Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in spontaneously occurring osteosarcomas of the dog

Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous human cancers, including osteosarcomas. Appendicular osteosarcomas of the dog appear to be a good model for their human equivalent with regard to biologic behavior, epidemiology and histopathology. We individually screened exons 5-8 of the p53 gene for mutations in 15 canine appendicular osteosarcomas using 'Cold' SSCP to compare the role of this gene in human and canine osteosarcoma tumorigenesis. Seven of the tumors (47%) exhibited point mutations, with one tumor possessing two mutations within different exons. Of these, seven were missense mutations and the eighth was a 'silent' mutation potentially affecting the exon 6-7 splicing region. Five of the missense mutations were located in highly conserved regions IV and V, while another corresponded with the highly conserved codon 220 mutational hotspot located outside the conserved domains. The locations and types of mutations were nearly identical to those reported in human cancer. These findings provide strong evidence of the involvement of p53 mutations in the development of canine appendicular osteosarcomas. Canine osteosarcomas appear to be a promising model for their human equivalent on a clinical, pathologic, and molecular level.      

Non-invasive detection of fecal protein kinase C betaII and zeta messenger RNA: putative biomarkers for colon cancer

We have developed a non-invasive method utilizing feces, containing sloughed colonocytes, as a sensitive technique for detecting diagnostic colonic biomarkers. In this study, we used the rat colon carcinogenesis model to determine if changes in fecal protein kinase C (PKC) expression have predictive value in monitoring the neoplastic process. Weanling rats were injected with saline or azoxymethane (AOM) and 36 weeks later fecal samples and mucosa were collected, poly A+ RNA isolated, and quantitative RT-PCR performed using primers to PKC betaII and zeta. Fecal PKC betaII and zeta mRNA levels were altered by the presence of a tumor, with tumor-bearing animals having a 3-fold higher (P < 0.05) PKC betaII expression as compared with animals without tumors. In addition, AOM-injection increased mucosal PKC betaII mRNA expression compared with saline controls. No effect of tumor incidence on mucosal PKC betaII expression was observed. In contrast, fecal PKC zeta expression was 2.5-fold lower (P < 0.05) in animals injected with azoxymethane versus saline. Since tumor incidence exerts a reciprocal effect on fecal PKC betaII and zeta mRNA expression, data were also expressed as the ratio between PKC betaII and zeta. The isozyme ratio was strongly related to tumor incidence, i.e. ratio for animals with tumors was 2.18 +/- 1.25, animals without tumors was 0.50 +/- 0.16, P = 0.025. We demonstrate that the expression of fecal PKC betaII and zeta may serve as a noninvasive marker for development of colon tumors. A sensitive technique for the detection of colon cancer is of importance since early diagnosis can substantially reduce mortality.      

Perspectives on colorectal cancer screening: a focus group study

Objective To assess attitudes and acceptability of Ontario consumers and doctors towards colorectal screening with faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy. Design, setting and participants Focus groups with gender‐specific samples of the population, high‐risk gastroenterology patients and family doctors. Method Semi‐structured interview guides used by facilitator to lead groups through knowledge of risk factors and prevention of colorectal cancer, the screening modalities, requirements for implementing screening programmes, barriers to screening and preferences towards screening. Main findings There were low levels of knowledge about colorectal cancer and its prevention in the general population. FOBT was an acceptable screening modality, but considerable education about its use and benefits would be necessary to implement a screening programme. Colonoscopy was not perceived to be a good choice for a primary screen in the general population. The high‐risk group supported use of FOBT in the general population and emphasized the need for education. The doctors were more reluctant about screening, requesting clear guidelines. They also identified the time and resources that would be required if a screening programme were initiated. Conclusion While colorectal screening is acceptable in this sample, information and decision aids are required to enable consumers and providers to make effective decisions. Implementation of colorectal screening programmes requires substantial educational efforts for both consumers and doctors.     

氯地滴眼液的含量测定

目的：采用ＨＰＬＣ法测定氯地滴眼液中氯霉素和地塞米松磷酸钠的含量。方法：色谱分析条件：ＯＤＳ柱作分析柱,流动相为甲醇／水体系,０￣８ｍｉｎ使用４０％甲醇,８￣１６ｍｉｎ使用６０％甲醇,流速１ｍｌ／ｍｉｎ,０￣９ｍｉｎ２４０ｎｍ紫外检测,：二组分分离良好。各组各组性关系良好,平均回收率氯霉素９９．８％（ＲＳＤ＝１．２％,ｎ＝５）,地塞米松磷酸钠９９．４％（ＲＳＤ＝０．７％,ｎ＝５）,结论：该法用于氯     

Sex-Dependent Effects of the Intake of NOVA Classified Ultra-Processed Foods on Syndrome Metabolic Components in Brazilian Adults

Longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UPF consumption on the incidence of MetS and its components in adults. A prospective study was conducted with 896 participants from the 1978/79 Ribeirão Preto cohort, São Paulo, Brazil. UPF consumption was evaluated in %kcal and %g at ages 23–25 years. Incidence of MetS and its components were estimated at ages 37–39 years, according to the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Poisson regression was used to assess associations, and interactions with sex were investigated. UPF consumption had no association with MetS (%kcal Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01; %g Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01). However, women with higher UPF consumption, in %kcal and %g, had a higher risk of abdominal obesity (%kcal: p = 0.030; %g: p = 0.003); and women with higher UPF consumption, in %g, had a higher risk of low HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.041). For the other components of MetS, no significant associations were observed in either sex. These findings suggest evidence of no association between UPF consumption and MetS; however, consumption of UPF was associated with increased WC and low HDL-c, but only in women.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an important imaging modality in the evaluation of the extension of endometrial carcinoma which is essential in planning treatment and predicting prognosis. This study aimed to assess the value of MRI in the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: We included in this study 162 patients with a histological diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma who underwent MRI pelvic imaging and surgical staging. MRI images were compared with pathological findings to measure MRI's sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy in what concerns myometrial, cervical and lymph node invasion. RESULTS: MRI differentiation of deep myometrial invasion from superficial disease agreed with pathological findings in 77% of cases, with a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 72% and a diagnostic accuracy of 77%. Concerning cervical invasion, MRI had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 42%, 92%, 81% respectively. In assessing lymph node invasion, MRI presented a sensitivity of just 17%, a specificity of 99% and a diagnostic accuracy of 89%. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the high accuracy of MRI imaging in assessing myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma. When evaluating lymph node invasion, micrometastases are responsible for the low sensitivy of MRI.