Mammary Nodules Research Articles

Intraoperative thermal mapping of mammary tumors in dogs.

In this study, videothermometry's application in detecting mammary tumors in dogs is explored in-depth. The research hypothesizes that this technique can effectively identify cancerous tissues during surgery by analyzing thermal patterns. The methodology involved comparing thermal imaging results from dogs with palpable mammary nodules against a control group, focusing on capturing real-time thermal patterns. Results were significant, showing distinct thermal patterns in carcinomas. This indicates videothermometry's capability in accurately identifying micro metastases and differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes. The study concludes that videothermometry has considerable potential in enhancing surgical precision, especially in tumor resection and safety margin definition, but emphasizes the need for further research to thoroughly understand the thermal signatures of various mammary tumors in dogs.

Mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest computed tomography: a retrospective analysis on their frequency and predictive value

PurposeTo evaluate the frequency of mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest CT scans and to determine a correlation between semiological features and mammographic and histopathological outcomes.MethodsA total of 42,864 chest CT scans performed on patients with breast-unrelated working diagnoses by the Radiology Department at AOU Maggiore della Carità, between 1st January 2016 and 30th April 2022, were analysed. Sixty-eight patients (3 males and 65 females) with mammary nodule CT detection were selected and subjected to mammography, mammary ultrasound and, eventually, biopsy.ResultsThirty-five of the 68 patients received a histopathological confirmation of malignancy. According to Pearson’s Chi-square test, the CT features most likely associated with BI-RADS 5 following mammography were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), nipple retraction (p = 0.001), skin thickening (p = 0.024), and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes suspicious for metastatic involvement (p = 0.0001). The CT features predictive of a biopsy positive for malignancy were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.0001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), and the presence of suspicious lymph nodes (p = 0.011). Finally, 63.4% of patients with a working diagnosis related to cancer were diagnosed with breast cancer.ConclusionChest CT incidental findings of mammary nodules had a 0.21% incidence rate. The accurate description of some CT scan features, such as post-contrast enhancement, margin irregularity, nipple retraction, skin thickening and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes, may help to establish a radiological suspicion of malignancy, especially if these characteristics are supported by a working diagnosis of cancer.

Nursing of a patient with mammary nodules of Liver-Qi stagnation syndrome treated with Chinese medicine ointment rubbing therapy combined with holographic scraping treatment

Nursing of a patient with mammary nodules of Liver-Qi stagnation syndrome treated with Chinese medicine ointment rubbing therapy combined with holographic scraping treatment

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for mammary nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is often used in China to treat patients with mammary nodules (MMND), and treating them by CHM can not only achieve good efficacy, but also reduce adverse reactions in clinic. However, the efficacy of CHM in the treatment of MMND has not been systematically assessed right now. Methods: From the establishment of 11 electronic databases to February 1, 2022, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM in the treatment of MMND. Relevant trials were screened in NoteExpress, and the risks of bias were assessed with Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Results: This study included 22 randomized controlled trials involving 3839 participants. Meta-analysis revealed that CHM had a significant clinical effect in treating MMND. Compared with chemical drugs, CHM had certain advantages in alleviating the size, range, hardness and pain of the lump, decreasing the TCM syndrome score and reducing the packed cell volume and whole blood viscosity. And it could obviously reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. In combination with chemical drugs, CHM could significantly improve the level of sex hormone secretion and ultrasound indicators. Ru-pi-xiao was the most commonly used formula for the treatment of MMND, and Bupleuri Radix was the most frequently used single Chinese herb. Conclusion: CHM had certain advantages in treating MMND without obvious adverse reactions. However, due to the poor methodological quality of the included trials, well-designed, long-term follow-up randomized controlled trials will be required in future to provide strong clinical evidence for the CHM treatment of MMND. (PROSPERO No. CRD42020170939.)

