High lysyl oxidase expression is an indicator of poor prognosis in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours.

Mast cell tumour (MCT) is one of the most frequent skin tumours in dogs. Due to their unpredictable biological behaviour, MCTs often cause several therapeutic frustrations, leading to investigation regarding prognostic markers. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme that promotes extracellular matrix stability and contributes to cell migration, angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Its expression positively correlates with poor prognoses in several human and canine mammary cancers. The aim of this study was to characterise the immunohistochemical expression of LOX in MCT samples and compare it with histological grading and post-surgical survival. Twenty-six tumours were submitted to immunohistochemistry for LOX expression evaluation. All samples were positive for LOX, with variable percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity. Cytoplasmic positivity was significantly higher in high-grade MCTs (P = .0297). Our results indicate that high expression of cytoplasmic LOX in neoplastic mast cells is an indicator of poor prognosis for canine cutaneous MCTs.

Flushing episodes in the context of frontal fibrosing alopecia with facial papules.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a progressive frontotemporal hairline recession with eyebrow loss. Facial papules are present in up to 14% of FFA cases and can start with facial flushes. Nevertheless, these flushes are commonly associated with rosacea, a much more prevalent disease. In this case, a woman with FFA had, at first, clinical and histopathological findings of rosacea and was treated with ivermectin 1% cream with no improvement. She returned reporting new papules in the frontal region, reaching the frontotemporal hairline. Trichoscopy of the scalp showed mild perifollicular erythema and follicular scale. The new skin biopsy was compatible with FFA, and oral finasteride (5 mg/day) and hydroxychloroquine were introduced to stabilise the disease.

Galectin-3 immunolabelling correlates with BCL2 expression in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours.

Mast cell tumour (MCT) is the most frequent skin neoplasm in dogs. These tumours are characterised by variable behaviour and clinical presentation that make prognosis an important and challenging task in the veterinary practice. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is known to influence several biological processes that are important in the cancer context and has been described as a prognostic marker for several human cancers. The aim of the present work was to characterise Gal-3 immunolabelling in canine cutaneous MCTs and to investigate its value as a prognostic marker for the disease. Thirty-four random cases of canine cutaneous MCT that were surgically treated with wide margins were included in this study. Gal-3 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and the results were compared with the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, Ki67 index, histopathological grades, mortality due to the disease and post-surgical survival. The majority of the MCTs (65.8%) were positive for Gal-3. Gal-3 immunolabelling was variable among the samples (2.7%-86.8% of the neoplastic cells). The protein was located in the cytoplasm or in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Gal-3 positivity was correlated with BCL2 expression (P < 0.001; r = 0.604), but not with Ki67 and BAX. No significant differences were detected between histological grades or in the survival analysis. Gal-3 expression correlates with BCL2 expression in MCTs. Although an efficient marker for several human neoplasms, the results presented herein suggest that Gal-3 immunolabelling is not an independent prognostic indicator for this disease.

Prognostic Value of Intratumoral Collagen Quantification in Canine Oral Melanomas.

The majority of the melanocytic neoplasms are considered malignant and highly metastatic. However, a subset of the melanocytic tumors has a more favorable prognosis and the identification of precise prognostic markers for this neoplasm may be useful to guide treatment. The collagen architecture and density have been shown to correlate with tumor progression in human breast cancer and canine mast cell tumors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of the intratumoral collagen index (ICI) as an indicator of postsurgical survival and its relation with other prognostic markers for canine oral melanomas (OMs). Twenty-two cases were tested for intratumoral collagen density using Masson's trichrome stain and morphometry. No differences were found between dogs regarding survival. The ICI was not correlated with proliferative activity or nuclear atypia. The results presented herein indicate that the quantity of intratumoral collagen in canine OMs is not an efficient indicator of postsurgical survival. Complementary studies about the expression and activity of enzymes that are capable of degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components are necessary.

Ultrasound-guided poly-l-lactic acid nodule excision: The importance of the injector ultrasonographic experience.

The possibilities for facial and body treatments are wide, but when it comes to treatment for the cervical region, the options are more restricted and among them, the use of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) stands out. PLLA is used for collagen biostimulation and improvement of skin turgor with good results; however this procedure is not free of complications, and for the treatment of these, a correct diagnosis is essential. As it is esthetic medicine, the guarantee of results requires that complications are not tolerated, and thus, any resource that enriches the diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal is of great value. The objective of this study is to report the diagnosis of a PLLA nodule with the help of high-frequency ultrasound, establishing a clinical, radiological, and histopathological correlation, in a patient submitted to PLLA injection for esthetic improvement of the cervical region. We present a case in a female patient presenting a nodule in the cervical region after the application of PLLA, where we performed the excision guided by high-frequency ultrasound. Mastering the diagnostic technique with high-frequency ultrasound can play a valuable role in indicating early surgical exeresis, also contributing to complete patient care. It allows the application of the product, monitoring, diagnosis of the complication, and treatment to be carried out dynamically and precisely by the injector.

Nanog Expression and Proliferation Indices in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors.

