Self-Assembly of Nanoparticles from Evaporating Sessile Droplets: Fresh Look into the Role of Particle/Substrate Interaction

We studied the dependence of solid deposit shape obtained by free drying of sessile drops on particle concentration and Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) particle/substrate interaction. In contrast to previous contributions using pH as a control parameter of interactions, we investigated an unprecedentedly wide range of concentrations and particle/substrate DLVO forces by modifying the nature of the substrate and particles as well as their size and surface chemistry, whereas long-distance repulsive interactions between particles were maintained for most of the drying time. Our main result is that the different shapes of deposits obtained by modifying the particle concentration are the same in the different regimes of concentration regardless of particle/substrate interaction in the studied range of DLVO forces and particle concentrations. The second result is that, contrary to expectations, the dominant morphology of dry patterns at low particle concentration always shows a dotlike pattern for all the studied systems.

[Clinicopathological characteristics of myxoid solitary fibrous tumor: analysis of seven cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotypes, and diagnostic and differential diagnostic features of myxoid solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). Methods: Seven cases of myxoid SFT were collected from the archives of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. The clinical features, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, molecular genetics and prognosis were analyzed and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were three male and four female patients ranging from 32 to 67 years. Locations included the pleura (three cases), pelvic cavity, vagina, parotid gland, and nasal cavity(one each). Tumor size ranged from 2.7 to 13.5 cm. Histologically, all cases were characterized predominantly by the presence of myxoid stroma comprising 55% to 90% of the tumor (mean 72%). The tumors were composed of predominantly stellated, spindled or ovoid cells disposed haphazardly, in loose fascicles, or in anastomosing strands imparting a microcystic/reticular appearance in a extensively myxoid, richly vascularized stroma. Staghorn-shaped branching vessels and thin strands of collagen were commonly seen between tumors cells amidst the myxoid background. These myxoid areas were punctuated by small cellular areas showing diagnostic features of classical SFT, which were present in all seven cases. Areas showing giant cell angifibroma-like change were noted in 2 cases and focal lipomatous metaplasia was identified in 1 case. Atypical features suggestive of aggressive behavior were present in 2 cases and in one of the cases myxoid SFT with high-grade sarcomatous overgrowth was noted. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells in all cases stained positively for STAT6 and CD34. Polymerase chain reaction technique showed in both the examined cases the characteristic NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2 fusion gene. According to the Demicco's risk assessment model, four cases were classfied as low, one was classified as moderate and 2 was classified as high. Follow-up information was obtained in 4 cases. One tumor recurred 3 times within 48 months after operation, and the other 3 cases had no tumor recurrence and metastasis. Conclusions: Myxoid SFT represents a rare morphologic variant of SFT with biological behaviors ranging from indolent to aggressive. Myxoid SFT should be included in the differential diagnostic spectrums of soft tissue tumors with significantly myxoid change. Carefully searching for the typical SFT histomorphology with the use of immunohistochemistry and if necessary, molecularly testing for NAB2-STAT6 fusion can help to distinguish myxoid SFT from its many mimickers.

[Association of abdominal obesity and obesity types with carotid intima-media thickness in children in China]

Objective: To evaluate the association of abdominal obesity and obesity types with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and provide scientific evidence for the prevention of abnormal vascular structure. Methods: Based on the "Children's Cardiovascular Health Cohort" conducted in Huantai county of Zibo, Shandong province from November 2017 to January 2018, a total of 1 240 children, including 657 boys (53.0%), who had completed data of sex, age, physical examinations, blood biochemical indices and lifestyle variables (collected by questionnaires) were included for the analysis. Covariance analysis was used to compare the levels of cIMT in groups with normal waist circumference, pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity with high cIMT, and the association of combined effect of general overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity or pre-abdominal obesity with high cIMT. Results: The levels of cIMT in children with pre-abdominal obesity (0.47±0.03) mm and abdominal obesity (0.50±0.04) mm were higher than that in children with normal waist circumference (0.45±0.05) mm, the difference was significant (P<0.001). The detection rates of high cIMT in children with pre-abdominal obesity(20.8%) and abdominal obesity (49.5%) were higher than that in children with normal waist circumference (8.8%), the difference was significant (P<0.001). Compared with normal waist circumference, pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with high cIMT (pre-abdominal obesity: OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.67-3.84; abdominal obesity: OR=8.56, 95%CI: 5.97-12.29) after adjustment for potential covariates. Compared with normal body mass index and normal waist circumference, abdominal obesity or pre-abdominal obesity alone (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.36-3.69), and mixed overweight and obesity (OR=6.94, 95%CI: 4.87-9.90) were significantly associated with high cIMT. Conclusions: The association between abdominal obesity and high cIMT was significant in children, and the association was stronger between mixed overweight or obesity and high cIMT, suggesting that we should consider mixed overweight and obesity in the prevention of abnormal vascular structure.

