The Effect of Reiki and Aromatherapy on Vital Signs, Oxygen Saturation, and Anxiety Level in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of Reiki and aromatherapy on vital signs, oxygen saturation, and anxiety level in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The sample consisted of 100 patients divided into Reiki (n = 34), aromatherapy (n = 33), and control (n = 33) groups. Data were collected 3 times (before, during, and after the procedure) using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, a follow-up form, and the State Anxiety Subscale. The Reiki group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 53.59 ± 2.98 and 43.94 ± 4.31 before and after the procedure, respectively. The aromatherapy group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 54.03 ± 4.03 and 43.85 ± 3.91 before and after the procedure, respectively. The control group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 38.79 ± 4.68 and 53.30 ± 7.26 before and after the procedure, respectively (P < .05). The results showed that the Reiki and aromatherapy groups had significantly lower State Anxiety Subscale scores than the control group after the procedure, indicating that Reiki and aromatherapy help reduce anxiety levels. There was a significant difference in the mean respiratory rates and oxygen saturation levels between the groups (P < .05). In conclusion, patients who do Reiki or undergo aromatherapy are less likely to experience anxiety before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

FOXA1 is associated with high tumor grade, myometrial invasion and lymph node invasion in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: FOXA1 expression has been demonstrated in several hormone-dependent cancers. However, data are limited concerning the role of FOXA1 in endometrial cancers. The present study aimed to investigate FOXA1 expression via the microarray technique in benign hyperplasia, endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, and endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. We also aimed to determine whether there were any associations between FOXA1 expression, tumor grade, myometrial invasion and lymphatic invasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded sections prepared from samples obtained from 114 patients who underwent surgical hysterectomy or curettage were analyzed. Data were retrieved from digitally-stored medical records. Tissue microarrays were prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Full tumor sections were used for immunohistochemical analysis performed. RESULTS: Carcinomas with nuclear grade 3 had higher FOXA1 values than others, while grade 2 carcinomas also had higher FOXA1 values relative to grade 1 (p < 0.001). FOXA1 values of FIGO stage III carcinomas were significantly higher than others and stage II values were also significantly higher than stage I FOXA1 values (p < 0.001). Patients with myometrial and lymph node invasion had significantly higher FOXA1 values than others (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). FOXA1 had 91.30% sensitivity, 63.60% specificity and 77.78% accuracy for predicting the presence of myometrial invasion with a cut-off value of 9. CONCLUSIONS: FOXA1 expression is higher in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma compared to benign endometrial hyperplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia. In patients with endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, high FOXA1 expression is associated with high tumor grade, myometrial and lymph node invasion. However, FOXA1 expression is not associated with lymphovascular or cervical invasion.

The extent of cyclin D1 expression in endometrial pathologies and relevance of cyclin D1 with the clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin D1, a member of the cyclin protein family, is instrumental in the cell cycle due to its influence on the progression from G1 to the S phase. Its overexpression causes reduced doubling time and is also associated with clonogenic growth. The purpose of the present study was to assess cyclin D1 expression in patients with simple hyperplasia (SH), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, and to evaluate whether there was an association between cyclin D1 expression and the clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Retrospective data were available for 193 patients (30 SH, 40 EIN, and 123 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma cases). To detect cyclin D1 expression, immunohistochemistry staining was performed with tissue microarrays. RESULTS: The percentage of cases with positive cyclin D1 staining were 30%, 60% and 78%, for SH, EIN and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, respectively (P < 0.001). Carcinomas with higher nuclear grade, histological grade, and FIGO grade displayed higher mean cyclin D1 expression compared to lower grade carcinomas. In addition, patients with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.006), myometrial invasion (P < 0.001) and lymph node invasion (P < 0.001) had higher mean cyclin D1 expression compared to those without invasion. There was a significant correlation between cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma including tumor grade, FIGO grade, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node invasion and myometrial invasion (P < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: Cyclin D1 expression is significantly higher in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma compared to that of the SH and EIN. The extent of cyclin D1 expression is strongly correlated with nuclear and histological grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node invasion in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. These findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of cyclin D1 expression and provide a basis for future research on this topic.

