Immunohistochemical localization of macrophage CD68+, HLA-DR+, L1+ and CD44+ subsets in uterine endometrium during different phases of menstrual cycle

Different tissue macrophage subsets were immunohistochemically examined in normal endometrial samples collected from proliferative (n=4), peri-ovulatory (n=6) and secretory (n=8) phases of menstrual cycles in women. The different macrophage subsets, namely CD68 (pan macrophage marker), CD44 (transmembrane adhesion molecule), HLA-DR (transmembrane heterodimeric protein involved in antigen presentation) and L1 (calprotectin)-positive cells, as well as, CD45 (common leucocytic antigen)-positive cells were examined on the basis of immunohistochemical staining, and areas of immunoprecipitation were analyzed morphometrically using computer-assisted video imaging system. The stage-specific distribution of receptors for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) in endometrial cells were examined and morphometrically analyzed. There was an increase in the number of CD45+ cells (P < 0.01) and CD68+ cells (P < 0.05) in secretory phase endometrium compared with proliferative and peri-ovulatory phases. There was no remarkable cycle dependent pattern in HLA-DR+ and L1+ cells. However, there was an increase in CD44 immunopositive area in peri-ovulatory (P < 0.05) and in secretory (P < 0.01) phases of endometrium compared with proliferative phase endometrium. A higher (P < 0.01) degree of immunopositivity for ER was observed during peri-ovulatory phase, and for PR, during peri-ovulatory (P < 0.05) and secretory (P < 0.01) phases compared with proliferative phase of cycle. Positive correlations between areas occupied by (i) CD68+ cells and PR (P < 0.01), (ii) HLA-DR+ and L1+ cells (P < 0.05), (iii) CD45+ and CD68+ cells (P < 0.01), (iv) CD45+ and L1+ cells (P < 0.05), and (v) PR and L1+ cells (P < 0.05) were obtained. It appears that the recruitment of different macrophage subsets in human endometrium involves a complex set of endocrine and paracrine factors.     

Evaluation of a prison-based hepatitis B immunisation pilot project

This paper describes the evaluation findings of a hepatitis B immunisation pilot project, which aimed to increase the uptake and compliance of hepatitis B vaccinations among female prisoners in Victoria. The evaluation used a mixed methods approach including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and an analysis of quantitative data. Fifty-five per cent of potential participants (391/712) were offered hepatitis B immunisation. Of those offered immunisation, 204 were eligible for immunisation and 169 (83%) received the first dose. Ninety-three per cent of eligible women received two doses and 84% completed the three-dose series. Lessons learnt from the pilot led to the revision of key prison hepatitis B immunisation policies and practices to ensure uniformity across Victorian prisons.     

Synthesis and apoptosis inducing ability of new anilino substituted pyrimidine sulfonamides as potential anticancer agents

A series of anilino substituted pyrimidine sulfonamides were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity. These sulfonamides showed promising activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.6 to 12.3 μM. The detailed biological aspects of some of the promising compounds (3d, 3e and 3g) on the K562 cell line were studied. Interestingly, compounds induced G1 cell cycle arrest and down regulation of G1 phase cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin D1, CDK4. These compounds also exhibited inhibition of NF-κB as well as its downstream target gene Akt1 and the phosphorylated form of AKt ser 474 proteins. One of the representative compound 3e could be considered as the potential lead for its development as a new anticancer agent.     

Selenium levels in dilated cardiomyopathy

Thirty-seven dilated cardiomyopathy cases have been studied and compared with 20 normal controls. Serum selenium levels in relation to coronary risk factors were studied. Serum samples were analysed for selenium, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. Smoking, alcohol intake, positive family history, psychosocial tension, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia were found in the following percentages 27%, 8%, 5%, 73%, 41%, 38%, 81%, 46% respectively in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Low selenium (< 4.5 micrograms/dl) and HDL cholesterol levels and high total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels were observed in dilated cardiomyopathy cases compared to controls. The present results support the concept that low selenium levels along with other risk factors play an important role in developing dilated cardiomyopathy.     