[Detection of hypertension based on measurements at three occasions in different days and its relationship with obesity in children]

Objective: To analyze the trends in blood pressure (BP) values and the elevated BP based on the measurements at three occasions in different days and its relationship with obesity in children and provide scientific evidence for the identification and prevention of hypertension in children. Methods: A public primary school in Huantai county of Zibo, Shandong province, was selected as the investigation field by using a convenient cluster sampling method. The baseline survey of "Children's Cardiovascular Health Cohort" was carried out from November 2017 to January 2018. All the students with willingness and informed consent in this school were included in the survey, and the valid sample size was 1 505 children (aged 6-11 years). Children with elevated BP at the measurement of the first occasion should had a second measurement 2 weeks later, and a third measurement was given 2 weeks later if BP was still high at the measurement of the second occasion. Hypertension was confirmed if elevated BP was detected in the measurements at all the three occasions in different days. Multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the trend in BP values in children in the measurements at three occasions in different days, Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was used to evaluate the trend of elevated BP, and logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship of elevated BP with obesity at three occasions in different days. Results: In this study, with the increase of follow-up visits, the BP levels continued to rise (trend P<0.05). The elevated BP rates at three occasions were 15.5%, 4.0% and 1.9%, respectively, showing a significantly downward trend (trend P<0.05). Compared with both normal weight and normal waist circumference, the association between obesity types (general obesity only, abdominal obesity only, and mixed obesity) and elevated BP at three occasions increased (the first occasion: OR=3.62, 95%CI: 2.65-4.96; the second occasion: OR=9.50, 95%CI: 4.95-18.22; and the third occasion: OR=8.94, 95%CI: 3.48-22.96; all P<0.05). Stratified analysis by gender showed similar results. Conclusions: The elevated BP rates based on the measurements at three occasions in different days in children aged 6-11 years showed a significant decrease trend. The association between different types of obesity (especially mixed obesity) and elevated BP in children became stronger gradually with the progress of the follow up.

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of melatonin on diabetic retinopathy rats through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=12), model group (n=12), melatonin group (n=12), and inhibitor group (n=12). The rats in normal group received no treatment. Those in model group, melatonin group, and inhibitor group were prepared into models of diabetic retinopathy and intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, melatonin, and SB 203580, respectively. After 7 days of intervention, the materials were taken. The expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected through immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein expression levels of p38 MAPK, phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK, and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. The apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTS

Based on immunohistochemistry, model group, melatonin group, and inhibitor group exhibited significantly increased positive expression of Bax but notably decreased positive expression of Bcl-2 in comparison with normal group (p<0.05). Compared with those in model group, the positive expression of Bax was clearly reduced, while the positive expression of Bcl-2 was overtly raised in melatonin group and inhibitor group (p<0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that there was no difference in the protein expression of p38 MAPK among all groups (p>0.05). Compared with normal group, the other three groups had remarkably elevated protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and Caspase-3 (p<0.05). The protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and Caspase-3 in melatonin group and inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in model group decreased (p<0.05). QPCR assay revealed that the mRNA expression of Bax was markedly lower in normal group than that in the other three groups, while the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher in normal group than that in the other three groups (p<0.05). Compared with model group, melatonin group, and inhibitory group showed clearly declined mRNA expression level of Bax and notably increased mRNA expression level of Bcl-2 (p<0.05). TUNEL results revealed that the apoptosis rate was remarkably elevated in the other three groups compared with that in normal group (p<0.05). In comparison with model group, melatonin group and inhibitor group exhibited significantly reduced apoptosis rate (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy by repressing the MAPK pathway.

Feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted parotidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The object of this paper was to explore the feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted parotid tumour resection. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were used to search for all related randomised controlled trials or controlled trials (up to November 2019). The key parameters for assessment included 'Endoscope', 'Endoscopes', 'Cancer of Parotid', and 'Parotid Cancer'. To evaluate the feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted resection of parotid tumours, the data for each parameter were pooled, based on patients who received endoscope-assisted surgery and those who received conventional surgery. This meta-analysis included seven studies, involving 170 patients in the endoscopy group and 270 patients in the control group. The analysis using the pooled data showed that there were no significant differences in the operating times between the two groups; however, the endoscopy group had significantly shorter incisions and less intraoperative bleeding. In addition, the patients who received endoscope-assisted surgery had lower incidences of temporary facial paralysis and Frey's syndrome after surgery. Patients in the endoscopy group had greater postoperative satisfaction. Endoscope-assisted parotid tumour resection results in only a small, concealed incision wound and fewer postoperative complications. Therefore, it is promising for the surgical treatment of parotid tumours.

Hemorrhagic patterns and their risk factors in patients with moyamoya disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim was to describe the profiles of hemorrhagic patterns of moyamoya disease (MMD) and analyze the risk factors in a large population.

METHODS

A total of 335 conservatively managed MMD patients with hemorrhage in our hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. The correlation between clinical and angiographic characteristics and hemorrhagic patterns (anterior or posterior hemorrhage) was assessed in the hemorrhagic hemisphere by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. In addition, stratified analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The 335 hemorrhagic hemispheres (patients) comprised 179 (53.4%) anterior and 156 (46.6%) posterior hemorrhages. For all cases, age at onset [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.00; P = 0.048] and choroidal anastomosis (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.19-2.94; P = 0.007) were found by multivariate regression analysis to be negatively and positively associated with a significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage, respectively. After stratified analysis, hypertension (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14-0.97; P = 0.043) was identified by multivariate regression analysis as a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without dilation of choroidal anastomosis. On the other hand, choroidal anastomosis (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.02-6.72; P = 0.045) and involvement of the posterior cerebral artery (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.20-9.63; P = 0.022) were associated with significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage in children and young adults (<30 years of age).

CONCLUSIONS

A dynamic change in hemorrhagic patterns in MMD patients with increasing age at onset was observed. Choroidal anastomosis is a predictor of posterior hemorrhage. Hypertension is a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without extreme dilation of choroidal anastomosis.

[Relationship between parental history of hypertension and childhood hypertension]

To explore the relationship between parental hypertension history and hypertension in children and adolescents based on the relevant data of 6 049 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old in Jinan city from September 2012 to September 2014. The results showed that the history of hypertension in parents was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents, with the value of coefficient β (95%CI) about 0.91 (0.23-1.59). Compared with children and adolescents whose parents had no history of hypertension, those with history of hypertension in one parent and both parents were more likely to develop hypertension, with OR values (95%CI) about 1.28 (1.01-1.61) and 2.24 (1.09-4.61), respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that prevention and intervention measures should be taken as soon as possible for children and adolescents whose parents have a history of hypertension.

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway

The article "Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway, by Y. Ma, Q. Zhao, Y. Shao, M.-Z. Cao, M. Zhao, D. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (3 Suppl): 1-8-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18620-PMID: 31389568" has been withdrawn from the authors. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18620.

Superior rectal artery embolization for bleeding internal hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of superselective embolization of the superior rectal artery (SRA) for the treatment of internal hemorrhoidal bleeding.

METHODS

Patients with stage II and stage III internal hemorrhoids, treated by interventional embolization of the SRA in our department between January 2017 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients suffering from disabling chronic hematochezia and some with relative contraindications for operation (n = 17) or rejection of conventional hemorrhoidectomy (n = 15). Superselective SRA branch embolization was performed using gelatin sponge particles (350-560 μm) and metallic coils (2-3 mm). This treatment process was planned by a multidisciplinary team consisting of proctologist, gastroenterologist and radiologist. The surgical efficacy, postoperative complications and follow-up outcomes were observed.

