The role of the cell adhesion molecules (integrins/cadherins) in prostate cancer

During prostate carcinogenesis the cellular adhesion molecules, i.e.; integrins and cadherins mediate aberrant interactions between glandular epithelial cells and the extracellular matrix. Several integrin α subunits are downregulated, while β subunits are up-regulated. The expression of several cadherins and catenins has specific prognostic value. There is an association between the expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex and high grade prostate cancer. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of integrin antagonists are ongoing with promising results. In this article we update the role of integrins and cadherins in prostate carcinogenesis and evaluate the therapeutic potential of their manipulation.     

Cerebral abnormalities in infants with myelomeningocele

Background and purposeWe evaluated brain abnormalities associated with myelomeningocele in infants.Material and methodsBetween June 1995 and June 2008, 42 patients with myelomeningocele were treated in our hospital. Only 24 patients (13 males, 11 females, mean age 1.5 months, range 1 day – 11 months) were evaluated by both spinal and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were enrolled in the study.ResultsBrain MRI revealed: hydrocephalus in 21 (87.5%) patients, all of whom required immediate shunting. Total agenesis of the corpus callosum was observed in 2 (8.3%) patients, partial agenesis was seen in 4 (17%) patients and 8 (34%) patients had dysplasia of the corpus callosum. Absence of the septum pellucidum was observed in 2 (8%) patients. Widening of the interhemispheric fissure and colpocephaly were noted in 10 (41%) and in 3 (12%) patients, respectively. Abnormal white matter maturation was observed in 2 (8%) patients. Small posterior fossa was observed in 18 (74%) patients, Chiari malformation in 16 (67%) patients, cerebellar and brain stem hypoplasia in 3 (12%) and 7 (30%) patients, respectively.ConclusionsMRI examination of the myelomeningocele site is not sufficient. Clinicians should consider obtaining imaging studies of the entire neuraxis in patients with myelomeningocele.     

Emergency ultrasound of the scrotum: a review of the commonest pathologic conditions

Ultrasound is the first imaging modality to be performed in emergency conditions of the scrotum. The commonest pathologic entities are divided into the 4 following groups: torsion, trauma, infection, and tumors. Sonographic examination should be performed as soon as possible to ensure fast diagnosis and treatment. Less acute conditions can also be noted while scanning on an emergency basis, such as anatomic variants, hydrocele, oscheocele, clinically evident varicocele, calcifications, etc. Although not threatening for scrotal integrity, they should be assessed during an emergency examination or later on. In this article, complex scrotal anatomy is reviewed and the basic examination technique is described. The commonest emergency conditions are analyzed, along with their pathophysiological basis. Nonemergent entities are also briefly mentioned. Ultrasound images of the commonest emergency conditions are demonstrated.     

Dental caries prevalence and treatment needs of 5- to 12-year-old children in relation to area-based income and immigrant background in Greece

Objectives: To investigate the association between certain socio‐demographic characteristics and dental health status of 5‐ to 12‐year‐old children attending public kindergarten and primary schools in Piraeus, Greece. Methods: Gender, age, place of residence, immigrant background and area‐based income were associated with dental caries prevalence, treatment needs and oral hygiene level in 5,116 children. Results: The mean number of decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft) and Unmet Restorative Treatment Needs Index (UTN) at 6‐year‐olds were 1.54 and 84.6% respectively, and the DMFT and UTN at 12‐year‐olds were 1.35 and 71.8%. Caries experience/severity significantly increased with age, whereas treatment needs and oral hygiene level decreased (P < 0.001). Immigrant background and low area‐based income was associated with poorer oral health outcomes. The above associations retained statistical significance after multivariate analysis. Children who live in areas with lower average income present 1.20 to 2.14 greater risk of having higher caries severity and poorer oral hygiene in comparison to those living in more affluent areas, and children with an immigrant background have 1.68 to 4.34 higher likelihood to present higher dmft and DMFT values, higher unmet treatment needs, and poorer oral hygiene levels compared to their Greek counterparts above and beyond the effect of the other risk factors assessed. Conclusions: The present study revealed a socio‐demographic gradient in oral health status and treatment needs of children in Piraeus, Greece.