¿Carcinoma de mama o carcinoma de glándula sudorípara? Presentación de dos casos y análisis de la literatura

Primary apocrine carcinoma of the sweat gland is a neoplasm with a very low incidence that may represent a clinical and histological diagnostic challenge, as well as for adequate local, adjuvant, and advanced disease management. The average age of patients is around 67 years with no gender preference. This cancer develops primarily at the axillary and scalp levels and is clinically characterized by slow growth, but can progress aggressively with local, nodal, and metastatic involvement (primarily lung, liver, and bone). The recommended management, once the histology is established, consists of a wide local resection with a clear margin of 1 to 2 cm and regional lymphadenectomy if clinically positive nodes are detected. The adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) and for the advanced disease is not established.We report here the cases of two female patients initially diagnosed with breast cancer who were finally diagnosed with apocrine carcinoma of the sweat gland.     

Hombre de 18 años con síndrome verrugoso tropical: ¿leishmaniasis o esporotricosis?

The tropical verrucous syndrome includes infectious, chronic, and granulomatous skin conditions appearing with plaques, nodules, or ulcers with a warty surface which gives name to the syndrome. It includes forms of chromoblastomycosis, sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, lobomycosis, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis with ample distribution in tropical and subtropical areas. The diagnoses may be difficult and confused among them, especially between sporotrichosis and leishmaniasis.Clinical, epidemiologic, intradermal reactions, direct smears, skin biopsies, cultures, immunofluorescence, and PCR are used to differentiate them, although several of these methods are not commonly used.We present an 18-year-old man with extensive verrucous plaques in one knee interpreted by clinic, epidemiology, and biopsy as verrucous cutaneous leishmaniasis. He was treated with Glucantime® for 20 days without improvement. A new biopsy was made that was also interpreted as cutaneous leishmaniasis. The revision of both biopsies showed inflammation with abscessed granulomas and asteroid sporotrichotic bodies at the center of the granulomas that led to the diagnosis of sporotrichosis later confirmed by the fungus culture. The patient responded to the treatment with itraconazole. As clinical and epidemiological findings of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis can be similar, skin biopsy and other paraclinical studies are necessary to establish a proper diagnosis. The asteroid sporotrichotic body is pathognomonic of this mycosis. We review here the essential concepts of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis and the criteria to differentiate them.     

Les premiers comportements funéraires auraient-ils pris place à Atapuerca, il y a 350 000 ans ?

A lithic tool has appeared for the first time at Sima de los Huesos (Atapuerca, Spain). It is a finely flaked quartzite handaxe, which is associated with the hominid assemblage of a MNI of 27 Homo heidelbergensis, dated more than 350,000 years ago. The particular nature of the deposit involving its taphonomy, paleontology, and technology points to a symbolic meaning both of the tool and the human accumulation.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 169C > G and 8473T > C gene polymorphisms and prostaglandin E2 level in breast cancer: A case–control study

Aims

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) with the resulting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is linked to increased risk of human breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to determine COX-2 169C > G and 8473T > C gene polymorphisms and PGE2 level at various stages of BC clarifying the role of COX-2 gene polymorphism and PGE2 in relation to BC.

Methods

The study population comprised 160 women at different stages of BC and 150 gender- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Plasma PGE2 was measured by ELISA, the COX-2 gene polymorphisms were determined using PCR-RFLP.

Results

The variant alleles COX-2 169G and 8473C were significantly associated with BC susceptibility [OR = 3.1, 95% CI (2.2–4.4), P < 0.001 for 169C>G and OR = 1.74, 95%CI (1.3–2.4), P = 0.005 for 8473C]. However, both COX-2 gene polymorphisms were not associated with breast cancer stage. Plasma PGE2 levels were significantly increased in patients compared to the controls. In early and late stages of BC, there was a significant increase in the plasma PGE2 levels towards the presence of homozygous GG compared with homozygous CC (P < 0.001) for 169 C>G, also towards the presence of CC than TT (P < 0.001) for 8473T>C SNP.

Conclusion

The 169C>G and 8473T>C polymorphisms of the COX-2 gene were associated with the BC in Egyptian women. Furthermore, individuals with COX-2 169GG and 8473CC genotypes showed significant increase in plasma PGE2 levels. PGE2 levels may serve as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with BC.     