RESULTS

There were 32 patients (18 males, mean age 52 ± 12 years, range: 22-78 years), 12 (37%) with stage II hemorrhoids and 20 (63%) with stage III hemorrhoids. Embolization was successful in all patients, and bleeding symptoms resolved in 27 (84.4%) patients. The remaining 5 (15.6%) patients underwent either stapled hemorrhoidopexy (n = 4) or sclerotherapy (n = 1). Some patients experienced different degrees of pain (n = 4;12.5%), low fever (n = 11;34.4%), and tenesmus (n = 17;53.1%), which all spontaneously regressed without further treatment. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. There were no serious complications, such as infection, intestinal ischemia or massive hemorrhage. Four patients (14.8%) had rebleeding during the first months of follow-up. All patients with re-bleeding were successfully treated with internal iliac arteriography and branch embolization and did not experience further bleeds after a minimum follow up 3 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term efficacy of superselective SRA embolization for grade II-III internal hemorrhoids is good, and this method is safe and feasible.

[Predictive analysis of distant metastasis after primary treatment of papillary thyroid cancer in patients under 18 years old]

Objective: To investigate the distant metastasis after primary treatment of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in children and adolescents. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 180 cases (54 boys and 126 girls, with an age range of 6-18 years) with PTC treated at the Chinese Medical Academy Cancer Hospital and Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2014 was performed. Patients' clinical and pathological data were collected. The follow-up results were statistically analyzed. The distant metastasis rate during the follow-up period was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-Rank test was used for univariate analysis and Cox regression model was established in multivariate analysis. Results: Twenty-four cases (13.3%) had distant metastases during following-up with a median of 92 months. The Log-Rank test showed that the younger age ≤15 years old (χ(2)=11.803, P=0.001), the larger tumor diameter >20 mm (χ(2)=5.776, P=0.016), multifocal (χ(2)=11.205, P=0.001), bilateral tumor distribution (χ(2)=19.804, P=0.001), invaded capsule (χ(2)=10.808, P=0.001), and bilateral lymph nodes metastasis (χ(2)=6.278, P=0.012) were risk factors for distant metastasis after initial treatment. The Cox regression analysis showed that age ≤15 years (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.08[1.504-11.111], P=0.006) and bilateral tumor distribution (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.77[1.903-11.966], P=0.001) were independent risk factors for distant metastasis after initial treatment. The risk factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis were similar, but the local recurrence could not be a significant predictor for distant metastasis. It was indicated that distant metastasis rate was lower in patients with total thyroidectomy in multifocal lesions groups (χ(2)=5.891, P=0.015). Conclusions: Age, tumor size, invaded capsule, bilateral lymph nodes metastasis, multifocal and bilateral lesions are factors for predicting distant metastasis after primary treatment of PTC in children and adolescents. Total thyroidectomy is recommended for patients with multifocal and bilateral lesions.

Weekly radiotherapy in elderly breast cancer patients: a comparison between two hypofractionation schedules

PURPOSE

Weekly irradiation in breast cancer in elderly patients is a treatment option, whose tolerance may be influenced by the fractionation used. The objective of this study is to compare the tolerance and long-term side effects of two different fractionations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

47 elderly patients were recruited after conservative or radical treatment that also received irradiation with a dose per fraction of 6.25 Gy or 5 Gy for one session per week, 6 sessions in total. The long-term tolerance results are compared by assessing toxicity using CTCAE version 5.0 scales for dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis and pain of the irradiated breast. In addition, objective parameters of skin status (erythema, hyperpigmentation, elasticity and hydration) by a multi-probe MultiSkin Test-Center system were obtained and compared between groups.

RESULTS

After an average follow-up of 5 years, all patients were free of disease and with complete local control. A total of 20 patients with 6.25 Gy fractionation and 27 patients with 5 Gy fractionation have been included. Patients treated with lower fractionation had a lower incidence of dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis, or local pain. The decrease in elasticity measured by the multi-probe system was smaller with the fractionation of 5 Gy. No differences were observed in the other objective parameters.

CONCLUSION

Weekly irradiation with 5 Gy fractionation is better tolerated than with higher fractionation.

