A Rare Case of Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast with Unusual Radiologic Findings.

Invasive apocrine carcinoma (IAC) of the breast is a rare subtype of breast malignancy. Its incidence is not well known, but it is approximately less than 1% to 4%. For these reasons, there are few reports and little information on the radiologic appearance of IAC. Furthermore, most of the case reports show malignant features which are similar to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We present a rare case of IAC without typical malignant feature on mammography, and ultrasonography (USG). Imaging findings on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT are also presented. The nodule in our case showed a relatively benign feature on USG and it is the first case of IAC with unusual findings. Therefore, this report may encourage radiologists to consider the malignant potential and perform pathologic correlation even if a newly developed nodule does not present with a typical malignant feature on USG.

TBT toxicity on the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata.

Commercial antifouling formulations containing TBT are the major source of organotin contamination in coastal waters. In view of the persisting TBT residues (13 ng Sn l(-1)) in the coastal waters of South Korea, an attempt has been made to evaluate the growth response and biochemical composition of laboratory-cultured Nannochloropsis oculata to TBT toxicity. It is evident that the persisting concentration level of TBT is high enough to cause adverse effect on the microalgal species. The EC50 (24 h) was found to be at 0.89 nM level of TBT for this marine eustigmatophyte N. oculata. Photosynthetic pigment content was significantly affected. At elevated TBT concentrations of 1.0 nM, especially pronounced changes in biochemical composition was found. TBT tolerance of N. oculata and its growth as well as biochemical responses are discussed.

Forest fire ash impact on micro- and macroalgae in the receiving waters of the east coast of South Korea.

Mountain forest fire ash flushed into the eastern coastal waters of South Korea is known to contain cadmium as one of its significant constituents. To study its impact, two representatives of the micro- and macroalgal communities, Ulva pertusa and Nannochloropsis oculata, were exposed to the concentration range of Cd indicated from the forest fire localities. At low concentrations of 0.224-0.448 mg L(-1), a 20% reduction in growth rate of N. oculata was observed. Chlorophyll a pigment concentration was proportionate to the growth reduction while at higher concentrations (1.792 mg L(-1)) pigments were completely leached. In the macrophyte U. pertusa, a similar trend of pigment leaching was observed. Bioaccumulation factors obtained for these rapidly growing algal species revealed excessive bioconcentration of Cd. Variations in the concentration of Cd among the samples collected along the Korean coast clearly indicated the additional source of metal influx from the forest fires.