Identification of hepatic progenitor cells in the canine fetal liver.

The liver plays essential roles in human and animal organisms, such as the storage, release, metabolism, and elimination of various endogenous or exogenous substances. Although its vital importance, few treatments are yet available when a hepatic failure occurs, and hence, the use of stem cells has arisen as a possible solution for both human and veterinary medicines. Previous studies have shown the existence of hepatic progenitor cells in human fetuses that were positive for EpCAM and NCAM. There is limited evidence, however, further identification and characterization of these cells in other species. Considering the similarity between dogs and humans regarding physiology, and also the increasing importance of developing new treatments for both veterinary and translational medicine, this study attempted to identify hepatic progenitor cells in canine fetal liver. For that, livers from canine fetuses were collected, cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and cultured. Cells were characterized regarding morphology and expression of EpCAM, NCAM, Nestin, and Thy-1/CD90 markers. Our results suggest that it is possible to identify hepatic progenitor cells in the canine fetal liver; however, for therapeutic use, further techniques for cellular isolation and culture are necessary to obtain enriched populations of hepatic progenitors from the canine fetal liver.

Effect of cryopreservation on sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis rates in the testicular tissue of domestic cats.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the damage caused by cryopreservation on sperm DNA and estimate the percentage of cell apoptosis in tissue after thawing. Testicles of cats were sectioned into of 0.3 cm3 and 0.5 cm3 fragments and evaluated for DNA damage using acridine orange and semi-quantitatively through histo-morphological and immunohistochemical methods (caspase-3). Other fragments were placed in cryotubes with diluent containing either 3% glycerol or 3% propanediol, and were cryopreserved. Evaluation using acridine orange indicated there was a difference with use of propanediol and glycerol on DNA damage in 0.5 cm3fragments, with the latter being more effective than the former for cryopreservation. Results from histomorphological evaluations indicated there was a greater cell integrity among germ cells that were not cryopreserved, based on criteria assessed (detachment of cells from basal membrane, retraction of seminiferous tubule epithelium, visibility of the spermatogonia nucleoli and nuclear spermatogonia condensation), for both sizes of fragments. The values for these variables decreased after cryopreservation, with there being no differences as a result of size of fragment stored or between cryoprotectants used (P > 0.05). The staining for caspase-3 differed for the cytoplasm, nuclei and germ cells. Assessment of these staining patterns indicated the fresh fragments had an amount of cell damage and there was a similar amount of damage detected in cryopreserved fragments. This finding indicated that there was considerable efficacy in preserving the tissue fragments with use of the freezing protocols that were evaluated in this study.

Biocompatible glyconanomaterials based on HPMA-copolymer for specific targeting of galectin-3.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a promising target in cancer therapy with a high therapeutic potential due to its abundant localization within the tumor tissue and its involvement in tumor development and proliferation. Potential clinical application of Gal-3-targeted inhibitors is often complicated by their insufficient selectivity or low biocompatibility. Nanomaterials based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) nanocarrier are attractive for in vivo application due to their good water solubility and lack of toxicity and immunogenicity. Their conjugation with tailored carbohydrate ligands can yield specific glyconanomaterials applicable for targeting biomedicinally relevant lectins like Gal-3. RESULTS: In the present study we describe the synthesis and the structure-affinity relationship study of novel Gal-3-targeted glyconanomaterials, based on hydrophilic HPMA nanocarriers. HPMA nanocarriers decorated with varying amounts of Gal-3 specific epitope GalNAcß1,4GlcNAc (LacdiNAc) were analyzed in a competitive ELISA-type assay and their binding kinetics was described by surface plasmon resonance. We showed the impact of various linker types and epitope distribution on the binding affinity to Gal-3. The synthesis of specific functionalized LacdiNAc epitopes was accomplished under the catalysis by mutant ß-N-acetylhexosaminidases. The glycans were conjugated to statistic HPMA copolymer precursors through diverse linkers in a defined pattern and density using Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The resulting water-soluble and structurally flexible synthetic glyconanomaterials exhibited affinity to Gal-3 in low µM range. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reveal the relation between the linker structure, glycan distribution and the affinity of the glycopolymer nanomaterial to Gal-3. They pave the way to specific biomedicinal glyconanomaterials that target Gal-3 as a therapeutic goal in cancerogenesis and other disorders.

Does the Intensity of IGG4 Immunostaining Have a Correlation with the Clinical Presentation of Riedel's Thyroiditis?

Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) represents one type of IgG4-related thyroid disease (IgG4RTD) and the diagnosis involves quantitative immunohistochemistry showing dense lymphoplasmacellular inflammatory infiltrate consisting of IgG4-positive plasma cells with storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. We report a case of RT with progressive enlargement of the anterior neck, severe dysphagia, odynophagia, and dyspnea. The patient underwent surgical decompression of the airway, protection tracheotomy, and gastrostomy for nutritional intake 6 months after first symptoms. Complete resolution occurred after surgical treatment combined with prednisolone. Immunostaining revealed IgG4-positive plasma cells 12/HPF (high-power field) and the IgG4/IgG ratio 25%, values that were disproportionate to the intensity of the patient's symptoms. As to this case and the few cases described and analyzed in the literature, our impression is that there is no relation between the intensity of symptoms in RT with the total number of IgG4-positive plasma cells and the IgG4/IgG ratio, but more studies are needed.

Parathyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid carcinoma is rare and represents 0.1% to 5% of the cases of hyperparathyroidism. New accounts are important to the understanding of these tumors. Experience in 9 cases is reported. METHODS: From 1970 to 1995, 10 patients with parathyroid carcinoma demonstrated by clinical course or pathologic features of malignancy were treated. The patient's clinical data, laboratory and imaging examinations, surgical findings, pathology, recurrences, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: One male patient was excluded because of insufficient data. Average age was 51 years, with female:male ratio of 2:1. Average calcium level was 14,3 mg/dL. Palpable mass was found in 55%, bone disease in 89%, and renal disease in 78%. Four patients were reoperations. Five were operated on for hyperparathyroidism (1/tertiary). Capsular invasion was the most incident pathologic feature. Local recurrence occurred in 55%; neck node and bone metastasis in 11%, and lung in 33%. Two patients are alive and 5 died of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid carcinoma has clinical and laboratory features that can help diagnosis at the first surgery. It seems to have variable malignancy.

[Assessment of vaccination coverage of the basic schedule for the 1st year of life]. / Avaliação da cobertura vacinal do esquema básico para o primeiro ano de vida.

Immunization coverage was evaluated in all 12-23 month-old children living in the area were five years before a Primary Care Practice had been set up. All children were investigated through home visits, checking of the immunization chart and relying on mothers' information. In 1986, a baseline study had identified an immunization coverage of under 60% for each of the scheduled vaccines. The current study confirmed that coverage was of 87% for three doses of DTP, 89% for Sabin, 88% for one dose of measles vaccine and 79% for BCG. Despite the high coverage achieved for each specific vaccine, when the basic schedule for the first year was verified, it was observed that only 75% of the children had received the full scheme. Immunization coverage is uneven in different census tracts, being higher in the poorest and more remote areas, where seam the health was given extra attention. A comparison with the routine administrative evaluation of the immunization coverage showed that this underestimated the real coverage. Maternal immunization uptake was also evaluated (antitetanus vaccine during pregnancy) and only 49% of the women were found to be adequately protected. The information collected led to a reorganization of the whole immunization program in a 100% coverage.

Posterior trapezius myocutaneous flap.

Since last decade, myocutaneous flaps have appeared among the most versatile and safest options for the reconstruction of defects caused by large oncological resections, in the head and neck area. Undoubtedly, the myocutaneous flap of the pectoralis major muscle is the most widespread and accepted, due to the long experience obtained through its use. Nevertheless, it presents some restrictions related not only to its rotation arch, but also to the esthetic consequences for the donor site in females. Over the last years, there has been a growing interest in the posterior trapezius myocutaneous flap (PTMF), which proved to be a valuable alternative for reconstruction in selected cases. The experience of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, at the University of São Paulo Medical School-Hospital das Clínicas, using this technique, is reported here in a detailed description.

A double-blind clinical trial with a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% miconazole in patients with acne vulgaris.

The therapeutic efficacy of a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% miconazole was compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide alone, in a double-blind, randomized, parallel study. Thirty patients with comedonal or inflammatory acne vulgaris were enrolled. The medications were applied once daily during the first week, and then twice daily for the rest of the trial (45 days). In patients with comedonal acne there was no difference in the effect of the two therapies. In patients with inflammatory acne the percentage reduction of the number of lesions on Day 30 was significantly higher in the benzoyl peroxide plus miconazole group (66%) compared to benzoyl peroxide alone (37%). At Day 45 there was a trend favouring the combined therapy but the difference was not significant. There were no significant differences in the adverse reactions reported by the two groups of patients (erythema, itching or moderate exfoliation).