Significance of DNA Replication Licensing Proteins (MCM2, MCM5 and CDC6), p16 and p63 as Markers of Premalignant Lesions of the Uterine Cervix: Its Usefulness to Predict Malignant Potential

Cervical cancer continues to be a leading cancer among women in many parts of the world. Nation-wide screening with the Pap smear has not been implemented in India due to the lack of adequately trained cytologists. Identification of biomarkers to predict malignant potential of the identified low risk lesions is essential to avoid excessive retesting and follow up. The current study analyzed the expression patterns of DNA replication licensing proteins, proliferation inhibitor protein p16INK4A and tumor suppresser protein p63 in cervical tissues and smears to assess the ability of these proteins to predict progression. Methods: Cervical smears and corresponding tissues were immunostained using mouse monoclonal antibodies against MCM2, MCM5, CDC6, p16 and p63. Smears were treated with a non-ionic surfactant sodium deoxycholate prior to immuno-cytochemistry. The standard ABC method of immunohistochemistry was performed using DAB as the chromogen. The immunostained samples were scored on a 0-3+ scale and staining patterns of smears were compared with those of tissue sections. Sensitivity and specificity for each of these markers were calculated taking histopathology as the gold standard. Result: All the markers were positive in malignant and dysplastic cells. MCM protein expression was found to be up-regulated in LSIL, HSIL and in malignancies to a greater extent than p16 as well as p63. CDC6 protein was preferentially expressed in high grade lesions and in invasive squamous cell carcinomas. A progressive increase in the expression of DNA replication licensing proteins in accordance with the grades of cervical intraepithelial lesion suggests these markers as significant to predict malignant potential of low grade lesions in cervical smears. Conclusion: MCMs and CDC6 can be applied as biomarkers to predict malignant potential of low grade lesions identified in screening programmes and retesting     

预测急性脑卒中缺血半暗带的最优Tmax阈值

背景:挽救缺血半暗带对减少梗死范围有重要意义,一般以PWI与DWI的不匹配区域来评估半暗带.但PWI评估的低灌注范围可能会包括良性缺血区,从而使评估所得的半暗带体积大于实际值.为减少这种弊端,近来引入一新的参数:PWI的达峰时间(Tmax)阈值.Tmax为PWI成像信号强度-时间曲线中从对比剂开始出现到对比剂浓度达到峰值的时间.以对侧相应部位正常脑组织的Tmax为参考,脑组织中Tmax延迟超过阈值的区域即为PWI病灶区.     

In vivo evaluation of a vibration analysis technique for the per-operative monitoring of the fixation of hip prostheses

Background  

The per-operative assessment of primary stem stability may help to improve the performance of total hip replacement. Vibration analysis methods have been successfully used to assess dental implant stability, to monitor fracture healing and to measure bone mechanical properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vivo a vibration analysis-based endpoint criterion for the insertion of the stem by successive surgeon-controlled hammer blows.     

A survey on clinical presentation and nutritional status of infants with suspected cow' milk allergy

Background  

Cow's milk is the most common food allergen in infants and the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy is difficult, even with the use of several diagnostic tests. Therefore, elimination diets and challenge tests are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. The aim of this study is to report the clinical presentation and nutritional status of children evaluated by pediatric gastroenterologists for the assessment of symptoms suggestive of cow's milk allergy.     

Male pattern androgenetic alopecia in an Indian context: a perspective study

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has received scant attention, despite it being a common entity that may result in significant psychosocial morbidity. There are some patients who do not fit into any of the proposed types. Moreover, there have been no published studies of pattern and prevalence of AGA in males in an Indian context. Hence, the present study was an attempt to classify AGA in males with the aim of producing a simple, effective and easily reproducible classification. METHODS: In total, 150 male patients were clinically diagnosed as AGA. After obtaining informed consent from all patients, a detailed history/examination was carried out, including a hair pull test, a trichogram investigation and a biopsy. Classification of AGA was subsequently attempted across Norwood guidelines. RESULTS: A gradual shift in the type of AGA from the earlier types (II and III) to more severe types (VI) with increasing age was significant. Twenty-seven patients did not fit into specific patterns according to Hamilton and Norwood classifications. In addition, type 'a' variant was recorded in 20% of patients, clearly indicating limitations of the existing classifications. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to classify 80% of the AGA, with II (28%) and III (15%) being the most common types of AGA. Twenty-seven patients (18%) could not be classified as a significant finding. There was considerable overlap in types IV, V and VI in the Norwood classification with the 'a' variants further confusing the picture.