[The expression and significance of IGF1R-Ras/RAGE-HMGB1 pathway in colorectal cancer patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Objective: To investigate the expression of IGF1R-Ras and RAGE-HMGB1 signaling pathways in colorectal cancer patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their significance. Methods: The resected cancer tissues were obtained from 59 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), including 29 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (CRC/DM group) and 30 with CRC alone (CRC group). The expressions of IGF1R, Ras, RAGE and HMGB1 in cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The differences between the two groups were compared and the relationship between the expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Results: In CRC/DM group, the positive rates of IGF1R and Ras were both 65.5% (19/29), and 51.7% (15/29) patients had IGF1R+ Ras+ immunophenotype, which were significantly higher than those in CRC group [33.3% (10/30), 36.7% (11/30) and 20.0% (6/30); P=0.013, 0.027 and 0.011, respectively]. The expression of IGF1R and Ras in CRC / DM group was positively correlated (r=0.479, P=0.017). The positive rate of RAGE expression in CRC group and CRC/DM group was 70.0% (21/30) and 72.4% (21/29) respectively, and the positive rate of HMGB1 expression was 46.7% (14/30) and 58.6% (17/29) respectively, neither was observed with significant difference (P=0.358 and 0.838). However, the proportion of patients with RAGE+ HMGB1+ immunophenotype in CRC/DM group [55.2% (16/29)] was higher than that in CRC Group [26.7% (8/30)] which was statistically significant (P=0.026), and the expression of both proteins was positively correlated in CRC/DM group (r=0.578, P=0.003). The clinicopathological analysis showed that in both groups the expression of IGF1R, Ras, RAGE and HMGB1 had no correlation with the sex, age, differentiation degree, tumor length, T stage and lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both IGF1R-Ras and RAGE-HMGB1 pathways may be involved in the oncogenesis of colorectal cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of efficacy of HCAG and CAG re-induction chemotherapy in elderly low- and intermediate-risk group patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and severity of adverse effects of HCAG and CAG re-induction chemotherapy in elderly low- and intermediate-risk group patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) following induction failure.

METHODS

A total of 94 AML patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 46 were treated with HCAG chemotherapy, while 48 were treated with CAG chemotherapy.

RESULT

The complete remission (CR) was 39.6% in the patients with HCAG, while the CR was 33.3% in the CAG group. The overall remission (ORR) was 63.0% and 43.5% in patients of the HCAG and CAG groups, respectively (P = 0.038). The median survival time of progression free survival (PFS) was 8.0 (95% CI 3.843-10.157) months in the HCAG group and 7.0 (95% CI 2.682-13.318) months in the CAG group (P = 0.032). A total of 31 patients in the HCAG group suffered from grade 4 hematological toxicity, whereas 29 patients were treated with CAG (P = 0.622). A total of 27 (58.7%) cases indicated apparent pulmonary infection in the HCAG group, while 25 (52.1%) were noted with this complication in the CAG group (P = 0.519). Oral cavity toxicity was evident for 13 (28.3%) and 11 (23.0%) cases in the HCAG and CAG groups, respectively (P = 0.216).

CONCLUSION

The HCAG regimen was more effective than the CAG regimen in elderly low- and intermediate-risk group patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia although the HCAG regimen exhibited similar toxicity with that of the CAG group.

[Renal angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features,diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts(AMLEC). Methods: Four cases of renal AMLEC diagnosed between January 2014 and June 2019 at the Department of Pathology,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were subjected to clinicopathological, histological and immunohistochemistry analyses along with a literature review. Results: All the four patients were females and aged from 19 to 52 years (mean 34.5 years). Three cases were accidentally discovered by physical examination, and the medical history was 1 to 6 years. The preoperative imaging Bosniak classification was grade Ⅲ in 3 and grade Ⅳ in 1 case. The maximum diameter of the tumor ranged from 2.5 to 9.0 cm (average 5.0 cm). Histologically, all of the 4 tumors showed three histological components: (1) simple epithelial cysts lined by a layer of cuboidal/low-columnar to occasionally, hobnailcells; (2) a thin, compact subepithelial "cambium-like" layer of cellular, mullerian-like short spindle cell stromas with prominent admixedchronic inflammation; (3) a outermost layer of thick, long-fascicles of smooth muscle-like stromas, often surrounded by dysplastic, tortuous thick-walled blood vessels. There was often a prominent lymphatic channel network in the smooth muscle component forming slit like branched and curvilinear spaces. None of the 4 tumors had fat content.Immunohistochemically, the epithelial cells lining the cysts strongly expressed PAX8 and CK7. The subepithelial "cambium-like" stromas strongly expressed melanocytic markers (HMB45, Melan A, Cathspin K, MiTF) and mullerian markers (ER,PR,CD10), and were negative for smooth-muscle markers(SMA,desmin,calponin). The outermost layer of smooth muscle-like stromas strongly expressed smooth-muscle markers, and were only focally positive for melanocytic and mullerian markers. Follow-up information was obtained in 3 cases, among which no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis was found at 3, 5, and 66 months of follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: Renal AMLEC is a rare histological subtype of angiomyolipoma with benign biological behavior, and has characteristic histological and immunophenotypic characteristics.Pathologists should be familiar with the clinicopathological appearances of AMLEC and include it in the differential diagnostic spectrums of renal tumors with biphasic epithelial and mesenchymal features.

