A comprehensive pan-cancer molecular study of gynecologic and breast cancers

We analyzed molecular data on 2,579 tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) of four gynecological types plus breast. Our aims were to identify shared and unique molecular features, clinically significant subtypes, and potential therapeutic targets. We found 61 somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) and 46 significantly mutated genes (SMGs). Eleven SCNAs and 11 SMGs had not been identified in previous TCGA studies of the individual tumor types. We found functionally significant estrogen receptor-regulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and gene/lncRNA interaction networks. Pathway analysis identified subtypes with high leukocyte infiltration, raising potential implications for immunotherapy. Using 16 key molecular features, we identified five prognostic subtypes and developed a decision tree that classified patients into the subtypes based on just six features that are assessable in clinical laboratories

Comprehensive molecular characterization of the hippo signaling pathway in cancer

Hippo signaling has been recognized as a key tumor suppressor pathway. Here, we perform a comprehensive molecular characterization of 19 Hippo core genes in 9,125 tumor samples across 33 cancer types using multidimensional “omic” data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We identify somatic drivers among Hippo genes and the related microRNA (miRNA) regulators, and using functional genomic approaches, we experimentally characterize YAP and TAZ mutation effects and miR-590 and miR-200a regulation for TAZ. Hippo pathway activity is best characterized by a YAP/TAZ transcriptional target signature of 22 genes, which shows robust prognostic power across cancer types. Our elastic-net integrated modeling further reveals cancer-type-specific pathway regulators and associated cancer drivers. Our results highlight the importance of Hippo signaling in squamous cell cancers, characterized by frequent amplification of YAP/TAZ, high expression heterogeneity, and significant prognostic patterns. This study represents a systems-biology approach to characterizing key cancer signaling pathways in the post-genomic era

Management of a large pseudo-aneurysm secondary to balloon angioplasty for aortic coarctation

Balloon dilation of native aortic coarctation has been employed safely and effectively in selected patients and with good results during follow-up. However, pseudo-aneurysm formation at the site of dilatation occurs in about 2%-8% of patients. Although the majority of these aneurysms remain stable, they occasionally may increase in size during follow-up, raising concerns in regard to potential rupture, massive bleeding, and death. We report a case of aneurysm formation after balloon dilation of native coarctation of the aorta, treated successfully with the interposition of a tube graft

Iatrogenic thrombosis on the tendinous cords of the tricuspid valve

latrogenic thrombosis within the heart is rare following intracardiac operations. We undertook surgery to correct a 30-month-old girl with Fallot's tetralogy. After a period of 6 months following the operation, echocardiography revealed a thrombus measuring 16 by 12 millimetres attached to the tendinous cords supporting the antero-superior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Medical treatment having failed, we proceeded to surgical excision so as to avoid pulmonary embolisation. Histological examination confirmed the thrombotic nature of the mass

Internal thoracic artery as main blood supply to the lower limbs. Case report

A 70-year-old male patient was admitted with symptoms of unstable angina pectoris and claudication. He presented critical left main and right coronary artery disease and juxtarenal aortic occlusion at the same time. Internal thoracic artery increased in diameter with many collateral branch arteries distally. Coronary artery bypass graft operation was performed immediately. Saphenous veins were used for conduit. Internal thoracic artery was let intact to avoid any ischemic problem of the lower extremities. DSA performed postoperatively showed that the internal thoracic artery was the unique blood supply to the leg

Implantation of the coronary arteries after reconstruction of the neoaorta by using pericardial or pulmonary hood techniques - A significant impact on the outcome of arterial switch operations

Aim Coronary artery anomaly and techniques used for their transfer are the major risk factors for the arterial switch operation. Although various methods have been described, torsion and stretching of the coronary arteries continue to trouble surgeons. Especially, in cases in which there is a size mismatch between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, the true coronary implantation points can change

Internal Thoracic Artery as Main Blood Supply to the Lower Limbs. Case Report

A 70-year-old male patient was admitted with symptoms of unstable angina pectoris and claudication. He presented critical left main and right coronary artery disease and juxtarenal aortic occlusion at the same time. Internal thoracic artery increased in diameter with many collateral branch arteries distally. Coronary artery bypass graft operation was performed immediately. Saphenous veins were used for conduit. Internal thoracic artery was let intact to avoid any ischemic problem of the lower extremities. DSA performed postoperatively showed that the internal thoracic artery was the unique blood supply to the leg