KIT activation in uterine cervix adenosquamous carcinomas by KIT/SCF autocrine/paracrine stimulation loops

ObjectivesUterine adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is an uncommon, yet, one of the most aggressive cervical cancer subtype. The successful treatment of some tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), by anti-KIT inhibitors fosters the study of this receptor tyrosine kinase in other malignancies. In the present study, we intended to molecularly characterize KIT in ASC.MethodsIn a series of 30 cases, we studied KIT (CD117), KIT phosphorylated / activated form, as well as KIT ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), by immunohistochemistry. We further screened for KIT hotspot mutations (exon 9, 11, 13 and 17) by PCR-SSCP and for KIT gene amplification by Quantitative real-time PCR in CD117 positive cases.ResultsWe observed CD117 expression in ～ 13% of cases, with ～ 7% co-expressing SCF, which resulted in KIT phosphorylation/activation. No KIT activating mutations or gene amplification were found, despite the presence of 4q aneuploidy in one case.ConclusionsThis is the first study assessing KIT activation and molecular alterations in a large series of rare ASC. Our findings showed the absence of KIT molecular alterations and suggested the presence of KIT activation in a small proportion of cases through KIT/SCF co-expression.     

Ultrasonographic and doppler velocimetric evaluation of the levator ani muscle according to the hormonal status

Objective

We aimed to study the cross-sectional area of levator ani muscle and the doppler velocimetric parameters of vessels its in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Study design

Sixty-four patients, divided into 3 groups, were assessed: group I (20 women—average age 28 years) premenopausal and nulliparous (control); group II (24 women—average age 38 years, vaginal delivery 1–4) premenopausal with vaginal deliveries; group III (20 women—average age 55 years, parity 0–4) postmenopausal without hormonal therapy. Doppler velocimetry of levator ani muscle vessels through resistance and pulsatility indices was used and the means of the groups compared by adjusting the weighed variance model with multiple comparisons, according to Tukey's method. Similarly, we measured the cross-sectional area of the muscle using ultrasonography.

Results

There was a significant increase in resistance and pulsatility indices in postmenopausal patients as compared to the other two groups. We also observed a significant decrease in the cross-sectional area of the muscle of postmenopausal patients when compared to those in premenopausal.

Conclusion

The obtained results allow us to conclude that levator ani muscle vascularization significantly decreases after menopause (age and/or hipoestrogenism) and that it can be assumed that vaginal delivery does not promote long-term alterations in levator ani muscle vascularization. We also observed a significant decrease in the cross-sectional area of the muscle in postmenopausal women when compared to those in premenopausal.     

Impact of oncostatic treatments for childhood malignancies (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) on uterine competence to pregnancy

Fertility preservation in young girls affected by malignancies has got growing relevance in the last decade due to the improved survival chance of these patients after oncostatic treatments. Most studies have focused on preserving ovarian follicles and avoiding premature ovarian failure, whereas only a few have evaluated the effects exerted by radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the uterus. It is self-evident that fertility preservation after oncostatic therapies must include the maintenance of a functional uterus, and a certain degree of uterine damage must be considered when estimating reproductive prognosis in previously treated, childhood cancer survivors. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall the growing number of children who survive oncostatic treatments, explain the possible effects on future reproductive endeavors, and summarize the possible ways to preserve fertility.     

Über Einen Reduktionsversuch Mit Dichlorphenol-Indophenol in der Haut bei Einer Skorbutkranken

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

The Cultural Heritage of “Black Stones” (Lapis Aequipondus/Martyrum) of Leopardi’s Child Home (Recanati,Italy)

A macroscopic lithological study and physical (hardness, size, weight) investigations, coupled with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) chemical analyses of three egg- and one pear-shaped polished black stones, exposed in the library of the child home of the famous poet Giacomo Leopardi, at Recanati (Italy), were carried out. They are characterized by different sizes: two with the same weight of 16.9 kg and the two smaller ones of 5.6 kg each, corresponding to multiples of standard roman weights (drachma and scrupulum). These features and the presence of some grooves on the rock artefacts, probably for grappling hooks, suggest an original use as counterweight for the four black stones herein classified as amphibole-bearing serpentinites whose lithologies are far away from Recanati (probably coming from geological outcrops in Tuscany). The four serpentinite stones closely match with the so-called Lapis Aequipondus used in antiquity by the Romans as counterweights. Due to the presence of lead rings or iron hooks in these stones, Lapis Aequipondus were also used for martyrdoms during the persecution of Christians in the Roman period, attached to the necks of martyrs that were then thrown in the wells or attached to the ankles of hanging bodies. This is the reason why these stones are also known as Lapis Martyrum, venerated with the relative martyrs, in several churches of Rome. The four black stones investigated probably arrived at Recanati from Rome after the middle of the 19th century. In the past, Christians also called Lapis Martyrum the “devil’s stones” (Lapis Diaboli). This could also be the reason for the popular belief that black stones cannot be touched by people, except those of the Leopardi dynasty. This work contributes to the cultural heritage of Leopardi’s child home, as the four black stones had never been investigated.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in carinal resection for recurrent chondrosarcoma after previous distal tracheal resection

Carinal re-resection for tumour recurrence is rarely performed due to increased difficulty in airway reconstruction. We reported a successful case of carinal resection and reconstruction for recurrent chondrosarcoma after previous distal tracheal resection. Due to the technical complexity of the reconstruction and the poor respiratory reserve of the patient, the veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was used.