Angiogenesis is an early event in the development of chemically induced skin tumors

In this study we have analyzed the vascular response induced in the two- stage carcinogenesis model in SENCAR mice. The role of angiogenesis has not been explored in this model, which is the paradigm of multistage carcinogenesis and a model for neoplastic lesions derived from exophytic premalignant lesions (e.g. colon carcinoma, bladder papilloma). We investigated if angiogenesis is involved in the formation of papillomas and in the progression from papilloma to carcinoma. To this end we analyzed the vasculature of normal and hyperplastic skin, focal epidermal hyperplasias that are precursors of papillomas, papillomas at different stages and squamous cell carcinomas. We also analyzed the vascularization of papillomas induced in two strains of mice that differ in their susceptibility to malignant progression. We show here that angiogenesis is turned on in the earliest stages of papilloma formation. In late stages, regardless of state of progression, the predominant response is an increase in the size of blood vessels. Thus, in the SENCAR mouse model, representative of exophytic tumors, the angiogenesis switch is a very early event, probably mechanistically related to the development of the primarily exophytic lesions. Therefore, the density of blood vessels cannot be used as a predictor of malignant progression in this model.      

Richter’s hernia occurring through a 5-mm laparoscopy sheath incision

We report a case of postoperative Richter’s hernia presenting through a 5-mm sheath incision. A 58-year-old woman having undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy 8 days before presented with severe left abdominal pain, nausea and light-headedness. The hypothesis of a sigmoid volvulus was suggested based on peroperative rectum and sigmoid release, the X-ray finding, and pain evolution. A secondary laparoscopic procedure allowed both diagnosis of a Richter’s hernia through a 5-mm sheath incision and surgical repair of the hernia. The use of this sheath during the laparoscopic vagina suture caused extension of the wound. Large 5-mm sheath defect sufficient for a Richter’s hernia can be created by multiple passes with small instruments and require surgical closure at the end of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is useful in cases of postoperative complications, particularly when other complementary examinations are less informative.     

Postvaccinal,Corticosteroid‐resistant Bullous Pemphigoid in Infancy: Treatment with Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disorder that typically affects elderly adults but can also occur in childhood. We report on a 3‐month‐old boy who developed bullous pemphigoid 1 week after the second routine administration of a hexavalent vaccine. The disease was resistant to standard therapies (including oral and topical corticosteroids) but was relieved by intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. There was no recurrence of bullous pemphigoid after the next vaccination (3 mos after discontinuation of steroids).     

Paradoxical brain embolism shadowing massive pulmonary embolism

Patent foramen ovale is frequently observed in the general population. In case of massive pulmonary embolism, the sudden increase in the right heart cavity's pressure may cause a right-to-left shunting across this foramen, which could be associated with conflicting outcomes. Herein, we report a case of reversible cardiac arrest preceded by seizures, and followed by hemodynamic stability without any vasopressor. A brain CT-scan showed a limited ischemic stroke. Initial echocardiographic assessment revealed an acute cor pulmonale and a right-to-left intracardiac shunt across a large patent foramen ovale, suggesting the diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism that was lately confirmed by a multidetector CT-angiography. Anticoagulation therapy was rapidly complicated by a hemorrhagic transformation of the ischemic stroke leading to a fatal outcome. This case illustrates the double-edged circulatory effect of shunting across a patent foramen ovale in case of massive pulmonary embolism: it may have limited circulatory failure but caused in the meanwhile a fatal paradoxical brain embolism.     

A rapidly progressing lymphocyte exhaustion after severe sepsis

ABSTRACT: Septic syndromes induce immune alterations that have long been considered solely an overwhelming pro-inflammatory response. Increasing evidence now suggests that, after the first pro-inflammatory hours, sepsis is accompanied by the occurrence of a systemic immune failure. Here, novel perspectives regarding sepsis-induced lymphocyte alterations will be discussed in the context of a recently published study investigating overtime evolution of co-inhibitory lymphocyte receptor expressions in patients with severe sepsis.     

The genetics of platelet count and volume in humans

The last decade has witnessed an explosion in the depth, variety, and amount of human genetic data that can be generated. This revolution in technical and analytical capacities has enabled the genetic investigation of human traits and disease in thousands to now millions of participants. Investigators have taken advantage of these advancements to gain insight into platelet biology and the platelet’s role in human disease. To do so, large human genetics studies have examined the association of genetic variation with two quantitative traits measured in many population and patient based cohorts: platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV). This article will review the many human genetic strategies—ranging from genome-wide association study (GWAS), Exomechip, whole exome sequencing (WES), to whole genome sequencing (WGS)—employed to identify genes and variants that contribute to platelet traits. Additionally, we will discuss how these investigations have examined and interpreted the functional implications of these newly identified genetic factors and whether they also impart risk to human disease. The depth and size of genetic, phenotypic, and other -omic data are primed to continue their growth in the coming years and provide unprecedented opportunities to gain critical insights into platelet biology and how platelets contribute to disease.     

Primary vertebral osteosarcoma: Five cases

Primary vertebral osteosarcoma is a rare type of osteosarcoma, differing from the appendicular forms by an incidence peak occurring at a higher age and a poorer prognosis, due to the difficulties of the surgical treatment. We present five cases of histologically proven primary vertebral osteosarcomas followed in our institution between 2004 and 2012. They allow to illustrate some essential radiologic features, useful to evoke this rare entity.     

CT-scan prediction of thyroid cartilage invasion for early laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Treatment choice for laryngeal cancer may be influenced by the diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion on preoperative computed tomography (CT). Our objective was to determine the predictive value of CT for thyroid cartilage invasion in early- to mid-stage laryngeal cancer. Retrospective study (1992–2008) of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with open partial laryngectomy and resection of at least part of the thyroid cartilage. Previous laser surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and second primaries were excluded. CT prediction of thyroid cartilage invasion was determined by specialized radiologists. Tumor characteristics and pathologic thyroid cartilage invasion were compared to the radiologic assessment. 236 patients were treated by vertical (20 %), supracricoid (67 %) or supraglottic partial laryngectomy (13 %) for tumors staged cT1 (26 %), cT2 (55 %), and cT3 (19 %). The thyroid cartilage was invaded on pathology in 19 cases (8 %). CT’s sensitivity was 10.5 %, specificity 94 %, positive predictive value 13 %, and negative predictive value 92 %. CT correctly predicted thyroid cartilage invasion in only two cases for an overall accuracy of 87 %. Among the false-positive CT’s, tumors involving the anterior commissure were significantly over-represented (61.5 % vs. 27 %, p = .004). Tumors with decreased vocal fold (VF) mobility were significantly over-represented in the group of false-negatives (41 vs. 13 %, p = .0035). Preoperative CT was not effective in predicting thyroid cartilage invasion in these early- to mid-stage lesions, overestimating cartilage invasion for AC lesions and underestimating invasion for lesions with decreased VF mobility.     

Rinderpest Virus Sequestration and Use in Posteradication Era

After the 2011 declaration of rinderpest disease eradication, we surveyed 150 countries about rinderpest virus stocks. Forty-four laboratories in 35 countries held laboratory-attenuated strains, field strains, or diagnostic samples. Vaccine and reagent production and laboratory experiments continued. Rigorous standards are necessary to ensure that stocks are kept under safe conditions.