METABOLIC, REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOMES AND SIDE EFFECTS AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION OF 100 MG DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) IN WOMEN WITH AN ADEQUATE OVARIAN RESERVE

Describe the metabolic, reproductive outcomes and side effects after the administration of 100 mg DHEA in women with an adequate ovarian reserve Self-controlled study of 27 women (29 to 45 years old), with an adequate ovarian reserve according to the POSEIDON criteria. During the period from February 2020 to September 2020. Participants were administered 100 mg of DHEA daily for 16 weeks and the metabolic (clinical and biochemical), reproductive (clinical, ultrasound and biochemical) outcomes and side effects were evaluated. We define clinical metabolic results as body mass index, abdominal circumference, mean arterial pressure, and the Ferriman Gallwey scale, while biochemical results are levels of hematocrit, glucose, insulin, HOMA index, triglycerides, total, HDL, LDL cholesterol and microalbuminuria. The clinical reproductive results were the frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle and ultrasound scans to the antral follicular count, ovarian volume and endometrial line. And finally, the biochemicals to the follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormones. The adverse effects were determined by the presence of allergies, mastalgia, mammary nodules, ovarian tumors, acne and hair loss. All participants had a history of at least one pregnancy and were using a non-hormonal contraceptive method. The average age of the women studied was 35.88 ± 3.80. For clinical and biochemical metabolic outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference compared to baseline measurement. The frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle during the four months remained without significant changes compared to baseline, as well as the ultrasonographic characteristics. Difference was found in the antral follicular count from the 3rd (14.61 ± 2.07) and 4th (14.57 ± 2.08) months compared with the baseline measurement (11.51 ± 3.93, p <0.001). The levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing and estradiol during the four months were maintained without significant changes compared to baseline. A difference was found in anti-Müllerian hormone levels from the 3rd (2.03 ± 0.43) month compared to the baseline (1.50 ± 0.36, p <0.001). In only one case the presence of acne appeared from the second month (3.70%, p = 0.40). When studying only the age group older than 34 years, it was found that the antral follicular count improved from the second month (13.24 ± 2.16, p = 0.03), the third month (14.56 ± 2, 16, p <0.01), fourth month (14.25 ± 2.14, p<0.01) with a baseline (10.65 ± 3.52). And the anti Müllerian hormone improved from the third month (2.03 ± 0.41, p <0.01), fourth month (2.15 ± 0.32, p <0.01) with a baseline (1, 49 ± 0.36). In the population studied, the administration of 100mg of DHEA per day for 16 weeks. There was no modification in the metabolic and reproductive variables, uncommon side effects and the adequate ovarian reserve is maintained.

Sonographic Assessment of the Normal and Abnormal Feline Mammary Glands and Axillary and Inguinal Lymph Nodes.

Ultrasound has been used as a diagnostic tool in normal mammary glands and mammary tumors of several species. This study aims to describe the B-mode and Doppler ultrasound features of the mammary glands and draining lymph nodes in 32 adult female cats. Group 1 (G1) consisted of 22 cats without changes in the mammary glands. The average age was 45 ± 25.09 months, where 63.6% (n = 14) were neutered and 31.8% (n = 7) had received progestin at some point for reproductive control. Mammary gland structure was predominantly hypoechoic and homogeneous, with well-defined margins. The average thickness was 1.52 ± 1.59 mm, although it may be affected by estrus, pregnancy, and lactation. In G1, 100% of lymph nodes were homogeneous, 98% were hypoechoic, and 100% were with well-defined margins and hilar vascularization. Group 2 (G2) consisted of 10 cats with mammary nodules. The average age was 88.8 ± 40.5 months, and 70% were intact and all had already received progestin. Ultrasound demonstrated enlarged mammary glands, with nodules of different textures clinically, mainly affecting the abdominal mammary glands (61%). In 33.33%, there were visible mammary ducts. Only 54.17% were homogeneous, 95.83% were hypoechoic, and the margins were regular in 52.08%. Lymph nodes in abnormal mammary chains may present changes in size, shape, echotexture, and echogenicity. Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands and lymph nodes are possible to evaluate the entire mammary chain as well the superficial inguinal and axillary lymph nodes for abnormalities in the feline.

