Capability of Far-Infrared for the selective identification of red and black pigments in paint layers

Artworks are complex objects that merit study and preservation. Far-infrared spectroscopy in ATR mode appears to be a suitable technique for this purpose because it enables information to be obtained regarding the material's composition in a non-destructive way. The use of Far-infrared is especially interesting because most organic compounds do not absorb in this energy range, suggesting the possibility of identifying inorganic pigments. Based on works performed by two research groups from the University of Bologna and the University of Tartu, this study attempts to obtain additional information regarding the capabilities and limitations of Far-infrared spectroscopy when it is applied to objects as complex as artworks. This article first studies the capability of the technique for identifying pigments by following the stability of the position of their absorption bands when mixed with linseed oil, the minimum amount of pigment necessary to be detected and how this amount changes when it is part of a paint layer. The consequences of the pigment: linseed oil interaction and the ageing process are also studied through changes in the linseed oil signal absorptions related to the acid carboxylic and carboxylate bands. The entire study leads to the conclusion that Far-Infrared in ATR mode is an interesting option for the selective identification of some inorganic pigments, but their potential application depends on each case considered.

PSresin for the analysis of alpha-emitting radionuclides: Comparison of diphosphonic acid-based extractants

The analysis of radionuclides is complex, with high economic and time costs. For this reason, there is a need to develop new methods and strategies to reduce these costs. One important group in the analysis of radionuclides is the actinides, which are the main constituents assessed in the total gross alpha together with radium and radon test used to measure radioactivity in drinking water. Moreover, in nuclear dismantling processes, the possible spread of the released radionuclides has to be controlled, which is measured by many techniques, depending on the radionuclides, through scintillation. This work presents a new method to analyse actinides using plastic scintillation resins (PSresins) packed in a solid-phase extraction cartridge. The proposed method combines chemical separation and sample measurement into a single step, reducing the effort, time and reagents required for analysis as well as decreasing the amount of waste generated. The PSresins compared in this study contained three selective extractants based on methylenediphosphonic acid with different radicals, which has a high affinity for tri-, tetra-, and hexavalent actinides in dilute acids. These extractants were immobilised on plastic scintillation microspheres at a ratio of 1/1:6, producing a retention and detection efficiency of 100% for ²⁴¹Am, ²³⁰Th, Uranium and ²³⁸Pu. The retention and detection efficiency were 20% and 100%, respectively, for ²¹⁰Po and low for ²²⁶Ra.

The ever-evolving role of pathologists in the management of breast cancer with neoadjuvant treatment: recommendations based on the Spanish clinical experience

PURPOSE

To compare the current international standards for neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) protocols, and establish consensus recommendations by Spanish breast pathologists; and to look into the Spanish reality of defining pathological complete response in daily practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A modified Delphi technique was used to gain consensus among a panel of 46 experts with regard to important issues about NAST specimens, with the objective of standardize handling and analysis of these breast cancer specimens. In addition, a survey was conducted among 174 pathologists to explore the Spanish reality of post-NAST breast cancer specimens handling.

RESULTS

Our survey shows that pathologists in Spain follow the same guidelines as their international colleagues and face the same problems and controversies. Among the experts, 94.1% agreed on the recommendation for a pre-treatment evaluation with a core needle biopsy, and 100% of experts agreed on the need of having properly indicated information for the post-NAST surgical specimens. However, only 82.7% of them receive properly labelled specimens and even less receive specimens where markers are identified and the degree of clinical/radiological response is mentioned. Among participants 59.9% were familiar with the residual cancer burden system for post-NAST response quantification, but only 16.1% used it regularly.

CONCLUSIONS

Active participation on breast cancer multidisciplinary teams, optimal usage of core needle biopsy for timely and standardized procedures for the diagnostic analysis, and accurate diagnosis of pathological complete response and complete evaluation of the response to NAST need to become the standard practice when handling breast cancer specimens in Spain.

A new plastic scintillation resin for single-step separation, concentration and measurement of technetium-99

Technetium is a synthetic element with no stable isotopes, produced as waste in nuclear power plants and in cyclotrons used for nuclear medicine. The element has high mobility, in the form of TcO4(-); its determination is therefore important for environmental protection. Technetium is found in low concentrations and therefore common methods for its analysis include long treatments in several steps and require large amounts of reagents for its purification and preconcentration. Plastic scintillation resins (PSresin) are novel materials used to separate, preconcentrate and measure radionuclides in a single step. The objective of this study is to prepare and characterise a PSresin for the preconcentration and measurement of (99)Tc. The study first evaluates the reproducibility of the production of PSresins between batches and over time; showing good reproducibility and storage stability. Next, we studied the effect of some common non-radioactive interferences, showing small influences on measurement, and radioactive interferences ((36)Cl and (238)U/(234)U). (36)Cl can be removed by a simple treatment with 0.5 M HCl and (238)U/(234)U can be removed from the column by cleaning with a mixture of 0.1 M HNO3 and 0.1 M HF. In the latter case, a slight change in the morphology of the PSresin caused an increase in detection efficiency. Finally, the PSresin was applied to the measurement of real spiked samples (sea water and urine) with deviations lower than 10% in all cases.

