The differences between pure and mixed invasive micropapillary breast cancer: the epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecules and prognosis.

PURPOSE: Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast is known for its high metastatic potential, but the definition of pure and mixed IMPC remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of the micropapillary component ratio and the expression of critical molecules of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin (E-cad), N-cadherin (N-cad), CD44s, and ß-catenin (ß-cat), in distinguishing between pure and mixed IMPCs. METHODS: We analyzed 100 cases of locally advanced IMPC between 2000 and 2018 and excluded patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pure IMPC was defined as having a micropapillary component of over 90%. A comprehensive recording of prognostic parameters was conducted. The IMPC areas were analyzed using the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method on the microarray set for pure and mixed IMPC patients. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were employed. RESULTS: The comparative survival analysis of the entire group, based on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), revealed no significant difference between the pure and mixed groups (P = 0.480, HR = 1.474 [0.502-4.325] and P = 0.390, HR = 1.587 [0.550-4.640], respectively). However, in the pure IMPC group, certain factors were found to be associated with a higher risk of short survival. These factors included skin involvement (P = 0.050), pT3&4 category (P = 0.006), a ratio of intraductal component (> 5%) (P = 0.032), and high-level expression of N-cad (P = 0.020). Notably, none of the risk factors identified for short OS in pure IMPC cases were observed as significant risks in mixed cases and vice versa. Furthermore, N-cad was identified as a poor prognostic marker for OS in pure IMPCs (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The selection of a 90% ratio for classifying pure IMPCs revealed significant differences in certain molecular and prognostic parameters between pure and mixed groups. Notably, the involvement of N-cadherin in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process provided crucial insights for predicting OS and DFS while also distinguishing between the two groups. These findings strongly support the notion that the pure IMPC subgroup represents a distinct entity characterized by unique molecular characteristics and behavioral patterns.

How do determinants of health relate to children's quality of life? A cross-sectional study in Izmir, Turkey.

AIM: This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (QoL) and the related factors from the perspective of social determinants of health among children. BACKGROUND: Childhood is the most intense period of life, and environmental factors surrounding children, as well as individual lifestyle factors, are related to the child's physical and mental well-being. To our knowledge, there is a lack of studies evaluating the relationship between determinants of health and the QoL of healthy children in general. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was executed in the Bayrakli district of Izmir city. Stratified clustered sampling was used including 24 schools and 3367 7th-grade children, and 1284 students were targeted (50% prevalence, 95% CI, %5 margins of error, 2.25 design effect, and 20% replacement). The response rate was 84.9% (n = 1090). The Turkish KID-KINDL Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children was used to assess QoL. Independent variables were examined in four layers using Dahlgren's Determinants of Health Model: basic characteristics, lifestyle factors, family characteristics, and life conditions. RESULTS: The mean QoL score was 71.3 ± 12.6. Our study explained 31.7% of the variance in QoL. Higher QoL scores were associated with better health status, perceived academic achievement, normal/thin body perception, physical activity (PA), and adequate sleep duration. Living with both parents and having fewer siblings positively influenced QoL. Moreover, the presence of structural problems in the household and poorer health perceptions were associated with lower QoL scores (P < 0.05) This study highlighted the multifaceted nature of QoL in Turkish children, revealing the importance of various determinants of health. The results show that in order to improve the general well-being of this population, interventions and policies are required that concentrate on elements including health status, academic accomplishment, body perception, physical activity, family structure, and living situations.