Mammary ductal cells are the origin for 70-80% of breast cancers. Nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) contains proteins directly secreted by the ductal and lobular epithelium in non-lactating women. Proteomic approaches offer a largely unbiased way to evaluate NAF as a source of biomarkers and are sufficiently sensitive for analysis of small NAF volumes (10-50 microl). In this study, we initially evaluated a new process for obtaining NAF and discovered that this process resulted in a volume of NAF that was suitable for analysis in approximately 90% of subjects. Proteomic characterization of NAF identified 64 proteins. Although this list primarily includes abundant and moderately abundant NAF proteins, very few of these proteins have previously been reported in NAF. At least 15 of the NAF proteins identified have previously been reported to be altered in serum or tumor tissue from women with breast cancer, including cathepsin D and osteopontin. In summary, this study provides the first characterization of the NAF proteome and identifies several candidate proteins for future studies on breast cancer markers in NAF.

COVID-19 may manifest as mild, moderate or severe disease with each grade of severity having its own features and post-viral implications. With the rising burden of the pandemic, it is vital to identify not only active disease but any post-recovery complications as well. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the presence of post-viral symptomatology in patients recovered from mild COVID-19 disease. Presence or absence of 11 post-viral symptoms was recorded and we found that 8 of the 11 studied symptoms were notably more prevalent amongst the female sample population. Our results validate the presence of prolonged symptoms months after recovery from mild COVID-19 disease, particularly in association with the female gender. Hence, proving the post-COVID syndrome is a recognizable diagnosis in the bigger context of the post-viral fatigue syndrome.

It has been suggested that there is a widespread abnormality of the capillaries in the skin of patients with psoriasis. This study was carried out to obtain more evidence on this point. lesions of 20 patients with typical psoriasis, and uninvoived skin 3 cm from these lesions, were biopsied and compared with biopsies from 10 normal healthy control subjects. The dermal microvasculature was quantified in all these biopsies with regard to endothelial and luminal volume relative to the volume of dermal components of skin using stereological point counting methods utilizing the Delesse principle.The values for endothelial volume in specimens taken from the centre of the lesions did not differ significantly from those taken from the margins (3 3-6 x 10 ' and 35•8xlO"^ respectively). The same was true for the luminal volume from the two sites (9 1 x 10' and 10-0 x 10"', respectively). There was a highly significant difference, however, between the value for endothelial volume in biopsies from psoriatic patients compared to controls (P<0001) and specimens from uninvoived psoriatic skin also showed a highly significant difference (P<()(){)1) from involved areas. There was no significant difference between uninvoived areas in psoriasis patients and control specimens. Significant differences were also found between values for control subjects and those for both involved and uninvoived psoriatic skin for luminal volume (F psoriatic uninvoived > normal.

Earlier in its course, SARS-CoV-2 was primarily identified to cause an acute respiratory illness in adults, the elderly and immunocompromised, while children were known to be afflicted with milder symptoms. However, since mid-April of 2020, latent effects of the virus have begun emerging in children and adolescents, which is characterised by a multisystem hyperinflammatory state; thus, the term Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) was introduced by the WHO and CDC. The syndrome manifests itself approximately 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection, with symptoms mimicking Kawasaki Disease and Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome. Demographically, MIS-C peaks in children aged 5 to 14 years, with clusters in Europe, North and Latin America seen, later followed by Asia. Although the exact pathophysiology behind the syndrome is unknown, recent studies have proposed a post-infectious immune aetiology, which explains the increased levels of immunoglobulins seen in affected patients. Patient presentation includes, but is not limited to, persistent fever, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac complications including myocarditis. These patients also have raised inflammatory markers including C reactive protein, ferritin and interleukin-6. In poorly controlled patients, the syndrome can lead to multiorgan failure and death. The mainstay of treatment includes the use of intravenous immunoglobulins, steroids, immune modulators and aspirin. Adjunct therapy includes the use of low molecular weight heparin or warfarin for long term anticoagulation. Currently very little is known about the syndrome, highlighting the need for awareness amongst healthcare workers and parents. Moreover, with increased cases of COVID-19 as a result of the second wave, it is essential to keep MIS-C in mind when attending patients with a past history of COVID-19 exposure or infection. Additionally, once these patients have been identified and treated, strict follow-up must be done in order carry out long term studies, and to identify possible sequelae and complications.

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