Mast cell tumors are one of the most frequent skin tumors in dogs. Treatment decisions often depend on a wide range of clinical information and the main criteria for prognostic formulation are histological grade, mitotic count, Ki67 index, and KIT immunostaining pattern. NANOG is a pluripotency factor expressed by normal and cancer stem cells, which is a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for several human tumors. In the present study, mast cell tumor samples from 41 dogs were evaluated for NANOG and Ki67 by immunohistochemistry. All samples were positive for NANOG but its expression was not correlated with Ki67 index and no significant differences were found with respect to histopathological grades, disease-related mortality, or survival. Our results suggest that, although related to pluripotency, NANOG expression does not correlate with proliferative activity, and is not a reliable prognostic factor for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.

Wooly hair nevus.

Woolly hair nevus is a rare condition characterized by a structural anomaly of the hair, restricted to certain areas of the scalp. The hair becomes coiled and slightly hypopigmented. The term woolly hair refers to changes that affect all the scalp and has a hereditary character. We present a case of woolly hair nevus, that developed at the age of 2 years, associated with dental diastema and verrucous epidermal nevus.

Magnetic transcutaneous fixation: an experimental study in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic subdermal implants have never been studied in the context of magnetic fixation of an external device to the body's surface. Excessive attractive force between the implant and the external device may compromise local circulation due to mechanical compression, leading to necrosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of transcutaneous magnetic fixation and assess secondary skin changes when subjected to a continuous static magnetic field. METHODS: Using the pig as an animal model, 72 implants were introduced in 12 animals. After wound healing, ultrasonography was performed to measure implant depths. Computer simulations were applied to allow magnetic attachment between implants and external devices without impairing local blood flow. External devices of different magnetic strengths were applied over the skin for 7 days. Local skin was examined and collected for analysis. A senior dermatopathologist blindly examined skin specimens and controls for abnormal findings, measuring dermal and epidermal thickness. Statistical analysis (P <0.05) was performed over the data. RESULTS: Nineteen implants presented extrusion. The remaining 53 skin sites underwent magnetic compression, of which 43 (81%) evolved uneventfully. Implant depth varied between 4.6 mm and 8.3 mm (5.8 mm; ± 8.6 mm) with estimated pressure levels between 13.28 mmHg and 37.04 mmHg (27.6 mmHg; ±6.0 mmHg). Stronger magnets were associated with an increase in dermal thickness (P = 0.011) and neovascularization (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous magnetic fixation is compatible with skin viability in vivo, under experimental conditions. Skin interposition between two permanent magnets resulted in a continuous static magnetic field stimulation, which showed similar effects to pulsed electromagnetic fields reported on scientific literature.

CD30-positive cutaneous lymphoma: report of four cases with an emphasis on clinicopathological correlations.

The classification of cutaneous lymphomas is multidisciplinary and requires the correlation between clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular diagnostic elements. In this article, we present four different cases of CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous manifestations. We compare cases with definitive diagnosis of papulosis lymphomatoid type C, primary cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma with secondary skin involvement, and mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation, highlighting the importance of clinicopathological correlation to classify these cases.

CD30-positive cutaneous lymphoma: report of four cases with an emphasis on clinicopathological correlations

Abstract: The classification of cutaneous lymphomas is multidisciplinary and requires the correlation between clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular diagnostic elements. In this article, we present four different cases of CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous manifestations. We compare cases with definitive diagnosis of papulosis lymphomatoid type C, primary cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma with secondary skin involvement, and mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation, highlighting the importance of clinicopathological correlation to classify these cases.

Prurigo Pigmentosa-Report of 3 Cases From Brazil and Literature Review.

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare inflammatory disease of the skin of uncertain etiology first reported in Japan. It is typified by recurrent eruptions of itching urticarial macules, papules, vesicopapules, and plaques with a reticular arrangement that quickly resolve leaving a net-like pigmentation. The disease presents specific histopathological features. Herein, 3 cases of PP in Brazilians with no Japanese ancestry are reported and a revision of all previous English-language case reports indexed on PubMed is provided. Two articles with original case reports not listed on PubMed were also included. Our patients are 2 women and 1 man at the ages of 39, 33, and 22 years, respectively. All 3 presented findings in consonance with previous cases of PP and were diagnosed based on clinicopathological correlation. They were successfully treated with oral minocycline or doxycycline. In our literature review, a total of 210 previously reported cases were included. Although PP seemed to be restricted to Japanese patients in the first years after its recognition, the geographic boundaries of the disease are continuously expanding. Korea responded for 83 previous cases and Japan for 53. The mean age was 24.4 years, with 84.3% of the cases occurring between 11 and 30 years of age. The female/male rate was 2.6 and the most affected anatomical sites were back, chest, and neck. We do believe that the rarity of case reports in western countries may represent lack of awareness about the disease by dermatologists and dermatopathologists in these regions.

Wooly hair nevus

Abstract Woolly hair nevus is a rare condition characterized by a structural anomaly of the hair, restricted to certain areas of the scalp. The hair becomes coiled and slightly hypopigmented. The term woolly hair refers to changes that affect all the scalp and has a hereditary character. We present a case of woolly hair nevus, that developed at the age of 2 years, associated with dental diastema and verrucous epidermal nevus.

