Mycobacterium avium complex pseudobacteriuria from a hospital water supply.

From July 1983 through November 1985, organisms belonging to Mycobacterium avium complex were isolated from the urine of 29 patients. Strains recovered from the urine of nine patients from July 1983 through August 1984 were serotyped. Eight of the nine samples belonged to serovar 4. M. avium complex was isolated from the urine of 21 patients during the period from November 1984 through November 1985. While the possibility of a point source contamination was investigated, M. avium complex was recovered from the phenol red solution used for processing urine specimens in the mycobacteriology laboratory and the deionized tap water of that laboratory that is used to make the reagent. M. avium complex serovar 4 was subsequently recovered from the tap water of the laboratory and four hospital wards. During the year following the installation of a microbiological filter for the mycobacteriology laboratory deionized tap water, 2 urine isolates were recovered, compared to 26 the previous year. This study demonstrates the importance of filtration devices at tap water sites that are used to make laboratory reagents and the value of serotyping as a marker for the detection of a specific source of M. avium complex contamination.     

Association of the acid phosphatase (ACP1) gene with triglyceride levels in obese women

The acid phosphatase (ACP1) locus codes for a low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMPTP) that is found ubiquitously in human tissues. The *A allele of the ACP1 gene is associated with lower total enzymatic activity than the *B and *C alleles. An association between the *A allele and extreme values of body-mass-index (BMI) and dyslipidemia has previously been described in several samples of obese subjects from the Italian population. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between ACP1 *A allele genotypes (*A/*A, *A/*B, and *A/*C) and non-*A allele genotypes (*B/*B, *B/*C, and *C/*C) and metabolic variables in 277 Caucasian post-menopausal subjects consisting of 82 non-obese subjects (BMI/=35) subjects. ACP1 genotypes were found to be significantly associated with total cholesterol (p相似文献   

Expression of fragile X chromosome in human-rodent somatic cell hybrids

The fragile X chromosome, associated with a common form of X-linked mental retardation, is cytologically observed most often as a gap or fragile site near the distal end of the long arm in band Xq28. Expression of this site is variable and dependent upon lowered thymidylate pools. In order to examine the behavior of this fragile site in a foreign genetic background, interspecific somatic cell hybrids were isolated from crosses of hamster cells and lymphoblastoid cells derived from male patients with fragile X-linked mental retardation. Three hybrid cell lines containing the human X chromosome were analyzed. Following induction with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, all three hybrids expressed the fragile site in approximately 10% of the metaphases examined. Our data indicate that expression of the fragile site in band Xq27 is dependent neither on the integrity of the human genome nor on the expression of human autosomal genes.     

Molecular diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome using quantitative methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction.

PURPOSE: Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is caused by defects in imprinted gene expression at 11p15. Currently, quantitative Southern analysis using DNA methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes is used in molecular diagnosis of this syndrome. METHODS: We describe a rapid and highly quantitative test for assessing DNA methylation at 11p15 using sodium bisulfite treatment of genomic DNA coupled with quantitative TaqMan methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TaqMan MSP can assess DNA methylation at both differentially methylated region (DMR)1 and DMR2 at 11p15. In addition, by using TaqMan MSP we were able to determine the parent of origin of a duplication of 11p15 by quantification of both DMR1 and DMR2 DNA methylation. CONCLUSION: TaqMan MSP method is a robust and rapid method for detecting changes in DNA methylation that compares favorably to the current standard of Southern blot for DNA methylation analysis. Assessment of DMR1 and DMR2 provides the most comprehensive assay for methylation defects in Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome, accounting for more than 70% of the cases. The advantages of TaqMan MSP are that it requires less DNA and that it is rapid, less labor-intensive, and amenable to high-throughput analysis. Moreover, this approach can be modified to assess DNA methylation changes anywhere in the genome.     

Reduplication cyst of appendix with mucinous carcinoma and Müllerian metaplasia: a case report

This report describes a case of mucinous carcinoma and Müllerian metaplasia arising within an appendiceal duplication cyst found incidentally during an emergency Caesarian section. Intestinal duplication cysts are rare and although there are occasional reports of malignant transformation, this is the first case where Müllerian metaplasia was found concurrently with a malignancy. There was no previous history of endometriosis and no other abnormalities were found at surgery. Treatment included surgical excision. The patient is alive and well two years after removal of the cyst.     

Increased numbers of cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cells (CIRC) in reactive,inflammatory and neoplastic lymphadenopathies: hyperplasia or induced expression?

A total of 291 enlarged lymph nodes showing a range of reactive-inflammatory processes, primary and metastatic neoplasms were studied to determine the distribution and immunoprofile of their cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cells (CIRC) in comparison with normal nodes. In 258/291 nodes (89%), CIRC numbers were distinctly increased in the subcapsular, paracortical and, occasionally, in the medullary zones; often, these increased CIRC formed networks around follicles, sinuses and vessels. CIRC had comparatively small, irregularly shaped bodies and dendritic processes; occasionally, giant forms were noted. CIRC contained cytokeratins (CK) 8 and 18 but not 19, as shown by immunohistochemistry, and by gel electrophoresis with subsequent immunoblotting. They co-expressed vimentin consistently, alpha-smooth-muscle actin frequently, and desmin less frequently. They did not contain desmoplakins, Factor VIII, S-100, LCA, B and T lymphocyte- and macrophage-associated antigens, chromogranin A, synaptophysin or the A-80 glycoprotein. We found no clear correlation between the increased CIRC and given nodal disease processes. However, CIRC were most abundant in nodes free of but draining malignant tumours; bizarre CIRC assemblies were noted in HIV lymphadenopathy. CIRC appear to represent a subset of the so-called fibroblastic reticulum cells of lymph nodes. Their function remains undetermined; their increase in diverse lymphadenopathies suggests that they partake in nodal reactions to injury. It remains unclear whether the increase in CIRC relative number is due to proliferation or to CK gene induction processes but their presence and potential capability to undergo hyperplasia with dysplastic forms should alert pathologists to possible diagnostic pitfalls. In addition, we discuss that CIRC may undergo transformation and represent the cell of origin of certain CK-positive tumours restricted to lymph nodes.