Erythropoietin (EPO) functions as a tissue-protective cytokine in addition to its crucial hormonal role in red cell production. In the brain, for example, EPO and its receptor are locally produced, are modulated by metabolic stressors, and provide neuroprotective and antiinflammatory functions. We have previously shown that recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) administered within the systemic circulation enters the brain and is neuroprotective. At present, it is unknown whether rhEPO can also improve recovery after traumatic injury of the spinal cord. To evaluate whether rhEPO improves functional outcome if administered after cord injury, two rodent models were evaluated. First, a moderate compression of 0.6 N was produced by application of an aneursym clip at level T3 for 1 min. RhEPO (1,000 units per kg of body weight i.p.) administered immediately after release of compression was associated with partial recovery of motor function within 12 h after injury, which was nearly complete by 28 days. In contrast, saline-treated animals exhibited only poor recovery. In the second model used, rhEPO administration (5,000 units per kg of body weight i.p. given once 1 h after injury) also produced a superior recovery of function compared with saline-treated controls after a contusion of 1 N at level T9. In this model of more severe spinal cord injury, secondary inflammation was also markedly attenuated by rhEPO administration and associated with reduced cavitation within the cord. These observations suggest that rhEPO provides early recovery of function, especially after spinal cord compression, as well as longerlatency neuroprotective, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic functions.T raumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) occurs frequently and is devastating for the individual patient and costly to society by requiring substantial long-term health care expenditures. Currently, methylprednisolone administered at high dose within 8 h after injury is the only therapy with any recognized benefit (1), which, unfortunately, is relatively minor. Any new treatment of TSCI that allows for major recovery of function would be a significant advance in clinical care.Injury of the nervous system provokes a complex cascade of proinflammatory cytokines and other molecules that ultimately result in apoptosis and necrosis of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells (2-4). Recent studies have demonstrated that one general response of the brain to injury is the increased local production of the erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor (5, 6). These proteins are members of the cytokine type I superfamily that provide beneficial effects including inhibition of apoptosis, reduction of inflammation, modulation of excitability (7-11), and mobilization and proliferation of neuronal stem cells (12). Prior study has shown that recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) administered directly into the brain dramatically reduces hypoxic or ischemic injury and conversely, that neutralization of endogenous EPO amplifies injury (8). We have extended these observations by sho...

Adult intussusception is an unusual and challenging condition that represents a preoperative diagnostic difficulty. We think that colonic intussusceptions should be resected in an en-bloc manner without reduction due to the risk of perforation and spillage of micro-organisms and malignant cells, whereas cases of small intestinal intussusception can be reduced without complications unless there is strangulation.

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts represent less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. The cysts can be defined as epidermoid when the lining presents only epithelium, dermoid cysts when skin adnexa are found, and teratoid cysts when other tissue such as muscle, cartilage, and bone are present.In this article, we present the case of an epidermoid cyst, with an oral as well as a submental component, in an 11 year old boy who presented with complaints of a mass in the oral cavity, difficulty chewing and swallowing of solid foods for about 3 years. He was admitted to the otolaryngology department. On examination, a mass displacing the tongue superiorly and posteriorly was noticed. An MRI scan was done and showed a 40 × 35 mm well-circumscribed non-enhancing cystic mass extending from the sublingual area to the level of the thyroid notch. The content of the cyst was homogenous. On examining the neck, a firm swelling was also noticed in the submental area, extending down to the thyroid notch. Under general anesthesia and with nasotracheal intubation, the patient underwent surgical removal of the mass. Extraorally, a midline submental horizontal incision was performed through the mucosa overlying the swelling and the cyst was dissected from the surrounding tissues and removed. On histological examination, acidophilic stratum corneum and basophilic dot like staining of stratum granulosum, which is the hallmark of an epidermoid cyst, were seen. The patient did well postoperatively, and no recurrence was noticed at the 6-months follow-up.

Breast carcinoma comprises a group of diseases with specific clinical, histopathologic and molecular properties. Traditional classification use morphology to divide tumors into separate categories with differing behavior and prognosis. However, there are limitations of traditional classification systems, and new molecular methods are expected to improve classification systems. Molecular subtypes of breast carcinomas have been characterized in the last 11 years, and have been studied extensively. Much of the information accumulated in recent years, and molecular taxonomy seems to be still developing and undergoing change. The main question is whether new molecular techniques such as gene expression profiling will be accepted as gold standard in determining breast cancer subtypes, and whether molecular classification is useful in specific subtypes of breast cancer as it is in ductal carcinoma (nonspecific type). In addition, critical review of the literature reveals major problems such as poor definition, lack of reproducibility and lack of quality control in current molecular techniques and classifications. Therefore, current molecular approaches are not yet used in routine clinical practice and treatment guidance since they are immature and can even lead to incorrect assessment.