Extracellular matrix signature identifies breast cancer subgroups with different clinical outcome.

Prediction of the clinical outcome of breast cancer is multi-faceted and challenging. There is growing evidence that the complexity of the tumour micro-environment, consisting of several cell types and a complex mixture of proteins, plays an important role in development, progression, and response to therapy. In the current study, we investigated whether invasive breast tumours can be classified on the basis of the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and whether such classification is representative of different clinical outcomes.

Relationship between p53 and p27 expression following HER2 signaling.

HER2, frequently associated with low p27 expression in breast tumors, when activated has been found to upmodulate p53 in tumor cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of p53 in the connection between HER2 and p27. Fifty-two breast tumor specimens, characterized for p53 mutations, were analyzed immunohistochemically (IHC) for HER2, p53 and p27 expression.

Structural variations in a single hyaluronan derivative significantly alter wound-healing effects in the rabbit maxillary sinus.

Background: Biomaterials based on hyaluronan (HA) are currently used after sinus surgery but have not been found to decrease scarring or enhance wound healing. Chemical composition of these modified HA molecules may impact their biological and clinical effects.

Objective: To analyze chemical variations of a single crosslinked HA-based hydrogel, chemically modified thiolated HA (CMHA-SX).

Microarray analysis of allergic fungal sinusitis and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis.

Objective: Our goal was to determine and compare the differential gene expression in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis (EMRS).

Study Design And Setting: We conducted a complementary DNA microarray analysis of prospectively gathered tissue from a tertiary rhinology practice.

Results: Compared to normal subjects, 38 genes or potential genes were differentially expressed in AFS patients, while 10 genes were differentially expressed in EMRS patients.

Indications for image-guided sinus surgery: the current evidence.

Background: Evidence-based medicine calls for a critical evaluation of the scientific evidence for treatments of disease. This report synthesizes the available evidence supporting the indications for image guidance in sinus surgery, examining two important questions: (1) Does image-guided sinus surgery (IGSS) reduce complication rates? (2) Does IGSS improve clinical outcomes?

Methods: Primary research articles evaluated for this report were identified using appropriate search terms and a PubMed search. Two authors independently reviewed each article.

Biomaterials for sinus implantation.

Purpose Of Review: Biomaterials are frequently used in the paranasal sinuses to control bleeding, promote tissue regeneration, improve healing, or prevent scarring. Few, however, have been prospectively examined in a peer-reviewed format prior to commercialization. This paper examines recent advances in biomaterials used in surgical rhinology and especially highlights some 'postmarketing' concerns.

Image guidance: A survey of attitudes and use.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine access to, usage of, and attitudes toward image guidance in endoscopic sinus and anterior skull base surgery.

Methods: We performed a survey of American Rhinologic Society members.

Results: Of 1050 surveys mailed, 340 (32.

Perioperative care for advanced rhinology procedures.

Successful outcomes in rhinologic surgery require careful endoscopic interventions, not only in the operating room, but also in the perioperative setting. In particular, meticulous postoperative care is essential to successful outcomes. This article reviews aspects of wound healing and perioperative care that can optimize surgical patency and clinical outcome.

Composition of hyaluronan affects wound healing in the rabbit maxillary sinus.

Background: Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix. HA and its derivatives have been used in the sinuses to reduce scarring and possibly promote wound healing. However, in recent animal studies, HA esters exhibited inflammatory effects.

The sphenoid sinus natural ostium is consistently medial to the superior turbinate.

Background: This study was performed to determine the location of the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus relative to the intact superior turbinate.

Methods: Forty-seven cadaveric specimens were examined. Mucosa over the sphenoethmoidal recess, superior turbinate, and posterior ethmoid was left intact.

Three cases of ophthalmomyiasis externa by sheep botfly Oestrus ovis in Italy.

Human infection with the sheep nasal botfly Oestrus ovis is sporadic and is often the consequence of an accidental deposit of the larvae by an adult botfly in the eye. This infestation results in external ophthalmomyiasis that, although a very rare condition, is more common among people living close to farming communities. We report three cases of O.

