2 malignant cell lines derived from strain L6 of rat myogenic cells

A nonfusing variant M4 of the L6 line of rat myoblasts was isolated. This subline was tumorigenic when inoculated into suckling rats. Comparative studies of cells growth in vitro, serum requirement, cell adhesiveness and capacity to form colonies in soft agar confirmed that M4 cells had undergone neoplastic transformation while L6 cells exhibited normal characteristics. Another subline designated as RMS4 was derivated from M4 cells tumors. Growth characteristics in vitro and karyotype analysis indicated that RMS4 cells presented a higher degree of transformation as compared with M4 cells. Both M4 and RMS4 cell cultures seem to produce a C-type virus.     

An unusual presentation of periocular Merkel cell carcinoma

Aim:  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but potentially aggressive tumor. We describe a rare presentation of MMC of the upper lid.
Methods:  A 63-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of right upper lid fullness. Examination revealed a large multinodular mass protruding into the conjunctival aspect of the eyelid. An enlarged right submandibular lymph node was also noted.
Results:  An incisional biopsy was suggestive of MCC. Staged surgical excision with rapid paraffin sections was performed. The tumor cells were seen invading the tarsal plate and adjacent to the palpebral conjunctiva but not into the epidermis. MCC was confirmed using immunohistochemical stains and neuroendocrine markers (cytokeratins Cam 5.2, AE1/3, CK20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and Leu 7). The lymph node biopsy was also confirmed as metastatic MCC. The patient was treated with postsurgical chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with no recurrence during a 6 months follow-up period.
Conclusion:  Although uncommon, periocular MCC may present as an atypical conjunctival multinodular mass.     

Wegener's granulomatosis: ophthalmic manifestations and management

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date and comprehensive review of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) as a disease entity, focusing on the ophthalmic manifestations and management options. METHODS: A search of Medline was undertaken between 1966 and 2005 regarding WG, systemic vasculitis, and the ocular manifestations of WG. Major ophthalmic and medical textbooks also were reviewed for content, as well as original references. RESULTS: Involvement of ocular and orbital structures in patients with WG is common and may be a presenting feature. The ocular manifestations range from mild conjunctivitis and episcleritis to more severe inflammation with keratitis, scleritis, uveitis, and retinal vasculitis. Involvement of the nasolacrimal system and orbital tissues also can occur. Except for some cases of anterior segment inflammation, the ocular involvement will not respond to topical agents, but rather to systemic antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive regimens. Surgical intervention may be of value for obtaining tissue diagnosis, in achieving orbital decompression in cases of significant orbital disease with optic nerve compromise, or in cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. CONCLUSION: WG is an important clinical entity that needs to be recognized early and treated appropriately. Ophthalmic manifestations are frequently encountered and can result in significant morbidity and even blindness. The management is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach.     

Outcome of preterm infants born to overweight and obese mothers†

Objectives: To evaluate perinatal morbidity and mortality among preterm neonates who were born to overweight and obese mothers compared to preterm neonates who were born to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Retrospective recordings of medical charts of 110 preterm infants born to overweight (n?=?68) and obese (n?=?42) mothers at gestational age (GA) 28–34 weeks, as well as 110 controls matched for GA and birth weight. All infants were born at the Sheba Medical Center between 2007 and 2014. Data regarding maternal pre-pregnancy weight and height were recorded, as well as maternal and neonatal complications and feeding methods.

Results: Obese mothers had more pregnancy-induced hypertension (52.4% versus 21.4%, p = 0.006) and caesarean section deliveries (81% versus 52.4%, p = 0.018). Overweight mothers had more gestational diabetes (20.6% versus 2.9%, p = 0.001). The study and control groups were similar on all neonatal outcome parameters. No differences between the groups were recorded throughout hospitalization with respect to Apgar score, respiratory distress and support, hypotension, cardiac manifestations, brain pathologies, infection, feeding type and total hospitalization days.

Conclusions: Although the maternal complications are greater among obese and overweight women, it seems that preterm infants born to these women are not at increased risk for neonatal complications.