Metallic copper nanoparticles induce apoptosis in a human skin melanoma A-375 cell line.

In two earlier communications (Chatterjee et al 2012 Nanotechnology 23 085103, Chatterjee et al 2014 Nanotechnology 25 135101), we reported the development of a simple and unique method of synthesizing highly stable metallic copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) with high antibacterial activity. Here we report on the cytotoxic potency of the NPs against cancer cells. The value of the IC50 dose of the Cu NPs against human skin cancer cell A-375 was found to be 1.71 µg ml-1 only, which was much less than values reported so far, and this concentration had no cytotoxic effect on normal white blood cells. The NPs caused (i) lowering of cell membrane rigidity, (ii) DNA degradation, (iii) chromosomal condensation, (iv) cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, (v) depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and (vi) apoptosis of cells. Cellular apoptosis occurred in the caspase-9-mediated intrinsic pathway. This study revealed that our Cu NPs had high anticancer properties by killing tumor cells through the apoptotic pathway. Since this particle has high antibacterial activity, our Cu NPs might be developed in future as a dual action drug-anticancer as well as antibacterial.

Myiasis on squamous cell carcinoma of skin.

Advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a challenge for treatment. It is also a risk factor for unintended infestation with diptera larvae (maggots) known as myiasis. We performed a retrospective investigation in our files from 2001 to 2014 and identified three patients with SCC-associated myiasis (three men). In all three cases, Lucilia spp. were found. A literature review using PUBMED revealed another 12 cases of SCC-associated myiasis due to different species. It is not only a disease of older age, as two of the patients were in their 20s. The male to female ratio was 2 to 1. Wound myiasis and cavity myiasis were seen in half of the cases each. Pain, bleeding, and infection were possible symptoms due to infestation but not all patients reported complaints. Treatment aims to completely remove all maggots and to prevent secondary tissue damage with blindness due to eye ball destruction as one of the worst.

Lymphangiosarcoma arising after 33 years within a background of chronic filariasis: a case report with review of literature.

Cutaneous angiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma represents an uncommon aggressive tumor known to arise on a background of chronic lymphedema secondary to various etiologies, principally following surgery or irradiation. There have been rarely reported cases of angiosarcoma following infective conditions that eventuate with lymphatic stasis. We report a case of angiosarcoma arising after 33 years within a background of filariasis. Awareness of this association can lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this potentially fatal malignant tumor.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis mimicking inflammatory and neoplastic processes: a clinical, histopathological and molecular study of 57 cases.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis displays considerable variation in its histopathological and clinical presentation. Clinically, it progresses from a papule into a painless ulcerated and crusted nodule/papule. Microscopically, it progresses from sheets of amastigote-filled histiocytes to granulomatous inflammation. METHODS: The study was conducted on 145 skin biopsies from untreated patients with histopathological and/or clinical suspicion of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia (1992-2010). The pre-biopsy clinical diagnosis and demographic data were collected. Biopsies were evaluated for the major microscopic pattern, and the parasitic index (PI) was also determined. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by molecular sub-speciation. RESULTS: Of the 145 patients, 125 were confirmed as cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR. Eighteen cases presented with a pre-biopsy clinical diagnosis other than cutaneous leishmaniasis that ranged from dermatitis to neoplasm. Of the 125 cases, 57 showed a major histopathological pattern other than cutaneous leishmaniasis. Identification of amastigotes was equivocal (PI ≤1) in 38 of the 57 cases. Of interest, all the 18 cases with a pre-biopsy clinical diagnosis other than cutaneous leishmaniasis also showed atypical histopathology for cutaneous leishmaniasis. CONCLUSIONS: The manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis are broad and may mimic other inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Pathologists and dermatologists should be aware of such pitfalls and can utilize PCR to confirm the diagnosis of leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous myiasis in a malignant wound of the head and neck region.

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of vital tissue of humans or other mammals by dipterous larvae. Human myiasis is a rare clinic condition but more frequently seen in tropical and subtropical areas, in patients who have poor hygiene, have bad housing conditions, are with mental retardation, or have advanced age. We report a case of myiasis in a malignant wound (squamous cell carcinoma) in the head and neck region because a few literature reports were seen in this localization. The patient's treatment was antisepsis, larval removal, and general care preventions, whereas standard treatment options or guidelines are not available.

[Unsuspected visceral leishmaniasis infiltrating a squamous cell carcinoma]. / Leishmaniasis visceral insospechada infiltrando un carcinoma epidermoide.