The risk of malignancy according to Milan reporting system of salivary gland fine-needle aspiration with Becton Dickinson SurePath liquid-based processing.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a noninvasive, safe, cost-effective, diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of salivary gland lesions and the selection of patients for surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of malignancy (ROM) according to the Milan reporting system of salivary gland FNA specimens using a liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique. METHODS: The cytological diagnosis of 459 cases between 2014 and 2017 was revised according to the Milan reporting system. The FNAC results of 129 cases with a histological diagnosis were compared with respect to the final diagnosis. The ROM for each category calculated. RESULTS: The ROM was high in the indeterminate and malignant categories, while the ROM in the benign neoplasm category was low. Sensitivity and specificity analyzed in two different ways were 95.1% and 88.8%, 81%, and 77.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When salivary gland lesions are evaluated together with clinical and radiological data, the LBC technique can be applied to salivary gland specimens based on the high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in liquid-based samples reported according to the Milan system.

The diagnostic significance of trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2 expression in benign and malignant thyroid lesions.

CONTEXT: Thyroid cancers are the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Over-expression of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) in various tumors has been found to correlate with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor behavior. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluateTROP-2 expression in thyroid neoplasms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study contained 152 cases, including 48 follicular nodular disease (FND), 29 follicular adenoma (FA), 57 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 12 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 3 medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), 2 poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and 1 undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (UDTC). TROP-2 expression was investigated via immunohistochemistry in sections prepared from paraffin blocks of the cases. RESULTS: The cases comprised 32 (21%) males and 120 (79%) females with a mean age of 46.8 years (range, 15-85 years). TROP-2 expression was observed in 74.6% of the malignant lesions of the thyroid except for medullary carcinoma, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma. Immunoreactivity was 3.4% in FA, 41.7% of cases with FTC and 81.8% in PTC follicular variant (PTC fv). The difference between FA/FTC and FA/PTC follicular variant were both significant (P < 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between FTC/PTC fv (P = 0.089). CONCLUSION: TROP-2 can be considered a useful marker for distinguishing PTC fv cases from follicular nodular disease and follicular adenoma cases because of its high sensitivity in the identification of papillary carcinomas of the thyroid.

Effect of a new cross-linked hyaluronan gel on the staple line after sleeve gastrectomy in a rat model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a new cross-linked hyaluronan (NCHA) gel on healing of the staple line in an experimental sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (n = 6) received no medication. In the saline group (n = 6) and NCHA gel group (n = 6), saline and NCHA gel were respectively administered onto the staple line and intraperitoneally into the abdominal cavity after the standard stapling procedure. RESULTS: The fibroblast activity and collagen deposition were significantly higher in the NCHA gel group than in the control group (p = 0.00, p = 0.017) and saline group (p = 0.004, p = 0.015). The tissue hydroxyproline protein level was significantly higher in the NCHA gel group than in the control group (p = 0.041). Adhesion formation was significantly lower in the NCHA gel group than in the control and saline groups (p = 0.015, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: New cross-linked hyaluronan gel could be an effective approach to improve staple line wound healing and prevent potential leakage after sleeve gastrectomy. Moreover, NCHA gel helps to prevent adhesion formation without compromising healing of the staple line.

