The tumor microenvironment: CXCR4 is associated with distinct protein expression patterns in neuroblastoma cells

In previous studies, we demonstrated that human neuroblastoma cells are equipped with the machinery to direct their homing to bone marrow. These tumor cells express the CXCR4 receptor for the bone marrow stroma-derived chemokine CXCL12 (SDF-1) and secrete the CXCL12 ligand. The present study was undertaken to explore possible differences in gene-expression patterns between neuroblastoma variants that over-express CXCR4 (designated STH cells) and those which express very little of this receptor (STL cells). The results of the study clearly indicate that these variants show a differential gene-expression profile. They differ in expression of some integrins such as VLA2, VLA3 and VLA6, of neuroendocrine-markers such as CD56 and synaptophysin, in the expression of c-kit and in the secretion of certain cytokines and growth factors such as TNFalpha, SDF-1, VEGF, IL-8, GM-CSF and IP-10. We hypothesize that these differences are due to an autocrine SDF-1alpha-CXCR4 axis.     

Vermian epidermoid cyst revealed by head injury

Vermian epidermoid cyst developing in the fourth ventricle is very rare. We report a case observed in a 24-year-old man, who presented severe headache, dizziness and a blurred vision following head injury. Examination revealed a discrete gait disturbance. Cerebral CT-scan showed a large hypodense lesion of the posterior fossa without contrast enhancement. MRI demonstrated the vermian location of this lesion which displaced the roof of the fourth ventricle upward and the brainstem forward. A suboccipital approach allowed total removal of a well-encapsulated epidermoid cyst, non adherent to the floor of the fourth ventricle. The postoperative course was uneventful.     

Possible direct cytoxicity effects of cyclophosphamide on cultured human follicles: an electron microscopy study

Purpose : To evaluate the direct effect of cyclophosphamide on cultured human ovarian follicles. Methods : Human ovarian cortical slices from premenopausal women were incubated with medium containing cyclophosphamide (0.0005–0.5 mg/mL) for 2–48 h and assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Noncultured specimens and samples cultured without cyclophosphamide were used as controls. Results : There were significantly more damaged granulosa cell nuclei after incubation with 0.5 mg/mL cyclophosphamide for at least 4 h. There were also more changes in the basement membrane after incubation with cyclophosphamide at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.5 mg/mL. Conclusions : Although the cyclophosphamide dose that caused damage to the granulosa cell nuclei was above the pharmacological level, our results suggest that cyclophosphamide, and not only its active metabolite phospharamide mustard, might have a destructive effect on human follicles, as it remains in the circulation longer. This effect could be mediated by damage to the granulosa cells and perhaps the basement membrane.     

Social Problem Solving and Adolescent Alcohol Use Within the Context of Well-Established Risk Factors for Adolescent Alcohol Use

Social problem solving has been associated with alcohol use in adolescents, but has not been examined within the context of well-established risk factors, such as childhood conduct problems, parental history of alcohol use, association with deviant peers, and behavior undercontrol. This study surveyed 120, 18-year-old first-year college students to examine whether poor social problem solving is a risk factor for adolescent alcohol use above and beyond the other well-established risk factors and to examine whether social problem solving is a moderator between behavior undercontrol and alcohol use in adolescents. Hierarchical multiple regressions found that social problem solving was not a significant risk factor above and beyond well-established risk factors for adolescent alcohol use. Furthermore, social problem solving was not a significant moderator between behavior undercontrol and adolescent alcohol use. The results also indicated that association with deviant peers and family income accounted for significant variance in adolescent alcohol use, suggesting association with deviant peers and family income are the risk factors that are most strongly related to adolescent alcohol use.     

Age estimation of fragmented human dental remains by secondary dentin virtual analysis

International Journal of Legal Medicine - Unlike bones, teeth are remarkably resilient and can withstand severe trauma, making age assessment based on the dentition essential for forensic analysis....