Ciliary Defects in a Mouse Model of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome are Selectively Pronounced in Brian Regions Involved in Cardiovascular Regulation

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a human genetic disorder associated with several phenotypes including hypertension. Here we used the hypertensive Bbs4 knockout mouse model (Bbs4-/-) to test the hypothesis that areas of the brain involved in cardiovascular regulation (CVR) exhibit abnormalities in primary neuronal cilia (PNC) structure and density. We utilized immunocytochemical localization of adenylyl cyclase-III (ACIII), a specific marker for PNC, to identify the changes in PNC length and density in commissural nucleus of solitary tract (cNTS), area postrema (AP), rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and subfornical organ (SFO). A quantitative analysis of the morphology and distribution of ACIII-immunoreactive PNC revealed dramatic alterations in the length and number of cilia in SFO of Bbs4-/- mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates. The significant reduction in the PNC length but not in the number was observed in cNTS and RVLM. Surprisingly, no significant changes in length and distribution of PNC were documented in the AP. We found that in all investigated areas of the brain the number of neurons did not display significant changes in Bbs4-/- when compared to the corresponding areas of WT mice. This data suggests that loss of the Bbs4 gene differentially affects the PNC in the brain areas involved in CVR; and the pathology of PNC in selected regions of CVR can cause a failure in signal transduction and may contribute to the hypertension associated with Bbs4-/- mouse model.

Tumors of the bones of the feet: the clinicopathologic features of 150 cases

The small bones of the feet may be affected by a full spectrum of benign and malignant processes. Essentially all tumors which may arise elsewhere in the skeletal system may also occur in the feet. Although investigators have completed exhaustive studies detailing the occurrence of tumors of the skeletal system at large, few series have adequately summarized such tumors as they occur in the small bones of the feet. A study was made of 150 consecutive cases of mass-forming tumors of the bones of the feet, which were diagnosed over a 15-year period at a major cancer center. This series confirms that the bones of the feet are affected by a full spectrum of mass-forming tumors; however, such lesions arise with an incidence that is unique to this site. The various tumors identified in this series are presented and the associated epidemiologic data are discussed. Unusual trends in incidence, apparently unique to this location, are stressed.

Onychomycosis: an analysis of 50 cases and a comparison of diagnostic techniques

Onychomycosis is an extremely common condition that is increasing in prevalence. Although often innocuous, it may be complicated by discomfort and secondary bacterial infections. Recently introduced oral medications may be highly effective in the eradication of this condition; however, they may carry with them significant expense and potentially serious side effects. Prior to the initiation of antifungal oral therapy, definitive diagnosis is mandatory. This study compares the sensitivity of potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations, surgical pathology diagnostic testing (SPDT), and culture techniques for the detection of onychomycosis in 50 cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis. Analysis showed that SPDT was significantly more sensitive when compared to KOH and culture. The results suggest that SPDT may be the true gold standard for the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma of the foot: the clinicopathologic features of two cases

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare variant of sweat gland carcinoma of the digits and volar surfaces which has the potential for highly aggressive biologic behavior. The authors report two cases of aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma of the foot. In each instance, the tumor arose on the volar surfaces of the digits. Additionally, in both instances, the tumor's unusual clinical presentations delayed biopsy and definitive diagnosis for several months. Following initial conservative surgery, both patients suffered local recurrences. In one case, local recurrence was followed by widespread distant metastases. Although aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma is virtually limited to the hands and feet, to the authors' knowledge it has not been previously reported in the podiatric literature. In this report, the clinicopathologic features of this rare variant of sweat gland carcinoma are summarized and a brief review of the literature is presented.