BACKGROUND: The integrins comprise a family of transmembrane glycoproteins which mediate cell-cell and cell-matr ix intera ctions, and the bcl-2 oncogene is involved in tumorigenesis by blocking apoptosis. Typical acquired melanocytic nevi appear to follow a life cycle characterized by active growth, maturation, and progressive involution. In contrast, congenital rnelanocytic nevi have a different course and prcgnosis with potential for development of melanoma, and metastatic spread is very common in malignant melanoma. Objective . We investigated the expression of integrins (a2,a3,a) and bcl-2 in congenital and acquired rnelanocytic nevi, and malignant, melanomas by immunohistochemical technique. Methods . Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from 7 compound nevi, 7 intradermal nevi, 5 congenital melanocytic nevi, and 5 malignant melanomas were immunolabeled with monoclonal antibodies directed against a2, a3,and a integrin, and bcl-2 protein. RESULTS: All acquired and congenital melanocytic nevi showed a uniform staining for a2, a3, a and bcl-2. In 3 compound nevi which the nevus cells lie mainly within the upper dermis, the nevus cells in the papillary dermis showed weak to negative a expression. Within neurotized are as of intradermal nevus, bcl-2 and a expression became weaker and totally absent. All 5 malig- nant melanomas exhibited strong a2, a3, a, and bcl-2 expression. However, the tumor cells in the lower advancing border failed to express a integrin in 3 of 5 malignant, melanomas. In most malignant melanomas, there was variable intensity of staining for bcl-2 in different areas of the tumor. Conclusion . These findings suggest that the integrins and bcl-2 may be involved in active growth, maturation, and progressive involution of the melanocytic nevi, and seem to be related to metastasis and tumorigenesis of the malignant melanoma.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Apoptosis ; Carcinogenesis ; Dermis ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Integrins* ; Life Cycle Stages ; Melanoma* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Nevus ; Nevus, Intradermal ; Nevus, Pigmented* ; Oncogenes

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No abstract available.
Lithotripsy* ; Ureter* ; Ureteral Calculi*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical and histological changes in the muscles after tendon injury that have been little studied previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Triceps insertion was tenotomized on the left hidlimbs of 60 rabbits. Mechanical extension testing with Instron (rate: 10 mm/min) was performed 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after tenotomy in vivo. A load deformation curve was obtained, and this was analyzed in terms of strength and deformation at the elastic limit and at the point of maximal load. Histologic changes were observed after H < E staining and Matson s trichrome staining to measure the percentage area of collagen fibers. RESULTS: Between weeks 1 and 4, the excursion range fell gradually, and after that period, this value showed little changes. After its initial period of disequilibrium, the muscle regained its elastic nature within its newly formed excursion range. The average amount of collagen fibers increased gradually after tenotomy until 8th week. CONCLUSIONS: unless tendon ruptures are repaired early, the accompanying muscle would be irreversibly damaged, both bimechanically and histologically.
Collagen ; Muscles ; Rabbits ; Rupture ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons ; Tenotomy*

In pili torti, the affected Eair shaft is flattened and twisted through 180 degrees on its own axis. The involved hairs are dry, thin, brittle, and break off easily. Congenital pili torti may occur as an isolated phenomenon or may occur in association with other abnormalities. Acquired pili torti is usually associated with some sort of scarring process in the scalp itself. We present a case of congnital pili torti without any other abnormalities in a 14 year-old female. The pedigree of her fariiily was consistent with the inheritance of congenital pili torti as an autosomal dominant trait.
Adolescent ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Hair ; Humans ; Pedigree ; Scalp ; Wills

No abstract available in English.
Classification ; Clinical Study

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No abstract available.
Acupuncture* ; Tattooing*