Desempeño en la Detección de Nódulos Mamarios del Examen Clínico de Seno Realizado por Examinadoras Invidentes Comparado con Ultrasonido

Resumen.&#x0D; Introducción: Clinical examination of the breast is a simple method to detect nodules, which is useful to determine its nature, of low cost, non-invasive and of great value as a diagnostic tool when necessary. Traditionally, clinical examination is carried out by trained health personnel with a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 94%; it is unknown its usefulness compared to mammography, since the physical examination in patients without previous screening has not been evaluated.&#x0D; Objetivo: to determine the performance of the clinical examination of tactile auxiliary examiners for detecting mammary nodules, compared with the ultra-sonography findings in the detection of mammary nodules.&#x0D; Métodos: a validation study of diagnostic tests was carried out with a random sample of 325 women from the San Juan de Dios Hospital, aged between 18 and 70 years, during a period of 2 months.&#x0D; Resultados: The sensitivity was 64.8% (95% CI 57.5-71); specificity, 45.6% (95% CI 37.8-53.6); positive predictive value, 58.5% (95% CI 51.4-65.1); negative predictive value, 52.3% (95% CI 43.8-60.7). Proportion of false positives, 54.4% (95% CI 46.4-62.2); proportion of false negatives, 35.2% (95% CI 28.6-42.5).&#x0D; Conclusión: The study showed that the clinical examination of the breast by trained personnel with visual impairment is a diagnostic test sensitive to the detection of mammary nodules; but it has little specificity. In addition, it is a complement to screening for mammary pathology, even though it does not replace the medical examination nor the screening tests recommended by the clinical practice guidelines.

Systemic Infection by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a Bitch

Background: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen, belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. The methicillin-resistant Staphylococci have the mecA-gene, which confers them with the ability of becoming resistant to methicillin and multiple classes of antimicrobials, which makes the treatment of the affections caused by these specimens difficult. This work describes a case of systemic infection and death by methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermediusin a bitch.Case: A crossbred bitch (Canis lupus familiaris), was admitted to the University Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Western Bahia (HVU-UFOB). The main complaint reported by the owner was the presence of mammary nodules and constant nasal secretion. During the clinical examination was observed reactivity in the popliteal and left submandibular lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, stomatitis, bilateral mucopurulent nasal secretion, abdominal pustules, serous secretion in the inguinal mammary gland and focal alopecia on the dorsum. On auscultation, was identified only arrhythmia and the other physiological parameters of the animal were within normality for the species. Samples of the nasal secretion and of the secretion from the abdominal pustules were collected, and sent to the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory of the same institution. The samples collected were sown in 5% Blood Agar (BA), Sabouraud Agar (SAB) and MacConkey Agar (MCK), after 24 h was observed in BA the growth of macroscopically white colonies, with a humid aspect, creamy consistency, with presence of catalase and α-hemolysis. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positive cocci, suggestive of Staphylococcus sp. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positive cocci, suggestive of Staphylococcus sp. In the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, was identified S. pseudintermedius. Enrofloxacin [Enrotrat tab® 25 mg, 5 mg/kg, SID, PO, 5 days] was prescribed and a follow-up consultation was requested. Two weeks after leaving the University Veterinary Hospital, the animal was admitted in emergency and was submitted to the support protocol and died during the procedure. After the owner’s authorization, the anatomopathological examination was carried out, and fragments of the liver, lung and kidney were collected, in addition to sample of the liquid of the abdominal cavity for microbiological examination, and was evidenced the growth of S. pseudintermedius in all the specimens. The bacterium’s susceptibility to 19 antibiotics was tested, and a high degree of resistance was found, with sensitivity only to amoxicillin+ clavulanate (20-10 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg) and vancomycin (30 μg). Given the detection of MRSP in Chromogenic Agar and in cefoxitin disks, all the specimens were MRSP positive.Discussion: The diagnosis based on the bacteriological culture and anatopathological findings were essential for the confirmation of the clinical presentation of septicemia. The isolation of S. pseudintermedius in all the analyzed samples, associated to the identification by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry confirmed the clinical suspicion of systemic infection. Based on the result of the antibiogram and phenotypic tests, it was evidenced that all the isolates were MRSP positive, presenting multiple resistance to antibiotics, which may have interfered in the efficiency of the treatment. The results obtained in this report are worrying and signal the need for the implementation of phenotypical researches associated to anti-microbial susceptibility tests in bacteria isolated from animals attended in veterinary clinics and hospitals, in order to monitor and avoid the dissemination of pathogens with a multi-resistant profile.

