Villous adenoma of the prostatic urethra.

Primary villous adenoma originating from the urinary tract is an infrequent entity. We present a rare case of villous adenoma arising from a prostatic urethra with no sign of malignant transformation. Villous adenoma should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of urethral lesions, especially if it has similar magnetic resonance imaging features as its colonic counterpart. Due to its potential for malignant transformation, its complete resection is mandatory.

The prognostic significance of HER2 expression in urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Urothelial carcinoma poses a great challenge in disease management due to the high recurrence rate and a greater likelihood of disease progression. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is one of the proteins variably expressed in urothelial carcinoma, prompting its investigation as a potential predictive marker. The aim of this study was to assess the HER2 status in urothelial carcinoma, its correlation with tumour grade, tumour stage, recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 69 specimens of transurethral resection or cystectomy in patients with urothelial carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for HER2 was performed and the expressions were correlated with tumour grade, tumour stage, presence of recurrence and tumour progression. Staining was evaluated according to the same criteria of breast cancer. Scores of 2+ and 3+ were considered positive. The data were analysed using the chi-square test with statistical significance set at P <0.05. RESULTS: Positive HER2 expression was found in 13 cases (18.8%). HER2 positivity was significantly associated with high-grade tumours (P=0.005). However, there is no significant association with tumour stage, recurrence or progression. CONCLUSION: HER2 is potentially a good immunohistochemical marker for identifying patients with higher-grade urothelial carcinoma and stratifying patients for future targeted therapy.

Merkel cell carcinoma: Preparing to go the distance.

INTRODUCTION: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the skin, with poor clinical outcomes. Typical conditions include a rapidly growing, solitary dome-shaped, violaceous nodule. Several root causes have been identified - sun exposure, age, lighter skin, immunocompromised state, and polyomavirus infection. Wide local excision is the best treatment. The tumour is radiotherapy-responsive. However, the success rate of the treatment with chemotherapy is rather limited. Immunotherapy has shown promising results. Early detection is important to prevent morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: In this literature work, we reported on a particular case of MCC, as exhibited by an 84-year-old Chinese woman, and discussed the clinical features and management of MCC. DISCUSSION: We highlighted that MCC cases have a link to the polyomavirus 5. Patients who were identified with the Polyomavirus 5, and underwent immunotherapy, were seen to depict much better prognosis.

Salmonella enteritidis abdominal aorta mycotic aneurysm presented with acute cholestatic jaundice: A case report and literature review.

Mycotic aneurysm is one of the extra-intestinal manifestations of Salmonella Enteritidis infection. The diagnosis of this condition is challenging owed to its variation in clinical presentations. We presented a case of a 54-year-old man with underlying diabetes mellitus and chronic smokers presented with acute right flank pain and fever associated with mild jaundice. The initial laboratory investigations suggested features of obstructive jaundice and urinary tract infection. The contrast enhancing computed tomography of the abdomen revealed the presence of saccular mycotic aneurysm located at the infrarenal abdominal aorta. The blood culture grew Salmonella Enteritidis which was susceptible to ceftriaxone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Intravenous ceftriaxone was initiated, and he underwent open surgery and artery repair at day 8 of admission. He responded well to the treatment given and subsequently discharged home after completed three weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone.

[Telangiectasis: arterial or venous?]. / Telangiectasias: arteriales o venosas?

In this work we have tried to elucidate whether telangiectases are dilatations of the arteriolar or the venular sections of the circulation system. To this end, we have made use of resources which have allowed us to study in the first place, the wall of these small vascular dilatations and, in the second place, their content. Through our studies we could determine that telangiectases are originated by dilatation of the venular sector of the circulatory system.

Growth profile and SEM analyses of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli with Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb leaf extract.

Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb (Melong kecil) commonly known as 'Spider Lily' is an herbaceous plant from the family Amaryllidaceae. Study was carried out to determine the effect of H. littoralis leaf extract on the growth and morphogenesis of two pathogenic microbes, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. The leaf extract displayed favourable anticandidal and antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. Time kill study showed both microbes were completely killed after treated with leaf extract at 20 h. Both microbes' cell walls were heavily ruptured based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The significant anticandidal and antibacterial activities showed by H. littoralis leaf extract suggested the potential antimicrobial agent against C. albicans and E. coli.