Multiparameter DNA content analysis identifies distinct groups in primary breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Multiparameter flow cytometry is a robust and reliable method for determining tumour DNA content applicable to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. This study examined the clinical and pathological associations of DNA content in primary breast cancer using an improved multiparametric technique. METHODS: The FFPE tissue from 201 primary breast cancers was examined and the cancers categorised according to their DNA content using multiparametric flow cytometry incorporating differential labelling of stromal and tumour cell populations. Mathematical modelling software (ModFit 3.2.1) was used to calculate the DNA index (DI) and percentage S-phase fraction (SPF%) for each tumour. Independent associations with clinical and pathological parameters were sought using backward stepwise Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) and Cox's Regression (CR) analysis. RESULTS: Tumours were grouped into four categories based on the DI of the tumour cell population. Low DI tumours (DI=0.76-1.14) associated with progesterone receptor-positive status (P=0.012, BLR), intermediate DI (DI=1.18-1.79) associated with p53 mutant tumours (P=0.001, BLR), high DI (DI1.80) tumours with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive status (P=0.004, BLR) and 'multiploid tumours' (two or more tumour DNA peaks) did not show any significant associations. Tumours with high SPF% (10%) independently associated with poor overall survival (P=0.027, CR). CONCLUSION: Multiparametric flow analysis of FFPE tissue can accurately assess tumour DNA content. Tumour sub-populations associated with biomarkers of prognosis or likely response to therapy. The alterations in DNA content present the potential for greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying clinically significant biomarker changes in primary breast cancer.

Reducing size-dispersion in one-pot aqueous synthesis of maghemite nanoparticles.

Nanosized maghemite-like particles with reduced size-distribution were obtained using a one-pot synthesis route in aqueous medium. Forced hydrolysis of iron ions in ammoniac solution led to the formation of magnetite nanoparticles that were oxidized to maghemite in a hydrothermal digestion step that reduced the polydispersity of nanograins. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffractometry, magnetization, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements. Data showed that 14 nm-sized particles with polydispersity of about 0.14 were produced and, differently from other procedures, neither additional steps nor toxic reagents were needed to reduce size-dispersion or to oxidize magnetite to maghemite. These facts per se turn such nanodevice into a good potential choice for biomedical applications.

Macular dystrophy, diabetes, and deafness associated with a large mitochondrial DNA deletion.

PURPOSE: To report the mitochondrial DNA in a 17-year-old patient with diabetes, deafness, cataract, and maculopathy. METHOD S: Ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography, and electroretinogram were performed. Detection of deletion was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot, and screening for the A3243G mitochondrial DNA mutation was performed. RESULTS: A short fragment of approximately 8.5 kb corresponding to deleted mitochondrial DNA was detected. The A3243G mitochondrial DNA mutation was not found. CONCLUSIONS: A 7-kb heteroplasmic deletion of the mitochondrial genome was found in this patient. No mitochondrial DNA deletion has been reported previously in association with macular dystrophy.

[Retinopathy caused by interferon. Apropos of a case]. / Rétinopathie à l'interféron. A propos d'un cas.

Toxic retinopathy due to alpha interferon in a 20-year-old female is reported. This was an unusual case due to its severity in a non diabetic patient. Recovery of visual acuity was incomplete though angiographic tests normalized. Retinal toxicity in nondiabetic patients is usually reversible, suggesting careful surveillance of high risk patients with retinal microangiopathy given interferon therapy.

[Renal function in diabetic children and adolescents. Relation to the duration and level of control of the disease]. / Función renal en niños y adolescentes diabéticos. Relación con la duración y nivel de control de la enfermedad.

We have evaluated different aspects of the kidney function of 68 diabetic children and adolescents with the aim of estimating the prevalence of nephropathy and its influential factors. In addition, the kidney function is followed for an additional 18 months. The results are compared with those obtained from a group of healthy children of the same ages. No clinical nephropathy existed, with only 4 (5.97%) and 8 cases of incipient nephropathy and microalbuminuria, respectively, being demonstrated. The urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) is very clearly connected with the duration and the metabolic control of diabetes. Elevated values for AER were also observed in poorly controlled diabetics and those with prolonged evolution. Nevertheless, the last point may be secondary to the development of puberty, since with the same duration of diabetes (under 5 years), the proportion of pubertal patients with microalbuminuria is higher than that for prepubertal children.

[Orbital varices. Apropos of a case]. / Les varices orbitaires. A propos d'une observation.

The authors report on a typical case of orbital varix, which was operated on by neurosurgical way. Orbital varices are rare venous anomalies, easily suspected on the clinic. The diagnosis is usually made on ultrasonography, CT Scan, and orbital venography. Conservative treatment is the rule except when complications have happened.

[Pseudoretinitis pigmentosa caused by congenital rubella (apropos of a case)]. / Pseudo-rétinite pigmentaire de la rubéole congénitale (à propos d'une observation).

A case report of pseudo-pigmentary retinitis in congenital rubella embryopathy which was discovered in a grown-up patient who had visual field defects and unusual lesion of retinal vessels. The authors describe the principal features of congenital rubella embryopathy's retinal involvement.

[Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus and their ophthalmological manifestations]. / Les mucocèles du sphénoïde et leurs manifestations ophtalmologiques.

The authors describe two cases of sphenoïd sinus mucoceles, the first with a chiasmatic syndrome and the second with an oculomotor paralysis, and compare these cases with those described in the litterature. This rare benign tumor is revealed by ophthalmological complications which result from compression of adjacent structures. The main clinical findings are pain, decrease in visual acuity, proptosis, and diplopia. Plain X rays and pluridirectional tomographies are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis but CT scan is the procedure of choice for defining the extent of the lesion and thus assuring an appropriate surgical approach. The CT scan findings have been reviewed. Early and correct diagnosis is important to prevent permanent visual loss by optic nerve atrophy.

[Craniopharyngioma in adults]. / A propos d'un craniopharyngiome de l'adulte.

Initial signs of a craniopharyngioma in a 58 years old woman were a decrease in visual acuity and suppression of the pupillary light reflex. Perimetric signs were: left: central scotoma with an inferior temporal defect of the peripheral field; right: superior temporal field defect. The CT scan showed an intrasellar tumor, extending into the suprasellar region, isodensity of the tumor being the main finding. The radiological diagnosis was adenoma, but all the perimetric defects disappeared spontaneously, and the post-operative diagnosis was craniopharyngioma. Variations of the visual field defect are one of the most typical signs of craniopharyngioma, and absence of calcification, with isodensity of the tumor on the CT scan may lead to a mistaken.