FGFR4 Arg388 allele correlates with tumour thickness and FGFR4 protein expression with survival of melanoma patients

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene for FGFR4 (−Arg388) has been associated with progression in various types of human cancer. Although fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) belong to the most important growth factors in melanoma, expression of FGF receptor subtype 4 has not been investigated yet. In this study, the protein expression of this receptor was analysed in 137 melanoma tissues of different progression stages by immunohistochemistry. FGFR4 protein was expressed in 45% of the specimens and correlated with pTNM tumour stages (UICC, P=0.023 and AJCC, P=0.046), presence of microulceration (P=0.009), tumour vascularity (P=0.001), metastases (P=0.025), number of primary tumours (P=0.022), overall survival (P=0.047) and disease-free survival (P=0.024). Furthermore, FGFR4 Arg388 polymorphism was analysed in 185 melanoma patients by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The Arg388 allele was detected in 45% of the melanoma patients and was significantly associated with tumour thickness (by Clark's level of invasion (P=0.004) and by Breslow in mm (P=0.02)) and the tumour subtype nodular melanoma (P=0.002). However, there was no correlation of the FGFR4 Arg388 allele with overall and disease-free survival. In conclusion, the Arg388 genotype and the protein expression of FGFR4 may be potential markers for progression of melanoma

Gender Disparity of Women in Theatre Design

The question of why there is gender disparity in the field of theatre design continues to be an issue that has been widely debated in the field of theatre; scholars such as Tish Dace argue that workplace environments and family support are two of the main reason women leave the field of design. However, there are works, articles, arguments and perspectives that have not been adequately addressed regarding why the issue of why gender disparity in theatrical design still exists. My thesis addresses the issue of gender disparity in theatre design with special attention to the underlying issues that exists. Specifically, in my project, I will be looking at the history of women in the workforce, and women in theatrical design in order to show the severity of gender disparity that still exists in theater design. I will discuss harassment and gender discrimination and juxtapose them against growth and job security of women in theatre design. I argue that gender disparity in theater design fields still exists today, preventing women from growing and maintaining a job in this field. In conclusion, this project closely examines gender disparity of Women in theater design, shedding new light on this issue and acknowledging the effects it has on the industry of theatre, while also, presenting some viable solutions to this very important issue

Functional histology of the skin in the subterranean African giant mole-rat: thermal windows are determined solely by pelage characteristics

Excavation of burrows is an extremely physically demanding activity producing a large amount of metabolic heat. Dissipation of its surplus is crucial to avoid the risk of overheating, but in subterranean mammals it is complicated due to the absence of notable body extremities and high humidity in their burrows. IR-thermography in a previous study on two species of African mole-rats revealed that body heat was dissipated mainly through the ventral body part, which is notably less furred. Here, we analyzed the dorsal and ventral skin morphology, to test if dermal characteristics could contribute to higher heat dissipation through the ventral body part. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis and the presence, extent and connectivity of fat tissue in the dermis were examined using routine histological methods, while vascular density was evaluated using fluorescent dye and confocal microscopy in the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii. As in other hitherto studied subterranean mammals, no subcutaneous adipose tissue was found. All examined skin characteristics were very similar for both dorsal and ventral regions: relative content of adipose tissue in the dermis (14.4 ± 3.7% dorsally and 11.0 ± 4.0% ventrally), connectivity of dermal fat (98.5 ± 2.8% and 95.5 ± 6.8%), vascular density (26.5 ± 3.3% and 22.7 ± 2.3%). Absence of large differences in measured characteristics between particular body regions indicates that the thermal windows are determined mainly by the pelage characteristics

Supplementary Material for: Trepanation or Complete Removal of the Outer Table of the Calvarium for Granulation Induction: The Erbium:YAG Laser as an Alternative to the Rose Head Burr

<p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Large scalp defects devoid of periosteum following tumor excisions are a surgical challenge. In this case, drilling the outer table of the calvarium with a rose head burr is a standard method to induce granulation tissue. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We describe<b> </b>an alternative for trepanation or complete removal of the outer table of the calvarium. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We demonstrate the use of an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (erbium:YAG) laser for the induction of granulation tissue, compare this technique with the standard procedure and evaluate the benefits and limitations. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The erbium:YAG laser is an excellent method for trepanation or complete removal of the outer table of the calvarium and induction of granulation tissue. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The use of the laser for trepanation of the calvarium gives results comparable to those of the rose head burr for inducing granulation tissue but has its benefits. Therefore, this method should become a standard alternative to the known procedure.</p

Assessment of hospital disaster preparedness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup using an internet-based, long-distance tabletop drill

Please help us populate SUNScholar with the post print version of this article. It can be e-mailed to: [email protected]