Increased Arginase1 expression in tumor microenvironment promotes mammary carcinogenesis via multiple mechanisms.

Arginine metabolism plays a significant role in regulating cell function, affecting tumor growth and metastatization. To study the effect of the arginine-catabolizing enzyme Arginase1 (ARG1) on tumor microenvironment, we generated a mouse model of mammary carcinogenesis by crossbreeding a transgenic mouse line overexpressing ARG1 in macrophages (FVBArg+/+) with the MMTV-Neu mouse line (FVBNeu+/+). This double transgenic line (FVBArg+/-;Neu+/+) showed a significant shortening in mammary tumor latency, and an increase in the number of mammary nodules. Transfer of tumor cells from FVBNeu+/+ into either FVB wild type or FVBArg+/+ mice resulted in increase regulatory T cells in the tumor infiltrate, suggestive of an impaired antitumor immune response. However, we also found increased frequency of tumor stem cells in tumors from FVBArg+/-;Neu+/+ transgenic compared with FVBNeu+/+ mice, suggesting that increased arginine metabolism in mammary tumor microenvironment may supports the cancer stem cells niche. We provide in vivo evidence of a novel, yet unexploited, mechanism through which ARG1 may contribute to tumor development.

Reacción granulomatosa difusa en mamas tras inyección de silicona fluida: a propósito de un caso

The use of fluid silicone for breast augmentation reached a peak between the 1940s and 1970s. Due to the high rate of complications, its use was finally banned by the FDA in the early 1990s. We present the case of a woman with multiple mammary nodules and recurrent mastodynia due to the injection of fluid silicone in both breasts. The silicone injections were performed in her country of origin for cosmetic reasons. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast showed diffuse distribution of the silicone throughout the breast thickness and especially under the nipple-areola complex (NAC).A bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy was performed, including the NAC. Intraoperatively, diffuse muscular thickness of the pectoralis major was affected, in addition to the well-known involvement of the entire glandular parenchyma.

Identification of BRCA1/2 p.Ser1613Gly, p.Pro871Leu, p.Lys1183Arg, p.Glu1038Gly, p.Ser1140Gly, p.Ala2466Val, p.His2440Arg variants in women under 45 years old with breast nodules suspected of having breast cancer in Burkina Faso.

Breast cancer is the top cause of cancer mortality among women in the world and the second in Africa. The aims of this study were to: i) identify women with breast nodules suspected of having breast cancer ii) sequence the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and iii) screen mutations. From 2015 to 2016, 112 women aged from 35 to 44 years, who had come for consultation in the gynecology/obstetrics and the oncology department of the University Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo, voluntarily agreed to participate to this study. Whole blood was collected from those with mammary nodules. The genomic DNA was extracted using Qiagen kit. FAST KAPA was used for genomic DNA amplification and the purified PCR products were analyzed by direct sequencing using Big Dye v1.1 and ABI 3730 automated sequencer. Nucleotides substitutions were determined. We identified BRCA1 SNPs rs1799966, rs799917, rs16942, rs16941, rs2227945, and BRCA2 SNPs rs169547, rs4986860. These identified variants are found mostly in cases of benign tumors of breast or ovarian cancer with familial history of breast cancer. This study in Burkina-Faso, is the basis for improved and more specific genetic testing, and suggests that additional genes contributing to an increased risk of breast cancer should be analyzed.

