Ribosome-lamella complexes in a case of transitional cell carcinoma involving the prostate

We report ribosome-lamella complexes (RLC) in cancer cells of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the prostate in a 52-year-old Caucasian man. Histopathologically, cancer cells were proliferated in various-sized nests, mostly associated with central necrosis. Some invaded into the surrounding normal glandular space and the stroma, with occasional lymphatic invasion. Fine structural study of cancer cells revealed that cross-sectioned RLC as well as densely aggregated ribosomes were detected in their cytoplasm, situated close to, but not directly connected with, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. These were composed of a concentric alternative arrangement of both lamellae and ribosomes. In the central and surrounding parts of the RLC, ribosomes were observed, revealing a smooth transition to the ribosomal component of RLC in size and shape. The presence of both RLC and dense aggregation of ribosomes close to the rough endoplasmic reticulum suggests that their functions might be related to specific or aberrant protein synthesis under unknown conditions. Although RLC have been often reported in hematopoietic malignancies, their occurrence in the malignant epithelial component has been only reported in a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. This is the first report of RLC in TCC in the literature.     

Guidelines for the appropriate use of genetic tests in infertile couples

Research on genetic causes of male and female infertility rapidly expanded in the last years, following the development of in vitro fertilising techniques. Genetic tests are now available to explore the cause of the infertility and assess the risk of a given couple to transmit its genetic characteristics. This allows at-risk couples to take an informed decision when electing for a medically assisted reproduction. It also allows the professionals to offer a prenatal diagnosis when appropriate. Thus, the genetic work-up of the infertile couple has become good practice for an appropriate diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment. The lack of national or international rules for the genetic approach to the infertile couple, prompted the Italian community of professionals in the field of reproductive medicine to join and set up guidelines for the genetic diagnosis of male and female infertility. The group of clinical and research experts is representative of 12 national scientific societies and was supported by external experts from four international societies. We examine the clinically relevant genetic causes of male and female infertility and suggest the category of patients for which each genetic test is recommended or optional, both for an accurate diagnosis and prior to ART.     

Participation of serum and membrane lectins on the oxidative burst regulation in Macrobrachium rosenbergii hemocytes

Using a spectrophotometric NBT reduction assay and phagocytosis, we identified that production of superoxide anions and phagocytic activity of hemocytes from Macrobrachium rosenbergii were significantly higher in the presence of rat, rabbit, and chicken erythrocytes than with human, pig, or horse erythrocytes. Hemocytes stimulated with MrL, MrLMab, or PMA increased 4.7, 5.1, and 6.1 fold, respectively, the oxidative response as compared to non-stimulated hemocytes. MrLMab together with MrL increased 5.7 fold the oxidative capacity of hemocytes as compared to non-stimulated cells. These effects were inhibited with 100 mM GalNAc, GlcNAc, or Neu5Ac and 0.2 microM of sialylated submaxillary gland mucin and fetuin. Piroxicam inhibited (P < 0.05) the production of O(2)(-) induced by MrL, whereas iodoacetamide inhibited the effect of MrLMAb (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that MrLMab might activate the oxidative burst through the metabolism of glucose as opposed to MrL which utilizes NADPH-independent mechanisms, very probably through pro-inflammatory metabolites.     

Anaphylaxis: a 7-year follow-up survey of 46 children.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the frequency of and the features associated with recurrent anaphylaxis in pediatric populations. During 1994 to 1996, we enrolled 76 children affected by anaphylaxis in a prospective study to analyze their clinical and allergic features. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a follow-up study of these children to ascertain how many experienced a recurrence of anaphylaxis. METHODS: After a mean interval of 7 years, a pediatric allergist conducted a telephone interview of patients who had been enrolled in our 1994-1996 study. RESULTS: A telephone interview was successfully completed in 46 (61%) of the 76 patients who had been enrolled in our 1994-1996 study. Of these 46 patients, 14 (30%) had experienced a recurrence of anaphylaxis. Children with atopic dermatitis either during 1994 to 1996 (64% vs 34%; P = .04) or at the time of the current study (43% vs 16%; P = .03) and those with urticaria-angioedema at the time of the current study (93% vs 31%; P = .0002) were found to be at a significantly higher risk for recurrent anaphylaxis. Furthermore, those children who were sensitive to at least 1 food allergen during 1994 to 1996 were more likely to have experienced a recurrence of anaphylaxis (93% vs 56%; P < .04). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients may have a greater risk of recurrence of anaphylaxis if they have atopic dermatitis, urticaria-angioedema, or at least 1 positive result of skin prick tests to food allergens.