Effect of a new cross-linked hyaluronan gel on the staple line after sleeve gastrectomy in a rat model

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a new cross-linked hyaluronan (NCHA) gel on healing of the staple line in an experimental sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (n = 6) received no medication. In the saline group (n = 6) and NCHA gel group (n = 6), saline and NCHA gel were respectively administered onto the staple line and intraperitoneally into the abdominal cavity after the standard stapling procedure. Results: The fibroblast activity and collagen deposition were significantly higher in the NCHA gel group than in the control group (p = 0.00, p = 0.017) and saline group (p = 0.004, p = 0.015). The tissue hydroxyproline protein level was significantly higher in the NCHA gel group than in the control group (p = 0.041). Adhesion formation was significantly lower in the NCHA gel group than in the control and saline groups (p = 0.015, p = 0.041). Conclusions: New cross-linked hyaluronan gel could be an effective approach to improve staple line wound healing and prevent potential leakage after sleeve gastrectomy. Moreover, NCHA gel helps to prevent adhesion formation without compromising healing of the staple line.

HMGB1 expression in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE: HMGB1, the most important member of the high mobility group box protein family, is a nuclear protein with different functions in the cell; it has a role in cancer progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis development. We studied the expression of HMGB1 and whether it is a prognostic factor in urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) or not. METHODS: The study included 90 cases that were histopathologically diagnosed with UCB in the tissue samples obtained by transurethral resection (TUR). HMGB1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients, 80 (88.9%) male and 10 (11.1%) female, were enrolled in the study. The histopathological diagnosis was infiltrating urothelial carcinoma (IUC) in 63 (70.0%) and non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (NIPUC) in 27 (30.0%). When the NIPUC cases were grouped according to grade, 24 (88.9%) of the cases were low grade and 3 (11.1%) were high grade. HMGB1 expression was found positive in 51 (56.7%) and negative in 39 (43.3%) of the patients. HMGB1 expression was significantly higher in IUCs (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate that HMGB1 overexpression has a significant role in UCB progression and it corroborates the idea that it might be an important prognostic factor.

The value of 18FDG PET/CT parameters, hematological parameters and tumor markers in predicting KRAS oncogene mutation in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we investigated the predictive value of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR), platelets/lymphocytes ratio (PLR), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9) in the prediction of KRAS gene mutation which plays an important role in the choice of treatment in colorectal cancer patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 55 cases with untreated colorectal cancer who had undergone both PET/CT examinations for initial staging and also mutation analysis of KRAS oncogene were studied. Fluorine-18-FDG PET/CT parameters (SUVmax, MTV, TLG), hematological parameters (NLR, PLR), and tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9) were recorded and the relationship between these parameters and KRAS oncogene mutation was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In 20 cases mutations in the KRAS gene were detected, while in 35 cases mutations were not observed (wild-type). ROC analysis revealed that SUVmax, MTV, TLG, NLR, PLR, and CA 19-9 could not predict mutations in KRAS oncogene (P=0.600, 0.263, 0.214, 0.057, 0.104, 0.189, respectively) although CEA value showed signi..cant difference (P=0.031) but without high value of the area under the curve (0.676). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also did not show significant association between KRAS gene mutations and SUVmax, MTV, TLG, NLR, PLR, CEA, CA 19-9 values. CONCLUSION: We observed that in patients with colorectal cancers, we cannot predict KRAS gene mutations using PET/CT parameters (SUVmax, MTV, TLG), hematological parameters (NLR, PLR) or tumor marker CA 19-9. We detected a significant but not very strong association only between CEA and KRAS mutations.

Expression of claudin 1, 4 and 7 in thyroid neoplasms.