Mastitis and Periareolar Necrosis by 1% Methylene Blue after Axilar Lymphadenectomy and Regional Mastectomy in a Bitch

Background: Mammary neoplasms are frequent in dogs, and surgical excision by radical unilateral mastectomy is the first-choice treatment for most cases. Typically, inguinal lymphadenectomy is performed during mammary inguinal excision, whereas axillar lymphadenectomy is performed using dyes to guide surgical dissection and avoid iatrogenic trauma. This study reports the case of a bitch that underwent axillar lymphadenectomy and regional mastectomy. In this way, this work has the objective of reporting the case of a bitch referred to mastectomy and lymphadenectomy, which presented complications due to the use of 1% methylene blue.Case: A 15-year-old female intact poodle weighing 6.2 kg presented with mammary nodules. Cytological examination confirmed malignant neoplasm in the mammary gland classified as Grade II (World Health Organization). Radical unilateral mastectomy and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. The surgical procedure involved intradermic injection of 0.5 mL of sterile 1% methylene blue solution around the right cranial thoracic mammary gland divided in four sites before skin incision. Following right axillar lymphadenectomy, instead of radical unilateral mastectomy, regional mastectomy was performed in two ulcerated nodules at the right cranial abdominal gland to shorten the surgery time after the bitch demonstrated severe trans-operative hypotension. The bitch was monitored during anesthetic recovery and was discharged after stabilization. At fourteen days after surgery, the patient was re-examined. Increased volume and pain in the mammary glands of both chains were observed. In addition, a whitish liquid secretion was noted primarily from the thoracic caudal left and thoracic cranial right mammary glands. The last mammary gland also presented a periareolar black area where the dye was applied. Progressive remission of the clinical signs was observed after therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanate (20 mg/kg/BID/15 days) and meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg/SID/3 days). At 60 days after surgery, the patient presented minor signs of mastitis at the left caudal thoracic mammary gland.Discussion: In humans, methylene blue is avoided because of rapid diffusion after injection, which could be associated with mastitis due to fat necrosis. The risk of this complication is reduced when tissue ipsilateral to the dyed lymph node is completely excised. In this case, the ipsilateral lymph node chain was not completed excised because of anesthetic complication, and periareolar necrosis was observed at the methylene blue injection site. This complication may be the result of methylene blue oxidation, which can produce formaldehyde and deamidated oxidation products. Methylene blue leads to vasoconstriction of arterioles and tissue ischemia when used in concentrated solutions. Furthermore, a 1% solution has a pH of 3-4.5, which increases its cytotoxic effect. Studies suggest that mammary neoplasms may promote local lymphatic alteration, as observed in this case, including inflammatory response at the contralateral chain that receives dye injection. This suggests that the dye is drained by lymphatic vessels and causes mastitis in the remaining mammary glands. Therefore, methylene blue can cause mastitis and tissue necrosis at the injection site, as well as in the contralateral chain in cases where radical unilateral mastectomy is not performed. This complication increases the morbidity associated with the procedure. However, in the present case, the treatment was sufficiently adequate to restore the patient’s condition.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Breast Cancer at Bamako Radiotherapy Center

Breast cancer is a major public health problem because of its incidence and mortality. Purpose: To establish the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of breast cancer seen at the radiotherapy center at the Mali Hospital of Bamako. Patients and methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive study of data from patients seen for breast cancer at the Center of Radiotherapy of Mali Hospital between April 2014 and December 2016. The parameters studied were: age, sex, family history of breast cancer, menopausal status, parity, breast tumor location, histological type, histological grade, cancer classification stage. Results: 134 cases of breast cancer were collected, with a frequency of 15%. The sex ratio (H/F) of 0.007. The patient’s mean age was 47 ± 11 years old. The most represented age groups were 33 - 47 years old with 45.5% and 48 - 62 years old with 39%. Three percent (3%) of patients had a family history of breast cancer. Fifty (50%) of the patients were menopausal. The main clinical signs found were : mammary nodules (98%), mastodynia (65%), nodes (67%). Invasive ductal carcinomas were found in 94% of patients, followed by infiltrating lobular carcinomas with 3.7% and metaplastic carcinomas with 1.7%. SBR Grades II and III were mostly found with 37% and 23%. The average tumor size was 87 mm ± 43. Stage III was predominantly represented with 72%, followed by Stage II with 24% and Stages I and IV with 2% each. Conclusion: Breast cancer is common and reaches both before and after 50 years; the diagnosis is usually late; hence it is the importance of raising awareness and screening before the age of 50 and popularizing some complementary tests to better understand the prognosis of this disease and promote more targeted and conservative treatments that will improve survival.

