Molecular biology of breast cancer metastasis: Genetic regulation of human breast carcinoma metastasis

The present is an overview of recent data that describes the genetic underpinnings of the suppression of cancer metastasis. Despite the explosion of new information about the genetics of cancer, only six human genes have thus far been shown to suppress metastasis functionally. Not all have been shown to be functional in breast carcinoma. Several additional genes inhibit various steps of the metastatic cascade, but do not necessarily block metastasis when tested using in vivo assays. The implications of this are discussed. Two recently discovered metastasis suppressor genes block proliferation of tumor cells at a secondary site, offering a new target for therapeutic intervention

Metastasis Suppressors and the Tumor Microenvironment

The most dangerous attribute of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize. Throughout the process of metastasis, tumor cells interact with other tumor cells, host cells and extracellular molecules. This brief review explores how a new class of molecules – metastasis suppressors – regulate tumor cell–microenvironmental interactions. Data are presented which demonstrate that metastasis suppressors act at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade. A brief discussion for how metastasis suppressor regulation of cellular interactions might be exploited is presented

Prognostic model to predict postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery based on a national prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Acute illness, existing co-morbidities and surgical stress response can all contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was prospectively to develop a pragmatic prognostic model to stratify patients according to risk of developing AKI after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective multicentre cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection, liver resection or stoma reversal in 2-week blocks over a continuous 3-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery. Bootstrap stability was used to select clinically plausible risk factors into the model. Internal model validation was carried out by bootstrap validation. Results: A total of 4544 patients were included across 173 centres in the UK and Ireland. The overall rate of AKI was 14·2 per cent (646 of 4544) and the 30-day mortality rate was 1·8 per cent (84 of 4544). Stage 1 AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (unadjusted odds ratio 7·61, 95 per cent c.i. 4·49 to 12·90; P < 0·001), with increasing odds of death with each AKI stage. Six variables were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model: age, sex, ASA grade, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, planned open surgery and preoperative use of either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Internal validation demonstrated good model discrimination (c-statistic 0·65). Discussion: Following major gastrointestinal surgery, AKI occurred in one in seven patients. This preoperative prognostic model identified patients at high risk of postoperative AKI. Validation in an independent data set is required to ensure generalizability

An evaluation on the accuracy of an electronic apex Locator (EAL) in the determination of working length inprimary teeth (In-vitro)

Statement of Problem: Radiography is the most common technique in working length determination, however, because of its limitations is not considered as an ideal technique. Its application, particularly for children due to radiation hazards, technical problems in young and unco-operative children and the superimposition of permanent teeth bud on primary teeth root, lead to numerous problems.&quot;nPurpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of an electronic apex locator (EAL) in working length determination of primary teeth.&quot;nMaterials and Methods: In this in-vitro study 96 canals of the extracted primary teeth, with at least 2/3 of the root length remained, were investigated. There were no obstructed canal, previous root canal therapy and perforation of pulp chamber floor. All working lengths were also measured by radiography. The results of Raypex 4 and radiography were compared with actual root canal lengths determined by direct observation. The applied EAL, in this study was called Raypex 4, a new device belonged to the fourth generation (Ratio Type). The results were analyzed by Chi-Square and Pearson correlation statistical tests.&quot;nResults: The accuracy of Raypex and radiography were 61.5% and 63.5%, respectively. The differences between Reypex 4 root canal length measurements and those of direct observation were not significant (P=0.08), but such difference between radiography and direct observation was statistically significant (P=0.01). The diameter of the apical foramen (the site of canal opening) did not affect on Raypex 4 accuray (P&amp;gt;0.05).&quot;nConclusion: Considering the acceptable safetyness, Painlessness, simple and rapid application and an accuracy comparable to that of radiography, the use of Raypex4 EAL for the measurement of primary teeth length is suggested