Copper plays a key role in angiogenesis and in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins, which are critical processes of skin formation. We hypothesized that introducing copper into wound dressings would enhance wound repair. Application of wound dressings containing copper oxide to wounds inflicted in genetically engineered diabetic mice (C57BL/KsOlaHsd-Lepr(db)) resulted in increased gene and in situ up-regulation of proangiogenic factors (e.g., placental growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor), increased blood vessel formation (p<0.05), and enhanced wound closure (p<0.01) as compared with control dressings (without copper) or commercial wound dressings containing silver. This study proves the capacity of copper oxide-containing wound dressings to enhance wound healing and sheds light onto the molecular mechanisms by which copper oxide-impregnated dressings stimulate wound healing.

SLN detection using cervical injections of TC99m colloid and blue dye is feasible and sensitive for patients with endometrial cancer. SPECT/CT aids to accurate locating of the SLN.

Introduction. Collision tumor of the thyroid gland is defined when independent and histologically distinct tumors coexist within the gland. The presence of both papillary and squamous cell carcinoma in the thyroid gland is unusual. Suggested etiologies include embryonic remanents of squamous epithelium, chronic inflammation, or thyroid malignancies promoting squamous metaplasia. Case Presentation. An elderly patient presented with a rapid enlargement of a long-standing right thyroid nodule. The tumor was locally invasive and unresectable. Pathology revealed the diagnosis of papillary and squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Possible primary sites for squamous cell carcinoma in upper aerodigestive tract were excluded. The patient outcome was fatal although palliative chemoradiotherapy. Discussion. Collision tumor of papillary and squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is a rare entity that may imply bad prognosis, as to the presence of the squamous portion. The best treatment includes resection of the tumor; unfortunately it is not possible in most cases.

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