, especially in case of Cry-resistance management.

[Abrikosoff's tumor: a clinicopathologic study of nine cases]. / Tumeur d'Abrikosoff : etude anatomoclinique de neuf cas.

BACKGROUND: Abrikossoff's tumour or granular cell tumor or is a benign neurogenic tumour. It is ubiquitous with the most frequently affected site is the head and neck region. AIMS: To report a series of granular cell tumors and to discuss its clinicopathologic features and histogenesis. METHODS: We report a series of nine cases diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2006 in the Pathology Department of the University Hospital of Sfax. We have collected the clinical aspects and we have proceeded on a pathological, cytochemical (PAS and PAS diastasis) and immunohistochemical study. RESULTS: Nine cases of TCG are presented: 5 females and 4 males. The median age was 33.9 years (extremes: 7 and 53 years). All tumours were unique. The most common localization was in the head and neck region (5 cases). The diagnosis was suspected using standard histologic criteria and confirmed by immunohistochemistry: tumour cells expressed vimentine (90%), S100 protein (100%) and neuron specifique enolase (80%). In all cases patients were treated by excisional resection and had a benign course with no evidence of recurrence (median follow up: 2 years). CONCLUSION: Granular cell tumours are rare neoplasm which must be recognised because they demonstrate a benign behaviour after their surgical excision. Histological features of granular cell tumours are commonly characteristic but some times they can be misdiagnosed as malignant tumours especially when the biopsy is superficial. The staining for neurogen markers and PAS are useful tools.

Immune checkpoint molecules B7-H6 and PD-L1 co-pattern the tumor inflammatory microenvironment in human breast cancer.

B7-H6 and PD-L1 belong to the B7 family co-stimulatory molecules fine-tuning the immune response. The present work investigates the clinical effect of B7-H6 protein expression with PD-L1 status and the infiltration of natural killer cells as potential biomarkers in breast tumor inflammatory microenvironment. The expression levels of B7-H6 protein by cancer cells and immune infiltrating cells in human breast cancer tissues and evaluate their associations with PD-L1 expression, NK cell status, clinical pathological features and prognosis were explored. The immunohistochemistry labeling method was used to assess B7-H6 and PD-L1 proteins expression by cancer and immune cells. The associations between immune checkpoint, major clinical pathological variables and survival rates were analyzed. B7-H6 protein was depicted in both breast and immune cells. Results showed that Tumor B7-H6 expression is highly associated with Her-2 over expression. B7-H6 + immune cells are highly related to the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade and associated with PD-L1 expression and NK cells status. Survival analysis revealed a better prognosis in patients with low expression of B7-H6 by cancer cells. Conversely, B7-H6 + immune cells were significantly associated with longer survival. Findings strongly suggest an interaction between B7 molecules that contributes to a particular design of the inflammatory microenvironment. This may influence the efficiency of therapies based on antibodies blocking the PD-L1/PD1 pathway and can explain the detection of clinical benefits only in a fraction of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Prognostic Value of Natural Killer Cells Besides Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Breast Cancer Tissues.

BACKGROUND: Each subgroup of immune cells has a different prognostic role in breast cancer; however, the prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating natural killer cells (TINKs) is still not well established. Our aim was to assess the prognostic impact of natural killer (NK) cells in breast carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NK cells infiltration were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation of NK cells with clinical-pathological features and outcome. RESULTS: CD56 IHC was realized in 126 patients. NK cells infiltration showed significant and positive association with tumor high Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grade. NK cells were significantly associated with HER2-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. Analyses showed significant and inverse correlation with progesterone and estrogen receptors expression status. High NK cells were significantly related to high Ki-67 labeling index. Our data showed that high NK cells infiltrate was significantly associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer tissues. At a median follow-up of 5.5 years, high CD56 expression (≥ 5 cells/10 high power field) was associated significantly with a good overall survival and with good disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: In this study, we assessed the important prognostic role of TINKs in breast carcinomas, which seems to be evident despite its association with aggressive pathological features. Thus evaluation of NK cells can be standardized and integrated in daily routine.

[Ewing sarcoma osseous and extraosseous : a clinicopathologic study of 29 cases]. / Sarcome d'Ewing Osseux et Extra Osseux : Etude anatomo-clinique de 29 cas.