Robustness of plastic scintillation microspheres in the continuous measurement of different river waters

Plastic scintillation microspheres (PSm) represent one of the most promising options for monitoring alpha and beta radioactivity in river water. For that reason, a study of the stability of PSm packed into a cell against the continuous flow of river water with different degrees of turbidity was performed over a period of 100h. The results showed that the volume of the cell became stable after 15h of pumping and continued to be stable throughout the 100h of the experiment. During this period of time, the detection efficiency of the PSm, in terms of efficiency*volume, presented mean values of 0.75(3)% for (3)H and 272(11)% for (90)Sr/(90)Y. No dependence on flow time or river water type was observed. The background was also constant for 100h and for the different water types, although (222)Rn should be removed from the water beforehand to prevent its accumulation in the PSm. Since PSm did not present any degradation throughout the whole experiment, PSm can undoubtedly be used for monitoring radioactivity with low reagent consumption, low waste generation and low maintenance costs.

Determination of oil reservoir radiotracer (S14CN-) in a single step using a plastic scintillator extractive resin

The analysis of radiotracers is important in the study of oil reservoir dynamics. One of the most widely used radiotracer is S(14)CN(-). Prior to activity measurements by Liquid Scintillation (LS), routine determinations require the pretreatment steps of purification and concentration of the samples using anion exchange columns. The final elution media produces samples with high salt concentration that may lead to problems with phase separation during the LS measurement. Plastic Scintillation (PS) is an alternative technique that provides a solid surface that can be used as a platform for the immobilisation of selective extractants to obtain a PS resin. The proposed procedure unifies chemical separation and sample measurement preparation in a single step, serving to reduce the number of reagents needed and manpower required for the analysis while also avoiding mixed waste production by LS. The objective of this study is to develop a PS resin for the determination of (14)C-labelled thiocyanate radiotracer in water samples. For this purpose, the immobilisation procedure was optimised, including optimisation of the proportion of PS microspheres:extractant and the use of a control blank to monitor the PS resin immobilisation process. The breakthrough volume was studied and the detection and quantification limits for 100 mL of sample were determined to be 0.08 Bq L(-1) and 0.31 Bq L(-1), respectively. The established procedure was applied to active samples from oil reservoirs and errors lower than 5% in the sample determinations were obtained.

High endogenous melatonin concentrations enhance sperm quality and short-term in vitro exposure to melatonin improves aspects of sperm motility

Although human seminal fluid contains melatonin and spermatozoa reportedly possess membrane melatonin receptors, there are no experimental studies that have ascertained the relationship between melatonin and male infertility. This study evaluated whether urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and urinary total antioxidant capacity correlate with different seminal parameters including sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Also, the in vitro effects of melatonin on human sperm motility were investigated. Semen samples from 52 men who were counselled for infertility were obtained. Sperm concentration was determined using the haemocytometer method, motility kinematic parameters were assessed using a computer-aided semen analysis system, while morphology and vitality were evaluated after Diff-Quick and Eosin-Nigrosin vital staining, respectively. For the quantification of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, a commercial ELISA kit was used, and urinary total antioxidant capacity was evaluated by means of a colorimetric assay kit. For the in vitro effects of melatonin, samples were incubated for 30min in the presence or absence of 1mm melatonin. Both urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and total antioxidant capacity levels positively correlated with sperm concentration, motility and morphology, as well as negatively correlated with the number of round cells. Additionally, 30-min exposure of sperm to 1mm melatonin improved the percentage of motile and progressively motile cells and decreased the number of static cells, thereby promoting the proportion of rapid cells. Therefore, melatonin improves semen quality, which is important because melatonin supplementation may be potentially used to obtain a successful assisted reproductive technique outcome.

Comparative study of pre-treatment procedures for (3)H monitoring in water samples from environmental protection programs

The determination of tritium activity in water samples is included in most environmental protection programs, and the recommended procedure consists of sample distillation and further measurement by liquid scintillation. Distillation is a simple but time consuming pre-treatment, especially in routine analysis. Here we evaluate alternative pre-treatments for tritium activity determination, such as filtration or the use of multiple selective ion exchange columns. 52 samples from different water sources (rain, surface, underground, sea and drinking water) in Spanish environmental protection programs, together with an IAEA reference material were analyzed. Results show that both pre-treatments can be applied as a preliminary tool to discriminate between tritium active and non active waters in environmental monitoring programs. In addition, filtration and multiple selective ion exchange column pre-treatments can be used as alternative procedures for tritium activity determination in the routine analyses of water samples with known and reproducible chemical and isotopic composition. Both methods are less time consuming than distillation and, in the case of filtration, extremely cheap. For waters with complex matrices, especially sea water, distillation is the recommended procedure due to the interference from salts contained in the sample.

Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human umbilical cord serum, paternal serum, maternal serum, placentas, and breast milk from Madrid population, Spain

Median concentration of total PBDEs in maternal serum, paternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and breast milk samples were 12, 12, 17, and 6.1 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in Vallecas and 9.7, 12, 15, and 5.5 ng/g lw in Getafe. The median value found in placentas was 1.9 ng/g lw (in Vallecas). BDE 47 was the predominant congener in serum samples (maternal, paternal, and umbilical cord), while BDE 209 was predominant in placenta and breast milk samples. BDEs 196 and 197 were detected in most of the placenta and breast milk samples. The results show that PBDEs, like other POPs, can cross the placenta barrier, although the speed of the process seems to differ for each PBDE congeners. The total PBDE concentrations found in this study are consistent with research reported elsewhere. They are in the same range as those recently reported by other European and Asian studies and lower than those conducted in the U.S.A. No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between regions, sexes, and ages, while statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and breast milk samples. The presence of PBDEs in cord blood and placenta samples indicates that there is prenatal exposure of PBDEs, which could continue after birth via breast milk.

