Association of CyclinD1 copy number changes with histological type in ovarian tumors

Literature data on the occurrence of CCND1 alterations in ovarian tumors are insufficient. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of CCND1 copy number changes in a large number of ovarian tumors and its relation to the tumor phenotype: degree of malignancy, histological type, tumor stage, and grade. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for analysis of CCND1 copy number changes was applied on a collection of 1 006 ovarian tumors--468 malignant, 48 with low malignant potency, and 490 benign tumors--arranged in tissue microarray. CCND1 amplification was found in 8.46% of the malignant cases and in 8.11% of those with low malignant potency. It was not found in benign ovarian tumors. CCND1 amplification was associated with the mucinous type of ovarian cancer (p<0.0001). CCND1 genetic gain was revealed in 9.06% of the malignant tumors, in 2.70% of the tumors with low malignant potency, and in 4.87% of the benign ovarian tumors. CCND1 gains and amplifications were not associated with the tumor grade and stage. Our results suggest that CCND1 gains are early events in ovarian tumorogenesis.     

Association between blood pressure level and the follow up of the guidelines concerning the use of self blood pressure measurement

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics of hypertensive subjects who practise self measurement of blood pressure (SMBP) and their conditions of use, and to identify the properties of subjects using SMBP according the usual guidelines. METHODS: In 531 consecutive hypertensive subjects, referred to hypertension specialists, possessing a SMBP a questionnaire evaluating the condition of use of SMBP was given. Subjects following the guidelines about the use of SMBP have been compared to those using SMBP without specific design of supervision. RESULTS: In this population, aged 62 +/- 14 years, with 57% of men and a mean blood pressure of 147 +/- 23/82 +/- 12 mmHg, the SMBP devices have been bought without medical advice in 50% of cases (265/531). In 45% of cases (239/531), SMBP were made at the wrist. SMBP device was used every days in 26% of cases, every weeks in 27% of cases, every month or more in 22% of cases and only in case of uneasiness in 25% of cases. Blood pressure was measured only in the morning in 25% of cases, in the morning and evening in 31%, only the evening in 8% and at any time of the day in 36% of cases. More frequently 2 BP measurements were realized (47%) and in 19% of cases 3 measurements have been performed. In 15% of cases, the measurements were performed on 3 or 4 days consecutively, more frequently (85%) the measurements were realized without specific design ("once in awhile"). The data of SMBP were noted and showed to the doctor in 34% of cases. Only 12% (64/531) of subjects followed the usual guidelines concerning the use of SMBP (2 or 3 measurements, in the morning and the evening, during 3 or 4 consecutive days). Subjects following the guidelines for SMBP use have a higher SBP at the office than those using SMBP without specific design of supervision (155 +/- 25 mmHg vs 146 +/- 22 mmHg; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Among hypertensives referred to hypertension specialists most of subjects use SMBP device without a specific design of supervision. Subjects with the most severe hypertension are those who have the best formation for SMBP.     

A regulatory role of prolactin, growth hormone, and corticosteroids for human T-cell production of cytokines

The release of the pituitary hormones, prolactin and growth hormone (GH), and of adrenal corticosteroids is subject to a profound regulation by sleep. In addition these hormones are known to be involved in the regulation of the immune response. Here, we examined their role for in vitro production of T-cell cytokines. Specifically, we hypothesized that increased concentrations of prolactin and GH as well as a decrease in cortisol, i.e., hormonal changes characterizing early nocturnal sleep, could be responsible for a shift towards T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines during this time. Whole blood was sampled from 15 healthy humans in the morning after regular sleep and was activated in vitro with ionomycin and two concentrations of phorbol myrestate acetate (PMA, 8 and 25 ng/ml) in the absence or presence of prolactin, prolactin antibody, GH, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU-486, or mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist spironolactone. Hormones were examined at physiological concentrations. Production of T-cell derived cytokines was measured at the single cell level using multiparametric flow cytometry. Generally, effects were more pronounced after stimulation with 8 rather than 25 ng/ml PMA. The following changes reached significance (p <.05): prolactin (versus prolactin antibody) increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2) producing CD8+ cells. Compared with control, prolactin antibody decreased, whereas GH increased IFN-gamma+CD4+ cells. RU-486 increased TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2 producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Surprisingly strong effects were found after MR blocking with spironolactone which increased TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2 producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells. No effects on IL-4+CD4+ cells were observed, while the IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio shifted towards Th1 after spironolactone and after RU-486 plus GH. Results suggest that enhanced prolactin and GH concentrations as well as low cortisol levels during early nocturnal sleep synergistically act to enhance Th1 cytokine activity.     