Linear IgA and IgG bullous dermatosis

Abstract Childhood linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis is a rare autoimmune vesiculobullous disease. It results in linear deposition of autoantibodies (immunoglobulin A) against antigens in the basal membrane zone, leading to subepidermal cleavage. Additional depositions of immunoglobulin G and complement-3 might occur. It is still debated whether concomitant findings of immunoglobulins A and G should be considered a subtype of this dermatosis or a new entity. Further studies are needed to recognize this clinical variant.

Paradoxical psoriasis after the use of anti-TNF in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract The use of tumor necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNF) has become a usual practice to treat various inflammatory diseases. Although indicated for the treatment of psoriasis, anti-TNF may paradoxically trigger a psoriasiform condition. We present a case of a female patient who, during the use of infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis, developed psoriasis. In an attempt to switch anti-TNF class, we observed a cumulative worsening of the lesions requiring suspension of the immunobiological agent and the introduction of other drugs for clinical control. The therapeutic challenge of this paradoxical form of psoriasis is the focus of our discussion. The use of another anti-TNF in these patients is a matter of debate among experts.

Plant characters of broccoli determinants of head production / Caracteres de plantas do brócolis determinantes da produção de cabeça

ABSTRACT: The increasing consumption of single-head broccoli is due to several factors, among them there are food production in minimally processing form and the existence of hybrids that adapt to various climates, in addition to the simple harvesting of this typical architecture.This study aimed to identify the most relevant plant characters of broccoli, represented by growth characters, which are determinant in the production and canopy area. The study was conducted in an experimental area in Pato Branco city, PR. The 11 characters were evaluated for 365 plants, spaced with 0.8x0.5m, on a blank experiment. The characters of group 1 (height, number of leaves, stem height, stem diameter) were evaluated on the 21 and 58 day after transplanting (DAT), and the leaf area was evaluated on the 17 and 32 DAT. The characters of group 2 were quantity of fresh head mass and canopy area. At the initial stage of cultivation, on the 17 and 21 DAT, variations in the plants characters did not lead toany variation in production. The higher number of leaves and the larger stem diameter on the 58 DAT determined the greater mass of the broccoli heads.

RESUMO: O aumento do consumo do brócolis de cabeça única é devido à produção do alimento na forma minimamente processada e ao surgimento de híbridos com adaptação a climas variados, além da facilidade de colheita com esse tipo de arquitetura. Objetivou-se identificar os caracteres de maior relevância da planta de brócolis, representadas por caracteres de crescimento, que são determinantes da produção e da área do dossel. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental no município de Pato Branco, PR. Os 11 caracteres foram avaliados em 365 plantas, espaçadas em 0,8x0,5m, sobre um experimento em branco. Os caracteres do grupo 1: altura, número de folhas, altura de caule, diâmetro de caule, foram avaliados aos 21 e aos 58 dias após o transplante (DAT); a área foliar foi avaliada aos 17 e 32 DAT. Os caracteres do grupo 2 foram: Massa da matéria fresca de cabeça e área do dossel. Nas fases iniciais da cultura, aos 17 e 21 DAT, as variações das características da planta não influenciam na variação da produção. Maior número de folhas e maior diâmetro do caule aos 58 dias após transplante determinam maior massa de cabeça de brócolis.

Tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliação da massa e diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis / Optimum plot size for evaluating the mass and diameter of broccoli heads

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo), por amostragem na área total e nas frações de áreas, a fim de avaliar a massa e o diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis. Em campo, foram demarcadas 27 filas do híbrido BRO 68(r). Cada planta foi considerada como sendo uma unidade experimental básica (UEB). Para fins de análise, cada fila foi considerada como sendo um ensaio em branco com 100 UEB. Para os resultados das 27 filas, obtiveram-se os valores: mínimo, máximo, média, desvio padrão, CV, intervalo de confiança, o tamanho de amostra (número de filas) para estimar o Xo e para estimar a média. O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa e diâmetro de cabeças de brócolis é igual a cinco unidades experimentais básicas (plantas).

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the optimum plot size by sampling the total area and the fractions' areas in order to evaluate the mass and diameter of broccoli heads. In the field, 27 rows of hybrid BRO 68(r) were demarcated. Each plant was considered as an experimental basic unit (UEB). For analysis purposes, each row was regarded as being one blank test on 100 UEB. For the results of 27 rows yielded values: minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation, CV, confidence interval, the sample size (number of rows) to estimate Xo and to estimate the mean. The optimum plot size to evaluate the mass and diameter of broccoli heads equals five basic experimental units (plants).

Linear IgA and IgG bullous dermatosis.

Childhood linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis is a rare autoimmune vesiculobullous disease. It results in linear deposition of autoantibodies (immunoglobulin A) against antigens in the basal membrane zone, leading to subepidermal cleavage. Additional depositions of immunoglobulin G and complement-3 might occur. It is still debated whether concomitant findings of immunoglobulins A and G should be considered a subtype of this dermatosis or a new entity. Further studies are needed to recognize this clinical variant.