Role of RPL39 in Metaplastic Breast Cancer.

Background: Metaplastic breast cancer is one of the most therapeutically challenging forms of breast cancer because of its highly heterogeneous and chemoresistant nature. We have previously demonstrated that ribosomal protein L39 (RPL39) and its gain-of-function mutation A14V have oncogenic activity in triple-negative breast cancer and this activity may be mediated through inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The function of RPL39 and A14V in other breast cancer subtypes is currently unknown.

What experimental approaches (eg, in vivo, in vitro, tissue retrieval) are effective in investigating the biologic effects of particles?

Understanding the complex cellular and tissue mechanisms and interactions resulting in periprosthetic osteolysis requires a number of experimental approaches, each of which has its own set of advantages and limitations. In vitro models allow for the isolation of individual cell populations and have furthered our understanding of particle-cell interactions; however, they are limited because they do not mimic the complex tissue environment in which multiple cell interactions occur. In vivo animal models investigate the tissue interactions associated with periprosthetic osteolysis, but the choice of species and whether the implant system is subjected to mechanical load or to unloaded conditions are critical in assessing whether these models can be extrapolated to the clinical condition.

Endocytosis: biochemical analyses.

Many integral membrane proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum ultimately arrive at the cell surface to contact the cell environment. During transit through the Golgi and trans-Golgi network, proteins acquire post-translational modifications that can be used to track the appearance of such modified proteins at the cell surface. Cellular proteins can be treated with enzymes--e.

Long-term results of various therapy concepts in severe pilon fractures.

Introduction: Intra-articular fractures of the tibia plafond are among the most challenging of orthopaedic problems. This is a retrospective case-control study of surgically treated pilon fractures which was undertaken to compare the internal fixation with the two external fixation methods.

Methods: This is a case-control study of 55 patients with 55 pilon fractures.

Analysis of parameters associated with hypotension requiring vasopressor support after carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Introduction: Systemic hypotension has been observed for up to 36 hours in response to stimulation of the carotid baroreceptor by carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and cardiac outcomes for postprocedural hypotension requiring vasopressor support after CAS.

Methods: Between 2003 and 2005, 143 patients (87 men; mean age, 75 years) with high-grade carotid artery stenosis (mean, 87.

Interferon alfa-2b [correction of alpha-2b]and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal ALT.

Objectives: Most studies establishing the role of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) excluded the patients with normal ALT levels. Small trials with interferon monotherapy suggested a limited efficacy and/or de novo ALT elevations. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of two doses of interferon alfa-2b (IFN) with ribavirin (RBV) in patients with normal ALT [correction].

Hierarchical linear models for the development of growth curves: an example with body mass index in overweight/obese adults.

When data are available on multiple individuals measured at multiple time points that may vary in number or inter-measurement interval, hierarchical linear models (HLM) may be an ideal option. The present paper offers an applied tutorial on the use of HLM for developing growth curves depicting natural changes over time. We illustrate these methods with an example of body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)) among overweight and obese adults.

Depression and disability in late life: directions for future research.

The author reviews evidence from epidemiologic and clinical studies suggesting a reciprocal, potentially spiraling, relationship between depression and disability in older adults. The discussion outlines possible methodological and conceptual explanations for this evidence and poses avenues for future research. An underlying theme is the impact of how disability and depression are measured on the nature of empirical evidence and its interpretation.

Immunity against cancer: lessons learned from melanoma.

Most major advances in human cancer immunology and immunotherapy have come from studies in melanoma. We are beginning to understand the immune repertoire of T cells and antibodies that are active against melanoma, with recent glimpses of the CD4(+) T cell repertoire. The view of what the immune system can see is extending to mutations and parts of the genome that are normally invisible.

Genetic inactivation of the Serotonin(1A) receptor in mice results in downregulation of major GABA(A) receptor alpha subunits, reduction of GABA(A) receptor binding, and benzodiazepine-resistant anxiety.

Anxiety is a common psychiatric illness often treated by benzodiazepines (BZs). BZs, such as Valium, bind to the alpha subunit of the pentameric GABA(A) receptor and increase inhibition in the CNS. There is considerable evidence for abnormal GABA(A) receptor function in anxiety, and a significant proportion of anxiety patients has a reduced sensitivity to BZs.

Current cases in which epitope mimicry is considered as a component cause of autoimmune disease: immune-mediated (type 1) diabetes.

Autoimmune diseases result from a combination of genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Infectious agents may induce the breakdown of immunological tolerance and the appearance of autoreactivity. However, the specific relationship between infection and autoimmunity is still unclear.

B-lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma is a clinicopathologic entity distinct from other histologically similar aggressive lymphomas with blastic morphology.

Background: The authors present clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic data regarding B-lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL), a rare entity that has not been extensively studied. To emphasize some of its unique clinical characteristics, the authors compare B-LBL with a group of histologically similar, very aggressive lymphomas, T-lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and the blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (BVMCL); all were evaluated concurrently.

Methods: Clinical data were obtained on 29 patients with very aggressive lymphomas (12 B-LBLs, 10 T-LBLs, and 7 BVMCLs) from whom paraffin-embedded material was available.