BACKGROUND: Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a rare tumour accounting for 10% of primary malignant bone tumours in children and 3% of all childhood malignancies. ES belongs to a group of small round cell tumours. AIM: In this review, we will describe the main clinicopathological features of this rare tumour and discuss its prognosis. METHODS: We report a retrospective study of 29 cases of ES, of which 4 were extraosseous, diagnosed over a period 11 years (January 1989 - December 1999). Clinicopathological data were described. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical study were reviewed. RESULTS: 12 patients were male and 17 were female (ratio: 0,8) with a median age of 16 years. 62,5% of tumours were located in flat bone and 33,3% in long bone. The medium size of the tumor was 10,6 cm (range:3-25cm). 27,5% of patients presented with metastatic disease at time of diagnosis. Microscopically, tumour tissue was composed of round, small, blue cells with fine granular chromatin. Tumour cells strongly coexpressed CD99 and vimentin (100%). Systemic treatment consisted of adjuvant chemotherapy (84,2%). Local control was based on and surgery (57,9%) or radiation therapy (36,8%). A good response to chemotherapy was obtained in 37.5%; 13,7% of patients were alive without disease (medium follow up: 169 mois); 34,5% of patients developed metastases (medium follow up : 23 months) and 10,3% developed recurrences (medium follow up :13 months). CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes two points : the great size of the tumor and the frequent location in flat bone which may explain the poor prognosis of Ewing sarcoma in our series despite the multidisciplinary treatment.

[Cerebral gliosarcoma: clinico-pathologic study of 8 cases]. / Gliosarcome cérébral: etude clinico-pathologique de 8 cas.

BACKGROUND: Gliosarcomas are biphasic neoplasms composed of a glioblastoma admixed to a sarcomatous component with different lines of differentiation. Histogenesis of these tumors is still discussed. AIM: Our objective is to specify clinical and pathological characteristics of this rare neoplasm and to discuss its histogenesis. METHODS: Retrospective study of eight cases of gliosarcomas diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2004. Clinical, radiological, therapeutic and follow-up data were reviewed. Histological features and immunohistochemical results were also included in this review. RESULTS: Five patients were male, three women with a median age of 50.7 (range 31-74 years). Symptoms were dominated by intracranial hypertension and paralysis. The most common location was parietal or temporo-parietal (5 cases: 62.5%). Pathological exam including histochemical and immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of gliosarcoma in all cases. Sarcomatous component had features of fibrosarcoma in 5 cases, osteosarcoma in 2 cases and malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 1 case. All patients were treated by surgical excision (complete in five cases and partial in three cases). Adjuvant radiotherapy was received in three cases. One patient was lost on follow-up. Two patients died from postoperative. complications and the five remaining patients died with a medium follow up of 9 months (extremes: 2-24 months). CONCLUSION: Clinical, radiological and follow-up features of gliosarcomas share great similarities with glioblastomas. Histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies are helpful in accuracy diagnosis. Recent cytogenetic and molecular data support a monoclonal origin for these tumors.

FOXA1 Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Association with Clinicopathological Characteristics and EMT Markers.

The forkhead box (FOXA) family of transcription factors regulates gene expression and chromatin structure during tumorigenesis and embryonic development. Until now, the relationship between FOXA1 and the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not yet been reported. Therefore, our purpose is to analyze the expression of FOXA1 in 56 NPC patients compared to 10 normal nasopharyngeal mucosae and to correlate the expression with the clinicopathological features. Besides, we investigated the association between FOXA1 and LMP1 gene expression, as well as the EMT markers namely the E-cadherin and Twist1. Among 56 NPC tissues, 34 (60.7%) cases were positive for FOXA1. Furthermore, we noticed that FOXA1 expression correlated with TNM (p = 0.037), and age at diagnosis (p = 0.05). Moreover, positive expression of FOXA1 is likely to be associated with prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival rates. On the other hand, we observed a positive association between the expression of E-cadherin and FOXA1 (p = 0.0051) whereas Twist1 correlated negatively with FOXA1 (p = 0.004). Furthermore, knowing that LMP1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NPC, we explored the association of FOXA1 with the LMP1 gene expression in both NPC cell lines and tissues. We found that, in the C666-1 which displays low levels of LMP1, the expression of FOXA1 is high, and inversely in the C15 cell line that expresses a high level of LMP1, the level of FOXA1 is low. Besides, in accordance to our results, we found that in NPC tissues there is a negative association between LMP1 and FOXA1. In conclusion, our results suggest that the overexpression of FOXA1 is associated with a nonaggressive behavior and favorable prognosis in NPC patients. FOXA1 could contribute in the EMT process through key factors as E-cadherin, Twist1, and LMP1.