Follicular dendritic cell tumor presenting in the lung: a case report

An example of extranodal follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) presenting in the lung, a heretofore unreported site, is described. Macroscopically, a 9.5-cm, tan-white, dominant mass and multiple smaller parenchymal and pleural nodules were identified. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of spindled cells with uniform cytologic features arranged in short, intersecting fascicles and intermixed small lymphocytes and plasma cells. One of 4 peribronchial and hilar lymph nodes evaluated microscopically was focally involved by the process. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic spindled cells expressed complement receptors CD21 and CD35 and low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor but did not express keratin (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2), CD45 (leukocyte common antigen), CD20 (L26), S-100 protein, muscle-specific actin, or gp100 protein (HMB45). Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells have complex interdigitating cell surface processes and desmosomes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was not detected in the tumor cells by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA or by polymerase chain reaction for viral DNA. FDCS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any spindled-cell tumor with interspersed chronic inflammatory cells occurring in the lung. An immunohistochemical panel, including anti-CD21 and -CD35, can assist in its diagnosis, especially with small bronchial biopsy specimens. 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Assessment of ambient air quality in Eskişehir, Turkey

This paper presents an assessment of air quality of the city Eskişehir, located 230 km southwest to the capital of Turkey. Only five of the major air pollutants, most studied worldwide and available for the region, were considered for the assessment. Available sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), ozone (O(3)), and non-methane volatile organic carbons (NMVOCs) data from local emission inventory studies provided relative source contributions of the selected pollutants to the region. The contributions of these typical pollution parameters, selected for characterizing such an urban atmosphere, were compared with the data established for other cities in the nation and world countries. Additionally, regional ambient SO(2) and PM concentrations, determined by semi-automatic monitoring at two sites, were gathered from the National Ambient Air Monitoring Network (NAAMN). Regional data for ambient NO(2) (as a precursor of ozone as VOCs) and ozone concentrations, through the application of the passive sampling method, were provided by the still ongoing local air quality monitoring studies conducted at six different sites, as representatives of either the traffic-dense-, or coal/natural gas burning residential-, or industrial/rural-localities of the city. Passively sampled ozone data at a single rural site were also verified with the data from a continuous automatic ozone monitoring system located at that site. Effects of variations in seasonal-activities, newly established railway system, and switching to natural gas usage on the temporal changes of air quality were all considered for the assessment. Based on the comparisons with the national [AQCR (Air Quality Control Regulation). Ministry of Environment (MOE), Ankara. Official Newspaper 19269; 1986.] and a number of international [WHO (World Health Organization). Guidelines for Air Quality. Geneva; 2000. Downloaded in January 2006, website: http://www.who.int/peh/; EU (European Union). Council Directive 1999/30/EC relating to limit values for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead in ambient air. Of J Eur Communities L 163: 14-30; 29.6.1999; EU (European Union). Council Directive 2002/3/EC relating to ozone in ambient air. Of J Eur Communities. L 67: 14-30; 9.3.2002.; USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Downloaded in January 2006, website: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/] ambient air standards, among all the pollutants studied, only the annual average SO(2) concentration was found to exceed one specific limit value (EU limit for protection of the ecosystem). A part of the data (VOC/NO(x) ratio), for determining the effects of photochemical interactions, indicated that VOC-limited regime was prevailing throughout the city.

The protective effect of betanin and copper on heart and lung in end‑organ ischemia reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVES

Betanin and copper sulphate have been previously indicated as beneficial agents for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) as antioxidant compounds in various models. We investigated whether betanin and copper have any protective effects on the heart and lung against I/R injury in rats.

METHODS

Spraque-Dawley rats were assigned in groups: Sham (laparotomy only), control (I/R only), betanin treatment (100 mg/kg of betanin administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 60 minutes before I/R) and copper sulfate treatment group (0.1 mg/kg/day copper sulfate i.p. for 7 days before I/R). Ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta between the left renal artery and aortic bifurcation for 45 minutes. After 48-hour reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed and heart/lung tissues were harvested. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were determined. Apoptosis was determined via TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

MDA, MPO, IL-6 levels and apoptotic cells were significantly increased in the I/R group. In both treatment groups, MDA and MPO levels were decreased. IL-6 was significantly decreased in response to betanin administration in the heart, but not in the lung; copper had no effect in either area. The numbers of apoptotic cells were significantly decreased in both treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Betanin and copper may have protective effects on I/R injury in the heart and lung in rats (Fig. 6, Ref. 39).

Effects of capsaicin on nitric oxide synthase isoforms in prepubertal rat ovary

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important intra-ovarian regulatory factor. We investigated effects of low dose capsaicin (CAP) treatment on the different NOS isoforms in prepubertal rat ovaries. Fifteen 21-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups. The first group received no treatment, the second group received 0.5 mg/kg/day CAP dissolved in the vehicle, and the third group was treated with the vehicle only. The animals were euthanized by ether inhalation after 15 days and their ovaries were excised. Ovaries were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were processed for standard immunohistochemistry using the labeled streptavidin-biotin technique for expression of nNOS, eNOS and iNOS. We demonstrated that CAP induced expression of NOS isotypes including eNOS, iNOS and nNOS in prepubertal rat ovaries. CAP may lead to release of NO either directly from nerves or indirectly by evoking release from other cells via the action of neuropeptides that are released from afferent terminals and are involved in regulating female reproductive function.

