Thymic Metastasis in Breast Cancer: A Case Report

A malignant tumor is generally believed to be very unlikely to metastasize to the thymus. Only three cases of thymic metastases have been reported so far in the medical literature. We report here a rare case of metastatic breast cancer to the thymus, which was detected by CT and PET scanning, and the metastasis was also confirmed by video-assisted thoracic surgery biopsy. Recognition of an unusual breast cancer metastasis, such as to the thymus, as well as the usual patterns of breast cancer metastasis will facilitate an accurate, prompt diagnosis and its appropriate treatment

Manumycin from a new Streptomyces strain shows antagonistic effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)/vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) strains from Korean Hospitals

An antimicrobial compound, highly effective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, purified from a Streptomyces strain was identified as manumycin. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of manumycin against 8 different strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were ranged 2 to 32 μg/ml. Similarly, MICs of manumycin against 4 vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) strains were ranged 8 to 32 μg/ml while it remained ineffective against 4 other VRE strains. Compared to vancomycin, manumycin provided slightly weaker activity against MRSA strains but stronger activity against 4 VRE strains. This is the first report of antagonistic effect of manumycin against MDR pathogens.Keywords: Manumycin, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(17), pp. 2249-225

Development and Implementation of a High-Pressure, Double-Acting, Bi-Directional Loading Cell for Drilled Shafts

Drilled shaft foundation elements provide a cost-effective foundation alternative for the support of building and bridge superstructure loads. Bi-directional pile loading tests (BDPLTs) to evaluate the capacity of drilled shafts have become popular owing to their capacity to save time and effort as compared to the use of top-down loading tests. However, the use of BDPLTs requires that production shafts be post-grouted following testing in order to assure appropriate in-service performance. Commonly used single-acting loading cells and/or loading cell construction details can pose the potential for the development of voids following post-grouting due to their monotonic jacking action and large footprint. This paper described the development and use of high pressure bi-directional loading cells intended to minimize the possibility of post-test construction defects. First, a comparison was made between the single-acting and double-acting loading cells. Second, the results of laboratory calibrations on the pressurized loading cells were performed, as were component testing of the pumps, hoses, and hydraulic fluid synchronization lines. Then, the use of the new high pressure double-acting loading cells in production testing of instrumented shafts was described, and the efficacy of the new loading cells was illustrated. The new loading cells provided the profession with a load cell alternative for conducting BDLTs and should serve to help reduce the risk of post-test grouting defects in drilled shaft foundations.Keywords: field testing, cementing/grouting, deep foundations, site infrastructure and constructio

Development and characterization of stable cell lines constitutively expressing the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nucleocapsid protein

Despite global efforts to control porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection, the virus continues to cause economic problems in the swine industry worldwide. In this study, we attempted to generate and characterize a panel of stable BHK cell lines that constitutively express the nucleocapsid (N) protein of type 1 or type 2 PRRSV. The established BHK cell lines were found to react well with N-specific antibodies as well as the hyperimmune serum of pigs raised against each genotype of PRRSV. Taken together, the data implicate a potential usefulness for the newly generated stable cell lines as a diagnostic reagent for PRRSV serology

Correction of Pincer Nail Deformity Using Dermal Grafting

Pincer nail deformity is characterized by excessive curvature and distortion of the nail in the transverse dimension, and particularly at the distal part of the nail plate. This deformity leads to pinching off and loss of soft tissue in the affected digit, causing severe pain. Many treatment methods have been proposed; however, an effective long-term method preserving the nail matrix has not yet been established. We present here a case of pincer nail in the left thumb in a 49-year-old woman who was treated successfully with dermal grafting under the nail bed. We describe the surgical method and the treatment results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the Korean medical literature on the use of dermal grafting for the treatment of pincer nail deformity