First approach to radionuclide mixtures quantification by using plastic scintillators. Influence of the diameter of the plastic beads

Recent studies have evaluated the capability of plastic scintillation (PS) as an alternative to liquid scintillation (LS) in radionuclide activity determination without mixed waste production. In order to complete the comparison, we now assess the extent to which PS can be used to quantify mixtures of radionuclides and the influence of the diameter of the plastic scintillation beads in detection efficiency. The results show that the detection efficiency decreases and the spectrum shrink to lower energies when the size of the plastic scintillation beads increases, and that the lower the energy of the beta particle, the greater the variation takes place. Similar behaviour has been observed for beta-gamma and alpha emitters. Two scenarios for the quantification of mixtures are considered, one including two radionuclides (14C and 60Co) whose spectra do not overlap significantly, and the other including two radionuclides (137Cs and 90Sr/90Y), where the spectra of one the isotopes is totally overlapped by the other The calculation has been performed by using the conventional window selection procedure and a new approach in which the selected windows correspond to those with lower quantification errors. Relative errors obtained using the proposed approach (less than 10%) are lower than those of the conventional procedure, even when a radionuclide is completely overlapped, except for those samples with extreme activity ratios that were not included in the window optimization process.

Hodgkin's lymphoma cells express alternatively spliced forms of HDM2 with multiple effects on cell cycle control

The HDM2 oncoprotein is a cellular inhibitor of p53 and is frequently deregulated in human cancer. However, the HDM2 gene encodes alternatively spliced variants whose functional significance is poorly understood. We had previously reported the detection of alternative HDM2 forms in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL)-derived cell lines. Here, we have cloned several of these transcripts, including the previously described HDM2-A, -B and -C (which encode the COOH terminus of HDM2), and two novel variants (HDM2-HL1 and -HL2) containing a complete p53 interaction domain. Real-time PCR assays demonstrated that HDM2-A and -B were selectively expressed by HL cell lines and primary tumors, compared with their non-neoplastic counterparts. In transient transfection experiments, alternatively spliced HDM2 isoforms were partially or totally localized within the cytoplasm. HDM2-HL2 was able to inhibit transactivation of a p53-inducible reporter construct and induced a partial relocalization of p53 to the cytoplasm. Expression of HDM2-A and -B caused the activation of p53/p21 and induced growth arrest in primary cells, but also increased the expression levels of cyclins D1 and E. Other possible genes regulated by HDM2-A and -B were identified using cDNA microarray technology. These results imply that HDM2 isoforms may have multiple effects on cell cycle control, and provide insight into the mechanisms through which these molecules contribute to tumorigenesis.

Large B-cell lymphoma with Hodgkin's features

AIMS

To describe the features of a series of nine cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) showing morphological and immunophenotypic features that are intermediate with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Most cases (6/9) presented as mediastinal tumours affecting young males, while the other three cases arose in extramediastinal locations. Histopathologically, tumours showed diffuse large cell areas in a polymorphous background, with pleomorphic cytology and the common presence of Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg cells. Immunophenotypically, tumours shared features of DLBCL and classical HL, with expression of CD30, CD15 (6/9), and a full B-cell profile including CD45RB, CD20, CD79a and OCT2. Epstein-Barr virus-latent membrane protein expression was found in 2/9 cases. The majority of tumours had immunohistochemical features consistent with activation of the NF-(kappa)B pathway, including nuclear location of the c-REL/p65 subunit, overexpression of phosphorylated I(kappa)B(alpha), and overexpression of NF-(kappa)B targets. Finally, 2/9 cases showed 3q27 (BCL6) rearrangement, and 1/9 had p53 gene mutations, both of which are rarely detected in classical HL.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that DLBCLs with HL features constitute a distinctive subgroup of aggressive lymphomas whose neoplastic growth and peculiar characteristics could be facilitated by a particular microenvironment found in the mediastinum.

Combination of chemical separation and data treatment for 55Fe, 63Ni, 99Tc, 137Cs and 90Sr/90Y activity determination in radioactive waste by liquid scintillation

Routine operations involving nuclear reactors and decommissioning activities require numerous chemical analyses. Most of the procedures developed for these chemical characterisations involve several separation steps to prepare the sample for measurement. Chemical treatments are time- and manpower-consuming, labour intensive and produce significant quantities of waste. In order to address this problem, we evaluate a data treatment procedure (multivariate calibration--PLS), which we propose as a substitute to some of these separation steps. Mixtures of beta emitter radionuclides of increasing complexity ((90)Sr/(90)Y--(99)Tc, (90)Sr/(90)Y--(99)Tc--(63)Ni--(137)Cs and (90)Sr/(90)Y--(99)Tc--(63)Ni--(137)Cs--(55)Fe) have been measured by liquid scintillation (LS) counting. The influences of quenching and level of activity was evaluated and the activity of unknown samples determined. Despite the spectra overlapping and low resolution of LS, relative errors in the activities quantification of unknown samples inside the range covered by the calibration matrix are lower than 15% whatever the number of radionuclides included in the solution was.

