Immunohistochemical characterization of a 183 KD myeloid-specific-DNA- binding protein in B5 fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, and bone marrow aspirates by monoclonal antibody BM-1

A monoclonal antibody, designated BM-1, which is reactive in B5 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, has been generated against a cytoplasmic and nuclear antigen expressed in human myeloid precursor cells and derived leukemias. Using the avidin-biotin-complex immunoperoxidase procedure, BM-1 was found to stain selectively myeloid precursor cells in normal bone marrow and mature granulocytes in the blood. In a screen of 26 normal adult and fetal human organs fixed in B5 formalin, BM-1 was negative in all nonhematopoietic tissues with the exception of tissue granulocytes and scattered cells in the peripheral cortex of the thymus. Likewise a screen of 30 solid tumor cell lines including a spectrum of carcinomas, sarcomas, and neural-derived tumors was negative. BM-1 was also negative with 21 T and B cell lymphomas and 11 Hodgkin's disease tumors. A preliminary study of tumors of the hematopoietic system revealed that BM-1 was reactive with M2 and M3 acute myelogenous leukemias (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemias (CML) and myelomonocytic leukemias, and granulocytic sarcomas. M1, M4, M5, and M6 AML clot preparations were negative in this study, indicating that BM-1 may have a role in the histopathologic diagnosis of myelogenous leukemia. Myeloid leukemic cell lines HL-60, ML-2, KG1, and TPH-1-O showed BM-1 nuclear and/or cytoplasmic reactivity in a subpopulation of cells, but erythroid and lymphoid leukemias and all lymphoma cell lines were negative. Immunoperoxidase studies of a panel of fetal tissues showed BM-1 positive cells in the peripheral cortex of the thymus and portal myelopoietic regions of the liver at 18 weeks gestation. Finally, DNA-cellulose and solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques developed in our laboratory demonstrate that the BM-1 antigenic domain is reactive only after binding to eukaryotic but not prokaryotic single- or double-stranded DNA. Immunoblot techniques using a DNA-cellulose purified protein sample revealed that BM-1 recognizes a 183 kD protein. These studies indicate that BM-1 is recognizing a myeloid-specific antigen that, because of its DNA binding characteristics, may have an important role in the differentiation of myeloid cells at the molecular level.     

Thermoelectric Performance of Mechanically Mixed BixSb2-xTe3—ABS Composites

In the current study, polymer-based composites, consisting of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Bismuth Antimony Telluride (Bi_xSb_2−xTe₃), were produced using mechanical mixing and hot pressing. These composites were investigated regarding their electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient, with respect to Bi doping and Bi_xSb_2-xTe₃ loading into the composite. Experimental results showed that their thermoelectric performance is comparable—or even superior, in some cases—to reported thermoelectric polymer composites that have been produced using other complex techniques. Consequently, mechanically mixed polymer-based thermoelectric materials could be an efficient method for low-cost and large-scale production of polymer composites for potential thermoelectric applications.     

Aneurysm sac shrinkage after endovascular treatment of the aorta: beyond sac pressure and endoleaks

The isolation of the aneurysm sac from systemic pressure and its consequent shrinkage are considered criteria of success after endovascular repair (EVAR). However, the process of shrinkage does not solely depend on the intrasac pressure, the predictive role of which remains ambiguous. This brief review summarizes the additional pathophysiological mechanisms that regulate the biomechanical properties of the aneurysm wall and may interfere with the process of aneurysm sac shrinkage.     

