Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a central tumor with a rich lymphatic network and a propensity for bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis. There is an orderly pattern of lymph node involvement in NPC. There is no current standard for prophylactic neck irradiation in node-negative or limited retropharyngeal (RP) node-positive NPC. This study aims to synthesize the current evidence on upper neck irradiation (UNI) versus whole neck irradiation (WNI) as prophylactic neck irradiation in node-negative or limited RP node-positive NPC.

A 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is used for restaging prostate cancer (PCa) patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR). Only a few reports have focused on the correlation between PET/CT and nodal relapse location at pathologic examination.

Copula mixed models for trivariate (or bivariate) meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies accounting (or not) for disease prevalence have been proposed in the biostatistics literature to synthesize information. However, many systematic reviews often include case-control and cohort studies, so one can either focus on the bivariate meta-analysis of the case-control studies or the trivariate meta-analysis of the cohort studies, as only the latter contains information on disease prevalence. In order to remedy this situation of wasting data we propose a hybrid copula mixed model via a combination of the bivariate and trivariate copula mixed model for the data from the case-control studies and cohort studies, respectively. Hence, this hybrid model can account for study design and also due to its generality can deal with dependence in the joint tails. We apply the proposed hybrid copula mixed model to a review of the performance of contemporary diagnostic imaging modalities for detecting metastases in patients with melanoma.

Long-term survivor models have been extensively used for modelling time-to-event data with a significant proportion of patients who do not experience poor outcome. In this paper, we propose a new long-term survivor hazard model, which accommodates comprehensive families of cure rate models as particular cases, including modified Weibull, exponentiated Weibull, Weibull, exponential and Rayleigh distribution, among others. The maximum likelihood estimation procedure is presented. A simulation study evaluates bias and mean square error of the considered estimation procedure as well as the coverage probabilities of the parameters asymptotic and bootstrap confidence intervals. A real Brazilian dataset on breast cancer illustrates the methodology. From the practical point of view, under our modelling, we provide a parameter that works as a metric to quantify and compare the risk between different stages of the disease. We emphasize that, we developed an online platform for oncologists to calculate the probability of survival of patients diagnosed with breast cancer according to the stage of the disease in real time.

The use of nanoscale materials in the design of scaffolds for CNS tissue is increasing, due to their ability to promote cell adhesion, to mimic an extracellular matrix microenvironment and to interact with neuronal membranes. In this framework, one of the major challenges when using undifferentiated neural cells is how to control the differentiation process. Here we report the characterization of a scaffold based on the self-assembled nanotubes of a mutant of the protein peroxiredoxin (from Schistosoma mansoni or Bos taurus), which allows the growth and differentiation of a model neuronal cell line (SHSY5Y). The results obtained demonstrate that SHSY5Y cells grow without any sign of toxicity and develop a neuronal phenotype, as shown by the expression of neuronal differentiation markers, without the use of any differentiation supplement, even in the presence of serum. The prodifferentiation effect is demonstrated to be dependent on the formation of the protein nanotube, since a wild-type (WT) form of the peroxiredoxin from Schistosoma mansoni does not induce any differentiation. The protein scaffold was also able to induce the spread of glioblastoma cancer stem cells growing in neurospheres and allowing the acquisition of a neuron-like morphology, as well as of immature rat cortical neurons. This protein used here as coating agent may be suggested for the development of scaffolds for tissue regeneration or anti-tumour devices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pseudomesotheliomatous lung carcinoma is a special, rare entity characterized by large pleural growth and minor invasion of lung tissue. Clinically, radiologically, macroscopically and even histologically this tumor can be misdiagnosed as malignant pleural carcinoma.

A possible association between lung cancer and bullous lung disease has been suggested and recently supported by the results of genetic studies.

Specific antibodies produced against a protein of interest are invaluable tools for monitoring the protein structure, intracellular location and biological activity. Inoculation of murine lymphoma cells into the peritoneal cavity of immunized mice provides generation of ascitic fluid containing a significant amount of antibody with desired antigen specificity. Here we demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of murine lymphoma NK/Ly cells in mice immunized with 48 kDa isoform of human blood serum unconventional myosin 1c leads to generation of ascitic fluid that contained specific IgG-antibodies. These antibodies were capable of binding of the unconventional myosin 1c isolated from blood serum of patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis, and could be used for diagnostics of several autoimmune diseases, the multiple sclerosis in particular.

At higher order levels chromatin fibers in interphase nuclei are organized into loop domains. Gene regulatory elements (promoters and enhancers) are often located near the sites of loop attachments. Therefore, loop domains play a key role in regulation of cell transcriptional activity. We investigated the kinetics of DNA loop exit during single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) of nucleoids obtained from two cell types that differ in their synthetic activity – human lymphocytes and lymphoblasts. Lymphocyte activation and transformation into lymphoblasts (blast transformation) was performed with interleukin 2. The results obtained suggest that a rearrangement of the loops occurs after lymphocyte activation. After blast transformation we observed an increase of the amount of loop domains on the surface of nucleoids against a decrease of the inner loop fraction. Therefore, the comet assay can be used for detection of large-scale changes in the cell nucleus that follow changes in cell functional state.