Shoulder dystocia related fetal neurological injuries: the predisposing roles of forceps and ventouse extractions

On the basis of 333 documented cases of permanent perinatal neurological damage, associated with arrest of the shoulders at birth, the authors conducted a retrospective study in order to evaluate the predisposing role, if any, of the utilization of extraction instruments. The investigation revealed that 35% of all injuries occurred in neonates delivered by forceps, ventouse or sequential ventouse–forceps procedures. This frequency was several-fold higher than the prevailing instrument use in the practices of American obstetricians during the same years. A high rate of forceps and ventouse extractions was demonstrable in all birth weight categories. Average weight and moderately large for gestational age fetuses underwent instrumental extractions more often than grossly macrosomic ones. This circumstance indicates that forceps and ventouse are independent risk factors, unrelated to fetal size. Their use entailed central nervous system injuries significantly more often than did spontaneous deliveries. The findings suggest that extraction procedures may be as important as macrosomia among the factors that lead to neurological damage in the child in connection with shoulder dystocia. Because they augment the intrinsic dangers of excessive fetal size exponentially, the authors consider their use in case of ≥4,000 g estimated fetal weight inadvisable. Sequential forceps–ventouse utilization further doubles the risks and is, therefore, to be avoided in all circumstances.     

Comparison of cytological features of myxopapillary ependymomas on crush preparations

Myxopapillary ependymoma (ME) is a rare neoplasm found predominantly in the sacro‐coccygeal region in adults and is characterized by its distinct epithelial and stromal components. From 1990 to April 2008, a total of 10 ME cases were recorded at our institution. Six out of 10 cases underwent frozen section examination with concomitant crush preparations, which forms the basis of this study. The clinical and cytologic findings in all six cases were reviewed. There were four males and two females. The age ranges from 15 to 36 years with a mean age of 27 years. The epithelial component of ME is strikingly similar for all six cases showing tumor cells appearing singly or in loose clusters, most with papillary branching. There was also presence of indistinct cell boundaries, tapered cytoplasmic prolongations, wispy/fragile cytoplasm, and uniform oval‐to‐fusiform shaped nuclei with an evenly distributed chromatin pattern. The stromal component was composed mainly of thick, metachromatic material and adenoid cystic‐like areas. One case showed rosette‐like structures. These aforementioned characteristics can be utilized to distinguish ME from other primary and metastatic tumors such as meningioma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, chordoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and germ cell tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Prevalence of nonfermenters in clinical specimens

One hundred and thirty three non fermenting gram negative bacilli isolated out of 625 different clinical specimens were identified and characterised. Samples were exudate from chronic suppractive otits media (341), diabetic foot (117) wound (116) and blood (51). Of these isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa 105(78.94%) predominated followed by Acinetobacter sp 8 [6.1%], Pseudomonas putrifaciens 6(4.5%), Flavobacterium sp 6(4.5%), Xanthomonas maltophilia 5(3.75%), Alkaligenes sp 3 (2.25). 31 (23.30%) were resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Amikacin 85 (63.90%) was found to be more effective than fluoroquinolones (27.8-48.12%).     

Human liver glucuronidation of benzidine

Although glucuronidation is considered an important pathwayin aromatic amine-induced bladder cancer, benzidine glucuronidationhas not been assessed in humans. Glucuronidation of benzidinewas assessed with human liver microsomes and slices. Emulgen911-treated microsomes exhibited a K_m for benzidine of 0.8±0.06mM and a V_max of 4.2±0.7 nmol/mg protein/min. A varietyof agents were tested for their ability to inhibit benzidineN-glucuronide formation. At 0.25 mM, estriol, 17-epiestriol,bilirubin, hyodeoxycholic acid and cyproheptadine were goodinhibitors (<50% of control). Dose-dependent inhibition studieswith estriol, testosterone and 4-aminobiphenyl demonstratedthat each agent reached a plateau as its concentration was increased.When these agents were combined at maximal inhibitory concentrations,additive inhibition was observed. These results suggest thatmore than one UDP-glucuronosyltransferase metabolizes benzidine.The cDNA clones pUDPGT_h-1 and -2 encode transferases which metabolizehyodeoxycholic acid and estrogen derivatives, but neither transferasecatalyzed benzidine glucuronidation. Slices were used to assessmetabolism by intact tissue and converted [³H]benzidine (0.09mM) to N-acetyl-benzidine. N-Glucuronides of both benzidineand N-acetylbenzidine were observed and represented 14–37%of the total recovered radioactivity. The amount of N-acetylbenzidineN'-glucuronide observed was proportional to the amount of N-acetylbenzidineproduced. Thus, N-glucuronidation appears to represent a majorpathway for metabolism of benzidine in humans. The extent ofN-acetylation affects the proportion of benzidine and N-acetylbenzidineglucuronidated by human liver slices.