Drug-abusing offenders with co-morbid mental disorders:gender differences in problem severity, treatment participation, and recidivism

Introduction

Individuals with co-occurring disorders have higher levels of psychological distress and poorer psychosocial functioning, as compared with individuals with substance dependence only. Studies identified substance abuse as a risk factor, which increases the likelihood that an individual with mental disorders may become violent.

Objectives

To examine the gender differences in drug-related problems and predictors of recidivism among a sample of 1,444 offenders with co-morbid drug abuse and mental disorders participating in California's Proposition 36.

Methods

Characteristics and problem severity in multiple key life areas were assessed at intake using Addiction Severity Index, and drug treatment participation, mental health diagnoses and arrests were based on official records.

Results

Women demonstrated greater problem severity than men in family relationships, health, psychological health, and sexual and physical abuse history. Men on the other hand had greater criminal history, high rates of attention disorder, and psychotic disorder. Logistic regression analyses showing that for the combined sample, male, young age, cocaine use (relative to methamphetamine), drug abuse severity, methadone treatment, arrest history and fewer prior treatment history were associated with higher recidivism at 12-month follow-up; lower education, cocaine use, and arrest history were related to women's recidivism, while young age, outpatient treatment, and arrest history were predictors of men's recidivism.

Conclusions

Although the specific type of mental disorder did not seem to be predictive of recidivism, the high rates of mental health disorder and arrest of this population is problematic. Intervention strategies taking into consideration gender-specific problems and needs can improve outcomes for both.

[Large nested variant of urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of large nested variant of urothelial carcinoma (LNUC) of urinary bladder. Methods: The clinical and pathologic data of five cases of LNUC of urinary bladder diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2018 at the Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Sanger sequencing. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: All five patients were male with a mean age of 63 years (range, 48 to 81 years). The mean tumor size was 3.4 cm (range, 1.7 to 4.7 cm). Histologically, the invasive LNUC tumor cells formed medium to large sized nests of varying shapes, from regular round, bulbous, oval to irregularly fused, branched, dumbbell shaped glands, with mild stromal reaction. In all five cases, focal central necrosis and microcystic changes in the tumor nests were identified. Cytologically, the tumor cells were low grade in four cases; the remaining case was overall low grade with focal high grade areas. Mitoses were scarce. All cases possessed surface urothelial tumors, including three low-grade papillary carcinomas, one high-grade papillary carcinoma and one carcinoma in situ. Three of the LNUC were accompanied by small nested variant of urothelial carcinoma and two by conventional high grade invasive urothelial carcinoma. Perineural involvement and angiolymphatic invasion were each noted in four tumors. Radical cystectomy was performed in four cases with TNM stages as followings: pT3aN0M0 in two cases, pT4aN0M0 and pT4aN1M0 in one case each. The remaining case had transurethral bladder resection and was of pT2 stage. By IHC, all five cases were positive for CK7 and p40; four were positive for GATA3; two were positive for CK20; and the mean Ki-67 proliferation index was 18%. TERT promoter mutation status were successfully performed in three cases, with one showing mutation (C228T) and two were wild type. All patients received postoperative chemotherapy. At a follow-up of 2 to 11 months, one patient died of unrelated causes, two patients developed metastases, and two were alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusions: LNUC is a histologic subtype of urothelial carcinoma with deceptively benign features but aggressive behavior, and appreciation of its unique infiltration patterns can aid in diagnosis and differential diagnosis. LNUC tends to coexist with small nested variant of urothelial carcinoma, suggesting these may represent different manifestations of the same urothelial carcinoma subtype.