Identification and characterization of intramolecular γ-halo interaction in d<Superscript>0</Superscript> complexes: a theoretical approach

A mechanistic investigation to detect intramolecular M?X–C type interactions in d⁰ neutral and cationic complexes was carried out through a benchmark study employing different density functional methods. As γ-halogen is involved in M?X–C type interactions, it is denoted as a γ-halo interaction and the respective conformers are designated as halo-conformers. By analyzing the geometrical parameters of halo-conformers, it was observed that, irrespective of the nature of the metal and the halogen, the C_γ–X bond distance increases compared to the usual C–X bond, which brings the M and X centers close enough to generate a weak interaction. Generation of the M?X–C interaction was confirmed by performing NBO, AIM and Wiberg bond index analyses, from which the persistence of γ-halo interaction was seen to be prominent. Moreover, for each neutral and cationic complex, the values of Wiberg bond order are in good agreement with the AIM results. The effect of the metal center, as well as γ-halogen substitution, on γ-halo interaction was also studied in the present work. To justify the practical subsistence of the halo-conformers, we checked the stability of the conformers with respect to their β-conformers by comparing the zero-point-corrected electronic energies. Therefore, the entire study was designed in such a way that it can provide evidence in support of intramolecular M?X–C interactions, where, instead of the C–H bond, the C_γ–X bond will interact with the central transition metal.     

Australopithecus afarensis : bipédie stricte ou associée à une composante arboricole ? Critiques et révision du matériel fémoral

Although much research has been carried out on Australopithecus afarensis locomotion, no consensus has yet been reached. Our new critic study on femoral material brings to the fore a strictly bipedal behaviour within this taxon. Our results are based on the pertinence of human anatomical characteristics among A. afarensis and on the absence of characteristics revealing arboreal displacement. These results have emerged from our different observation and interpretation of some preceding authors concerning the anatomy of these fossil hominids. It is important to underline that apomorphic characteristics of this species are difficult to interpret. They must not however be used to support the idea of arboreal displacement simply based on the fact of a no totally human morphe. We believe that present day humans do not necessarily reflect the earliest strict bipedal anatomic model. An the other hand, it appears that the disagreement between the two locomotor hypothesis for A. afarensis that are bipedalism and arboreal displacement, facing the possibility of bipedalism associated with negligible arboreal displacement, results more from an evolutionary fact than from a real scientific conflict.     

Interleukin-1α − 899 (+ 4845) C→T polymorphism increases the risk of chronic periodontitis: Evidence from a meta-analysis of 23 case–control studies

Many epidemiological studies have indicated that interleukin-1α (IL-1α) − 899 (+ 4845) C→T polymorphism increases the risk of chronic periodontitis (CP), whereas some studies have reported opposite results. Accordingly, the aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association of the IL-1α − 899 (+ 4845) C→T polymorphism with CP. We searched the PubMed database up to May 1, 2013 and finally obtained 23 case–control studies. After data extraction, we performed meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software. The overall result based on the fixed-effect model showed that IL-1α − 899 (+ 4845) C→T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of CP: [odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.44, p < 0.001] for T vs. C; (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.22–2.07, p = 0.0005) for TT vs. CC; (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12–1.51, p = 0.0004) for CT vs. CC; and (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.21–1.61, p < 0.001) for (CT+TT) vs. CC; (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.16–1.87, p = 0.002) for TT vs. (CT+CC). Stratified analyses revealed that there was a significantly increased risk for Caucasians and Asians. In conclusion, current evidence showed that IL-1α − 899 (+ 4845) C→T polymorphism probably increased the risk of CP.     

Centenarians – a useful model for healthy aging? A 29‐year follow‐up of hospitalizations among 40 000 Danes born in 1905

Centenarians surpass the current human life expectancy with about 20–25 years. However, whether centenarians represent healthy aging still remains an open question. Previous studies have been hampered by a number of methodological shortcomings such as a cross-sectional design and lack of an appropriate control group. In a longitudinal population-based cohort, it was examined whether the centenarian phenotype may be a useful model for healthy aging. The study was based on a complete follow up of 39 945 individuals alive in the Danish 1905 birth cohort on January 1, 1977 identified through the Danish Civil Registration System (DCRS). Data from the Danish Demographic Database and The Danish National Patient Register (in existence since 1977) were used. The 1905 cohort was followed up from 1977 through 2004 with respect to hospitalizations and number of hospital days. Survival status was available until December 2006. Danish centenarians from the 1905 cohort were hospitalized substantially less than their shorter-lived contemporaries at the same point in time during the years 1977 through 2004. For example, at age 71–74, the proportion of nonhospitalized centenarians was 80.5% compared with 68.4% among individuals who died in their early 80s. This trend was evident in both sexes. As a result of their lower hospitalization rates and length of stay in hospital compared with their contemporaries, who died at younger ages, Danish centenarians represent healthy agers. Centenarians constitute a useful study population in the search for fixed traits associated with exceptional longevity, such as genotype.     

Functional properties of the newly observed γ-chain fetal hemoglobin variant Hb F-Monserrato-Sassari (HBG2:c.280T > C) or [γ93 (F9) Cys → Arg]

Background

HbF-Monserrato-Sassari is a newly discovered abnormal fetal hemoglobin observed in an apparently normal newborn baby during a hemoglobinopathies survey at birth in North Sardinian population.