Method of histopathological diagnosis of mammary nodules through deep learning algorithm

ABSTRACT Introduction: Artificial intelligence systems are promising health care technologies, mainly in medical subareas such as pathology, and can be used as support methods for the histological diagnosis of mammary nodules. Objective: This study describes the method and results of the development of artificial intelligence software for the histopathological analysis of mammary nodules. Methods: The software was developed by using two neural networks - Inception and MobileNet. The database used for learning the conditions analyzed (histologically normal breast, fibroadenoma, fibrocystic changes, in situ ductal carcinoma, invasive carcinoma of no special type and invasive lobular carcinoma) was obtained after authorization of the Path Presenter site with 5,298 images. The 2,740 images used for the validation of the system were obtained from the Pathology Institute of Passo Fundo. Results: The present software had sensitivity of 80.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71.9%-89.1%] and specificity of 96.1% (95% CI, 94.3%-97.8%) for MobileNet and sensitivity of 73.8% (95% CI, 52.6%-115%) and specificity of 94.7% (CI 95%, 91.7%-97.7%) for Inception. For the differentiation of malignant conditions, it obtained a maximum sensitivity of 78.7% and specificity of 95.8%; for differentiation of benign conditions, the maximum sensitivity was 82.6% and the specificity was 97.4%. Conclusion: The present software presented promising results in the histopathological analysis of mammary nodules. It reinforced the idea that in the future the presence of diagnostic support systems in breast pathologies may play a crucial role in health care.

Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Dogs with Mammary Tumors: Short and Long Fragments and Integrity Index.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been considered an interesting diagnostic/prognostic plasma biomarker in tumor-bearing subjects. In cancer patients, cfDNA can hypothetically derive from tumor necrosis/apoptosis, lysed circulating cells, and some yet unrevealed mechanisms of active release. This study aimed to preliminarily analyze cfDNA in dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs). Forty-four neoplastic, 17 non-neoplastic disease-bearing, and 15 healthy dogs were recruited. Necrosis and apoptosis were also assessed as potential source of cfDNA on 78 CMTs diagnosed from the 44 dogs. The cfDNA fragments and integrity index significantly differentiated neoplastic versus non-neoplastic dogs (P<0.05), and allowed the distinction between benign and malignant lesions (P<0.05). Even if without statistical significance, the amount of cfDNA was also affected by tumor necrosis and correlated with tumor size and apoptotic markers expression. A significant (P<0.01) increase of Bcl-2 in malignant tumors was observed, and in metastatic CMTs the evasion of apoptosis was also suggested. This study, therefore, provides evidence that cfDNA could be a diagnostic marker in dogs carrying mammary nodules suggesting that its potential application in early diagnostic procedures should be further investigated.

Ultrasonographic examination of the udder in sheep

Objective of the paper is to review work relevant to ultrasonographic examination of the udder of ewes. Udder structures that can be readily imaged ultrasonographically (B-mode or Doppler examination) are mammary parenchyma, the gland cistern, the lactiferous ducts, the mammary vessels, the teat and the supramammary lymph nodes. Conventional diagnostic approaches for mastitis (i.e., combination of clinical, bacteriological and cytological examinations) provide a good means for diagnosis of mastitis; hence, in diagnosis of mastitis, use of ultrasonographic examination has, in general, an ancillary role, for example during investigation of cases, in which clinical diagnosis alone can prove of little help, e.g., in animals with small-sized, deep mammary nodules. The technique can be used at the end of a lactation period as part of routine udder examination performed at that point, which would provide additional useful information, e.g., regarding presence of abcesses or of increased quantity of fibrous tissue. Further, estimation of the dimensions of gland cistern of ewes in a flock would support decisions regarding milking frequency to be applied. Finally, examination of the teat can provide indications regarding optimising use of the milking machine by applying the appropriate settings.

