Rare variant of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Metaplastic carcinoma encompasses a group of neoplasms characterized by differentiation of the neoplastic epithelium into squamous cells and/or mesenchymal-looking elements. Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare variant of this special histological type. Its prognosis remains poor, with a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. To date, only a small number of cases have been described. There is no clear agreement on this histological subtype. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 53-year-old Moroccan woman who consulted our institution following palpation of a nodule of the left breast. Mammography in combination with breast ultrasonography revealed a lesion classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 with microcalcification. The patient was diagnosed with spindle cell carcinoma of the breast. The diagnosis was based primarily on histological and immunohistochemical studies of the breast biopsy and secondarily on the surgical specimen. No local or distant metastasis was found. The treatment used was total surgical excision followed by radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the features (epidemiological, clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and therapeutic outcomes) of our patient's case and compare them with literature data.

A membrane-free cation selective water-gated transistor.

Sensors for the detection of waterborne cations are of great practical interest, and chemistry has synthesised a formidable catalogue of cation selective complexation agents ('ionophores') as selective sensitisers. Current ionophore-based sensors separate the complexation of the cation by the ionophore, and the transduction of complexation into an electrical signal, into separate components. We here unite both functions into a single, sensitised semiconducting layer of a water-gated organic thin film transistor (OTFT). The resulting OTFT transduces waterborne cations into an electrical signal with same selectivity, sensitivity, and limit of detection as established sensors at much simplified preparation and operation. This opens a new route to apply the 'ionophore' family of functional organic materials in practical cation sensors.

[Cutaneous cryptococcosis mimicking basal cell carcinoma and revealing systemic involvement in acquired immunodeficiency]. / Cryptococcose cutanée mimant un carcinome basocellulaire et révélant une atteinte systémique sur immunodéficience acquise.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a rare and a serious opportunistic infection that occurs primarily on the field of immunodeficiency. We report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome revealed by unusual skin lesions. OBSERVATION: A 52-year-old patient consulted for two crusty ulcerative lesions situated on the left supraorbital and on the nasal tip that appeared 6 months ago. He also reported respiratory symptoms present since one year, with dry cough and dyspnea, chronic headache and vomiting with no alteration in visual acuity. The mycological study of the skin biopsy on both lesions isolated Cryptococcus neoformans as well as in the sputum and cerebrospinal fluid. Serology of human immunodeficiency virus infection was positive. Treatment with fluconazole, local care and antiretroviral triple therapy was implemented. DISCUSSION: Skin lesions during cryptococcosis are rare and observed in 2-10% of cases. Cutaneous symptoms were the reason for consultation in our patient. This is a rare form of cutaneous cryptococcosis leading to the discovery of both pulmonary and central nervous system locations, and to diagnosis of HIV infection.

[Prune belly syndrome]. / Het 'prune belly' syndroom.

Referring to a patient operated on the third day of life for pyeloureteral stenosis the 'prune belly' syndrome is described. The syndrome is delineated by urinary tract anomalies, undescended testicles and a prune like abdominal wall. Several other anomalies are commonly seen. In this patient the megaureters, the vesicoureteral reflux and megacystis are considered part of the syndrome. The pyeloureteral stenosis was only seen once before in a succumbed newborn.

[The treatment of hypertension with captopril]. / De behandeling van hypertensie met captopril.

Short term response to single dose of Captopril has been studied in 7 severely hypertensive children. Blood pressure fell within one hour in patients with a non-hypervolemic state. Longterm treatment (average 19 months) of 5 children with refractory hypertension resulted in a sustained blood pressure control. No side-effects had been observed. It is concluded, that Captopril is useful in children with acute severe hypertension. Longterm treatment should be limited to children with refractory hypertension.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in small children with acute renal failure.

In the period January 1980 to January 1982 five small children with acute renal failure were treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to overcome the catabolic state of the anuric stage. A free diet was allowed during this period except for slight restriction in fluid intake. Weight gain was only observed in one child, whereas in the others no significant change of body weight was noticed. CAPD treatment was terminated as renal function improved and a creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min/1.73m2 was achieved.