The distinction of thyroid carcinoma from benign thyroid neoplasm, as well as the subtyping of papillary carcinoma (PC) and follicular carcinoma (FC), may be performed histopathologically in the majority of cases. However, in certain cases, it is difficult to histopathologically distinguish between PC and FC, as well as follicular adenoma (FA), FC and the dominant nodule of multinodular goiter (MNG-DN). The present study aimed to determine the roles of the expression levels of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, 4 and 7 in the differential diagnosis of PC, FC, FA, MNG-DN, medullary carcinoma (MC) and anaplastic carcinoma (AC). The current study included 114 cases of histopathologically diagnosed thyroid neoplasia, which were distributed as follows: 29 FA, 18 MNG-DN, 47 PC, 10 FC, 5 MC and 5 AC. The expression levels of claudin 1, 4 and 7 were examined using immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed a significant difference in claudin 1 expression between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms (P<0.001). Claudin 1 expression was not detected in any of the MNG-DN cases, and no significant difference in claudin 1 expression levels was identified between FA and FC (P=0.653). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between FC and PC (P<0.001). Claudin 4 expression did not differ between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms, neither between MNG-DN, FA and FC, nor between FC and PC (P=0.068, P=0.502 and P=0.481, respectively). Claudin 7 exhibited positive immunohistochemical staining in 107 patients (94%); however, no significant difference in claudin 7 expression §levels was identified between malignant and benign thyroid neoplasms among MNG-DN, FA and FC (malignant, P=0.135; benign, P=0.470). Claudin 7 exhibited positive staining in all PC and FC cases. Therefore, claudin 1 expression levels may be useful in distinguishing cases of FC and PC with overlapping histopathological features, and provide a novel immunohistochemical marker for the subtyping of thyroid carcinoma.

Leptin and leptin receptors in salivary glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The role of leptin in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) pathogenesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of leptin and leptin receptor (LEPR) in minor salivary glands in patients with SS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of leptin and LEPR in minor salivary gland specimens obtained from patients with primary SS (n=50) and control subjects (n=50) were examined using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Acinar cells, epithelial cells and adipocytes in salivary glands can express leptin and LEPR. It was observed that there was intense staining in the focal lymphocytic infiltration areas in SS patients. The intensity of leptin and LEPR staining under microscopy (400×) were graded semiquantitatively as negative, mild, moderate or strongly positive, and scored as 1, 2 or 3, respectively. The expression levels of leptin and LEPR in patients with primary SS were not higher than in controls. There was no significant difference in degrees of leptin and LEPR staining, staining intensity, and immunoreactive scores between groups. The expression of leptin and LEPR were not correlated with autoantibodies such as RF, ANA, anti-Ro, and/or anti-La positivity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that leptin and its receptors do not play an important role in primary SS pathophysiology.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of E-Cadherin, p53 and Inhibin-α Expression in Hydatidiform Mole and Hydropic Abortion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α immunostaining in the differential diagnosis of hydropic abortion (HA), partial hydatidiform mole (PHM), and complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α protein expression patterns were investigated immunohistochemically using paraffin -embedded tissue sections from histologically diagnosed cases of HA (n = 23), PHM (n = 24), and CHM (n = 23). Expression patterns of these markers were scored semi-quantitatively according to the staining intensity, percentage of positive cells, and immunoreactivity score. Classification of cases was established on histologic criteria and supported by the molecular genotyping. Immunostaining allowed the identification of specific cell types with E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α expression in all cases. E-cadherin expression was detected on the cell surface of villous cytotrophoblasts. We observed a marked decline in the expression of E-cadherin from HAs to PHMs to CHMs. The p53-positive reaction was restricted to the nucleus of villous cytotrophoblasts. Significantly increased p53 expression was observed in CHMs, compared with HAs and PHMs. The expression of inhibin-α was localised in the cytoplasm of villous syncytiotrophoblasts, and the expression of this marker was significantly higher in PHMs and CHMs than HAs. In conclusion, immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin, p53, and inhibin-α expression could serve as a useful adjunct to conventional methods in the differential diagnosis of HA, PHM, and CHM.

Expression pattern and prognostic significance of claudin 1, 4 and 7 in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tight junctions (TJs) organise paracellular permeability and they have an important role in epithelial and endothelial cell polarity and permanence of barrier function. It has been demonstrated that the Claudin family constitutes an important component of them. In this study, we assessed expression patterns of of Claudin1, 4 and 7 and whether they have any relation with prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression patterns of Claudin 1,4 and 7 were examined by immunohistochemistry in 25 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of pancreatic cancer using a semiquantitative scoring of the extent and intensity of staining. After grouping the staining scores as low (final score 0-2) and high (final score 3-9) the relation between expression of Claudin 1,4 and 7 and survival was evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant relation between expression of Claudin 1,4 and 7 and gender and stage. No statistically significant relation was found between Claudin 1 and 4 expression and survival whereas a statistically significant relation was found between decrease in Claudin 7 expression and decrease in survival. CONCLUSIONS: Claudins have important functions other than their popular function known as adhesion. Supporting this hypothesis, we found a statistically significant relationship between increased Claudin 7 expression and increased survival time, and this suggests that Claudin 7 may exert different tumorigenic effects in pancreatic cancer other than its well- known adhesion effect.