Rate of cesarean section and perinatal infant mortality at "Maichin dom"

The aim of this retrospective study is to find the CS rate, which to maintain the perinatal mortality at a lowest possible level in groups of patients with normal and high risk pregnancies. There were 123598 births for a period from 1976 to 2000 years. The CS rate has increased from 4.8% to 24.5% and the PNM has decreased from 27.7@1000 to 11.4@1000. The statistical analysis shows that the for this period the CS rate is one of the factors to decrease the PNM (r = -0.776, p < 0.05). In the group of pregnancies with normal risk the PMN is between 8 and 11@1000 at the CS rate of 15-16% while in the group with high-risk pregnancies the same PNM is achieved with 24-26% CS rate. The antenatal mortality is not influenced by the CS rate and is almost unchanged for 24 years (r = -0.339, p > 0.05).     

The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus--an alternative treatment of bacterial vaginosis

The probiotics or biotherapeutical agents are microorganisms that have an antagonistic activity regarding pathogens in vivo. Therapeutic application of these microorganisms is mostly in cases of infections of non-sterile mucous surfaces--vagina and large intestines. With the help of the probiotic L. acidophilus bacterial vaginosis can be treated successfully in a natural way. The lack of systemic side effects makes it a drug of choice in the treatment of pregnant women. More studies in this direction and development of new strategies for treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant and non-pregnant women are needed.     

Assessment of oxygen delivery (DO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2) in severe pre-eclamptic patients

We compared the results of oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption measurements in 11 preeclamptic patients and report of the oxygen transport in severe preeclampsia. Measurements were performed between 28-36 weeks of gestation.     

Is the incidence of Balkan endemic nephropathy decreasing?

Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) is a non-inflammatory, slowly progressing, familial, primarily tubulo-interstitial, bilateral renal disease that affects rural populations in several Balkan countries. Our study describes a time trend of the incidence of BEN in eight villages of Vratza District, Bulgaria, for the period 1965-1987, based on three various data sets. The data suggest that after the initial peak between 1967 and 1970, the incidence remained quite stable for the period 1970-1984, and declined after 1984. However, the study also demonstrates under-recording of BEN cases and less complete case identification, especially after 1979. Migration of population might also have contributed to an apparent decline in registered cases. We detected cases of BEN in villages that previously were BEN-free. We recommended a rigorous monitoring of BEN in all afflicted countries, before concluding that the incidence of BEN is decreasing.     

Surface detected potentials of normal and reinnervated motor units: a simulation study for muscles consisted of short fibres

We aimed to check whether the characteristics used up to now in macro EMG to distinguish between normal and reinnervated motor unit potentials (MUPs), were suitable for surface detected MUPs. MUPs produced by normal and reinnervated MUs were simulated with a fast and precise convolution model. An increased number of fibres in the MU territory enhanced the amplitude, area and RMS of the MUP proportionally irrespective of the MU-electrode distance. An increased scatter of the end-plates and greater desynchronization in the fibres' activation decreased the MUP amplitude and affected the temporal characteristics of the MUP (duration of the negative phase and its area to amplitude ratio). The effects were more pronounced at shorter distances. At larger distances, the effect of the MU-electrode distance on temporal and amplitude characteristics of MUPs was much stronger than that of the parameters changed with reinnervation. We conclude that reinnervated MUs consisting of short fibres can not be distinguished from the normal ones by means of characteristics of MUP used in macro EMG. To discriminate reinnervated MUs non-invasively, the MUP amplitude should be normalized in respect of the MU-electrode distance or other MUP characteristics (independent of MU-electrode distance and sensitive to reinnervation) should be used.