Molecular and Immunohistochemical Expression of LTA4H and FXR1 in Canine Oral Melanoma

Oral melanoma is a common canine tumor whose prognosis is considered ominous, but poorly predicted by histology alone. In the present study the gene and protein expression of Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and Fragile-X-mental retardation-related protein1 (FXR1), both reported as related to metastatic potential in different tumors, were investigated in canine oral melanoma. The main aim of the study was to confirm and quantify the presence of LTA4H and FXR1 genes and protein in oral melanomas. A secondary aim was to investigate their association with histologic prognostic criteria (mitotic count, Ki-67 index). Formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded canine oral melanomas (36) were collected and histopathological evaluation carried out. Immunolabelling for LTA4H and FXR1 and Ki-67 were performed. RT-PCR evaluated LTA4H and FXR1 gene expressions. Histologically, most tumors were epithelioid cell melanomas (19/36) and were amelanotic, mildly or moderately pigmented (5, 12 and 13/36 respectively), only 6 were highly pigmented. Mitotic count ranged 1-106, Ki-67 index ranged 4.5–52.3. Thirty-two (32/32) melanomas immunolabelled for LTA4H and 33/34 for FXR1. RT-PCR values ranged 0.76–5.11 ΔCt for LTA4H and 0.22–6.24 ΔCt for FXR1. Molecular and immunohistochemical expression of both LTA4H and FXR1 did not statically correlate with mitotic count or Ki-67 index. The present study demonstrates LTA4H and FXR1 gene and protein in canine oral melanoma, however their expression is apparently unrelated to histopathologic prognostic criteria. Although LTA4H and FXR1 seem unrelated to tumor behavior, their extensive expression in the present cohort of cases suggest that they may play a role in canine oral melanoma oncogenesis.

Morphological features and criteria of prognosis for stromal component of colorectal cancer ІІА-ІІІВ stages

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of mortality among cancers after tumors of the respiratory system. One of the most significant prognostic criteria of CRC are the features of stromal component, which are not implemented in clinical practice. The aim was to study the main morphological features of the stroma of CRC T3N0-2M0 and to search for prognostic criteria of their recurrence and death. Group I included primary CRC without recurrences. Group II – primary CRC with recurrences; IIA – with recurrences that did not lead to death; ІІВ – with recurrences and fatal outcome from generalization of tumor process during 5 years from lethal outcome from the moment when the tumor was removed. The microslides of CRC were made by using the standard methods with G + E staining; immunohistochemical (IHC) reaction was performed by using monoclonal antibodies to smooth muscle actin alpha and vimentin. CRC with a stromal-parenchymal ratio (SPR)>50% were in 43.3% (26/60) of cases. SPR>50% is a prognostic criterion for recurrence (p<0.05), shorter disease free survival (p<0.001) and metastasis to regional lymph nodes (p<0.001). Immature stroma type of CRC IIA-IIIB stages is associated with the presence of tumor budding (p<0.001), G3 differentiation (p<0.01), shorter disease-free survival (p<0.001), metastatic activity (p<0.05); among recurrent CRC, the immature type of stroma is associated with the death of patients (p<0.05). A diffuse presence of tumor-activated fibroblasts is one of the criteria for immature CRC stroma (p<0.003), however, as an independent prognostic feature, it has limited prognostic value. SPR>50% and immature type of stroma are prognostic features for recurrence, metastasis and term of recurrence for CRC pT3N0-2M0; the presence of an immature type of stroma was associated with patient death.