Clinical characteristics and significance of Streptococcus salivarius bacteremia and Streptococcus bovis bacteremia: a prospective 16-year study

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of Streptococcus salivarius isolates recovered from blood cultures and compare them with isolates of Streptococcus bovis biotypes I and II. Seventeen of the 52 (32%) S. salivarius isolates recovered were considered clinically significant, compared with 62 of the 64 (97%) S. bovis isolates (p<0.0001). Bacteremia caused by S. salivarius occurred mostly in patients who showed relevant disruption of the mucous membranes and/or serious underlying diseases. Patients with S. salivarius bacteremia were younger than those with S. bovis bacteremia (57 vs. 67 years; p<0.01). Patients with S. salivarius bacteremia and patients with S. bovis II bacteremia had similar rates of endocarditis, colon tumors, and non-colon cancer. On the other hand, when compared with S. bovis I bacteremia, S. salivarius bacteremia was associated with lower rates of endocarditis (18% vs. 74%, respectively) (p<0.01) and colon tumors (0% vs. 57%, respectively) (p<0.005) and higher rates of non-colon cancer (53% vs. 9.5%, respectively) (p<0.01). Bacteremia caused by S. bovis II had a hepatobiliary origin in 50% of the patients, while, in contrast, that due to S. salivarius or S. bovis I was less frequently associated with a hepatobiliary origin (12% and 5%, respectively) (p<0.00001). The rate of penicillin resistance was 31% among S. salivarius isolates and 0% among S. bovis isolates (p<0.0001). In conclusion, the clinical characteristics of S. salivarius bacteremia and S. bovis II bacteremia are similar, and the isolation of S. salivarius in blood should not be systematically regarded as contamination.

Is the combination of pyrazinamide plus rifampicin safe for treating latent tuberculosis infection in persons not infected by the human immunodeficiency virus?

SETTING

Nine public health care centres in four Spanish cities.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 months of rifampicin (R) plus pyrazinamide (Z) therapy (2RZ) compared with a 6-month course of isoniazid therapy (6H) for treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

DESIGN

Multicentered, randomised, comparative and prospective trial conducted in HIV-seronegative contacts of infectious pulmonary TB cases.

RESULTS

Of 352 individuals, 199 received 6H and 153 2RZ; 73% of contacts receiving 6H and 71% receiving 2RZ completed treatment (P = 0.73). Treatment interruption due to hepatotoxicity (ALT/AST > 5 times upper limit of normal) was observed in 10% of contacts in the 2RZ group and in 2.5% of the 6H group (P = 0.007). This higher than expected rate of hepatotoxicity in the 2RZ arm led to premature termination of the study. Severe or fatal liver injury was not detected. Liver function tests normalised after discontinuation of treatment. We conclude that the use of RZ should only be considered when other regimens are unsuitable and intensive monitoring of liver function is feasible.

Reusability of plastic scintillators used in beta emitter activity determination

The use of plastic scintillation in the measurement of beta emitter activity is a suitable alternative to classical detection techniques in spite of the high cost and potential memory effects. Reuse of the plastic scintillator beads after a cleanup procedure would overcome both drawbacks. In the present paper, we tested several cleaning solutions (water, HCl 0.1M, commercial soap, EDTA 0.01 M pH=3, citric acid 0.1 M pH=3). The recommended procedure consists of the immersion of the beads in three consecutive citric acid baths for 24 h. If this protocol is followed, plastic beads contaminated with 90Sr/90Y, 14C, and 3H recover their initial condition, and can be used in successive determinations.

Invasive melanoma in Cdk4-targeted mice

Many human tumors harbor mutations that result in deregulation of Cdk4 activity. Most of these mutations involve overexpression of D-type cyclins and inactivation of INK4 inhibitors. In addition, a mutation in the Cdk4 protein has been described in patients with familial melanoma (Wolfel, T., Hauer, M., Schneider, J., Serrano, M., Wolfel, C., et al. (1995) Science 269, 1281-1284; Zuo, L., Weger, J., Yang, Q., Goldstein, A. M., Tucker, M. A., et al. (1996) Nat. Genet. 12, 97-99). This mutation, R24C, renders the Cdk4 protein insensitive to inhibition by INK4 proteins including p16(INK4a), a major candidate for the melanoma susceptibility locus. Here we show that knock-in mice expressing a Cdk4 R24C allele are highly susceptible to melanoma development after specific carcinogenic treatments. These tumors do not have mutations in the p19(ARF)/p53 pathway, suggesting a specific involvement of the p16(INK4a)/Cdk4/Rb pathway in melanoma development. Moreover, by using targeted mice deficient for other INK4 inhibitors, we show that deletion of p18(INK4c) but not of p15(INK4b) confers proliferative advantage to melanocytic tumor growth. These results provide an experimental scenario to study the role of Cdk4 regulation in melanoma and to develop novel therapeutic approaches to control melanoma progression.

Targeted disruption of the zetaPKC gene results in the impairment of the NF-kappaB pathway

Here we have addressed the role that zetaPKC plays in NF-kappaB activation using mice in which this kinase was inactivated by homologous recombination. These mice, although grossly normal, showed phenotypic alterations in secondary lymphoid organs reminiscent of those of the TNF receptor-1 and of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor gene-deficient mice. The lack of zetaPKC in embryonic fibroblasts (EFs) severely impairs kappaB-dependent transcriptional activity as well as cytokine-induced phosphorylation of p65. Also, a cytokine-inducible interaction of zetaPKC with p65 was detected which requires the previous degradation of IkappaB. Although in zetaPKC-/- EFs this kinase is not necessary for IKK activation, in lung, which abundantly expresses zetaPKC, IKK activation is inhibited.

