Expression and immune responses to MAGE antigens predict survival in epithelial ovarian cancer.

The MAGE cancer-testis antigens (CTA) are attractive candidates for immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of expression, humoral immunity and prognostic significance of MAGE CTA in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). mRNA or protein expression frequencies were determined for MAGE-A1, -A3, -A4, -A10 and -C1 (CT7) in tissue samples obtained from 400 patients with EOC.

LGR5 is Expressed by Ewing Sarcoma and Potentiates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor of putative stem cell origin that predominantly occurs in children and young adults. Although most patients with localized ES can be cured with intensive therapy, the clinical course is variable and up to one third of patients relapse following initial remission. Unfortunately, little is yet known about the biologic features that distinguish low-risk from high-risk disease or the mechanisms of ES disease progression.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency (VODI): first reported case in the U.S. and identification of a unique mutation in Sp110.

Familial hepatic veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency (VODI, OMIM: 235550), a rare form of severe combined immune deficiency, was first described in Australian Lebanese patients as being associated with homozygous mutations in SP110, a gene encoding a PML nuclear body-associated protein. We present the first case of confirmed VODI in the United States, and identify the first novel missense mutation in SP110. The 3-year-old daughter of Hispanic parents without known consanguinity presented at age 5 months with fever, hepatomegaly, and pancytopenia.

Fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler fluctuations after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare alterations in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) and mean velocity (V (mean)) after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Study Design: MCA Doppler studies were conducted 1 day before and after laser surgery for TTTS. The pre- and postoperative mean (standard deviation) of the MCA PI and V (mean) z-scores of the recipient and donor fetuses were calculated and compared.

Residual vascular communications in twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with sequential laser surgery: frequency and clinical implications.

Objectives: The goal of fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is to ablate all placental vascular communications, thereby separating the fetal circulatory systems. We sought to ascertain the frequency and clinical implications of residual vascular communications (RVC) post preferential sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SQLPCV).

Study Design: TTTS placentas treated via preferential SQLPCV were examined.

Emergency postpartum hysterectomy for uncontrolled postpartum bleeding: a systematic review.

Objective: To describe factors leading to and outcomes after emergency postpartum hysterectomy for uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage.

Data Sources: Searches were conducted up to August 2009 using the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, using the following medical subject heading and text words: "postpartum bleeding," "postpartum hysterectomy," "uterine atony," "cesarean hysterectomy," "placenta accreta," "increta," "percreta," and "placenta previa."

Methods Of Study Selection: Studies were reviewed if they included cases of emergency postpartum hysterectomy performed at the time or within 48 hours of delivery, described factors leading to uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage, enrolled women who delivered after 24 weeks of gestation, and reported data as proportional rates in tables or text.

Triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome treated with laser ablation: the USFetus experience.

Objective: We sought to assess outcomes of triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (FFTS) treated with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV).

Study Design: All twins and triplets with FFTS treated with SLPCV were analyzed. Triplets were classified as dichorionic-triamniotic (D/T) or monochorionic-triamniotic (M/T).

Third trimester fetoscopic laser ablation of type II vasa previa.

Objective: Vasa previa is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality because of fetal exsanguination at time of membrane rupture. We report our experience in the treatment of type II vasa previa via in utero laser ablation in the third trimester.

Methods: Two cases of type II vasa previa were identified via endovaginal ultrasound in the second trimester and treated via third trimester fetoscopic laser ablation.

Perinatal survival following preferential sequential selective laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objective: To describe our experience with preferential use of sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SQLPCV) in women with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods: Women with TTTS received treatment using the SQLPCV technique whenever possible. SQLPCV mandates ablation of all donor-to-recipient arteriovenous communications first, in comparison to the standard non-sequential selective technique.

Peer relationships and academic achievement as interacting predictors of depressive symptoms during middle childhood.

This article reports a longitudinal investigation that examines academic and social difficulties as predictors of depressive symptoms during middle childhood. Participants were 199 elementary school children (M=9.1 years) who were followed for 2 consecutive school years.

Operative fetoscopy in complicated monochorionic twins: current status and future direction.

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this article is to review the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of complicated monochorionic twins, with emphasis on surgical management via operative fetoscopy.

Recent Findings: Ultrasound is effective in the diagnosis and surveillance of several conditions that complicate monochorionic twins, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, selective intrauterine growth restriction, and discordant anomalous twins. Ultrasound is also useful in identifying risk factors for poor perinatal outcomes and identifying those pregnancies that may benefit from fetal intervention.

Fetal growth after laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare twin weight discordance and prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) before laser therapy and after birth in pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Study Design: Women with TTTS who underwent laser therapy with dual neonatal survivors born at least 28 days after surgery were studied. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance at the preoperative sonogram and birthweight (BW) discordance were calculated.

Dissociaton of conditioned eye and limb responses in the cerebellar interpositus.

Thompson and colleagues have demonstrated that the lateral interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum is the essential locus for the classical conditioning of the somatic eyeblink response. Preliminary studies reported that lesioning the cerebellar interpositus nucleus ipsilateral to the side of training also appears to abolish conditioned limb flexion responses. Previous studies have suggested that the interpositus nucleus is somatotopically organized with the eye being represented laterally and the hindlimb medially.

A minimally invasive breast biopsy clinic: an innovative way to teach breast fellows how to perform breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures.

Background: The ability to perform breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures are increasingly important skills for breast surgeons. Breast fellowship programs must develop programs to ensure adequate ultrasound training for breast fellows.

Methods: A Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Clinic was established at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center to provide breast fellows with comprehensive, hands-on, "live-patient" breast ultrasound training.

Retroviral gene transfer in chondrogenic limb bud micromass cultures.

We report development of a model of retroviral gene transduction in high-density limb bud cell micromass culture. The replication competent avian retrovirus RCAS BP (A) carrying the human placental alkaline phosphatase gene (RCAS AP) was used as a marker for retroviral infection and spread. The final protocol balances the need to allow time for retroviral integration and gene transduction against loss of chondrogenic potential when limb bud cells are plated at low density.

Insulin and angiotensin II are additive in stimulating TGF-beta 1 and matrix mRNAs in mesangial cells.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and insulin are implicated in the mesangial cell hypertrophy and excessive accumulation of mesangial matrix seen in glomerulosclerosis. Therefore, the effects of Ang II with and without insulin on mRNA levels of several important extracellular matrix genes and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) were examined. Ang II alone (1 microM) added to quiescent, murine mesangial cells in serum-free, insulin-free media slightly but not significantly increased TGF-beta 1, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV and laminin message levels.

Cancer of the esophagus: the Wayne State University experience.

The rationale for the preoperative therapy for cancer of the esophagus is described. The first trial with infusion FUra mitomycin-c and radiation performed at Wayne State University (WSU) is described. The dramatic responses were duplicated when cisplatin was substituted for mitomycin.