Amastigotes of the genus Leishmania have been observed in biopsies of apparently unrelated lesions in patients with AIDS and visceral leishmaniasis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus infection and severe immunodepression in whom the presence of the parasite was detected as an incidental finding on histological study of a perianal squamous cell carcinoma. This finding led to the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of previously unsuspected visceral leishmaniasis. In a review of the literature we have found no previous examples of this association.

Typically atypical: histiocytoid Sweet syndrome, associated with malignancy.

Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) is characterized by a dramatic onset of high fever, neutrophilia and typical skin lesions. About 20 % of patients have an associated malignancy, most commonly hematologic diseases. Chronic and paucisymptomatic manifestations of Sweet syndrome may be misdiagnosed or misinterpreted as harmless, resulting in delayed diagnosis. "Atypical" manifestations are especially suspicious for associated malignancies. This is demonstrated by a 39-year old patient with chronic and afebrile disease who was referred to our clinic only after symptoms had persisted for several months. By that point, an underlying nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma had already reached an advanced stage. Skin biopsies revealed dermal infiltrates of histiocytoid cells of myelogenous origin, supporting a diagnosis of histiocytoid Sweet syndrome. Specific cutaneous infiltrates associated with myelogenous leukemia were ruled out.

Extensive myiasis infestation over a squamous cell carcinoma in the face. Case report.

Human myiasis is a parasitosis found in tropical and underdeveloped countries. It usually affects the elderly, unhealthy and mentally disabled individuals. It is caused by dipterous that lay their eggs in necrotic or infected tissues, although areas of the body that are apparently healthy can also be affected. Frequently the fly deposits several eggs on the peripheral parts of scratches and wounds. The treatment of myiasis involves mechanical removal of the larvae with hemostatic pincers. Larvae rupture must be avoided. Application of topical ether or similar volatile substance is useful. Preventive approach measures, including basic health care, hygiene, access to primary health service, and safe water and drainage, are fundamental to prevent human myiasis. The authors present a case report of myiasis infestation over an extensive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from a 72-year-old patient living in a rural area. Approximately 200 larvae were removed and the patient was taken to the hospital's head and neck surgery service.

Case Report: Cysticercosis: Sonographic Diagnosis of a Treatable Cause of Epilepsy and Skin Nodules.

A case of disseminated cysticercosis of brain, muscle subcutaneous tissue is reported and the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of the condition emphasized.

[Development of a PCR for the detection and quantification of parasitism by Demodex folliculorum infestation in biopsies of skin neoplasms periocular area]. / Desarrollo de una PCR para la detección y cuantificación de la parasitación por Demodex folliculorum en biopsias de neoplasias cutáneas del área periocula.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize the relative quantification by mass of tissue parasitism by Demodex folliculorum infestation from neoplastic skin biopsies periocular using molecular amplification to study the possible relationship of the appearance of eyelid basal cell carcinoma with the presence and density of the mite in later works. METHODS: A quantitative PCR was developed real-time probes TaqMan. PCR was tested in a pilot 46 actual biopsy samples nodular basal cell carcinoma series. RESULTS: The sensitivity was placed with a detection limit of between 1 and 10 copies / µl. 50% (23/46) of the biopsies were positive for D. folliculorum. The specificity was 100% confirmed by sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The technique shows good results for sensitivity and specificity that can make it useful as a tool for studies of cause and effect D. folliculorum and basal cell carcinoma.

Interferon alfa-2a and interleukin-2 with or without cisplatin in metastatic melanoma: a randomized trial of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Cooperative Group.

PURPOSE: The combination of interferon alfa-2a (IFN alpha) and high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) is active in metastatic melanoma. The addition of cisplatin (CDDP) has resulted in response rates greater than 50%. This study was performed to determine whether the addition of CDDP to a cytokine treatment regimen with IFN alpha and high-dose IL-2 influences survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced metastatic melanoma were randomly assigned to receive treatment with IFN alpha 10 x 10(6) U/m2 subcutaneously on days 1 through 5 and a high-dose intravenous decrescendo regimen of IL-2 on days 3 through 8 (18 mIU/ m2/6 hours, 18 mIU/m2/12 hours, 18 mIU/m2/24 hours, and 4.5 mIU/m2/24 hours x 3) without (arm A) or with (arm B) CDDP 100 mg/m2 on day 1. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days to a maximum of four cycles. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, of whom 87% had visceral metastases, were accrued for the trial. Both regimens were feasible in a multicenter setting. The objective response rate was 18% without and 33% with CDDP (P = .04). The progression-free survival was 53 days without and 92 days with CDDP (P = .02, Wilcoxon; P = .09, log-rank). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between treatment arms, with a median overall survival duration for all patients of 9 months. CONCLUSION: The addition of CDDP to cytokine treatment with IFN alpha and IL-2 does not influence survival of patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, despite a significant increase in response rate and progression-free survival.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare, locally aggressive, rarely metastatic skin tumor which tends to recur. A 45-year-old female presented with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on her breast as a recurrent nodule after excision. Lump was re-excised with wide margins and irradiated. Follow-up was done monthly for two years, with no recurrence.