Cutaneous presentation of follicular lymphomas

The description of primary cutaneous follicular lymphoma has raised interest in the differential diagnosis of this versus disseminated follicular lymphoma involving the skin. We report here on four cases of Stage IV follicular lymphoma, diagnosed in skin biopsy, in which cutaneous lesion was the most noticeable feature of clinical presentation. In all cases, the morphological features were superimposed over typical nodal follicular lymphoma. Apart from classic B-cell markers, they were characterized by CD10 and bcl6 positivity, markers of follicle germinal center cells; and bcl2 expression, with a corresponding t(14;18) translocation in three of three cases examined. In all four cases, bone marrow study and clinical staging revealed disease that had disseminated since diagnosis. Follow-up showed relapsing cutaneous and nodal disease in two cases. The only difference observed with a control group of 10 cases of primary cutaneous follicular lymphoma was the absence in this group of t(14; 18). Disseminated classical follicular lymphoma has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of follicular lymphoma presenting in the skin. This series of cases suggests that the presence of t(14;18) could imply the existence of disease that has disseminated beyond the skin and that cases harboring this translocation could be candidates for systemic polychemotherapy.

Unique phenotypic profile of monocytoid B cells: differences in comparison with the phenotypic profile observed in marginal zone B cells and so-called monocytoid B cell lymphoma

Monocytoid B cells (MBCs) are a subset of B cells that may be recognized in several reactive and tumoral lymph node conditions, including toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, infectious mononucleosis, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although this is a commonly observed cell population, which has even given its name to a type of lymphoma, MBC lymphoma, scarcely any information is available about the function and characteristics of this cell type. A relationship with marginal zone (MZ) B lymphocytes has been claimed for MBCs, but this has not yet been fully proven. Indeed, specific markers for MBCs are still lacking, which has made it difficult to analyze their relationship with other B cell subpopulations and confirm the existence of tumors deriving from this B cell subset. We used a panel of cell cycle markers to explore the characteristics of MBCs and their relationship with MZ B cells, nodal MZ lymphoma, and splenic MZ lymphoma. We therefore compared the phenotypic profile of MBCs in different conditions with normal MZ B cells within the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes, with a group of seven cases of nodal MZ/MBC lymphoma and another group of five cases of splenic MZ lymphoma. MBCs were mainly in the G(0) to G(1) phases, as deduced from the presence of a proportion of between 10 and 35% Ki67-positive cells, whereas very low expression was observed with cyclin A and cyclin B staining. Nests of MBCs were clearly labeled by the expression of p21(WAF1), a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI), rarely detectable in benign lymphocytes, and by cyclin E. Basically all MBCs were bcl-2-negative, and high cyclin D2 and cyclin D3 were also detected in these cells, at proportions and intensities above expected levels, when the percentage of proliferating cells was taken into account. p27(KIP1) expression was characterized by homogeneous reactivity, higher than that observed in other B cell populations with a relatively high-growth fraction. Immunoglobulin staining showed undetectable light and heavy chains. However, splenic MZ cells, nodal MZ lymphoma, and splenic MZ lymphoma showed a distinct expression of IgM and bcl-2, with high p27 (KIP1) nuclear expression and undetectable or low levels of cyclin A, B, E, or D, or p21(WAF1) expression. The data from this study show an unexpected immunophenotype in MBCs, different from the one observed in splenic and lymph node MZ B cells. This suggests that either MBCs are a unique B cell population from a distinct cell lineage, or if related to MZ cells, they would represent a definite differentiation stage characterized by a distinctive immunophenotype. They also show so-called MZ/MBC lymphoma to be more closely related to lymph node and splenic MZ B cells, as they do not share the most distinctive features of MBCs.

Micromachining bulk glass by use of femtosecond laser pulses with nanojoule energy

Using tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses of just 5 nJ, we produce optical breakdown and structural change in bulk transparent materials and demonstrate micromachining of transparent materials by use of unamplified lasers. We present measurements of the threshold for structural change in Corning 0211 glass as well as a study of the morphology of the structures produced by single and multiple laser pulses. At a high repetition rate, multiple pulses produce a structural change dominated by cumulative heating of the material by successive laser pulses. Using this cumulative heating effect, we write single-mode optical waveguides inside bulk glass, using only a laser oscillator.

Loss of p16 protein expression associated with methylation of the p16INK4A gene is a frequent finding in Hodgkin's disease

p16 protein binds and inactivates cyclin D-CDK4/6 complexes, stopping the cell cycle at the G1/S boundary. Loss of p16 expression is found frequently in human cancer tissues, often resulting from allelic loss or promoter region hypermethylation in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Hodgkin's disease has been shown to be a monoclonal neoplasm of B-cells in which a majority of cells are cycling. In the attempt to identify hypothetical CDK inhibitor inactivation that could explain the accumulation of proliferating cells, we decided to focus on the p16INK4A gene. To determine whether inactivation of this gene is implicated in the development of Hodgkin's disease, we immunostained 40 cases with a monoclonal antibody for the p16 protein. At the same time, we used a methylation-specific PCR technique to determine the methylation status of exon 1 of the p16INK4A gene in 23 cases in this series. Loss of p16 expression was found in 30 of 37 cases (absence of expression in most Hodgkin's/Reed-Sternberg cells, with a normal scattered pattern of p16 expression in the reactive background). Only seven samples showed nuclear p16 expression in a significant proportion of large tumoral cells. In agreement with this finding, hypermethylation of p16INK4A gene was found in 14 of 23 cases by PCR. All the p16 cases found positive by immunohistochemistry also showed unmethylated DNA. These results show that loss of p16 protein expression is usually observed in Hodgkin's/Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin's disease, frequently associated with p16INK4A gene hypermethylation. The high frequency of abnormal methylation found in this study suggests that this genetic event may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Anomalous high p27/KIP1 expression in a subset of aggressive B-cell lymphomas is associated with cyclin D3 overexpression. p27/KIP1-cyclin D3 colocalization in tumor cells

