ERBB receptors in cancer: signaling from the inside

ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases are activated by ligand-induced dimerization followed by activation and transphosphorylation of their intracellular kinase domains. A recent study by Bill and colleagues demonstrates that receptor transphosphorylation can be regulated from inside the cell by members of the cytohesin protein family. These data highlight a novel mechanism of amplification of ERBB receptor signaling output that may contribute to embryogenesis and cancer progression

Sclerosing mesenteritis affecting the small and the large intestine in a male patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case presentation and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disease resembling a mesenteric tumour. We present here a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected both the large and the small intestine of the patient. Therapeutic and diagnostic issues are discussed.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 62-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with fatigue, a palpable tender abdominal mass and clinical signs of progressing intestinal obstruction. The preoperative evaluation failed to prove recurrence of the lymphoma or any other definite diagnosis. A laparotomy was performed through a midline incision. The mesentery resembled a tumour-like thickened and fibrotic mass. Abundant, rigid intestinal loop adhesions were observed. Diffuse fibrotic infiltration of the ileum and of the sigmoid colon, which obviously affected the intestinal vascular supply, were identified. A right colectomy and partial sigmoidectomy were performed. Pathological evaluation revealed extensive myofibroblastic reaction of the mesentery with accompanying loci of fat necrosis and areas of inflammation. A diffuse fibrotic infiltration that focally showed a ground-glass appearance was observed. The post-operative course was complicated by respiratory insufficiency and infections and the patient died 2 months after the operation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects both the small and the large intestine is extremely rare. The disease is characterized by myofibroblastic reaction, fat necrosis and diffuse fibrosis of the mesentery. Pathological confirmation may be required for definite diagnosis. If the disease is characterized by severe and diffuse fibrosis, then the application of surgical therapy may be problematic.</p

Mesenteric panniculitis of the sigmoid colon: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Mesenteric panniculitis of the sigmoid colon is a rare occurrence in surgical practice. The aim of this article is to present a case of mesenteric panniculitis of the sigmoid colon and a short review of the literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We reviewed the hospital record of a 63-year-old man who presented with a palpable mass in the left abdomen and clinical signs of a partial bowel obstruction. The pre-operative impression was a possible cancer of the sigmoid colon. A laparotomy was performed through a midline incision. The mesentery was found to be markedly thickened, constricted and puckered. The normal architecture of the adipose tissue had been lost and replaced with an irregular nodular mass. The microscopic pathologic sections demonstrated a chronic reactive inflammatory process with an exuberant proliferation of fibroblasts and fibrocytes. The adipose tissue contained scattered areas of steatonecrosis with foci of lipid-laden macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. The sigmoid colon and its mesocolon were resected. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged in good condition, and followed up for the next two years.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Mesenteric panniculitis of sigmoid is an extremely rare entity of unknown origin in which the normal architecture of the mesentery is replaced by fibrosis, necrosis and calcification. On gross examination the alterations may be mistaken for a neoplastic process. A frozen section may be necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis. When the advanced inflammatory changes became irreversible and bowel obstruction occurs, resection may be indicated.</p

Spectropolarimetry of stars across the H-R diagram

The growing sample of magnetic stars shows a remarkable diversity in the properties of their magnetic fields. The overall goal of current studies is to understand the origin, evolution, and structure of stellar magnetic fields in stars of different mass at different evolutionary stages. In this chapter we discuss recent measurements together with the underlying assumptions in the interpretation of data and the requirements, both observational and theoretical, for obtaining a realistic overview of the role of magnetic fields in various types of stars.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figures, chapter 7 of "Astronomical Polarisation from the Infrared to Gamma Rays", published in Astrophysics and Space Science Library 46