SEL1L a multifaceted protein playing a role in tumor progression.

Since the cloning in 1997 of SEL1L, the human ortholog of the sel-1 gene of C. elegans, most studies have focused on its role in cancer progression and have provided significant evidences to link its increased expression to a decrease in tumor aggressiveness. SEL1L resides on a "Genome Desert area" on chromosome 14q24.

Independent validation of candidate breast cancer serum biomarkers identified by mass spectrometry.

Background: We previously selected a panel of 3 breast cancer biomarkers (BC1, BC2, and BC3) from serum samples collected at a single hospital based on their collective contribution to the optimal separation of breast cancer patients and noncancer controls by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). The identities and general applicability of these markers, however, were unknown. In this study, we performed protein expression profiling on samples obtained from a second hospital, included a greater number of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases, and performed purification and identification of the 2 confirmed markers.

Endoscopic decompression of tension pneumosella following transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection.

Objective And Importance: Tension pneumosella is an extremely rare complication of transsphenoidal surgery, having been reported only three times previously. Patients who develop this expanding pneumocele confined to the sella present with visual field changes consistent with optic chiasm compression. If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent visual deficits.

Protein profile changes in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in response to SEL1L gene induction.

The ectopic expression of the gene SEL1L in the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 resulted in a reduction of the aggressive behaviour of these cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo analysis on a series of primary breast carcinomas revealed an association between the SEL1L protein levels and the patient's overall survival. We aimed to find those proteins, associated with SEL1L, which may be involved in modulating the aggressive or invasive behaviour of breast cancer cells.

Economic analysis of the treatment of posterior epistaxis.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the economic impact of controlling posterior epistaxis by transnasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (TESPAL) and endovascular embolization.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing treatment of posterior epistaxis by either TESPAL or embolization. International Classification of Diseases 9 code 784.

Endoscopic closure of the eustachian tube.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea can rarely complicate lateral skull base surgery, necessitating sealing of the eustachian tube. Patulous eustachian tube (pET) can also be an indication for closure of the eustachian tube.

Methods: Representative cases and the technique will be described.

Basic anatomy and physiology of olfaction and taste.

The chemical senses of taste and smell are important to survival and quality of life. Both senses rely on the binding of odorant molecules to receptors located on the receptor cells. Olfaction and gustation have complex systems of coding, but they display differing methods for coding the receptor stimulus.

Is nasal packing necessary following endoscopic sinus surgery?

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine the necessity of nasal packing or hemostatic agents or both following endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review of cases in a tertiary care sinus practice at an academic medical center.

Methods: Records of 165 patients undergoing 169 endoscopic sinus surgeries were reviewed to determine the presence of adjunctive nasal procedures, the use of nasal packing or hemostatic agents or both, blood loss during surgery, and the incidence of bleeding complications following surgery.

Imatinib mesylate in chordoma.

Background: To the authors' knowledge, no effective medical therapy currently is available for advanced chordoma. Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRB), BCR-ABL, and KIT.

Methods: Six patients with advanced chordoma were treated with imatinib mesylate at a dose of 800 mg daily.

Chondroitin sulfate hydrogel and wound healing in rabbit maxillary sinus mucosa.

Objectives/hypothesis: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix of all vertebrates. A biocompatible, nonimmunogenic, pliable hydrogel preparation of CS has recently been produced and has shown benefit in wound healing in murine and porcine epidermis. The objective of the current experiment is to compare the wound healing properties of CS hydrogel versus no treatment in wounds of the maxillary sinus mucosa.

Biopsy and specimen collection in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Biopsy, aspiration, swab, and irrigation of the nose and sinuses are methods used in specimen collection and culture when chronic rhinosinusitis is suspected. Biopsy may be indicated to identify the presence of fungal elements in the mucus or tissues, suspected neoplasm, or inflamed bone. Aspiration directly from the maxillary sinus is considered to be the gold standard for culture, but it is painful.