Health status analysis of Guangzhou traffic police officers in 2013

To analyze the health examination results of Guangzhou traffic police officers in 2013, and to investigate their health status and provide a scientific basis for the health management of traffic police officers. The physical examination data of the Guangzhou traffic police officers in 2013 were analyzed. The data were sorted in Excel and analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that 82.95%of the Guangzhou traffic police officers who underwent physical examination in our hospital in 2013 had diseases or abnormal examination indices. The diseases or abnormal examination indices that ranked among the top three were hyperlipidemia (53.70%), hyperuricemia (46.51%), and overweight/obesity (43.43%). All diseases or abnormal examination indices except thyroid diseases were significantly higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). The proportion of diseases or abnormal examination indices varied significantly between different age groups (P < 0.05). Among the 345 female traffic police officers, the prevalence of mammary gland hyperplasia or mammary nodules was the highest, and the prevalence of mammary gland hyperplasia or mammary nodules, cervicitis, and uterine fibroids varied significantly between different age groups (P < 0.05). The health problems in Guangzhou traffic police officers are serious, especially chronic noninfectious diseases. Therefore, both society and individuals should take effective measures in order to deal with this problem. Regular health check-ups are necessary to promote good health for Guangzhou traffic police officers.

Perspectives for Improved and More Accurate Classification of Canine Mammary Gland Neoplasms

We read with particular interest the article by Dr Goldschmidt and colleagues entitled ‘‘Classification and Grading of Canine Mammary Tumors,’’ which was published in Veterinary Pathology. It was a very interesting subject since mammary neoplasms are very important tumors in veterinary medicine because they are the most common neoplasms of intact adult female dogs and have high importance in countries in which dogs are not routinely spayed, such as many European and South American countries. We know that histologic examination of canine mammary gland nodules is the current standard to distinguish benign from malignant epithelial or complex tumors and to classify histologic subtypes, making new data regarding such features such as those provided in Dr Goldschmidt and colleagues’ article very useful. However, there are still some histotypes that are currently recognized in the literature that were not discussed in such article. The morphologic spectrum of mammary neoplasms in canine species is generally quite different from that seen in humans. However, the increase in reports regarding histologic types of mammary tumors occurring in dogs with a striking similarity with their human counterpart has been raising the interest of veterinary pathologists and clinicians about the possibility of facing distinct subtypes with particular and/or aggressive behavior. In our diagnostic services, we have frequently observed certain discrepancies between the last World Health Organization histologic classification for canine mammary neoplasms (CMNs) by Misdorp and colleagues, particularly regarding the so-called rare histotypes, which are not discussed. Classifying conventional CNMs such as papillary and tubular types poses no difficulty, as those morphologic variants are widely recognized in both mammary and other epithelial tumors. However, diagnosing rare histotypes that are not commonly discussed in the veterinary literature many times requires knowledge usually gained by systematically evaluating women’s breast neoplasms, which have a more recent histologic classification that discusses some rare histotypes that can be also observed in dogs. Since histologic evaluation is still the main diagnostic criterion for CMNs and is performed before chemotherapy institution, a new histologic classification is highly desirable, particularly because more than 10 years have passed since its publication and many new data regarding CNMs have been documented in the veterinary literature. Different neoplasms that were not discussed by Misdorp and colleagues’ classification are being more and more published in the veterinary literature, such as micropapillary carcinomas, mammary neoplasms with sebaceous differentiation, lobular carcinomas of the mammary gland, and pleomorphic lobular carcinomas. Important information regarding those tumors were recently published in an useful review. Rare histotypes of CMNs usually have different behavior from the tumors discussed in the Misdorp and colleagues classification, which makes the proposition of a new classification scheme even more important since veterinary pathologists can provide valuable information for practitioners by making a more accurate diagnosis. Given this scenario, a question arises: Isn’t it time to review the canine mammary tumors’ histologic classification? To address this issue, it is necessary to establish guidelines for the diagnosis of canine mammary tumors. Articles such as the one written by Webster and colleagues are good models. These articles represent a consensus statement in veterinary oncology made by veterinary pathologists and oncologists from around the world and constitute an important basis for producing relevant new material regarding canine mammary tumor classification.

