Nail grafts for reconstruction

Monkey digits were used experimentally to demonstrate the pathologic anatomy of nail deformities and the results of treatment using full and partial thickness nail matrix grafts. Seventy-five human nail deformities were evaluated and treated. In both the experimental and clinical groups, microscopic hypertrophy of the superficial epithelial elements underlying the deformed nail existed. A follow-up of treatment of nail deformities indicated that nail matrix grafts, both full and partial thickness, are beneficial when the defect involves the sterile matrix and the proximal nail fold.     

Relationship of necrosis and tumor border to lymph node metastases and 10-year survival in carcinoma of the breast.

The pathologic findings of 330 patients with invasive carcinoma of the breast who were followed for 10 years after radical mastectomy was reviewed. The presence or absence of necrosis and the character of the border of the tumor were two factors which were observable in all cases. Necrosis in the carcinoma was associated with a higher mortality rate, a higher incidence of axillary node metastases, and a higher mortality rate in patients with axillary node metastases than were primary carcinomas without necrosis. Tumors with necrosis and a root border showed significantly more aggressive behavior than did those tumors with a rounded border and no necrosis.     

Two views of the addiction elephant: comment on McSweeney, Murphy, and Kowal (2005)

F. K. McSweeney, E. S. Murphy, and B. P. Kowal present a convincing case that the literature on habituation and sensitization to the sensory properties of conventional reinforcers is relevant to understanding a variety of addictive behaviors. They note that their model has advantages over a number of alternative formulations. However, in discussing one particular such alternative, a Pavlovian conditioning analysis of drug tolerance and withdrawal, F. K. McSweeney et al. overstate the advantages of their reinforcer habituation/sensitization model.