Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that undergo cell-specific dynamic changes during the normal menstrual cycle in the human endometrium. Here, using immunohistochemistry, we have investigated the expression pattern of the integrins alphav, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha3, alpha6, beta1, beta2 and beta3 in the human ectopic endometrium of 30 patients and in nine cases in the corresponding eutopic endometrium. The biopsies were obtained during the early or late follicular phase (25 cases), during the corpus luteum phase (four cases) and in one case after 6 months' treatment with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. The integrin expression was independent of the ovarian steroid situation at the time of biopsy. The integrin alpha6 was expressed in all endometriotic and endometrium samples. The integrin alpha3 was absent in all endometrium tissues of patients with endometriosis. However, the corresponding endometriotic lesions re-expressed this adhesion molecule in 15 cases. No change in integrin beta3 expression pattern could be demonstrated in either endometriotic lesions or endometrium samples, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. A correlation between serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations and the expression of the investigated integrins was not observed, thus indicating that these two hormones play a minor role in the regulation of the cell adhesion molecules examined. Our investigation suggests that endometriosis is a dedifferentiated disease as it expressed different integrins in comparison with the eutopic endometrium, and independently of the hormonal situation. The ability of endometriotic tissues to express integrins may explain the high recurrence rates in patients with endometriosis, as these samples retain their adhesion potency after retrograde menstruation and are thus able to establish cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions with the surrounding peritoneum.

Biopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Significance of care for children and adolescents victims of domestic violence].

This is a phenomenological and hermeneutic study. Its objective is to reveal the meaning of "care" for children and adolescents who have suffered domestic violence. The investigation was carried out in two casas-lares (orphanage houses) in Florianópolis. These houses functioned as temporary shelters for either girls or boys who had suffered some kind of violence in their homes. The descriptions obtained through the answers and drawings of eighteen children and adolescents enabled us to characterize "care" as a way of promoting life, expressing oneself, relating to the environment, denying past experiences and resisting in order to survive.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Listeria and listeriosis in humans on Madagascar].

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cyclosporin A-induced oral mucosal changes].

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Resuscitation of the burned child in critical condition].

Recent advances in surgical techniques, control of infection and nutritional support have dramatically increased the survival rates of burned children. The characteristics of severely burned pediatric patients dictate that management be different from that required for adults in the intensive care unit. The formulas for fluid replacement should be based on body surface rather than weight in children and adjusted for degree of stress and age, with appropriate monitoring and treatment of hypothermia, pain and associated psychological disorders. Early assessment and treatment of airway obstruction and gas and smoke inhalation syndromes with high FiO2 is necessary; prophylactic endotracheal intubation may be required.

Airway Obstruction↗