Lack of CD151/integrin alpha 3 beta 1 complex is predictive of poor outcome in node-negative lobular breast carcinoma: opposing roles of CD151 in invasive lobular and ductal breast cancers

background: The proposed involvement of CD151 in breast cancer (BCa) progression is based on findings from studies in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The IDC and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) represent distinct disease entities. Here we evaluated clinical significance of CD151 alone and in association with integrin α3β1 in patients with ILC in context of the data of our recent IDC study. methods: Expression of CD151 and/or integrin α3β1 was evaluated in ILC samples (N=117) using immunohistochemistry. The findings were analysed in relation to our results from an IDC cohort (N=182) demonstrating a prognostic value of an expression of CD151/integrin α3β1 complex in patients with HER2-negative tumours. results: Unlike in the IDCs, neither CD151 nor CD151/α3β1 complex showed any correlation with any of the ILC characteristics. Lack of both CD151 and α3β1 was significantly correlated with poor survival (P=0.034) in lymph node-negative ILC N(−) cases. The CD151−/α3β1− patients had 3.12-fold higher risk of death from BCa in comparison with the rest of the ILC N(−) patients. conclusions: Biological role of CD151/α3β1 varies between ILC and IDC. Assessment of CD151/α3β1 might help to identify ILC N(−) patients with increased risk of distant metastases

Simple scoring system to predict in-hospital mortality after surgery for infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND: Aspecific scoring systems are used to predict the risk of death postsurgery in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). The purpose of the present study was both to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital death, which complicates surgery for IE, and to create a mortality risk score based on the results of this analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Outcomes of 361 consecutive patients (mean age, 59.1\ub115.4 years) who had undergone surgery for IE in 8 European centers of cardiac surgery were recorded prospectively, and a risk factor analysis (multivariable logistic regression) for in-hospital death was performed. The discriminatory power of a new predictive scoring system was assessed with the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Score validation procedures were carried out. Fifty-six (15.5%) patients died postsurgery. BMI >27 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; P=0.049), estimated glomerular filtration rate 55 mm Hg (OR, 1.78; P=0.032), and critical state (OR, 2.37; P=0.017) were independent predictors of in-hospital death. A scoring system was devised to predict in-hospital death postsurgery for IE (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.780; 95% CI, 0.734-0.822). The score performed better than 5 of 6 scoring systems for in-hospital death after cardiac surgery that were considered. CONCLUSIONS: A simple scoring system based on risk factors for in-hospital death was specifically created to predict mortality risk postsurgery in patients with IE

Application of modulated calorimetry to the Liquid metals using electromagnetic levitation and static magnetic field

International audienc

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in the elderly: clinical and electrophysiological findings

SummaryBackgroundScreening for Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is recommended in children and young adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patent WPW syndrome in subjects ≥60 years of age.MethodsFour-hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients with WPW syndrome, aged 8–80 years, were recruited; 32 (7%) of these patients were ≥60 years of age. The clinical, electrophysiological and therapeutic data for these patients were evaluated.ResultsSixteen men and 16 women, aged 60–81 years (67±4.5), were admitted for resuscitated sudden death (1), rapid atrial fibrillation (4), syncope (4), or junctional tachycardia (13); 10 patients were asymptomatic (10). Left lateral bundles of Kent were detected more frequently in patients over 60 years (56%) than in those < 60 years of age (40.5%). Reciprocal tachycardia was induced in 58% of subjects <60 years of age and 53% of those ≥60 years old (difference not significant); atrial fibrillation was more frequent in subjects ≥ 60 years of age (37.5%vs. 19%) (p<0.05). The incidence of malignant forms of WPW syndrome was identical in older and younger subjects. Ablation of the accessory pathway was indicated 18 times; effective ablation of a left bundle of Kent required a second intervention more often in patients ≥60 years of age (22%vs. 5%) (p<0.05).ConclusionWPW syndrome is not uncommon in subjects over 60 years of age (7%). Left lateral accessory pathways, that have similar conduction properties to those in much younger subjects, are common. Ablation of the bundle of Kent is often difficult but is indicated in symptomatic subjects or those with more serious forms of WPW syndrome