Role of Intracystic Cytokines and Nitric Oxide in Ovarian Neoplasms

The development of new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer may provide an opportunity for new therapies. In this study, we aimed to compare cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels in non‐neoplastic tumours, benign primary ovarian tumours and malignant primary ovarian neoplasms. The secondary aim was to relate cytokine and intracystic NO metabolite levels to clinical, laboratory and pathologic characteristics for patients with primary ovarian malignancies. We evaluated 110 patients with adnexal masses. Cytokine concentrations were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and nitrate concentrations by enzymatic reduction of nitrite by nitrate reductase. Patients with malignant neoplasms had higher IL‐6, IL‐8 and NO levels compared to patients with benign neoplasms. Histologic grade 1 tumours were associated with elevated IL‐2 levels, whereas anaemia was associated with elevated IL‐6 levels. On average, those patients with elevated IL‐8 levels also had a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) greater than 2.6 and less than 36 months of disease‐free survival (DFS). Patients with normal CA 19‐9 levels had elevated IL‐10 levels. TNF‐α was elevated in patients with two carcinogenesis and those with a platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) less than 300. NO levels were higher in patients with an NLR less than 2.6 and CA 19‐9 greater than 35 U/ml. Elevated intracystic cytokine levels, especially IL‐6 and IL‐8, are associated with worse prognosis in ovarian cancer.     

Seasonal analysis and acaricidal activity of the thymol-type essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum and its major constituents against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Parasitology Research - The tick Rhipicephalus microplus affects cattle health, with production loss in tropical and subtropical regions. Moreover, the use of commercial acaricides has been reduced...     

A survey of hemoparasites and ectoparasites in Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766 with a redescription of Hepatozoon procyonis Richards, 1961 based on morphological and molecular data

Parasitology Research - Hemoparasites are vector-borne parasites that infect wild carnivores worldwide. Since data on hemoparasite infections in Nasua nasua from Brazil are lacking, the aim of this...     

Nodular Fasciitis of the Oral Cavity with Partial Spontaneous Regression (Nodular Fasciitis)

Nodular fasciitis is a lesion found in the subcutaneous fascia that micoscopically presents as a benign proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which may be mistaken for a sarcoma due to clinically rapid growth. Diagnosis is by histopathology and of the immunohistochemical profile. We describe a case of nodular fasciitis in the oral cavity that demonstrated partial spontaneous regression. The patient was a 32-year-old man with a buccal mucosal mass, which had grown rapidly for 45 days. On microscopic examination, the lesion displayed a well-delineated but not encapsulated proliferation of spindle cells, with a nodular growth pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity of the spindle cells for the antibodies against smooth muscle actin and muscle-specific actin (HHF-35). Treatment of such lesions typically involves complete conservative excision, but the lesion may regress eventually in the absence of definitive treatment.     

The use of ablative lasers in the treatment of facial melasma

Melasma represents a pigmentary disorder that is difficult to treat. This study aims to broadly review the use of ablative lasers (Er:YAG and CO2) in the treatment of melasma, presenting the level of evidence of studies published to date. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in four case series studies (n=39), one controlled clinical trial (n=6) and one randomized controlled clinical trial (n=30). Studies on the Er:YAG laser showed better results with the use of short square-shaped pulses, which determined low rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and long-lasting maintenance of results. Likewise, studies on the CO2 laser proved the benefits of short pulse duration along with low-density energy. Post-treatment maintenance with the use of antipigmenting creams was necessary and effective to sustain long-term results. Ablative lasers may represent another useful and effective tool against melasma. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and difficulty in sustaining long-term results still represent the main limitations to a broader use of ablative lasers. Based on actual evidence, the use of this technology should be restricted to patients with recalcitrant disease. Further studies will help establish optimal laser parameters and treatment regimens.