A new strategy for label-free detection of lymphoma cancer cells

In this paper, a new strategy for highly selective and sensitive direct detection of lymphoma cells by exploiting the interaction between a peptide and its B-cell receptor, has been evaluated. In particular, an idiotype peptide, able to specifically bind the B-cell receptor of A20 cells in mice engrafted with A20 lymphoma, has been used as molecular probe. The new detection technique has been demonstrated on a planar crystalline silicon chip. Coverage of 85% of silicon surface and detection efficiency of 8.5 × 10⁻³ cells/μm² were obtained. The recognition strategy promises to extend its application in studying the interaction between ligands and their cell-surface receptors.OCIS codes: (000.1430) Biology and medicine, (280.1415) Biological sensing and sensors     

Interaction between endogenous circulating sulfated-glycosaminoglycans and plasma proteins

Interaction between endogenous 35S-labelled plasma glycosaminoglycans and proteins in murine plasma was demonstrated by coelution from gel chromatography of circulating 35S-labelled glycosaminoglycans with a wide range of plasma proteins. Autoradiography of electrophoretic tracing of proteins from 35S-sulfate labelled plasma showed that labelled glycosaminoglycans were associated with alpha 1, alpha 2, beta globulins and albumin, but not with gamma globulins. Analysis by gel chromatography on Sepharose CL-6B of delipidated 35S-labelled plasma after either proteolysis or beta-elimination, suggested that 35S-labelled glycosaminoglycan chains were covalently bound to proteins. Lipids were probably involved in the supramolecular assembly of GAGs with plasma proteins, as shown by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. In addition, strong, non-covalent interaction between glycosaminoglycan chains and proteins was responsible for the difficulty in extracting 'free' glycosaminoglycans from plasma. Consistently, ion-exchange chromatography of 35S-sulfate labelled delipidated plasma after alkali treatment, revealed that the anionic properties of glycosaminoglycans were hampered when plasma proteins were present.     

Life-threatening presentation of mediastinal neoplasms: report on 7 consecutive pediatric patients

BACKGROUND: Cases of respiratory failure at presentation in children with anterior mediastinal malignancies can be very challenging for clinicians. Seven consecutive children presenting with superior mediastinal syndrome are reported needing urgent critical care approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven children (age range from 0.8 to 14 years; mean, 4.5 years) suffered from critical mediastinal neoplasms. Clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome are discussed. Setting: a tertiary-care 6-bed medical and surgical pediatric intensive care in a university hospital. Interventions included emergency management, resuscitation and intensive care admission, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. RESULTS: All cases showed a respiratory compromise and underwent ventilatory and/or cardiovascular support. Two patients needed renal replacement therapy. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit discharge was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Critical or extreme presentation of mediastinal neoplasms does not preclude a good clinical outcome: an intensive care approach is essential to allow patient recovery and effective antineoplastic therapy administration.     

The Effect of Processing on Liver Biopsy Core Size

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is a valuable clinical tool, but for the interpretation to be meaningful a certain core size should be obtained. This study examines the changes the liver biopsy core undergoes during processing steps. METHODS: A total of 61 consecutive percutaneous liver biopsies were obtained between November 2004 and April 2005. The needle type utilized was the 16-gauge automatic tru-cut. A measurement was made while each liver biopsy core specimen resided in the cartridge, then a measurement was made with the core placed on the tray, and a final measurement was made after the pathologist received the formalin-fixed specimen. RESULTS: The mean size of the biopsy core in the cartridge measured 15 +/- 2 mm, compared to a mean size on the tray of 19.6 +/- 3.5 mm, and a mean size after fixation of 18.3 mm. All mean sizes were statistically different from one another. The compressive effect of the cartridge was 23%. The shrinkage effect of formalin fixation was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: The liver biopsy core size changes significantly through the processing steps. It is imperative that the operator is aware of these changes so that appropriate decisions are made. As an example, if the operator underestimates the core size when measured in the cartridge, a second pass may be completed when in fact adequate tissue had been obtained on the first pass.     

A pilot study of the association between cariogenic oral bacteria and preterm birth*

Objectives: We examined the associations between preterm birth and low birth weight and maternal caries history, maternal periodontal status, and salivary levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli. Design: This study was a matched case–control study in women during their pregnancy or up to 8 weeks after delivery. Subjects and methods: Thirty‐four women delivering before 37 weeks gestation were recruited along with 73 term controls matched for age and race/ethnicity. Demographic and obstetric information was collected from questionnaires and medical records and oral examinations along with commercial salivary tests were completed within the study groups. Main outcome measures: The main outcome variables were the preterm birth and low birth weight status. The independent variables measured were the salivary levels of Lactobacilli and mutans streptococci and the caries and periodontal status of the subjects. Results: The odds ratio comparing low levels of bacteria in preterm mothers and controls was statistically significant for Lactobacilli (odds ratio (OR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 to 10.00) and almost significant for mutans streptococci (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 0.95 to 8.33). Clinical caries and periodontal disease measures did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Within the limitation of our study, low levels of Lactobacilli in saliva were found to be associated with preterm birth.