Immunohistochemical study on histogenesis of congenital epulis and review of the literature

Congenital epulis is a very rare lesion found only in newborn infants. This tumor is multiple in about 10% of reported cases, rarely with the simultaneous involvement of the maxilla and mandibula, as in this article. In the presented case, light microscopy demonstrated large eosinophilic granular cells arranged in solid nests that are separated by thin fibrovascular areas. The tumors In the maxilla and mandibula were investigated with a panel of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and using immunoperoxidase methods on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. Immunohistochemical studies revealed strong and diffuse cytoplasmic staining for neuron specific enolase and vimentin. However, all other reactions were negative. These results suggest that the congenital epulis may be derived from uncommitted nerve-related mesenchymal cells.     

Oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant status in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological mechanism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To assess whether there are relationships between oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in the development of NASH, we investigated oxidative stress by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant status by measuring serum glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The study included 18 patients (13 men, 5 women; mean age 42 yr) with biopsy proven NASH and 16 healthy volunteers (10 men, 6 women; mean age 38 yr). Serum levels of MDA, NO, GSH, GSH-Px, GR and SOD were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Serum levels (mean +/- SD) of MDA (6.7 +/- 1.6 vs 2.8 +/- 1.7 nmol/ml, p 0.0001), NO (135 +/- 28 vs 113 +/- 35 mmol/L, p 0.04), GSH (919 +/- 137 vs 770 +/- 128 mmol/L, p 0.003) were increased in patients with NASH vs controls. Serum levels of GSH-Px (1063 +/- 152 vs 1000 +/- 94 U/L) and GR (47 +/- 22 vs 40 +/- 21 U/L) were not singnificantly different in the patients vs controls. However, the serum level of SOD (1.24 +/- 0.32 vs 1.51 +/- 0.37 U/ml, p: 0.04) was significantly decreased. Impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of NASH. Treatment approaches that affect the antioxidant enzymes may be beneficial in patients with NASH.     

The clinical impact of Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System classification in patients with haemospermia undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate

In this study, we evaluated the role of the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to determine the likelihood of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with haemospermia. Fifty-one patients presenting with haemospermia between 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Forty-two of the patients (82.4%) were over 40 years, and the median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 1.4 ng/ml. Fourteen of the patients (27.5%) had recurrent haemospermia. All patients underwent mpMRI, and assessments were classified according to PI-RADS v2. The mpMRI revealed PI-RADS one to four lesions in 10 (19.6%), 30 (58.8%), 6 (11.8%) and 5 (9.8%) patients respectively. One patient with PI-RADS 3 and five with PI-RADS 4 lesions underwent cognitive fusion prostate biopsy depending on MRI findings, and two patients with PI-RADS 4 lesions were diagnosed with PCa. Patients with haemospermia and risk factors, that is aged over 40 years, a high PSA level or familial history of PCa, need a more thorough evaluation with mpMRI.     

Deep dorsal vein arterialization in pure cavernoocclusive dysfunction

PURPOSE: We report our 4-year experience with deep dorsal vein arterialization at 3 years' follow-up in young patients with pure cavernoocclusive dysfunction as an alternative to penile prosthesis implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a modified Furlow-Fisher operation (circumflex collaterals are preserved and the deep dorsal venous valves are not disrupted by a stipper) in 25 patients who did not have risk factors such as general arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and age (over 40 years). Patients with arterial disease diagnosed by Doppler examination were excluded from the study. Also, patients with abnormal penile biothesiometric and electromyographic findings were not included in the study. Beside the subjective and objective evaluation the efficacy of the operation was also assessed retrospectively in 18 patients by telephone according to items 3 (ability to achieve an erection) and 4 (ability to maintain an erection) of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 4-42) subjective and objective success rates were 80 and 72% at 1 year's 75 and 62.5% at 2 years', and 70 and 60% at 3 years' follow-up. According to items 3 and 4 of the 15 item IIEF questionnaire the mean postoperative scores reached 1.55-3.44 and 1. 33-3.27 for items 3 and 4, respectively (p<0.01). Two patients (8%) showed signs of glans hypervascularization as a major complication and minor complications such as penile skin edema, subdermal hematoma, loss of penile skin sensation and early thrombosis of the anastomosis were found in a total of 8 patients (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Deep dorsal vein arterialization is a preferable choice in highly selected young patients as an alternative to penile prosthesis.     

Augmentation of Shoulder Contour Using a Calf Implant

Sprengel deformity is a rare orthopedic condition that is associated with functional and cosmetic impairment. Results of orthopedic procedures are usually inconsistent and cosmetic results are far from satisfactory in these patients. A silicone-gel-filled calf prosthesis was used to correct the shoulder contour in a patient with Sprengel deformity. Cosmetically the deformity can be restored by using a calf implant for patients in whom orthopedic procedures are not likely to yield a satisfactory outcome.     

Three Dimensions of Youth Social Capital and Their Impacts on Substance Use

Substance use is a threat to the health and well-being of youths, their families, and society as well. The literature shows that social interactions with peers, parents, and community may have an impact on adolescents’ behavior. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2007, this study investigated the impact of social capital on youth behavior. The results show that peer influence is the strongest among the three significant predictors of substance use. While peer influence is positively correlated with substance use, family attachment and youth activities have a negative relationship with substance use. Findings demonstrate that there is a relationship between youth substance use and different aspects of social capital. By integrating different perspectives in social capital and substance use, this study successfully demonstrates how social capital can be utilized as a policy and intervention tool.