IGF-1 alters the human parietal pleural electrochemical profile by inhibiting ion trans-cellular transportation after interaction with its receptor

ObjectiveThe effect of IGF-1 in the human pleural permeability and the underlying mechanisms involved were investigated.DesignSpecimens from thoracic surgical patients were mounted in Ussing chambers. Solutions containing IGF-1 (1 nM–100 nM) and IGF-1 Receptor Inhibitor (1 μΜ), amiloride 10 μM (Na⁺ channel blocker) and ouabain 1 mM (Na⁺–K⁺ pump inhibitor) were used in order to investigate receptor and ion transporter involvement respectively. Trans-mesothelial Resistance (R_TM) across the pleural membrane was determined as a permeability indicator. Immunohistochemistry for IGF-1 receptors was performed.ResultsIGF-1 increased R_TM when added on the interstitial surface for all concentrations (p = .008, 1 nM–100 nM) and decreased it on the mesothelial surface for higher concentrations (p = .046, 100 nM). Amiloride and ouabain inhibited this effect. The IGF-1 Receptor Inhibitor also totally inhibited this effect. Immonuhistochemistry demonstrated the presence of IGF-1 receptors in the pleura.ConclusionsIt is concluded that IGF-1 changes the electrophysiology of the human parietal pleura by hindering the normal ion transportation and therefore the pleural fluid recycling process. This event is achieved after IGF-1 interaction with its receptor which is present in the human pleura.     

Recurrent varicose veins after surgery: a new appraisal of a common and complex problem in vascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the true incidence, the reflux patterns and the mechanisms responsible for recurrent varicose vein disease according to current definitions and guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients (69 female, 24 male, mean age: 48 years) were prospectively evaluated pre- and postoperatively (1 month and 5 years), using clinical and colour duplex examination of both lower limbs. The CEAP score and its modification for recurrence (REVAS) were used for classification. RESULTS: In 113 operated lower limbs, 28 (25%) were found to have a recurrence, 20 of which were symptomatic (20/28, 72%). However, in this group, the mean severity score decreased significantly from 6.5 (SD 3.1) to 5.2 (SD 2.8) (p<0.001, paired t-test). The correlation between the type and cause of recurrence revealed: (1) true recurrent varices in eight limbs (8/28, 29%), primarily caused by neovascularisation, (2) new varicose veins as a consequence of disease progression in seven limbs (7/28, 25%), (3) residual veins in three limbs (3/28, 11%) mainly due to tactical errors (e.g. failure to strip the GSV), (4) complex patterns in 10 limbs (10/28, 36%). In the limbs with recurrence, 42 sources of venous reflux were identified: (1) 19 new sites of venous reflux were due to disease progression (15% of the operated limbs), (2) 13 were caused by neovascularisation (11.5% of the operated limbs), (3) six resulted from tactical failures (5.3% of the operated limbs) and (4) four were due to technical failures (3.5% of the operated limbs). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the recurrence of varicose veins after surgery is not uncommon. However, the clinical condition of most affected limbs remains improved. Progression of the disease and neovascularisation are responsible for more than half of the recurrences. Rigorous evaluation of patients and assiduous surgical technique might reduce recurrence due to technical and tactical failures.     

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Clinical and surgical considerations

Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of death in various countries. In spite of increased awareness of most physicians for an early diagnosis of the rupture, the performance of surgery in an early stage and special care in the Intensive Care Unit, postoperative mortality is still high in most medical centers as well as in our Clinic. Two series of patients operated in our Clinic during the last 17 years are analysed. The applied surgical technics are presented and morbidity and mortality are analysed. A distinction between the general mortality was made based on all the inhospital deaths and the postoperative mortality rate including only the deaths after the operation during the postoperative period. Among the other conclusions it is also stressed that a real improvement in the mortality rate depends on elective surgery of all the disclosed AAA larger than 4 cm in diameter.     

Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders

Gene therapy has become the next frontier in the treatment and potential cure of many disorders that are refractive to current therapies. The lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) collectively constitute one of the largest groups of inherited metabolic disorders. Propelled by the exciting success of enzyme replacement therapies applied to LSDs without neuropathology, the development of effective gene therapy protocols for the LSDs is underway. For the LSDs with neuropathology, in particular, it has become clear that gene therapy is at present one of only a few therapeutic options with the potential for success. Studies summarised in this review indicate that gene therapy using a variety of vectors both in vivo and ex vivo have shown great promise for the treatment of these diseases. However, several problems require serious attention before it will be feasible to embark on human gene therapy trials.     

Screening is associated with a lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma-related mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B

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