Diagnostic utility of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (P 75) immunostaining in atypical fibroxanthoma

Background: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a locally destructive, dermal‐based, fibrohistiocytic, mesenchymal tumor. Immunohistochemistry helps to differentiate AFX from squamous cell carcinoma and spindle cell melanoma. Immunomarkers against p75 yield positive stains in spindled cell melanomas and negative stains in AFX, suggesting that these may be useful in differentiating these two entities. However, a recent study concluded that p75 is not a specific marker of neuroectodermal tumors; furthermore, p75 staining in AFX has only been evaluated in a few cases. Methods: We stained 20 AFXs for p75 and various other markers. Results: Reactivity was noted for vimentin (20 of 20 cases), CD10 (17/20), CD68 (14/20), CD99 (13/20), D2‐40 (10/20) and p75 (1/20). Conclusions: We confirmed that CD99 and CD10 are frequently expressed in AFX (65 and 85%, respectively) and that CD31 rarely stains positive (5%). The 50% positivity rate of D2‐40, in contrast with published evidence for its absence in melanoma, suggests that D2‐40 may be useful for distinguishing AFX from melanoma. Furthermore, because only one sample was positive for p75, we confirm that p75 is useful in differentiating AFX from spindle cell melanoma. We advocate adding p75 and D2‐40 to assist in differentiating AFX from melanoma. Bull C, Mirzabeigi M, Laskin W, Dubina M, Traczyc T, Guitart J, Gerami P. Diagnostic utility of low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor (P 75) immunostaining in atypical fibroxanthoma.     

Furazolidone,an Underutilized Drug for <Emphasis Type="Italic">H. pylori</Emphasis> Eradication: Lessons from Iran

Background

Treatment success of H. pylori eradication therapy has declined worldwide largely because of increased antimicrobial resistance. New therapeutic approaches are needed, especially for countries like Iran, where resistance to commonly used drugs is already widespread and traditional H. pylori therapies produce poor cure rates.

Aim

To review the results of quadruple therapy trials containing bismuth and furazolidone in Iran.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Google scholar as well as the references of all published papers for studies conducted in Iran, utilizing furazolidone in the treatment of H. pylori infections. The target population was four drug studies that utilized a combination of bismuth, furazolidone, amoxicillin, or tetracycline plus a proton pump inhibitor.

Results

Eighteen studies with 22 arms including 1713 subjects were found. The weighted mean cure rate for 14-day studies (six studies) using 200 mg b.i.d. furazolidone was 80% intention to treat (ITT) and 87% per protocol (PP). Studies using 100 mg b.i.d. (three studies) were less effective (weighted mean ITT cure rate = 67%). One small 14-day study with furazolidone 100 mg q.i.d. achieved cure rates of 94.5% ITT and PP.

Conclusions

Although furazolidone–bismuth quadruple therapy proved relatively effective in Iran, furazolidone-containing regimens remain to be optimized. Based on these data and results from China, it appears likely that 14-day therapy containing furazolidone 100 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. is likely to provide the highest cure rates with lowest side effects; this remains to be experimentally tested. Detailed suggestions for further development of furazolidone-containing regimens are provided.

     

Why is there a need for an interdisciplinary approach to assess erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent complaint among men. The majority of patients suffering erectile dysfunction exhibit various risk factors of vascular diseases. Erectile dysfunction used to be recognised as one of the consequences of vascular diseases in patients suffering heart attack or myocardial infarction. During the last decade, however, the role of endothelial dysfunction in the occurrence of erectile dysfunction has been signifi ed, and it has been suggested that erectile dysfunction may not be simply a consequence of vascular diseases but an indicator of future vascular problems. Erectile dysfunction has been known as "the tip of iceberg" of a generalised vascular dysfunction, which typically happens before serious vascular problems. Considerable evidence shows a link between erectile dysfunction and vascular disorders. Several theories have been considered for the association between erectile dysfunction and vascular diseases. One of them is the "artery size" theory focusing on the differences between the diameter of the penile artery and other arteries. Another theory is based on "endothelial dysfunction", which highlights inappropriate vasoconstriction as a cause of erectile dysfunction and vascular diseases. "Age" has also been reported to have pivotal role in the development of vascular dysfunction resulting in erectile dysfunction and ultimately vascular diseases. Another theory explaining the pathophysiology of erectiledysfunction and its relationship with vascular diseases focuses on the formation of atherosclerosis plaques. This article endeavours to review the current literature and discuss why a multidisciplinary approach is needed while assessing erectile dysfunction.     

