The aim of this study is to determine immunohistochemical

selleck and molecular characteristics of FTN-INPTCs. Methods : We investigated immunohistochemical features (galectin-3, HBME-1, CK19, fibronectin-1, CITED1), BRAF V600E mutation and RASSF1A promoter methylation status in 30 FTN-INPTC cases, along with 26 FVPTCs, 21 follicular adenomas (FAs) and 14 nodular hyperplasias (NHs). Results : Expression of galectin-3, HBME-1, CK19 and CITED1 was significantly higher in FTN-INPTCs than in FAs or NHs, but expression of galectin-3, CK19 and fibronectin-1 was lower in FTN-INPTCs than in FVPTCs. The BRAF V600E mutation was not detected in the benign nodules or FTN-INPTCs, whereas 57% of FVPTCs had the mutation. RASSF1A promoter methylation was higher in FTN-INPTCs than in benign nodules but there was no difference between FTN-INPTCs and FVPTCs. Conclusions

: Our results represent the borderline immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics of FTN-INPTC. selleckchem We conclude that FTN-INPTC is an intermediate lesion between a benign nodule and a FVPTC, and that it is pathogenetically related to FVPTC.”
“BACKGROUND

Based on the “”gate theory”" of pain transmission, pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) may reduce pain during laser hair removal.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the pain, efficacy, and adverse effects after laser hair reduction using PSF with selleck products that using a dynamic cooling device (DCD) in Asians.

METHODS

Twelve participants (skin types III-IV) received laser hair removal with a PSF device on the right axilla and DCD on the other side. Pain was assessed based on a visual analogue scale. Hair regrowth was rated based on photographs taken before treatment and in follow-up visits at 8 and 36 weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven percent of participants felt less pain in the PSF side than the DCD side right after laser treatment. On a scale of 1 to 10, the immediate mean pain score was 5.7 +/- 2.0 for the PSF side and 6.5 +/- 1.5 for the DCD side (p=.09). Seventy-five percent of the participants preferred treatments with PSF. Efficacy

of hair reduction was similar on both sides 8 and 36 weeks after treatment.

CONCLUSION

PSF decreases pain sensation during laser hair removal while allowing higher energy densities in Asian patients. The equal efficacy and complication rate of PSF indicates that it is a feasible alternative to DCD at lower cost.

Candela Corp, Wayland, Massachusetts, loaned the pneumatic skin flattening device used for this study.”
“Background : The cytokine-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a major role in liver fibrosis. Quiescent HSCs undergo phenotypic transformation called “”transdifferentiation”" in response to viral, chemical or immune insults to the liver. The cytokine TGF-beta 1 plays a key role in progressive liver fibrosis.