The role of tumoral stroma in determining the forecast of recurrence and fatal consequence of stage IIA-IIIB colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks 2nd in the structure of mortality from malignant neoplasms (MN). One of the criteria for the prognosis of CRC may be a tumor stroma, which has not been widely used in clinical practice. The aim was to determine the main morphological features of the stroma CRC T3N0-2M0 and search for prognostic criteria for their recurrence and lethal outcome according to the operating material and autopsy. Materials and methods. Group I included primary CRC without recurrence. The average recurrence-free period was 5 years (62.5±16.5 months). Group II – primary CRC with recurrence; IIA – with recurrences within 5 years from the date of tumor removal that did not lead to death; IIB – with the appearance of recurrence and lethal consequence of the generalization of the tumor process within 5 years from the moment of removal of the primary tumor. CRC micropreparations made according to the standard method with G + E staining were studied; immunohistochemical study was performed using monoclonal antibodies to smooth muscle actin alpha. Results. Stromal-parenchymal ratio >50 % is a prognostic criterion for recurrence (p<0.05) and shorter recurrence-free survival (p<0.001) of patients with stage IIA-IIIB CRC. Immature stroma type CRC stage IIA-IIIB is associated with the presence of tumor budding (p<0.001), G3 differentiation (p<0.01), shorter recurrence-free survival (p<0.001); among recurrent CRCs, the immature type of stroma is associated with the lethal outcome of patients (p<0.05). Expressed levels of tumor-activated fibroblasts are one of the criteria for immature CRC stroma (p<0.003), but as an independent prognostic criterion has limited prognostic value. Conclusions. TSR and immature type of stroma are prognostic criteria for recurrence and recurrence period of CRC pT3N0-2M0, more typical of tumors of patients with recurrence and lethal outcome with the same ratio of tumors by differentiation.

Predicting the deviant behavior of juvenile offenders

Introduction. The relevance of the research problem is confirmed by statistics on juvenile delinquency, as well as by legal acts. The problem of predicting the deviant behavior of juvenile offenders is reviewed through description of static and dynamic risk factors for repeated offenses. One of the findings of the study is that it is the personal features that determine deviant behavior, whereas the situational factors play the role of modulators. A review of the literature sources allows us to conclude that personality traits are related to criminal behavior, which makes it possible to predict the deviant behavior of juvenile offenders. Aim of the study is to identify the personal characteristics that determine the deviant behavior of juvenile offenders. Methodology, methods and techniques. The methodological basis of the research is a dispositional approach to the study of personality, which assumes their readiness for a certain behavior, repeated in various situations, formed as a result of the interaction of objective and subjective factors. Research methods: The following methods were used to conduct the study: the personal questionnaire of G. Eysenck EPQ; the questionnaire of the level of aggressiveness of A. Bass and A. Darkee; the individual typological questionnaire of L. N. Sobchik (ITQ); the personal questionnaire «Mini-cartoon» (abbreviated version of MMPI) in the adaptation of F. B. Berezin and M. P. Miroshnikov; the Freiburg multifactorial personality questionnaire FPI (form B). Findings of the study: A comparative analysis of the individual psychological characteristics of juvenile offenders and participants of the control group with normative behavior showed multiple statistically significant differences in assessments for 36 variables out of 55 (65.5 %). Discriminant analysis allowed us to determine 8 common features of “deviance-law-abidance”: aggression, hostility, irritability, guilt, psychopathy, neuroticism, introversion, open attitude. They act as prognostic criteria for deviant behavior of adolescents and discriminate against subjects with a prediction accuracy of 97%. Scientific novelty of the research consists in enhancing and clarifying awareness of personality traits of deviant adolescents who have committed crimes, as well as predicting deviant behavior. Practical significance: The patterns and recommendations obtained can be useful in preventive, educational, correctional work, and family counseling. The identified personality traits of deviant behavior can be used as prognostic criteria for identifying deviations at the early stages of socialization of children and adolescents.

Prognostic criteria of psychophysiological adaptation according to visual and computer EEG analyses of employees of nuclear hazardous enterprises and industries

Introduction. The study's relevance is due to the need to improve the safety of nuclear industry enterprises and, as a consequence, to ensure a good level of psychophysiological functioning of employees. The study aims to identify the analysis of EEG indicators characterizing the FS of the central nervous system at different levels of PFA using visual and computer analysis. Materials and methods. Object - 331 archival EEGS of workers of hazardous radiation industries. The researchers determined the level of adaptation of employees using psychological, psychophysical, and physiological techniques. We conventionally recorded the EEG at rest and functional loads. In addition, scientists used a visual analysis and computer evaluation of the spectral power of EEG biopotentials in the processing. Results. With the help of visual analysis, we identified diagnostic features reflecting different levels of psychophysiological adaptation and functional activity of structural and functional formations of the central nervous system. It is possible to determine the role of structural and functional formations in forming a low level of adaptation and formulate prognostic criteria for adaptation. Researchers have identified some mechanisms of these criteria based on the evaluation results of the spectral power of EEG biopotentials. Conclusions. We identified four abnormal indicators in the EEG: "Type IV EEG", "Unstable EEG dynamics", "High index of β1 activity", "Presence of flashes of bilateral synchronous waves". These indicators indicate the presence of violations of the central regulation of the cardiovascular system and dysfunctional changes in the structures of the limbic-reticular complex. Therefore, we consider it as a criterion of a low level of PFA. The identification in the EEG of persons with a high level of PFA electroencephalographic norm indicates the absence of violations of the central regulation of the cardiovascular system and dysfunctional changes in the structures of the limbic-reticular complex. Researchers consider this a sign of a high probability of these individuals performing professional activities with a low risk of emergencies due to reduced adaptation.

Main factors that cause negative complications of foot function after receiving mechanical traumatic injuries

The article is devoted to an important and relevant area of ​​forensic and clinical research to clarify and implement in medical theory and practice the main factors that cause negative complications of lower extremity function after fractures and other injuries due to mechanical trauma during traffic accidents ( further - road accident) and lead to permanent disability of more than 33%. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the criteria that indicate the occurrence of severe consequences of mechanical injury in the form of permanent disability of more than 33%, and to determine the value of these prognostic criteria. The material of the study was 180 forensic examinations and tests and medical records of victims of road accidents. Of these, 120 examinations and research - the main group, and 60 - control. A number of current legal documents describing the concepts and types of disability have also been studied. The methods were scientific analysis of legal sources and methods of descriptive statistics of medical and forensic documentation. The results of the study allowed us to identify 8 groups of symptoms that cause the negative consequences of post-traumatic changes in the form of permanent disability of more than 33%. Based on the study of these signs, prognostic criteria for modern forensic assessment of the severity of injuries burdened with loss of general ability to work in the above range were developed. The ranking of these prognostic criteria in the main group (voters) was carried out. A number of clinical and forensic features of modern forms and types of mechanical trauma of the lower extremities during an accident and the consequences of such injuries have been identified. A number of inconsistencies of by-laws regulating forensic medical examination in the field of glossary on permanent disability are shown. Conclusions and recommendations for improving the theory and practice of forensic determination of the degree of disability are given.

Progression of tumors with development of cerebral metastases is accompanied by suppression of thyroid and glucocorticoid functions.

e14005 Background: Cutaneous melanoma (CM), breast cancer (BC) and lung cancer (LC) metastasize to the brain most frequently. Early diagnosis of cerebral metastases is challenging and requires new prognostic criteria. Imbalance of thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones changes the growth and development of malignant tumors. The purpose of the study was to identify readily available prognostic criteria for cerebral metastases in cancer patients at various stages of treatment and follow-up. Methods: Blood levels of cortisol and total triiodothyronine (tT3) were determined by RIA (Immunotech, Czech Republic) in patients with BC (n = 50), LC (n = 50) and CM (n = 50) without brain metastases and in patients with BC (n = 25), LC (n = 25) and CM (n = 25) with cerebral metastases. Results: Blood levels of cortisol in BC, LC and CM patients were normal in 63-84% and elevated on average by 1.7 times in 16-37%. Levels of tT3 in LC were normal, and in BC and CM – within the normal limits, but 1.3 times lower than the mean values. In patients with cerebral metastases, cortisol was lower than the norm by 4.9, 2.5 and 3.6 times in 36% BC, 75% LC and 45% CM cases, respectively. Levels of tT3 in all patients with cerebral metastases were lower than the norm or values in patients without metastases by 2 times and lower. Conclusions: Decreased levels of both cortisol and tT3 in patients with BC, LC and CM may serve as one of prognostic markers of possible development of cerebral metastases. The dynamic determination of levels of thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones is required in cancer patients at various stages of treatment and follow-up.