The Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase (Akt)/ Protein Kinase B (PkB) Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer

According to statistical data published in 2019, breast cancer is among the leading causes of death in women worldwide. The serine/threonine kinase (AKT) or protein kinase B (PkB) signaling pathway is activated by phosphorylation processes, which further is associated with cell growth, proliferation, and survival, but also with activation of glucose metabolism. Mutations of the AKT signaling pathway components (especially PI3KCA and PTEN) have been observed in breast cancer patients, which are associated with resistance to hormonal treatment. Many clinical trials are testing the effect of AKT inhibition in order to block the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. The purpose of this review is to present the incidence of this neoplastic disease, to describe AKT signaling pathways activation, mutations that occur at its level, and inhibitors that can block this protein kinase

Cutis verticis gyrata in a patient with multiple basal cell carcinomas; case presentation and review of the literature

Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare disease characterized by convoluted folds and deep furrows of the scalp, resembling the gyri and sulci of the cerebral cortex. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent cancer in Caucasians, patients frequently presenting multiple tumors. We report the case of a 62 year old male, Caucasian patient, from the urban area, who addressed the dermatology department of our hospital for multiple tumors located on the face and upper trunk. A careful examination revealed cerebriform folding of the skin of the scalp. Neurological, psychological, ophthalmological and endocrine disorders were disproven. The patient was diagnosed with cutis verticis gyrata based on the clinical picture and anamnesis, and basal cell carcinoma based on the histopathological examination. Since cutis verticis gyrata predated the BCCs by four decades, and no other conditions were associated, the patient was diagnosed with primary essential cutis verticis gyrata

UXO Assessment on the Romanian Black Sea Coast

This paper aims to provide the reader with the results of the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survey of the defensive historical naval minefields launched by the Romanian and German Navies on the Romanian Black Sea coast, during the Second World War. This UXO survey was carried out between 2015-2018 by the Romanian Navy’s hydrographic ship “Commander Alexandru Cătuneanu” and Romanian Mine Warfare Data Center, using towed side-scan sonar technology and oceanographic observations. After explaining the materials and methodology, the results are presented and discussed: mosaics of the minefields, side-scan images of UXO contacts, side-scan images of the wrecks that were sunk in the minefields and some visible natural geological features of the seafloor. It was concluded that most of the objects discovered are sinkers, wreck debris or parts of chains, which does not represent a danger to navigation.