Thermal therapy combined with chemotherapy is one of the advanced and efficient methods to eradicate cancer. In this work, we fabricated magnetically actuated smart textured (MAST) fibrous systems and studied their candidacy for cancer treatment. The polycaprolactone-Fe3 O4 based MAST fibers were fabricated using electrospinning technique. These MAST fibrous systems contained carbogenic quantum dots as a tracking agent and doxorubicin hydrochloride anticancer drug. Additionally, as fabricated MAST fibrous systems were able to deliver anticancer drug and heat energy simultaneously to kill HeLa cells in a 10 min period in vitro. After treatment, the metabolic activity and morphology of HeLa cells were analyzed. In addition, the mechanism of cell death was studied using flow cytometry. Interestingly, the navigation of these systems in the fluid can be controlled with the application of gradient magnetic field. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 40-51, 2018.

Aneurysmal bone cystic (ABC) lesions can be primary or secondary (to a trauma or a pre-existing benign or malignant tumour). Specific translocations of the USP6 gene are reported in about 70% of primary but never in secondary ABC lesions. We report two cases of ABC lesions in which imbalanced genomic aberrations were detected at initial presentation and showed complex clonal evolution. These demonstrative observations strengthen the guidelines regarding the diagnostic approach when an ABC is suggested by imaging. Biopsy is mandatory including genomic analysis. When a primary ABC is not clearly proven by the initial biopsy, an extensive curettage should be performed, with pathological examination of all removed tissue in order to exclude a secondary ABC. It also illustrates the added value of genomic analyses in the setting of an ABC lesion: complex clonal aberrations argues for a lesion secondary to a malignant proliferation whereas USP6 rearrangement allows the diagnosis of primary ABC.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor composed of mesenchymal cells producing osteoid and immature bone. Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor, if we excluded myeloma, a haematologic disease. The incidence of osteosarcoma is 2-3/million/year, but is higher in adolescence, in which the annual incidence peaks at 8-11/million/year at 15-19 years of age. Local pain, followed by localized swelling and limitation of joint movement, are the typical signs and symptoms. Correct diagnosis can be achieved through a correct approach to the disease and the combination of clinical and radiographic aspects. The final step to confirm the diagnosis is the biopsy. Computer Tomography of the chest and Positron-Emission Tomography are mandatory to complete the staging, which is performed according the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system. A multidisciplinary approach is needed both to get to a correct diagnosis (orthopaedic surgeon, radiologist and histopathologist) and to perform definitive treatment. Multidisciplinary approach should be performed in reference centers able to provide access to the full spectrum of care and where orthopaedic surgeon, oncologist, histopathologist, radiologist and radiotherapist can cooperate. The management of osteosarcoma is based primarily on neo-adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection; radiotherapy is not effective as osteosarcomas are relatively radioresistant. Prognostic factors include metastases at presentation, histologic response to induction chemotherapy, the site of the primary tumor (with axial lesions having an inferior outcome), serum lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase levels.

We report a case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the urinary bladder in an elderly female patient. A 97-year old woman presented with hematuria, and an ultrasonographic urinary study showed a localized tumor in the trigone region of the urinary bladder. A transurethral resection revealed a mixed tumor formed by high-grade transitional carcinoma and lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma that had infiltrated into the muscular propria. We describe the clinicopathological, morphological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor and briefly discuss its differential diagnosis and biological behavior.

Only five cases of multifocal medulloblastoma in the adult have been reported to date. We present a case in a male patient in his 50th decade of life who presented with three extra-axial lesions associated with a parenchymatous lesion of the right middle cerebellar peduncle. Sputum sample examination revealed larvae compatible with strongyloides stercoralis, which was our main differential diagnosis. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed the existence of a desmoplastic medulloblastoma.

Ductal papillomas are rare benign papillary tumours of the minor salivary glands. Previously they have been classified into three subtypes: inverted ductal papilloma (IDP), sialadenoma papilliferum and intraductal papilloma. The oral inverted ductal papilloma is the least common of these lesions, with 48 cases reported to date in a search of the English-language literature. We describe an interesting case of oral IDP and highlight the pertinent clinical and histopathological features. Importantly, unlike the histologically similar inverted papilloma (IP) of the nose and paranasal sinuses, oral IDP is a completely benign lesion and is not associated with malignant change. Clinical relevance: This case report aims to raise awareness of the lesion, oral inverted ductal papilloma (IDP). We outline the clinical features and unique histopathology of oral IDP so that clinicians may correctly diagnose such a lesion and implement appropriate treatment.

Whereas most studies have focused on how the religious beliefs positively interfere with the presence or execution of suicidal behaviors, few have identified differences among religious beliefs and how these can not only be consider as a protective factor for suicide, but also as a variable that influences the expression of the suicidal related behaviors.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in women. The accuracy of diagnosis can be increased with a combination of clinical examination, imaging diagnostics, and fi ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core needle biopsy, also known as triple test. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in the diagnosis of breast tumors in our institution by correlating it with histopathology findings. We assessed the accuracy of 124 FNAC findings by comparing cytological diagnosis of breast masses with the diagnoses from histopathology reports obtained by surgery. Statistical analysis showed 95.1% accuracy, 97.7% sensitivity, 89.1% specificity, 95.5% positive predictive value and 94.2% negative predictive value of FNAC. Study results indicated that FNAC could be used as a highly reliable tool in the differential diagnosis of breast tumors, in combination with clinical and imaging findings, especially in developing countries with limited financial resources.