p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor downregulation is essential for transition to the S phase of the cell cycle. Thus, proliferating cells in reactive lymphoid tissue show no detectable p27 expression. Nevertheless, anomalous high p27 expression has been shown to be present in a group of aggressive B-cell lymphomas with high proliferation index and adverse clinical outcome. This suggests that abnormally accumulated p27 protein has been rendered functionally inactive. We analyzed the causes of this anomalous presence of p27 in a group of aggressive B-cell lymphomas, including 54 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and 20 Burkitt's lymphomas. We simultaneously studied them for p27, cyclin D3, cyclin D2, cyclin D1, and cyclin E expression, because it has been stated that high levels of expression of cyclin D1 or E lead to increased p27 levels in some cell types. A statistically significant association between p27 and cyclin D3 expression was found for the group as a whole. Additionally, when dividing the cases according to the level of expression of cyclin D3 by reactive germinal centers, it was observed that cases with stronger cyclin D3 expression also show higher p27 expression. The relationship between both proteins was also shown at a subcellular level by laser confocal studies, showing that in cases with high expression of both proteins there was a marked colocalization. Additional evidence in favor of p27 sequestration by cyclin D3 was provided by coimmunoprecipitation studies in a Burkitt's cell line (Raji) showing the existence of cyclin D3/p27 complexes and the absence of CDK2/p27 complexes. These results could support the hypothesis that there are cyclin D3/p27 complexes in a subset of aggressive B-cell lymphomas in which p27 lacks the inhibitory activity found when it is bound to cyclin E/CDK2 complexes. This interaction between both proteins could lead to an abnormal nuclear accumulation, detectable by immunohistochemical techniques.

[What is the cost of inappropriate admission of pneumonia patients?]

BACKGROUND

The number of patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) varies greatly from one hospital to another. Prognostic models for CAP can help physicians decide which cases to treat on an outpatient basis. Our aims were: a) to validate a model for predicting low-risk CAP, and b) to estimate savings that would have resulted if the low-risk patients identified by the model had been treated at home rather than in hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All CAP cases diagnosed by the emergency room physicians of a hospital in northwestern Spain (Ferrol) were enrolled prospectively over a period of 19 months. The prediction rule of Fine et al was used to classify all patients. Mortality in each category was compared with the mortality predicted by Fine's system. Patients in the lowest risk categories (I and II) were considered to have been inappropriately admitted unless they were hypoxemic or had significant comorbidity. Costs were figured based on data provided by our accounting department.

RESULTS

Of 192 CAP patients enrolled, 131 were admitted and 61 were treated as outpatients. Ten patients died, none of whom was in classes I or II. The costs of the apparently unnecessary hospital stays of the 34 patients in these classes was 6,979,756 pesetas. The estimated savings that would have derived from treating these patients out-of-hospital was 6,133,292 pesetas (36,862 euros; 322,804 pesetas/month).

CONCLUSIONS

a) The predictive model used has been found useful for identifying patients at very low risk of dying from CAP; b) Using this model can improve CAP admission criteria, and c) Application of the model can lead to savings.

p27KIP1 is abnormally expressed in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas and is associated with an adverse clinical outcome

Cell cycle progression is regulated by the combined action of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and CDK-inhibitors (CDKi), which are negative cell cycle regulators. p27KIP1 is a CDKi key in cell cycle regulation, whose degradation is required for G1/S transition. In spite of the absence of p27KIP1 expression in proliferating lymphocytes, some aggressive B-cell lymphomas have been reported to show an anomalous p27KIP1 staining. We analysed p27KIP1 expression in a series of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), correlating it with the proliferative index and clinical outcome, to characterize the implications of this anomalous staining in lymphomagenesis in greater depth. For the above mentioned purposes, an immunohistochemical technique in paraffin-embedded tissues was employed, using commercially available antibodies, in a series of 133 patients with known clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed in order to ascertain which clinical and molecular variables may influence outcome, in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The relationships between p27KIP1 and MIB-1 (Ki-67) were also tested. An abnormally high expression of p27KIP1 was found in lymphomas of this type. The overall correlation between p27KIP1 and MIB-1 showed there to be no significant relationship between these two parameters, this differing from observations in reactive lymphoid and other tissues. Analysis of the clinical relevance of these findings showed that a high level of p27KIP1 expression in this type of tumour is an adverse prognostic marker, in both univariate and multivariate analysis. These results show that there is abnormal p27KIP1 expression in DLBCL, with adverse clinical significance, suggesting that this anomalous p27KIP1 protein may be rendered non-functional through interaction with other cell cycle regulator proteins.

Simultaneous involvement of the jejunum and the colon by type-1 neurofibromatosis

Type-1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1) or Von Recklinghausen disease is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition that may affect the gastrointestinal tract in 25% of cases and which takes three main forms: ganglioneuromatosis, stromal tumors, and tumors in the duodenum and periampullar region. Not infrequently, these patients present with gastrointestinal bleeding. We present the case of a 48-year-old patient diagnosed as having NF-1, with relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, in which we discovered the simultaneous presence of a stromal tumor in the jejunum together with polypoid and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis in the colon.