Abstract 916: Role of delta16HER2 splice variant in HER2-driven tumor progression and response to targeted therapy

Abstract We reported that the splice variant of human HER2 lacking exon 16 (delta16HER2) represents a highly penetrating HER2 oncogenic alteration identified in human primary breast tumor specimens and is able to influence the response to Trastuzumab. This HER2 variant forms covalent cysteine bonds that generate constitutively active homodimers, thereby activating multiple oncogenic downstream signaling pathways that we recently found to be mediated through activated Src kinase. To examine the ability of delta16HER2 to transform mammary epithelium in vivo and to monitor delta16HER2-driven tumorigenesis in live mice, we generated a FVB transgenic mouse model for the human delta16HER2 isoform. Transgenic female mice developed multifocal mammary tumors with a rapid onset starting at about 12 weeks of age and progressively thereafter, clearly pointing to the candidacy of the delta16HER2 isoform as the transforming form of the human HER2 oncoprotein. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) of primary mammary nodules revealed a population of polygonal cells with classical epithelia-like aspects distinctly expressing HER2 and also a population of smaller spindle-shaped cells arranged in fascicles with lower levels of HER2 expression, suggesting the onset of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistent with these findings, FACS analysis of delta16HER2-positive tumor cells immunomagnetically purified from disaggregated transgenic primary tumors indicated the increased mean fluorescence intensity of HER2 staining with increasing tumor cell size. IHC analysis of the lung metastases that had formed in the majority of female mice revealed monomorphic and classical epithelial tumor cells homogeneously expressing high levels of delta16HER2. FACS and IHC analyses confirmed the lower binding efficacy of Trastuzumab to delta16HER2-overexpressing primary tumor cells cultured both under bidimensional (2D) and tridimensional (3D) conditions as compared to monoclonal reagents directed to different HER2 extracellular domain epitopes. Experiments in both primary and metastatic in vitro and in vivo delta16HER2-positive models are in progress to determine whether delta16HER2-driven tumor aggressiveness and Trastuzumab susceptibility depend not only on genetic changes intrinsic to the tumor cell, i.e., the EMT process, but also on extrinsic tumor surrounding microenvironment-related factors such as an imbalance between extracellular and intracellular pH, redox state and hypoxia. Preliminary FACS and IHC analyses indicate that delta16HER2-positive primary tumor cells are reactive for known epithelial markers as EpCAM, E-cadherin- and ck-18 and, a small subset of these mammary tumor cells, also stain positive for the mesenchymal differentiation markers vimentin, N-cadherin and ck14 significantly indicating an active EMT program. Supported by AIRC and Ministry of Health Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 916. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-916

Long term toxicological studies on the progestin STS 557.

The toxicity of 17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4, 9-dien-3-one (STS 557) was studied by its oral administration of 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 mg/kg/day to Wistar rats for six months, and of 0.01, 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg/day to beagle dogs for six months, respectively. Levonorgestrel at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day was used as the standard in the dog study. With respect to the progestational activity of the compound the main target organs were the hypophysis, the reproductive organs and the adrenals. Mammary hyperplasia was observed in dogs treated with STS 557 or levonorgestrel at the dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day, but in no case mammary nodules could be detected. At the dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day STS 557 and levonorgestrel were found to increase the plasma insulin response to i.v. glucose in bitches, but neither the mean blood glucose levels nor the glucose utilization were affected. Moreover, during administration of both steroids to dogs temporary changes in serum concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were noted. The results obtained in rats and dogs from functional and morphological investigations did not reveal any toxic side effects of STS 557 on the liver, the kidneys, the bone marrow or on blood coagulation. The effects on the reproductive organs observed following STS 557 especially in dogs are related to both the hormonal effects of the compound and the specific response of the dog to potent progestagens.