R-spondin-3 promotes proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells independently of Wnt signaling.

We recently identified R-spondin-3 (RSPO3) as a novel driver of breast cancer associating with reduced patient survival, expanding its clinical value as potential therapeutic target that had been recognized mostly for colorectal cancer so far. (Pre)clinical studies exploring RSPO3 targeting in colorectal cancer approach this indirectly with Wnt inhibitors, or directly with anti-RSPO3 antibodies. Here, we address the clinical relevance of RSPO3 in breast cancer and provide insight in the oncogenic activities of RSPO3.

[Bacterial ileocecitis, a "new" disease].

786 patients with suspected acute appendicitis or appendiceal mass were examined by ultrasonography to distinguish appendicitis from bacterial enteritis. 533 of these patients were described before. In 91 (11.

Incidence and sonographic diagnosis of bacterial ileocaecitis masquerading as appendicitis.

533 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis or appendiceal mass were examined by ultrasonography to distinguish acute appendicitis from bacterial enteritis. In 61 (11.4%) ultrasonography revealed the characteristic picture associated with bacterial enteritis of the ileocaecal region--enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and mural thickening of the terminal ileum and caecum--but no image of the appendix.

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract with norfloxacin in the prevention of ICU-acquired infections: a prospective randomized study.

The efficacy of a relatively cheap regimen of selective decontamination (SDD) was evaluated in a diverse population of ICU patients. Patients requiring prolonged ICU stay (greater than 5 days) were randomly allocated to a treatment group or control group. Control patients (n = 52) received perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and antibiotic treatment was instituted only on sound clinical and bacteriological criteria.

Basal meningovasculitis and occlusion of the basilar artery in two cases of Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

We present two cases in which a meningovasculitis and occlusion of the basilar artery were found in young adults with a Borrelia burgdorferi infection. We introduce the designation "neuroborreliosis," because both the central and peripheral nervous systems can be involved in the infection.