8 research outputs found
Tissue detection of natural killer cells in colorectal adenocarcinoma
BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells represent a first line of defence against a developing cancer; however, their exact role in colorectal cancer remains undetermined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of CD16 and CD57 [immunohistochemical markers of natural NK cells] in colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Presence of NK cells was investigated in 82 colorectal adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed, using 2 monoclonal antibodies (anti-Fc Gamma Receptor II, CD16 and an equivalent to Leu-7, specific for CD-57). The number of immunopositive cells (%) was evaluated by image analysis. The cases were characterized according to: patient gender and age, tumor location, size, grade, bowel wall invasion, lymph node metastases and Dukes' stage. RESULTS: NK cells were detected in 79/82 cases at the primary tumor site, 27/33 metastatic lymph nodes and 3/4 hepatic metastases; they were detected in levels similar to those reported in the literature, but their presence was not correlated to the clinical or pathological characteristics of the series, except for a negative association with the patients' age (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Our data do not support an association of NK cell tissue presence with clinical or pathological variables of colorectal adenocarcinoma, except for a negative association with the patients' age; this might possibly be attributed to decreased adhesion molecule expression in older ages
Environmental Health Education: From Museum Specimens and Math Word Problems to Virtual and Augmented Reality
Environmental degradation and its severe impact on human health has
revealed the necessity for effective educational interventions. Given
the importance of “Environment,” “Health,” and “Education,”
as key pillars for the achievement of sustainable development, the
education for environmental health is evolving into a main component of
current strategies against environmental health threats, such as climate
change and urban air pollution. Environmental Health Education, which
must be considered as a strategical response against environmental
degradation, offers vast capacity for innovation alongside every
educational stage. For instance, the application of new technologies,
such as virtual and augmented reality applications, the adoption of
innovative interdisciplinary educational approaches, and the
incorporation of Arts are evolving into a new era’s educational
perspectives. All the new trends in formal, non-formal and informal
Environmental Health Education should be captured and assessed, in favor
of protecting both local and global natural environment, human and
animal health, and promoting sustainability
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Expression of receptors for estrogen and progesterone in malignant colonic mucosa as a prognostic factor for patient survival
Heart dysfunction induced by choline-deficiency in adult rats: The protective role of L-carnitine
Choline is a B vitamin co-factor and its deficiency seems to impair
heart function. Carnitine, a chemical analog of choline, has been used
as adjunct in the management of cardiac diseases. The study investigates
the effects of choline deficiency on myocardial performance in adult
rats and the possible modifications after carnitine administration.
Wistar Albino rats (n=24), about 3 months old, were randomized into four
groups fed with: (a) standard diet (control-CA), (b) choline deficient
diet (CDD), (c) standard diet and carnitine in drinking water 0.15% w/v
(CARN) and (d) choline deficient diet and carnitine (CDD+CARN). After
four weeks of treatment, we assessed cardiac function under isometric
conditions using the Langendorff preparations [Left Ventricular
Developed Pressure (LVDP-mmHg), positive and negative first derivative
of LVDP were evaluated], measured serum homocysteine and brain
natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and performed histopathology analyses.
In the CDD group a compromised myocardium contractility compared to
control (P=0.01), as assessed by LVDP, was noted along with a
significantly impaired diastolic left ventricular function, as assessed
by (-) dp/dt (P=0.02) that were prevented by carnitine. Systolic force,
assessed by (+) dp/dt, showed no statistical difference between groups.
A significant increase in serum BNP concentration was found in the CDD
group (P<0.004) which was attenuated by carnitine (P<0.05), whereas
homocysteine presented contradictory results (higher in the CDD+CARN
group). Heart histopathology revealed a lymphocytic infiltration of
myocardium and valves in the CDD group that was reduced by carnitine. In
conclusion, choline deficiency in adult rats impairs heart performance;
carnitine acts against these changes. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights
reserved
Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects
Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica
(Silicon dioxide; SiO2) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer,
silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of
Greek construction workers to SiO(2)and describe their pulmonary
function. The study involved 86 outdoor and underground workers. Medical
and professional history was obtained, and breath samples were collected
at morning hours through a mask for the determination of SiO(2)levels.
Pulmonary function tests, radiological examination and evaluation of
radiographs were also performed. Pulmonary function examination showed
that the majority of the workers were within normal range (61.4%) while
the rest were diagnosed with mild (26.5%) and more severe impairment
(7.24%). Working conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically
significantly related to the categorization of pulmonary function
(P=0.038). During radiological examination, the type of working
activity/ conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically
significantly related to the categorization of these findings (P=0.044).
Of the 69 employees, 52 did not present findings (75.4%) and 5 were
diagnosed with findings specific to occupational diseases (7.23%).
Environmental exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) was
detected at 0.0125 mg/m(3)in the workplace, which is not beyond the
legal limits. Underground workers with more than 15 years of exposure to
SiO(2)are more likely to present chronic silicosis compared to the
workers of outdoor activities
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of 95 Bone Marrow Reactive Plasmacytoses
We histologically and immunohistochemically studied 95 bone marrow (BM) reactive plasmacytoses. Ten biopsies from plasma cell myeloma (PCM) patients served as a control group. In addition, we studied 10 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) cases. Histologically, plasmacytosis varied between 5% and 25% with an interstitial pattern of plasma cell (PC) distribution being characteristically displayed. Immunohistochemically, we did not find any CD56/NCAM nor cyclin D1 expression in all biopsies (95 of 95, 100%), not even a weak, doubtful one; PCs were all polyclonal and CD138 positive. On the contrary, myeloma-associated PCs showed monoclonality for kappa- or lambda- light chain and strong CD56/NCAM immunoreactivity (8 of 10, 80%); four of them were cyclin D1 positive. Osteoblasts exhibited similar CD56/NCAM expression in both groups. Our data confirm the diagnostic utility of CD56/NCAM in the phenotypic characterization of polyclonal plasma cells, suggesting an important role of this particular immunomarker in the BM trephine study of polyclonal versus neoplastic plasmacytic infiltrations