Nationwide Frequency and Association of Heart Failure on Stroke Outcomes in the United States

BackgroundFew studies of the effect of heart failure (HF) on stroke outcomes have been published. This study was designed to determine the association of co-existing HF with in-hospital length-of-stay (LOS), cost, and mortality among acute stroke patients admitted to hospitals in the United States (US).Methods and ResultsAll patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke admitted to the US hospitals in calendar years 1995 and 2005 were extracted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Patients were categorized based on a secondary diagnosis of HF. Patients' demographics, LOS, in-hospital death, disposition, and hospitalization costs were determined. The odds ratio of in-hospital mortality rates for stroke patients with HF were 2.5 (95% CI: 2.4–2.7) and 2.2 (95% CI: 2.0–2.3) in 1995 and 2005, respectively, compared to those without HF. Stroke patients with HF also stayed longer in the hospital in both years studied, though a general decline in LOS was observed in 2005. The estimated increase in total hospitalization cost for stroke patients with HF was $1,100 (20% difference, 95% CI: 18%–23%) and $1,300 (18% difference, 95% CI: 16%–20%) for 1995 and 2005, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of our study suggest that there is an association between co-existing HF and mortality in stroke patients. Stroke patients with HF appear to have a higher mortality rate, longer LOS, and higher hospitalization cost compared to those without HF. The mechanism of higher stroke mortality and morbidity in patients with HF requires further investigation to identify modifiable factors and to tailor better treatment options.     

Double-faced cell-mediated immunity in β-thalassemia major: stimulated phenotype versus suppressed activity

In this study, the immunologic abnormalities of Iranian β-thalassemia major patients were characterized, considering their clinical parameters including splenectomy status and iron overload. Serum samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 28 patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Patients with thalassemia showed significantly increased absolute lymphocyte counts compared with the control group. An increased number of activated T cells and higher levels of serum neopterin were also observed in thalassemia patients, which suggest chronic stimulation of immune system. On the contrary, T-cell proliferation and interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-4 production were suppressed in patients compared to controls. Patients with high serum ferritin levels produced significantly less IFN-γ and IL-2, indicating the immunosuppressive effect of iron overload in β-thalassemia patients. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and absolute counts and percentages of B and T cells were higher in splenectomized patients; however, serum levels of neopterin significantly decreased in splenectomized patients compared to the non-splenectomized group. Taken together, T lymphocytes express activated phenotype in polytransfused β-thalassemia major patients, while T cell proliferation and effector function are significantly suppressed. Multiple blood transfusion and continuous immune stimulation could be responsible for making such a double-faced immune response.     

Effect of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveWe conducted this study to assess the effect of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary dysmenorrhea.MethodsEighty-six students participated in the study. All participants met the inclusion criteria. The study group received acupressure at Sanyinjiao point, while the control received sham acupressure. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed at the following time periods: prior to the intervention, 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h following the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsThe acupressure caused decline in the severity of dysmenorrhea immediately after intervention in both groups during their first menstrual cycle, although, there difference was not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, during the same cycle, the severity of the dysmenorrhea decreased more in study group rather than control group at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after intervention (p < 0.05). During the second menstrual cycle, acupressure made dysmenorrhea reduced in both study and control groups; however, the decline was more salient among participants of the study group at all stages after the intervention (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAcupressure at Sanyinjiao point can be an effective, feasible, cost-effective intervention for improving primary dysmenorrhea.