The prognostic significance of tumour-stroma ratio in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: A high percentage of stroma predicts poor survival in triple-negative breast cancers but is diminished in studies of unselected cases. We determined the prognostic significance of tumour-stroma ratio (TSR) in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive male and female breast carcinomas. METHODS: TSR was measured in haematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections (118 female and 62 male). Relationship of TSR (cutoff 49%) to overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) was analysed. RESULTS: Tumours with ≥49% stroma were associated with better survival in female (OS P=0.008, HR=0.2-0.7; RFS P=0.006, HR=0.1-0.6) and male breast cancer (OS P=0.005, HR=0.05-0.6; RFS P=0.01, HR=0.87-5.6), confirmed in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: High stromal content was related to better survival in ER-positive breast cancers across both genders, contrasting data in triple-negative breast cancer and highlighting the importance of considering ER status when interpreting the prognostic value of TSR.

An RNA transcription-based amplification technique (NASBA) for the detection of viable Salmonella enterica.

Possession of mRNA is indicative of cell viability. RTPCR is not appropriate for mRNA detection as it cannot unambiguously detect mRNA in a DNA background. The alternative amplification technique, NASBA, avoids the disadvantages of RTPCR. We have devised a method for detection of viable Salmonella enterica. This involves NASBA amplification of mRNA transcribed from the dnaK gene. Amplification of mRNA extracted from viable and heat-killed cells from the same population produced consistent and highly significant (P > 0.01) differences between the respective signals. The signal obtained from viable cells was completely eradicated by RNase treatment, while PCR amplification of treated and untreated samples was unaffected, indicating that NASBA was unaffected by background DNA.

Analysis of first gastric compartment fluid collected via percutaneous paracentesis from healthy llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous paracentesis for fluid collection from the first gastric compartment of healthy llamas and to describe characteristics of that fluid. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult llamas. PROCEDURE: Physical examinations were performed prior to sample collection and for 14 days afterwards. A CBC was performed prior to sample collection and 5 days later. A 16-gauge, 7.5-cm stainless steel needle, positioned approximately 20 cm caudal to the costochondral junction of the last rib, was pointed in a dorsocraniomedial direction and pushed through the abdominal wall into the lumen of the first gastric compartment. Fluid was aspirated and analyzed immediately for color, odor, consistency, pH, methylene blue reduction (MBR) time, protozoa, and bacteria. RESULTS: Fluid samples were obtained from 9 of 10 llamas. Mean volume was 4.1 ml, mean pH was 6.67, and mean MBR time was 173 seconds. Odor was slightly acidic, color was light brown-green to light yellow-green, and consistency was moderate. Small protozoa with variable iodine staining and gram-negative bacteria were commonly detected. With few exceptions, results of physical examinations and CBC remained within reference ranges. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Fluid samples from the first gastric compartment can be successfully obtained by percutaneous paracentesis. Fluid characteristics were similar to those of fluid collected via orogastric tube in llamas and cattle.