Breast specimen radiography: evaluation of a compression device

The irregular shape and uneven tissue thickness of excised breast specimens makes radiographic evaluation difficult, especially when calcifications are not present. Xeroradiographs before and after compression of 20 separate excised breast specimens were compared, and 17 of the same specimens were compared after compression combined with immersion in water. Specimen compression improved visibility of the lesion on average in 88% of cases, and visibility was equal in 12%. Combined compression/immersion further improved visibility of the lesion on average in 37% of cases. More significantly, evaluation of the compressed specimen led to a change in interpretation of the radiographs in 45% of cases. Compression of the specimen in specimen radiography is recommended in all cases in which pre-biopsy localization is performed.     

Acute demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy in B‐cell lymphoma with IGM autoantibodies against glycolipid GD1B

A 20‐year‐old man developed weakness without sensory complaints ten days after rubella. Examination showed limb weakness and brisk tendon reflexes but no sensory abnormalities. Laboratory investigations revealed IgG and IgM anti‐Rubella and increased CSF protein content (0,8 g/L). Electrophysiological examination showed partial motor conduction blocks in eight nerves and normal sensory conductions even across the sites of CB. Brain and spinal cord MRI and SEPs were normal. The patient was treated with four plasmaphereses and fully recovered in six months. Conduction blocks gradually improved with increasing duration and abnormal temporal dispersion in proximal CMAPs. GBS has been rarely reported after rubella. Anti‐myelin basic protein antibodies have been found in a patient with a relapsing motor neuropathy following rubella vaccination. As antibodies cross‐reacted with a viral protein, molecular mimicry has been proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism. In our patient we did not find anti‐MBP antibodies and antibodies to‐glycolipids (GM1, GM2, GA1, GD1a, GD1b, GQ1b, sulfatides, galactocerebroside) were also negative. Indirect immunofluorescence after incubation of patient's serum on rabbit sciatic nerve and human sural nerve and roots was negative. Our patient confirms the occurrence of GBS following Rubella and shows some uncommon features: 1) hyperactive deep tendon reflexes; 2) demyelination selectively involving motor fibres; and 3) widespread early conduction blocks in intermediate nerve segments.     

The dopamine-4 receptor gene associated with binge eating and weight gain in women with seasonal affective disorder: an evolutionary perspective.

BACKGROUND: We recently described a preliminary association between the hypofunctional seven-repeat allele of the dopamine-4 receptor gene (DRD4) and increased maximal lifetime body mass index in women with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this study, we examined whether binge eating behavior mediated this putative association. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 131 women with winter SAD who reported increased intake of high-carbohydrate/high-fat foods during depressive episodes. We compared rates of binge eating behavior in the two genotypic groups defined by the presence or absence of the seven-repeat allele of DRD4. RESULTS: Consistent with our working hypothesis, the proportion of binge eaters was significantly greater in probands with the seven-repeat allele (18 of 46, 39.1%) than in probands without this allele (14 of 85, 16.5%) [chi(2)(1)= 8.32, p = .004; odds ratio = 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.43, 7.41]. CONCLUSIONS: Pending replication in other samples, these results point to a genetic factor that could help in the early identification and treatment of women at higher risk for seasonal weight gain associated with binge eating behavior. At a theoretic level, the current results suggest a novel link between evolutionary models of seasonal weight gain on the one hand and the DRD4 gene on the other.     

Beyond "successful aging: Rembrandt in his self-portraits

The process of aging has been generally associated with cognitive dedine. However, some complex cognitive abilities, such as wisdom and judgement, have been suggested to improve with age. In the current study, the development of an advanced artistic ability is examined over the life span of Rembrandt H. van Rijn. Analysis of the paintings revealed the development of an old-age-style in the last portrait, characterised by uniformity of texture, facture, and lighting. The self-portrait painted in the last year of Rembrandt's life reflects a high degree of integration of artistic skill and experience gathered in the course of life, and hence reflects features of wisdom in the sence suggested by Baltes. The development of a mature "late" style can help to characterise the emergence of qualitatively different and advanced cognitive abilities in old age.