Amebiasis complicating carcinomas: a diagnostic dilemma.

Two black African women and one black American man had carcinomas of cervix, perineum, and sigmoid colon, respectively. In each of these patients, trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica had invaded the surface of the tumor, and in some areas had invaded more deeply into the stroma between the tumor cells. Although it is well known that cutaneous amebiasis of anus, penis, vulva, and cervix can mimic squamous cell carcinoma, it may be, perhaps, less well known that carcinomas at these sites may be colonized by trophozoites of E. histolytica. In patients with amebiasis but without an associated carcinoma, a correct diagnosis of amebiasis spares the patient unnecessary and sometimes mutilating surgery. But a diagnosis of amebiasis, when there is an unrecognized underlying carcinoma, delays effective treatment of the carcinoma. A smear that establishes a diagnosis of cutaneous amebiasis, therefore, should be followed by biopsy to exclude or confirm an underlying carcinoma.

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (Gougerot-Carteaud).

Seven cases, one female and six males with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis are presented. Age range was 13-25 years and the skin disease had lasted for 6 months to 3 years. Initially, acanthosis nigricans was suspected in all cases as the skin histology was compatible with that diagnosis. Pityrosporum orbiculare was cultured in 4 cases, but treatment with selenium sulfide and miconazole was unsuccessfull. No endocrinological abnormities were revealed. Only associated feature was a marked xeroderma. The importance of the awareness of the disease is stressed.

Variation in response of channel catfish to Henneguya sp. infections (Protozoa: Myxosporidea).

Infections in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque) induced by the sporozoan Henneguya (Protozoa: Myxosporidea) result in seven known and diverse disease manifestations. Most outstanding is an interlamellar branchial form responsible for significant losses among immature catfish, and a unique papillomatous form. The question of whether or not the species of Henneguya involved in these cases is H. exilis remains to be resolved.

Concurrent primary and secondary myiasis on basal cell carcinoma.

Myiasis is a disease caused by infestation of fly larvae in human and other vertebrate tissues. It is a skin condition common in tropical and subtropical countries and its predisposing factors are: chronic diseases, immunodeficiency, poor hygiene, senility, psychiatric disorders, skin cancers and ulcerated mucosae. We report the case of a healthy patient who after traumatic injury of a preexisting lesion showed a tumor on the dorsal region parasitized by fly larvae. The histopathological examination performed for the diagnosis of skin neoplasm surprisingly revealed the presence of a partially degenerated larva with characteristics of Dermatobia hominis, suggesting an association of primary and secondary myiasis on basal cell carcinoma.

Distinct immunohistochemical phenotype of nonmelanoma skin cancers between renal transplant and immunocompetent populations.

BACKGROUND: Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), the most common malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), are more frequent and aggressive in KTR than in the general population. These phenomena could be caused by immunosuppressive treatments, both by decreasing immunosurveillance and by a direct oncogenic potential. METHODS: To assess the possible mechanisms involved in the clinical behavior of NMSC in KTR, we compared the tumoral expression of several molecule markers between 106 NMSC (basal cell carcinoma [BCC]; n=55, squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]; n=51) collected from 37 KTR and 51 control patients (CPs) from the general population. Immunohistochemical expression of transforming growth factor beta 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, protein 53 (p53), phospho-p70-S6-kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phospho-mTOR (Ser2448) were compared between KTR and CP and were also correlated with immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS: p53 expression and transforming growth factor beta intensity were greater in SCC from KTR than from CP. In contrast, phospho-mTOR and phospho-p70S6K (Thr421Ser424) expressions were higher in SCC from CP. p53 and phospho-p70S6K (Thr389) expression were higher in BCC from KTR than from CP. Expression of the other biological markers showed no statistically significant differences between SCC and BCC from KTR treated with or without calcineurin inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Several prooncogenic markers showed distinct patterns of expression in NMSC from KTR. These differential characteristics could be responsible for the clinical behavior of posttransplantation NMSC. Furthermore, these markers may constitute possible targets for future therapeutic approaches to NMSC in KTR and could help to guide immunosuppressive therapy.