A Significant Correlation between Nuclear CXCR4 Expression and Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Hormonal Receptor Negative Breast Cancer

Background and objectives In breast cancer, the expression pattern of CXCR4 may be correlated with the degree of axillary lymph node involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contributing factors that contribute to the correlation between CXCR4 expression and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Methods Between August 1997 and August 2002, sections of paraffin-embedded tissue were obtained from 107 patients who received optimal treatment for breast cancer. The expression of CXCR4 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results A significant correlation was found in the expression of nuclear CXCR4 and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03). We found a significant correlation between a high nuclear expression of CXCR4 and axillary lymphatic metastasis in estrogen and progesterone receptor negative breast cancer (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the high expression of nuclear CXCR4 and axillary lymphatic metastasis in comparisons between positive estrogen and/or progesterone receptor expression and negative expression (P = 0.02). Conclusions Our results showed that high expression of nuclear CXCR4 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. The high expression of nuclear CXCR4 in hormone receptor negative breast cancer was associated with a high possibility of lymph node metastasis.     

Peripheral lamina cribrosa depth in primary open-angle glaucoma: a swept-source optical coherence tomography study of lamina cribrosa

Purpose

To investigate peripheral lamina cribrosa depth (PLCD) and its vertical-horizontal difference in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Patients with POAG (n=90 eyes) and age-matched healthy individuals (n=90 eyes) underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans centered at the optic discs. The PLCD was defined as the vertical distance between the most peripheral visible end of anterior lamina cribrosa (LC) surface and the reference plane connecting the Bruch''s membrane openings. The PLCD in each quadrant region and the vertical-horizontal PLCD difference were compared between the POAG and healthy eyes. The clinical factors associated with increased PLCD were evaluated.

Results

The PLCD was significantly larger in the POAG eyes than the control eyes at the horizontal (P=0.034) and vertical (P=0.001) meridians. The vertical PLCD was significantly larger than the horizontal PLCD, both in the POAG eyes (P<0.001) and in the control eyes (P=0.003). However, the vertical-horizontal PLCD difference was significantly larger in the POAG eyes (47±60 μm) than in the control eyes (18±54 μm, P=0.001). Multivariate regression showed a significant association of male gender (P=0.005), increased baseline IOP (P=0.043), and decreased MD of VF (P=0.025) with increased PLCD.

Conclusions

The peripheral LC was displaced more posteriorly in the POAG eyes compared with the age-matched healthy eyes. In the POAG eyes, the peripheral LC was displaced more posteriorly at the vertical meridian than at the horizontal meridian. The peripheral LC in the vertical meridian might have increased IOP-related strain (deformation) compared with horizontal meridian in glaucomatous eyes.     

Coronary-pulmonary artery fistula—multiple diagnostic imaging modalities

Coronary artery fistula is rare anomalies. Most adult patients are usually asymptomatic. A fistula is incidentally identified in the adult using echocardiography. Coronary angiography is considered the standard tool to confirm a coronary artery fistula. However, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is considered a good alternative to coronary angiography.