Morphological basis for possibility of applying electrochemical method with use of nanotechnological biosensors in diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Objective. To assess the efficacy of electrochemical method using biosensors for studying the activity of alkaline phosphatase as a marker of functional atypism in the fresh and formalin-fixed biopsies of the colorectal cancer by means of comparing with the results of morphological study. Materials and methods. Electrochemical method was used to study the fragments of tumors (adenocarcinomas) of the colon and colon mucosa from 78 patients who underwent endoscopic study of the colon. The results of electrochemical and morphological studied were assessed and compared. Results. In the material from 70 patients, a mean value of the current strength, obtained while studying the tumor fragments, was 49.2 (95 % CI 41.3 88.9) nA and 33.1 (95 % CI 9.5 44.2) nA in case of fresh and formalin-fixed biopsies, respectively. A mean value of the current strength, obtained while studying mucosa fragments, was 119.7 (95 % CI 96.8 167.1) nА and 59.6 (95 % CI 48.3 71) nA in case of fresh and formalin-fixed biopsies, respectively. While conducting immunohistochemical study, in the tumor tissue a low expression of alkaline phosphatase compared to unchanged mucosa was detected. Conclusions. Electrochemical method applying nanotechnological biosensors was shown to be used for a rapid, direct estimation of alkaline phosphatase content in the biopsies of the colorectal carcinoma. The obtained results allow considering electrochemical method as an additional method for assessment of functional atypism of tumor cells.

Endoscopic Study of the Oral and Pharyngeal Cavities in the Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Pilot Whale: Reinforced with Other Diagnostic and Anatomic Techniques

In this work, the fetal and newborn anatomical structures of the dolphin oropharyngeal cavities were studied. The main technique used was endoscopy, as these cavities are narrow tubular spaces and the oral cavity is difficult to photograph without moving the specimen. The endoscope was used to study the mucosal features of the oral and pharyngeal cavities. Two pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes were discovered on either side of the choanae and larynx. These spaces begin close to the musculotubaric channel of the middle ear, are linked to the pterygopalatine recesses (pterygoid sinus) and they extend to the maxillopalatine fossa. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), osteological analysis, sectional anatomy, dissections, and histology were also used to better understand the function of the pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. These data were then compared with the horse’s pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. The histology revealed that a vascular plexus inside these diverticula could help to expel the air from this space to the nasopharynx. In the oral cavity, teeth remain inside the alveolus and covered by gums. The marginal papillae of the tongue differ in extension depending on the fetal specimen studied. The histology reveals that the incisive papilla is vestigial and contain abundant innervation. No ducts were observed inside lateral sublingual folds in the oral cavity proper and caruncles were not seen in the prefrenular space.

The role of adipose tissue hormones in the formation and course of gastroesophageal reflux disease in combination with obesity.

Objective: To investigate the level of leptin in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with concomitant obesity and evaluate its effect on the course of the disease. Materials and results. The study involved 50 patients. The first group included patients with GERD with concomitant obesity, the second group — patients with GERD without concomitant pathology. A survey was conducted using the GERDQ questionnaire, which showed that patients with concomitant obesity were more likely to have symptoms of the disease. Leptin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Іn subjects of group 1, the concentration of leptin will be significantly higher than in patients of group 2. An endoscopic study was performed, the results of which were compared with the concentration of leptin. There is a direct correlation between body mass index, the degree of esophageal damage and leptin levels.

Oesophageal GIST

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Oesophageal GISTs are extremely uncommon, accounting for 0.7% of all GISTs, and their management is surrounded by some debate. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who was incidentally diagnosed with an oesophageal lesion on a 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. An endoscopic study revealed a non-obstructing 40 mm oesophageal lesion. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a well-circumscribed submucosal tumour on the middle oesophagus. Fine-needle aspiration was positive for CD117 and the overall features were of a GIST. After an initial thoracoscopic approach, the tumour was completely enucleated through a thoracotomy incision. The patient experienced no surgical complications and was discharged on day 4. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed a low-risk GIST.

Importance of Extraintestinal Manifestations in Early Diagnosis of Gardner Syndrome

Gardner’s syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a mutation in the APC gene with 20–30% of cases presenting de novo. This entity is a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis, with a prevalence of 3/100,000 habitants. It may present as early as 2 months of age with a variety of both colonic and extracolonic symptoms. We report a case of a 21-year-old man, without any known family history, presenting with microcytic hypochromic anemia and constitutional symptoms for two months. Ultimately, after the etiological study, Gardner syndrome diagnosis was established as an index primary familiar case. Gardner syndrome is a clinical challenge which requires a prompt suspicion in order to reach its diagnosis. Given the malignant evolution of adenomas in 100% of untreated patients, early identification of extraintestinal manifestations (identifiable prior to colonic symptoms) is of the essence. A consequent endoscopic study to confirm gastrointestinal involvement is essential for a more favorable prognosis.