Canine Cutaneous Haemangiosarcoma: Biomarkers and Survival.

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumour of vascular endothelial cells. It is common in dogs, but rare in other species, and may arise in any tissue. A dermal location of canine HSA has been associated with short survival and recurrence after surgical excision. Solar radiation has been proposed as a predisposing factor in shorthaired dogs with light skin pigmentation. There are no studies relating the expression of immunohistochemical markers to survival of dogs with cutaneous haemangiosarcoma (cHSA). Such data could contribute to establishing prognostic factors and new therapies based on the expression of target molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarkers and overall survival (OS) of dogs with cHSA, therefore helping to understand the biological behaviour of this neoplasm and determine prognostic factors. Sixty samples of canine cHSA were evaluated for the expression of factor VIII (FVIII), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 (Casp-3) by immunohistochemistry. The results were related to OS of animals through the model of competitive risks. In addition, the relationships between age, sex, breed, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were correlated with the OS of the dogs. Markers expression was positive in 80-100% of the samples, predominantly with weak to moderate labelling intensity for FVIII, COX-2, and VEGF, but with strong expression of PCNA and Casp-3. The median OS of dogs was 12 months. The variables of dog age, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were not related to the survival rate. Some predisposed breeds (i.e. pitbull, boxer, Basset hound and Dalmatian) showed greater OS than non-predisposed breeds. Dogs affected by other concomitant primary neoplasms had a longer survival curve than those with only cHSA, while the females of the former group had lower OS than males. The labelling indices of FVIII, COX-2, VEGF, PCNA and Casp-3 had no relationship to OS, neither did the labelling intensity of FVIII, COX-2 and VEGF. However, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF is frequent in canine cHSA so these possible therapeutic targets should be investigated further.

Chitosan nanoparticles as alternative anti-staphylococci agents: Bactericidal, antibiofilm and antiadhesive effects.

Chitosan is a biocompatible, bioactive, non-toxic polymer that due to these characteristics has been widely used as a carrier for targeted delivery of bioactive molecules. In recent years, and considering that chitosan has a strong antimicrobial potential, the scientific community's focus has shifted onto the possible antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles. With this in mind, the aim of this work was to produce low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles, through the ionic gelation method and characterize their potential biological activity against three staphylococci (MSSA, MRSA and MRSE) in planktonic and sessile environments. The chitosan nanoparticles produced had an average size of 244±12nm, an average charge of 17.3±1.4mV and had a MIC of 1.25mg/mL for all tested microorganisms. Bactericidal activity was only registered for MSSA and MRSA with the time-inhibition curves showing bactericidal activity within 1h. Assays regarding chitosan nanoparticles' impact upon sessile populations showed that they were effective in preventing MRSE adhesion and highly effective in reducing MRSA and MSSA biofilm formation.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma).

The authors describe the case of a 19-year-old female patient with an abdominal paraaortic extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma), presenting arterial hypertension. The predominant catecholamine produced by the tumor was norepinephrine (4110 pg/ml; normal < 450 pg/ml). 131I metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG), computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging allowed location and characterization of the tumor. Histologically the tumor (weight = 34.2 g; 5.8 x 4 x 3 cm) was a typical pheochromocytoma.

[Histological aspects of the endometrium in users of intrauterine devices]. / Aspectos histológicos do endométrio em portadoras de dispositivos-intra-uterinos.

PIP: The large scale use of IUDs in Portugal is very recent. To evaluate their effects (Lippes Loop, Gynet, and Gravigard) on the histologic pattern of the endometrium, we have studied endometrial biopsies prior to insertion and following removal of the devices. The results of the histologic and, in some cases, cytologic study, are presented for 471 patients. 77.4% of the endometrial biopsies showed patterns of a normal menstrual cycle. 3.48% of the cases presented chronic and acute endometritis. Different patterns of endocrine dysfunction were present in 11.4% of the remaining cases. No case of foreign body reaction was detected. No clinical symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or uterine perforation were seen. It is concluded that the use of IUDs may produce definite changes in the endometrium but they are often subtle ones. (author's)^ieng