Methods

Electrophoretic analysis of the cord blood lysate evidenced for an abnormal tetramer due to a mutated fetal globin chain. Electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry and gene sequencing were used to identify the mutation. Oxygen binding ability of the variant Hb was determined.

Results

Sequencing of the γ globin genes revealed the TGT → CGT transition at codon 93 in one of the two ^Gγ genes, which leads to the Arg for Cys amino acid replacement at position 9 of the F α-helix. The amino acid substitution was confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis of the globin chains. Since modifications or substitutions at position β93 are known to affect the arrangement of a salt bridge at the α1β2 sliding contacts that are crucial for subunit cooperativity, the functional properties of the variant were studied to evaluate the effect of the replacement at the same position in the γ globin chain. With respect to normal HbF, the variant showed a significant increase in oxygen affinity and a slight decrease of both Bohr effect and cooperativity.

General significance

Result indicates a key role of the Cys γ93 residue for subunit cooperativity in the T → R transition of the HbF tetramer. Substitutions at the F9 position of the ^Gγ globin may result in stabilization of the high affinity R-state of the Hb tetramer. Because of the loss of Cys γ93 residue, this variant is considered to be potentially compromised in nitric oxide transport.     

Establishment and characterization of a unique 1 μm diameter liver-derived progenitor cell line

Liver-derived progenitor cells (LDPCs) are recently identified novel stem/progenitor cells from healthy, unmanipulated adult rat livers. They are distinct from other known liver stem/progenitor cells such as the oval cells. In this study, we have generated a LDPC cell line RA1 by overexpressing the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (TAg) in primary LDPCs. This cell line was propagated continuously for 55 passages in culture, after which it became senescent. Interestingly, following transformation with SV40 TAg, LDPCs decreased in size significantly and the propagating cells measured 1 μm in diameter. RA1 cells proliferated in vitro with a doubling time of 5-7 days, and expressed cell surface markers of LDPCs. In this report, we describe the characterization of this novel progenitor cell line that might serve as a valuable model to study liver cell functions and stem cell origin of liver cancers.     

&quot;Mushroom cloud&quot;: a giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after a myocardial infarction due to myocardial bridging – a case report

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication after transmural myocardial infarction, occurring when a free wall rupture is contained by adhesions of the overlying pericardium preventing acute tamponade. In this report, an unusual case of a 61 year-old male with a giant apical left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after an unnoticed myocardial infarction is presented. On coronary angiogram myocardial bridging of the distal left anterior descending artery was judged to be the infarct related lesion. The echocardiographic diagnosis allowed for a timely surgical intervention which resulted in the patient's full recovery.     

Body temperatures during three long-distance polar swims in water of 0–3 °C

1.

We report body temperature responses in a single individual to 3 swims of 1000 m or longer in ice-cold water (0–3 °C) during which he swam the normal crawl stroke with his face in the water whilst wearing only a swimming costume, swimming cap and goggles.     

Biomass and primary production of a 8–11 m depth meadow versus <3 m depth meadows of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson

Current knowledge about the abundance, growth, and primary production of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson is biased towards shallow (depth <3 m) meadows although this species also forms extensive meadows at larger depths along the coastlines. The biomass and primary production of a C. nodosa meadow located at a depth of 8–11 m was estimated at the time of maximum annual vegetative development (summer) using reconstruction techniques, and compared with those available from shallow meadows of this species. A depth-referenced data base of values at the time of maximum annual development was compiled to that end. The vegetative development of C. nodosa at 8–11 m depth was not different from that achieved by shallow (depth <3 m) meadows of this species. Only shoot density, which decreased from 1637 to 605 shoots m⁻², and the annual rate of elongation of the horizontal rhizome, which increased from 23 to 71 cm apex⁻¹ year⁻¹, were different as depth increased from <3 to 8–11 m. Depth was a poor predictor of the vegetative development and primary production of C. nodosa. The biomass of rhizomes and roots decreased with depth (g DW m⁻² = 480 (±53, S.E.) − 32 (±15, S.E.) depth (in m); R² = 0.12, F = 4.65, d.f. = 35, P = 0.0381) which made total biomass of the meadow to show a trend of decrease with depth but the variance of biomass data explained by depth was low. The annual rate of elongation of the horizontal rhizome showed a significant positive relationship with depth (cm apex⁻¹ year⁻¹ = 18 (±5.1, S.E.) + 5.0 (±1.33, S.E.) depth (in m); R² = 0.50, F = 14.07, d.f. = 14, P = 0.0021). As shoot size and growth did not change significantly with depth, the reduction of shoot density should drive any changes of biomass and productivity of C. nodosa as depth increases. The processes by which this reduction of C. nodosa abundance with depth occur remain to be elucidated.