Galectin-3 expression: a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa tumors in children

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a glycan-binding protein highly expressed in several tumors, including brain neoplasms. This protein has been demonstrated to be correlated with adverse prognosis in some tumor types. However, the role of Gal-3 in pediatric posterior fossa tumors (PPFTs) has not yet been fully addressed. The goals of this study were to evaluate Gal-3 expression in a series of PPFTs and verify whether this expression is related to patient outcome. Gal-3 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 42 cases of surgically resected primary PPFTs. Surgeries were performed in our institution from January 2003 to December 2006. Tumor samples consisted of 21 pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs), 13 medulloblastomas, 4 ependymomas, 2 diffuse cerebellar astrocytomas, and 2 atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs). All PAs and ependymomas strongly showed Gal-3 expression, whereas no immunostaining was observed in medulloblastomas and diffuse astrocytomas. In AT/RTs, Gal-3 expression was conspicuous but heterogeneous, being mainly observed in rhabdoid cells. Concerning the Gal-3 expressing tumors, no relationship was observed between the degree of expression and patient survival. Gal-3 was strongly expressed in reactive astrocytes, normal endothelial cells, and macrophages in the adjacent non-neoplastic brain parenchyma. Interestingly, the endothelial cells in the tumor bulk of PAs lacked Gal-3 expression. Gal-3 is differentially expressed in PPFTs, but its expression shows no correlation with patient outcome. However, the evaluation of Gal-3 is helpful in establishing a differential diagnosis among PPFTs, especially between PAs and diffuse astrocytomas, and in some circumstances between medulloblastomas and AT/RTs.FAPESP, Fundacao de Apoio a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo[2009/08497-6]FAPESP, Fundacao de Apoio a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo[2006/60642-2

PERCEPTION of HEALTH STUDENTS ABOUT OLDER ADULTS in BRAZIL

Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Clin Med, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Hosp Clin, Dept Internal Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Hosp São Paulo, Dept Internal Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities, São Paulo, BrazilPrefeitura Municipio São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Pathol, Disciplina Informat Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Orthoped & Trauma Orthogeriatr Grp, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Internal Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Hosp São Paulo, Dept Internal Med, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc