Nontransgenic models of breast cancer

Numerous models have been developed to address key elements in the biology of breast cancer development and progression. No model is ideal, but the most useful are those that reflect the natural history and histopathology of human disease, and allow for basic investigations into underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. We describe two types of models: those that are directed toward early events in breast cancer development (hyperplastic alveolar nodules [HAN] murine model, MCF10AT human xenograft model); and those that seek to reflect the spectrum of metastatic disease (murine sister cell lines 67, 168, 4T07, 4T1). Collectively, these models provide cell lines that represent all of the sequential stages of progression in breast disease, which can be modified to test the effect of genetic changes.     

Circannual variation in lymphocyte subsets, revisited

BACKGROUND: Circadian and circannual variations in lymphocyte subsets, especially CD8+ T-lymphocytes, have been reported. This study focuses on CD4+ T-lymphocyte seasonal variation over a 6-year 8-month period. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Lymphocyte subsets were quantitated monthly for four healthy individuals from 1986 through 1992 as part of a flow cytometry quality-control program. RESULTS: In general, there were no significant seasonal changes in the total number of white cells or in total lymphocyte counts. The absolute numbers of CD4+ T-lymphocytes were lowest in summer when the CD8+ T-lymphocytes were highest. Mean CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were 846, 967, 618, and 695 per microL for Subjects 1 through 4, respectively, in winter and 432, 670, 355, and 766 per microL, respectively, in summer. Two healthy subjects had CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts lower than 300 per microL on one or more occasions during the study period. In three of the four subjects, the percentage of B-lymphocytes in winter was almost double that in summer. In one of the four subjects, no circannual rhythm was observed in these lymphocyte subpopulations. CONCLUSION: The seasonal variation in CD4+ T- lymphocyte counts demonstrated in three healthy individuals over almost 7 years is again of interest in light of renewed consideration of using surrogate tests, such as CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, to screen for AIDS- like diseases that may be in the blood supply.     

Histological evaluation of intracapsular venous invasion for discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Aim:  Histological criteria for intracapsular venous invasion (IVI) that would allow its discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been established.
Methods:  We evaluated IVI immunohistochemically to discriminate between portal and hepatic venous invasion in 89 resected specimens from patients with HCC. IVI was defined as the microscopic involvement of the vessels within the fibrous capsule of HCC. The hepatic venous system was subdivided into the central vein and the sublobular/hepatic vein. Immunohistochemical analysis with the D2-40 monoclonal antibody revealed lymphatic vessels.
Results:  In non-neoplastic liver tissues, the portal veins ( n  = 4355) were accompanied by lymphatic vessels (99.7%), bile ductules (100%) and arteries (96%), whereas the central veins ( n  = 3932) and sublobular/hepatic veins ( n  = 662) were rarely accompanied by lymphatic vessels (0% and 17%, respectively) and bile ductules (12% and 33%, respectively). In total, 29 IVI foci were detected; three foci were clearly visible within vessels that contained a distinct layer of connective tissue fibers, signifying sublobular/hepatic venous invasion. As the remaining 26 foci were accompanied by lymphatic vessels (26/26 [100%]), bile ductules (21/26 [81%]) and arteries (10/26 [38%]), these foci were considered to reflect intracapsular portal venous invasion rather than venous invasion of the central vein. Intracapsular portal venous invasion was significantly associated with extratumoral portal venous invasion ( P  < 0.001).
Conclusions:  D2-40 immunoreactivity for the histological evaluation of IVI in HCC allows discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion for cases in which portal venous invasion predominates.     

Acute naphthalene toxicity presenting with metabolic acidosis: a rare complication

Naphthalene moth ball poisoning in children can present with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 2 year old boy who had accidentally consumed unknown number of moth balls presented 3 d later with vomiting, seizures, methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia and altered sensorium. He was managed with red blood cell transfusion, IV Methylene blue and Sodium bicarbonate. Clinical and laboratory parameters normalized. We describe this case as ingestional naphthalene poisoning with rare manifestation of metabolic acidosis, with a good outcome after treatment.