Loss of p16/INK4A protein expression in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is a frequent finding associated with tumor progression

The CDKN2A gene located on chromosome region 9p21 encodes the cyclin-dependent kinase-4 inhibitor p16/INK4A, a negative cell cycle regulator. We analyzed p16/INK4A expression in different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to determine whether the absence of this protein is involved in lymphomagenesis, while also trying to characterize the genetic events underlying this p16/INK4A loss. To this end, we investigated the levels of p16/INK4A protein using immunohistochemical techniques in 153 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, using as reference the levels found in reactive lymphoid tissue. The existence of gene mutation, CpG island methylation, and allelic loss were investigated in a subset of 26 cases, using single-strand conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing, Southern Blot, polymerase chain reaction, and microsatellite analysis, respectively. Loss of p16/INK4A expression was detected in 41 of the 112 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas studied (37%), all of which corresponded to high-grade tumors. This loss of p16/INK4A was found more frequently in cases showing tumor progression from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue low-grade lymphomas (31 of 37) or follicular lymphomas (4 of 4) into diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Analysis of the status of the p16/INK4A gene showed different genetic alterations (methylation of the 5'-CpG island of the p16/INK4A gene, 6 of 23 cases; allelic loss at 9p21, 3 of 16 cases; and nonsense mutation, 1 of 26 cases). In all cases, these events were associated with loss of the p16/INK4A protein. No case that preserved protein expression contained any genetic change. Our results demonstrate that p16/INK4A loss of expression contributes to tumor progression in lymphomas. The most frequent genetic alterations found were 5'-CpG island methylation and allelic loss.

p53 expression in CMV-infected cells: association with the alternative expression of the p53 transactivated genes p21/WAF1 and MDM2

The p53 tumour suppressor gene is a cell cycle regulator, able to induce cell cycle arrest to allow DNA repair or apoptosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying p53 action imply transactivation of p53 dependent genes such as WAF1 (for wild type p53 associated fragment 1) and the murine double minute (MDM2) gene. In some cases, inactivation of the p53 gene results from p53 gene mutations leading to p53 protein accumulation, but in others it may results from mechanisms other than mutation, such as interaction with viral or cellular proteins. The expression of p53 protein and p53 transactivated gene proteins p21/WAF1 and MDM2, combined with in situ detection of apoptosis, was studied in specimens of CMV-infected patients as an in vivo model of p53 alteration not due to point mutation. p53 positivity was found in CMV + cells in different tissues, in cells with typical inclusion bodies, and in in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry CMV + cells without inclusions (hidden infection). Although this p53 reactivity was accompanied by the expression of MDM2 and p21/WAF1 proteins, the patterns of MDM2 and p21/WAF1 protein expression were mutually exclusive, and were associated with the presence or absence of inclusion bodies. Nuclei bearing inclusion bodies were usually MDM2+, p21/ WAF1-, while hidden infected cells were usually MDM2-, p21/WAF1+. Apoptosis was not detected in any tissue section from CMV-infected patients. Two alternative patterns were found in CMV-infected tissues: p53+, p21/WAF1+, MDM2-, or p53+, p21/WAF1-. MDM2+ protein expression. These may represent examples of p53 dependent alternative effects in the course of CMV infection. Early stages are represented by CMV + cells without inclusion bodies, which display p53 and p21/ WAF1 expression, suggesting that p53 could be acting as a growth suppressor protein. Late CMV infection is represented by cells harbouring inclusion bodies. These cells showed a p53+, p21/WAF1-, MDM2+ profile, consistent with MDM2 mediated p53 inactivation. The absence of p21/WAF1 expression and lack of apoptosis suggest that the p53 protein expressed by MDM2+ cells could be functionally inactivated in CMV-infected cells with inclusion bodies. Previous studies have suggested that p53 inactivation by MDM2 over-expression occurs in sarcomas and lymphomas. Our observations seem to indicate that this mechanism of MDM2 mediated p53 inactivation may play a role in the late phase of CMV infection.

Anomalous retinoblastoma protein expression in Sternberg-Reed cells in Hodgkin's disease: a comparative study with p53 and Ki67 expression

Retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour-suppressor protein plays a critical role in cell cycle control. Rb inactivation is a frequent phenomenon in tumours of different cell lineages, in which the absence of Rb protein has been considered to be a marker of Rb disregulation. We used modern immunohistochemical techniques to study the expression of Rb protein in a large series of 130 patients with Hodgkin's disease. Simultaneously, Western blot was used to analyse a more restricted group (12 patients) to confirm the immunohistochemical results and to clarify the phosphorylation status of Rb protein. As the level of Rb expression varied according to cell cycle stage, we also performed immunostaining for Ki67, a protein present in proliferating cells. To make comparison possible, we first characterised the amount and phosphorylation status of Rb protein in reactive lymphoid tissue and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes. The presence of p53 in Sternberg-Reed cells was also included in the study, as both proteins (p53 and Rb) have been found to be closely associated in cell cycle control. PHA-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a parallel increase in Rb and cell cycle progression, together with progressive Rb phosphorylation. In reactive lymphoid tissue there was also a clear correlation between Rb expression and the Ki67 proliferation index (R = 0.96, P = 0.038). When analysing Hodgkin's disease samples, a clear difference emerges between cases of nodular lymphocyte predominance, which preserve the relationship between Rb and Ki67 expression (r = 0.8727, P = 0.000), and classical forms of Hodgkin's disease (nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity), which display a strong deviation from this pattern. Two main anomalies were found: (1) One group of 21/130 cases with partial or total loss of Rb protein expression, which could reflect the existence of genetic alterations, or an altered transcriptional or translational regulation of Rb gene. (2) Another group with an abnormally high Rb/Ki67 ratio, which could support conflicting interpretations: (i) excess Rb protein for controlling cell cycle progression; or (ii) adhesion of Rb protein to other cellular or viral proteins, such as p53 and MDM2. The results of this study indicate an anomalous pattern of expression of Rb in classical forms of Hodgkin's disease, and suggest the possibility of undertaking functional studies (E1A adhesion, p16 expression) with the aim of better characterising the status of Rb protein, and correlating these findings with clinical course in Hodgkin's disease patients.