Biphasic synovial sarcoma of the hypopharynx.

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm usually involving the extremities of young adults. Localization in the head and neck region is rare. Histologically, these lesions have biphasic and monophasic variants, the latter being more rare and difficult to identify. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis. We report a case of a biphasic synovial sarcoma arising in the hypopharynx with a review of the literature concerning this rare neoplasm.

Expression patterns of claudins 1, 4, and 7 and their prognostic significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Tight junction (TJ) proteins in the cells organize paracellular permeability, and they have a critical role in apical cell-to-cell adhesion and epithelial polarity. In our study, the expression patterns of claudins 1, 4, and 7 and their relationship with prognosis were determined in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Claudins 1, 4, and 7 were stained immunohistochemically in 18 biopsy samples of nasopharyngeal carcinomas that included non-neoplastic surface epithelium and dysplastic epithelium in addition to the tumor tissue. The files of these patients were scanned and the stage of disease and treatment received were obtained along with demographic data such as age and gender. RESULTS: Overexpression of claudins 1, 4, and 7 in non-neoplastic surface epithelium was found in 14 (77.7%), 16 (88.8%), and 10 (55.5%) cases respectively; in dysplastic surface epithelium overexpression was found in 8 (44.4%), 13 (72.2%), and 4 (22.2%) cases, respectively; and in invasive tumor areas overexpression was found in 13 (72.2%), 9 (50%), and 10 (55.6%) cases respectively. Increased claudin 4 expression was related to advanced stage (p=0.014). There was a significant relationship determined between claudin 4 and 7 expression and decreased survival (p=0.018, p=0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION: The fact that a statistically significant relationship was found between claudin 4 expression and advanced stage, and similarly a statistically significant relationship was found between claudin 4 & 7 expression and decreased survival gives rise to thoughts that especially claudin 4 and 7 could have different tumorigenic effects on nasopharyngeal carcinoma besides their known adhesion characteristics.

Ultrasonography for the prediction of extension of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall in ampullary pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Predictive factors of damage to the Fallopian tube may guide the treatment for patients with tubal pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of ultrasonographic findings in patients affected by ampullary pregnancy for the determination of the depth of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall on histological examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 patients with ampullary pregnancy undergoing salpingectomy were enrolled into the study. The patients were divided into two subgroups depending on their transvaginal sonography (TVS) findings; either an ectopic gestational sac containing an embryo with cardiac activity or those with a tubal ring. The ampullary pregnancies were histologically classified according to the depth of infiltration of trophoblastic tissue into the tubal wall as follows: stage I: limited to mucosa; stage II: extension to the muscularis layer; stage III: complete infiltration of the tubal wall with or without rupture of the serosa. The association between findings on TVS and stage of trophoblastic invasion, serum beta-human chorionic gonodatropin (ß-hCG) levels was evaluated. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference among two groups in terms of histological stage of trophoblastic infiltration (p = 0.257), patients in whom an embryo with cardiac activity had been identified were found to have higher percentage of stage II (47.8%) or stage III (8.7%) invasion. However, there was a significant difference in serum ß-hCG levels on the day of surgery among the two groups (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic aspect of ampullary pregnancy is associated with depth of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall and serum ß-hCG levels.

Significance of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall in ampullary pregnancy.