Therapeutic use of topical cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (cyclosporine A, CsA) is a selective immunosuppressant that inhibits T-cell activation. Its systemic use in the treatment of various ocular diseases has been successful. Topical CsA 2% was used in noncontrolled groups of seven patients with high-risk corneal transplants, two with peripheral corneal melting syndrome, three with chronic vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and two with ligneous conjunctivitis. Six (85%) of the seven high-risk corneal transplants remained clear after an average follow-up of 12 months (range, 10-15 months). Two (67%) of the three patients with chronic vernal conjunctivitis showed dramatic improvement in signs and symptoms after three months of therapy, but recurrence was the rule after the withdrawal of the drug. Peripheral corneal melting syndrome and ligneous conjunctivitis appeared to be refractory to topical CsA use. Systemic CsA levels were measured in all patients.

EROSS study: effect of ovarian reserve on sexual satisfaction

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04776902 Clinical Trials.

[Occurrence of residues of organochlorine pesticides, nitromusk compounds and polychlorobiphenyls in Turkish canned fish products]

In our study we elaborated an overview on the contamination grade of fish from Turkish waters by selected organochlorine pesticides, nitromusks and chlorobiphenyl congenres. We could demonstrate, that the tested fish species, being prior processed to canned products and brought to the market, contained particularly unmistakable amounts of the above mentioned analytes. Sardines, sardelles and trout gave results generally far below the German regulatory limits. However total DDT in pelamides reached an order of magnitude near the German limit of 0.5 mg/kg (based on wet weight). The necessity of enhanced systematic measurements for monitoring pollutants in fish from Turkish waters thus becomes evident.

Vaginal micronized progesterone capsule versus vaginal progesterone gel for lutheal support in normoresponder IVF/ICSI-ET cycles

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of luteal phase support by micronized progesteron vaginal capsule 600mg/day and progesterone vaginal gel 180mg/day in the normoresponder IVF/ICSI-ET cycles of the patients down-regulated via GnRH agonist long protocol or fixed antagonist protocol below 40 years of age.

METHODS

A total of 463 normoresponder cycles between January 2013 and December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Those with a BMI>28 kg/m(2), any kind of uterine, ovarian or adnexial pathology, any significant systemic, endocrine or metabolic disease or who were reported as azoospermia, were excluded from the study. The patients were grouped according to the usage of micronized progesterone vaginal capsule 600mg/day (Group 1) or progesterone vaginal gel 180mg/day (Group 2) as luteal phase support. Treatment cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Group-I included 220 cycles and group 2 included 243 cycles. Although the MII oocyte percentage among the total number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in Group-II (77.5% and 80.2%; p=0.034), positive ß-hCG (32.3% and 21.8%; p=0.015) and clinical pregnancy (27.3% and 17.7%; p=0.018) rates were significantly higher in Group-I. No difference was observed between groups regarding the ongoing pregnancy rates (23.2% and 17.3%; p=0.143).

CONCLUSION

Micronized progesterone vaginal capsule 600mg daily used for luteal support in the IVF/ICSI-ET cycles was observed to significantly increase the biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates compared to progesterone vaginal gel 180mg daily. However, no difference was observed between two groups regarding ongoing pregnancy rates.

Comparison of transvaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of uterine pathologies

A thorough evaluation of the uterine cavity is frequently required in gynecology practice. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic values of transvaginal ultrasound examination and hysteroscopy in detecting uterine abnormalities in a group of patients within a range of menopausal status and symptomatology. This study included 285 patients admitted with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or for a routine gynecological examination. All patients had available transvaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy data for evaluation. A biopsy was obtained from all patients during the hysteroscopy session. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and likelihood ratio were calculated for both methods and compared, considering the histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard. The mean age of the patients was 49.5±12.9 years (range, 24-89 y). Majority of the patients admitted for abnormal uterine bleeding (n=198, 69.4%). For the diagnosis of polyps of any size, hysteroscopy had better sensitivity (p<0.001), however, specificities did not differ (p=1.0). On the other hand, hysteroscopy did not have a sensitivity advantage over TVU in diagnosing polyps greater than 1 cm (p=0.077), although this time hysteroscopy had better specificity (p<0.001). Combined approach did not offer diagnostic advantage for any of the specific pathologies. Although TVU represents a practical approach for the initial evaluation of uterine pathologies, hysteroscopy seems to offer better diagnostic value for uterine pathologies in general, and uterine polyps in particular.

[The content of biogenic amines in canned fish from the Turkish market]

This paper describes the determination of biogenic amines in a number of canned fish of the Turkish market by means of HPLC. Over all 39 cans of sardine, tuna, sardel, mackerel, pelamide and trout were tested. The determination of agmatine, cadaverine, histamine, putrescine and tyramine was performed by HPLC with post column derivatization with ortho-phthaldialdehyde. Four samples contained higher amounts of biogenic amines (three sardine samples contained more than 1000 mg/kg histamine) while all other samples were acceptable. These results demonstrate the need of instrumental analyses in the quality control system of Turkish producers of canned fish. The quality of the products at least of some producers has to be improved, e.g. by cooperation between the official food control and the quality assurance system of the producers.