MDM2 and p21WAF1/CIP1, wild-type p53-induced proteins, are regularly expressed by Sternberg-Reed cells in Hodgkin's disease

Mutations in the p53 tumour suppressor gene are the most common genetic alteration found in human cancers. Most of them are accompanied by stabilization of the protein, which renders it detectable through immunohistochemical techniques. Although p53 expression is a very common finding in Hodgkin's disease (HD), the status of the p53 gene is scarcely known, due to the difficulty in sequencing this gene in a lesion in which tumour cells are thought to constitute a very minor subpopulation, diluted in a background of supposedly benign cells. The pattern of expression of two downstream p53 proteins (MDM2 and p21 WAF1/CIP1, was studied as an indirect way of assessing p53 gene status. MDM2 is a wild-p53 inducible protein which may form a complex with p53, abrogating its function, as has been found in human sarcomas and other malignancies. p21WAF1/CIP1 is another protein inducible by wild-type p53, involved in inhibiting cell-cycle progression, through binding to cyclin/cyclin-dependent-kinase complexes. MDM2 and p21WAF1/CIP1 immunostaining was detected in all the cases analysed, independently of histological type, and were mainly present in Sternberg-Reed and Hodgkin (H & SR) cells. These immunohistochemical results were confirmed by Western blotting. To study the cause of MDM2 protein accumulation, MDM2 mRNA expression was also investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results show the presence of MDM2 transcripts in all cases of HD, albeit at lower levels than those found in reactive lymphoid tissue. These results seem to support the hypothesis that p53 is transcriptionally active in at least some of the H & SR cells in HD, and is able to induce MDM2 and p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression.

[A clinical and biological study of 33 cases of polycythemia vera]

The clinical, analytical, evolutive and therapeutic aspects of 33 cases of polycythemia vera which were diagnosed according to the Polycythemia Vera Study Group criteria, are described. Mean age was 65 years with a slight predominance of females (54.5%). Hemorrhagic manifestations were the most frequent (67%) with a great number of patients with digestive manifestations consisting of GI hemorrhage, abdominal pain, portal or suprahepatic veins thrombosis. Splenomegaly was the most frequently found sign upon examination (73%). The mean hemoglobin leukocyte, and platelet levels were 18 g/dl, 16,000 mm3 and 738,000 mm3 respectively. It is note worthy the value of the erythropoietin for the differential diagnosis of secondary erythrocytosis as well as the value of the bone marrow histologic study which should be included in the diagnostic criteria of the disease. The evolution of the process is favorably altered by bleedings and chemotherapeutic cytoreduction which are often performed simultaneously.

[A clinical and biological study of 11 cases of essential thrombocythemia]

11 patients diagnosed as suffering from essential thrombocytosis at "Hospital Xeral de Lugo" between 1978 and 1986, are presented. 7 patients were female and 4 were male with a median age of 63 years. 6 patients had thrombotic manifestation, 6 had hemorrhagic symptoms, 2 had both manifestations and only one had no thrombo-hemorrhagic clinical symptoms. Spleen enlargement was found in 6 cases and liver enlargement in 5. The median count of platelets were 1.585.000 ml; there was no relationship between the amount and their function with the major or minor complications incidence. There was a good response to treatment with hydroxyurea and/or busulfan associated to platelets aggregation inhibitor in some cases. 4 patients died, all of them due to thrombotic complications.

Exocrine pancreas in rabbits fed a copper-deficient diet: structural and functional studies

The effects of a copper-deficient diet supplemented with D-penicillamine on both the structure and exocrine function of the pancreas were studied in rabbits. The pancreases of the animals kept on this diet for 13 weeks showed lesions in the acinar tissue but not in ductal or islet tissue. The weights of the glands were markedly reduced. Copper deficiency caused a slight (non-significant) reduction in the flow of pancreatic juice and in sodium output and significantly decreased chloride output (p less than 0.01). No changes were observed in bicarbonate and potassium output. Total protein and amylase secretions were maintained at clearly detectable levels in pancreatic juice, although they decreased significantly (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.001, respectively), in the copper-deficient animals compared with the controls. The pancreases of the animals kept on a copper-deficient diet were seen to maintain their capacity for response to secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and bethanechol. Our results show that rabbit pancreatic acinar tissue is less sensitive to copper deficiency than that of other species studied. Additionally, the data on secretion of water and electrolytes suggest that in the rabbit the acinar cells may contribute to the secretory process with a chloride-rich fluid.

Avascular necrosis of the capitate demonstrated on a 0.064 T magnet

We report the first case of avascular necrosis of a carpal bone to be imaged on a 0.064 Tesla magnet, one of the lowest field strength magnetic resonance imaging systems currently available.

[Urinary tract infections in primary care: predominant microbes and their antibiotic sensitivity]

We have prospectively evaluated 227 episodes of community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) from October 1st to December, 15th, 1987. The urine samples, adequately collected, were processed in the Bacteriology Laboratory of the Albacete General Hospital. E. coli was the most commonly isolated organism (62%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (6.6%), Streptococcus faecalis (6.6%), Serratia marcescens (6.6%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.2%). As regards the sensitivity of E. coli to the most commonly used antibiotics, there was a 56% resistance to ampicillin, 37% to cotrimoxazole, 40% to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, and 46% to cephalothin. These are in contrast with the small number of resistance, at least in vitro, to urinary chemotherapeuticals and phosphomycin. We emphasize the importance of the knowledge of the organisms more commonly involved in UTI and their updated sensitivity to antimicrobials for the best management of these infections.