A total of 81 patients with an ampullary ectopic pregnancy undergoing salpingectomy were enrolled in the study. The ampullary pregnancies were classified according to the depth of trophoblastic infiltration into tubal wall as follows: Stage I, limited to mucosa; Stage II, extension to the tubal muscularis; Stage III, complete tubal wall infiltration up to the serosa. An association was observed between serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels and the depth of trophoblastic infiltration. Significantly higher severe ischemic changes and rupture of tubal wall were observed in patients with stage III infiltration compared with the other groups. A significant association was found between the absolute depth of trophoblastic invasion and severe ischemic changes, and also rupture of serosa. In conclusion, serum ß-hCG levels are associated with depth of trophoblastic invasion into the tubal wall, severe ischemic changes, and rupture of the tubal wall.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in malignant thyroid nodules: utility for micronodules.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic approach to thyroid nodules involves ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB).We especially aimed to evaluate the contribution and the place of US-FNAB in preoperative evaluation of the malignant cases and draw attention to discordant cases diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 276 cases were retrospectively reviewed who were subsequently diagnosed with a malignancy and who underwent US-FNAB. RESULTS: Some 45 were found to have previously undergone the US-FNAB procedure. Of the patients in whom the surgical specimen was diagnosed with a malignancy, 21 (46.7%) were diagnosed as malignant or suspicious for malignancy, and 24 (53.3%) were concluded as benign or insufficient for diagnosis. Patients with the diagnosis of PTMC outnumbering the others was a striking finding (11 cases, 24%). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest performing repeat aspiration biopsy considering sampling errors in cases where inconsistency exists between clinical findings and cytological results in thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm in diameter and with suspicious findings on ultrasonography.

Prognostic role of Aurora-A expression in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Aurora kinase family plays an important role in mitosis and cell cycle organization. Aurora-A is an important member of the aurora kinase family and its expression increases the genomic instability and contributes to carcinogenesis. In this study, the prognostic role of Aurora-A expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) was assessed. METHODS: Metastatic CRC patients, whose diagnoses were histopathologically confirmed and who were followed up at the Antalya Education and Research Hospital between 2008 and 2010, were included in the study. Aurora-A expression was assessed with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. Aurora-A expression was determined as positive in 33 (82.5%) patients and as negative in 7 (17.5%). No significant correlation was determined between Aurora-A expression and tumor location, metastatic location and histological subtype (p=0.549, 0.511, and 0.709, respectively). Also, no significant correlation was determined between Aurora-A expression and overall survival (p=0.202). Median survival was 8.7 months (95) confidence interval/CI 6.9-10.4) in patients with negative Aurora-A expression, whereas it was 22.6 months (95% CI 12-33.3) in patients with positive Aurora-A expression (p=0.202). CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of statistical significance, we speculate that Aurora-A overexpression may have a positive effect on the survival of patients. With this regard, there is a need for further comprehensive studies examining the relation and effect of Aurora-A expression on survival and response to treatment.

Lack of any prognostic role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the IGF1R expression has a prognostic role in non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients histopathologically diagnosed with small cell lung cancer upon bronchoscopic biopsy or resection materials were included in the study. IGF1R expression was examined via immunohistochemical methods. In samples, >10% staining were assessed as positive and ≤10% as negative. Information about demographic datas and treatments was obtained by retrospective searches of patient files. RESULTS: IGF1R expression was determined as positive in 38 (80.9%) and as negative in 9 (19.1%) patients. There was no significant relation between IGF1R expression and histological sub-type, local invasion, lymph node and metastasis status (p=0.842, p=0.437, 0.064, 0.447, respectively). There was also no correlation with IGF1R expression and survival (p=0.141). CONCLUSIONS: There are conflicting results between IGF1R and its prognostic effects in the various studies. It has been claimed in some studies it is not related to prognosis as in our study, and in some studies it has been claimed that it is a good prognostic factor whereas in some studies it has been claimed as being a factor for worse prognosis. We think that IGF1R expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients deserves further analysis, because of its potential prognostic and predictive roles.