Acrokeratosis verruciformis of Hopf exhibiting Darier disease-like cytological features.

The relationship between acrokeratosis verruciformis (AVH; also known as Hopf disease) and Darier disease (DD) has been debated for several decades. There is still substantial controversy over the characterization and association of AVH with DD. Certain histopathological features overlapping with those of DD have been demonstrated in patients with AVH. Although cytological findings have been described in DD, no study has identified the cytological changes in AVH. We report a case of AVH exhibiting a DD-like cytological manifestation. The samples from the most prominent lesions were examined by split-skin smear test. Cytological examination showed acantholytic keratinocytes, dyskeratotic acantholytic cells, corps ronds and grains. Histopathological examination showed compact hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, slight acanthosis, circumscribed epidermal elevations resembling church spires, and a cleft in the granular layer with several acantholytic cells. Our case indicates that the cytological findings of AVH are similar to those of DD.

Comparison of SKIP expression in malignant pleural mesotheliomas with Ki-67 proliferation index and prognostic parameters.

We aimed to determine the presence of SKI-interacting protein (SKIP) expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and its effect on prognosis by investigating SKIP correlation with the Ki-67 proliferation index and prognostic parameters. Pathological preparations of the patients diagnosed with MPM between 2006 and 2012 were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the expression of SKIP and the Ki-67 proliferation index. Correlations between SKIP expression, clinicopathological factors and survival were investigated. Survival data were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic value of the variables. In total, 52 patients were evaluated in the study; 36 of them were male and 16 were female. The mean age of the patients was 62.3 ±12.2 years. The median overall survival period was 8.5 months. Factors negatively affecting general survival in the univariate analysis included high SKIP expression, Ki-67 proliferative index over 30%, presence of non-epithelioid type MPM and stage III-IV disease (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that high SKIP expression, high Ki-67 proliferative index and presence of non-epithelioid type MPM are independent factors that affect the survival rate. Higher SKIP expression is associated with poor prognosis in MPM.

Effect of Intraperitoneal Thymoquinone on Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of thymoquinone on adhesion formation in a rat caecotomy/suture model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty wistar rats were randomized into three groups: The control group received saline and the thymoquinone group received 10 mg/kg thymoquinone after cecal caecotomy/suture model. In the sham group the abdominal wall was closed without any abrasion to the cecum. On day 15, adhesions were classified, and histopathological samples were taken. RESULTS: There were no incisional hernias or wound dehiscences. In comparing adhesion scores, a significant difference was found between the thymoquinone and the control groups (p < 0.05). The grade of inflammation for the thymoquinone and the sham groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in the sham and thymoquinone groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study in a rat peritoneal adhesion model, intraperitoneal administered thymoquinone has a strong anti-adhesive effect.