The c-Rel transcription factor and B-cell proliferation: a deal with the devil

Activation of the Rel/NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway has been associated with a variety of animal and human malignancies. However, among the Rel/NF-kappaB family members, only c-Rel has been consistently shown to be able to malignantly transform cells in culture. In addition, c-rel has been activated by a retroviral promoter insertion in an avian B-cell lymphoma, and amplifications of REL (human c-rel) are frequently seen in Hodgkin's lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and in some follicular and mediastinal B-cell lymphomas. Phenotypic analysis of c-rel knockout mice demonstrates that c-Rel has a normal role in B-cell proliferation and survival; moreover, c-Rel nuclear activity is required for B-cell development. Few mammalian model systems are available to study the role of c-Rel in oncogenesis, and it is still not clear what features of c-Rel endow it with its unique oncogenic activity among the Rel/NF-kappaB family. In any event, REL may provide an appropriate therapeutic target for certain human lymphoid cell malignancies.     

Altruistic suicide or altruistic martyrdom? Christian Greek Orthodox neomartyrs: a case study.

Altruistic Suicide: From Sainthood to Terrorism as titled poses the question: altruistic suicide or altruistic martyrdom? This article speaks more about martyrdom than suicide. The ancient Greek world and the more modern Christian Greek Orthodox one show that many people preferred death rather than apostasy. The Greek Orthodox neo-martyrs were motivated by categories of martyrdom, being accused of being political offenders or traitors or being charged with being agitators because they advocated a better treatment for Christians. Martyrdom cannot be explained in personality structures and psychological terms, but in terms of Christian Orthodox faith, culture, history, and so on. Altruistic martyrdom by "the neo-martyrs of the Christian Greek Orthodox Church" is martyrdom, not suicide.     

Two cases of orbital lymphangioma associated with vascular abnormalities of the retina and iris

PURPOSE: To report 2 patients with combined intraocular and orbital vascular abnormalities. DESIGN: Two interventional case reports. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and pathologic findings. INTERVENTION/TESTING: Orbitotomy, fluorescein angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiation therapy. RESULTS: Two patients presented with vision loss, intermittent proptosis, and cosmetic deformity. These patients had orbital lymphangioma, ipsilateral retinal and iris vascular malformations, and smaller corneal diameter on the affected side. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of these diverse vascular anomalies supports the established hypothesis of pluripotential orbital vascular anlagen. Disruptive influences of various types during embryogenesis or development may produce a variety of congenital orbital and intraocular vascular malformations.     

Topically applied vitamins and their cutaneous effects

The number of cosmetic products which include vitamins as a constituent has increased three-fold since 1991. Vitamins are commonly used as ingredients of products designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin; for this reason the cutaneous benefits of such products are actively researched by dermatologists and chemists. The present study does a review of the action of topically applied vitamins for local use which improves the function of the skin. We specifically consider the biologic activity of topically applied vitamins, their stability and usefulness. Ways of stabilizing different kinds of vitamins, as well as their stability to oxygen, light, temperature, acids, and bases, are shown. The conclusion suggested by the review is that the efficiency of topically applied vitamins is dependent not only on their good stabilization and concentration but also on the clinical individual tests that can determine the best product for each particular patient.     

Body stalk anomaly diagnosed in the 2nd trimester

We examined a 20-year-old primigravida by ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation during routine anomaly scanning. Several fetal deformities were demonstrated: the upper part of the body was in the amniotic cavity, while the lower part was in the celomic cavity. A large abdominal wall defect was detected with herniation of the liver and the intestine. The limbs were deformed, the spine had severe kyphoscoliosis, and the umbilical cord was very short. These findings were suggestive of a body stalk anomaly. Termination of the pregnancy was offered and decided by the parents. The pathology report confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnosis.