Pixelated spatial gene expression analysis from tissue.

Here, we present a technique that performs on-chip picoliter real-time reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) reactions on a histological tissue section without any analyte purification while preserving the native spatial location of the nucleic acid molecules. We demonstrate this method by amplifying TOP2A messenger RNA (mRNA) in a prostate cancer xenograft with 100 µm spatial resolution and by visualizing the variation in threshold time of amplification across the tissue. The on-chip reaction was validated by mRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) from cells in the tissue section. The entire process, from tissue loading on microchip to results from RT-LAMP can be carried out in less than 2 h. We anticipate that this technique, with its ease of use, fast turnaround, and quantitative molecular outputs, would become an invaluable tissue analysis tool for researchers and clinicians in the biomedical arena.

Responsivity to PGE2 labor induction involves concomitant differential prostaglandin E receptor gene expression in cervix and myometrium.

Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is largely used for labor induction. However, one-third of patients do not respond to treatment. One cause of this poor response may be associated with changes in regulation of prostaglandin E receptors (EP1-4). In this study, we investigated EP mRNA expression in the uterine cervix and lower uterine segment myometrium for term births. Biopsies were obtained from women with successful (responders) and failed (non-responders) dinoprostone labor induction, while women that underwent spontaneous labor were included as controls. EP1 mRNA was upregulated in the cervical tissue of women who did not respond to dinoprostone induction. In addition, in the myometrium, significantly higher levels of EP3 mRNA were observed in women treated with dinoprostone, independent of their responsiveness. Dinoprostone-responders presented 3.6-fold higher levels of EP3 mRNA expression than the spontaneous labor group. Significantly higher levels of EP3 mRNA in the myometrium of the dinoprostone-treated group indicated that dinoprostone may regulate the EP3 gene on the transcriptional level. These results highlight the relationship between EP gene expression and delivery and indicate that understanding the regulation of prostaglandin E receptors may lead to improved labor induction.

Estrogen plus progestin increase superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the behavior of blood antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase), plasma total antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage (lipid oxidation and protein carbonyl levels) and their relationship with the serum levels of steroid hormones in premenopausal and postmenopausal women without and with estrogen alone (ET) or estrogen plus progestin therapy (EPT). METHODS: Blood was collected from four groups of subjects: premenopausal women (n = 24), postmenopausal women without hormone therapy (n = 31), postmenopausal women with ET (n = 12) and postmenopausal women with EPT (n = 16). RESULTS: The activities of the different SOD isoforms (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) and the plasma total antioxidant power were significantly higher in the postmenopausal women under EPT than in the postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Only CuZnSOD activity was increased in women receiving ET compared to the postmenopausal women without HRT. However, no differences were observed in the levels of lipid or protein oxidation or in the non-enzymatic plasma antioxidants (uric acid and albumin) among the groups. The duration of HRT and serum estrogen levels were positively correlated to the blood CuZnSOD activity and to plasma total antioxidant power, whereas the serum progesterone levels were positively correlated to CuZnSOD activity and negatively correlated to protein carbonyl groups. Interestingly, the total antioxidant power of plasma was positively correlated to CuZnSOD and glutathione peroxidase activities. CONCLUSION: We conclude that EPT increases blood MnSOD and CuZnSOD activity in postmenopausal women, leading to an increased plasma total antioxidant capacity. This finding may be relevant to the prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders in postmenopausal women.

Maternal serum progesterone, estradiol and estriol levels in successful dinoprostone-induced labor.

Hormone-mediated quiescence involves the maintenance of a decreased inflammatory responsiveness. However, no study has investigated whether labor induction with prostanoids is associated with changes in the levels of maternal serum hormones. The objective of this study was to determine whether labor induction with dinoprostone is associated with changes in maternal serum progesterone, estradiol, and estriol levels. Blood samples were obtained from 81 pregnant women at term. Sixteen patients had vaginal birth after spontaneous labor, 12 required cesarean section after spontaneous labor and 16 underwent elective cesarean. Thirty-seven patients had labor induction with dinoprostone. Eligible patients received a vaginal insert of dinoprostone (10 mg) and were followed until delivery. Serum progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) levels and changes in P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios were monitored from admission to immediately before birth, and the association of these measures with the resulting clinical classification outcome (route of delivery and induction responsiveness) was assessed. Progesterone levels decreased from admission to birth in patients who underwent successful labor induction with dinoprostone [vaginal and cesarean birth after induced labor: 23% (P < 0.001) and 18% (P < 0.025) decrease, respectively], but not in those whose induction failed (6.4% decrease, P > 0.05). Estriol and estradiol levels, P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios did not differ between groups. Successful dinoprostone-induced labor was associated with reduced maternal progesterone levels from induction to birth. While a causal relationship between progesterone decrease and effective dinoprostone-induced labor cannot be established, it is tempting to propose that dinoprostone may contribute to progesterone withdrawal and favor labor induction in humans.

Maternal serum progesterone, estradiol and estriol levels in successful dinoprostone-induced labor

Hormone-mediated quiescence involves the maintenance of a decreased inflammatory responsiveness. However, no study has investigated whether labor induction with prostanoids is associated with changes in the levels of maternal serum hormones. The objective of this study was to determine whether labor induction with dinoprostone is associated with changes in maternal serum progesterone, estradiol, and estriol levels. Blood samples were obtained from 81 pregnant women at term. Sixteen patients had vaginal birth after spontaneous labor, 12 required cesarean section after spontaneous labor and 16 underwent elective cesarean. Thirty-seven patients had labor induction with dinoprostone. Eligible patients received a vaginal insert of dinoprostone (10 mg) and were followed until delivery. Serum progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) levels and changes in P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios were monitored from admission to immediately before birth, and the association of these measures with the resulting clinical classification outcome (route of delivery and induction responsiveness) was assessed. Progesterone levels decreased from admission to birth in patients who underwent successful labor induction with dinoprostone [vaginal and cesarean birth after induced labor: 23% (P < 0.001) and 18% (P < 0.025) decrease, respectively], but not in those whose induction failed (6.4% decrease, P > 0.05). Estriol and estradiol levels, P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios did not differ between groups. Successful dinoprostone-induced labor was associated with reduced maternal progesterone levels from induction to birth. While a causal relationship between progesterone decrease and effective dinoprostone-induced labor cannot be established, it is tempting to propose that dinoprostone may contribute to progesterone withdrawal and favor labor induction in humans.

[The videolaryngostroboscopy of larynx and the acoustic analysis in diagnosis of organic disorders of children voice in experience of Phoniatric Clinic IPCZD]. / Ocena wideolaryngostroboskopowa krtani i analiza akustyczna glosu w diagnostyce organicznych zaburzen glosu na podstawie doswiadczen Poradni Foniatrii IPCZD.

We present our experience in using videolaryngostroboscopy in diagnostics of organic disorders of voice and advantages of this method of examination for diagnostics of children voice. There are also presented some cases of children who suffered from different disorders of voice. We used videolaryngostroboscopy and acoustic analysis in their diagnostics and these methods help us to make a diagnosis, choose the best method of treatment and estimate the results of therapy.

Dados clínicos mundiais sobre a eficácia e a segurança da ciprofloxacina / World wide clinical data on efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin

Em ensaios clínicos 8.861 pacientes foram tratados com ciprofloxacina a nível mundial. Dos tratamentos realizados,03.822 foram válidos para análise da eficácia, de acordo cocm os padröes do FDA. Em geral foram administradas as seguintes doses: infecçöes do trato urinário: 100 a 50 mg duas vezes por dia, por via oral ou 100 mg duas vezes por dia, por via intravenosa; infecçöes do trato respiratório: 250 a 1.000 mg, duas vezes ao dia, por via oral ou 200 mg duas vezes por dia, por via intravenosa; septicemia: 200 mg duas vezes por dia, por via intravenosa; gonorréia: 250 a 500 mg, por via oral, em dose única; todas as outras infecçöes: 500 a 1000 mg duas vezes por dia, por via oral ou 200 mg, duas vezes por dia, por via intravenosa. A ciprofloxacina foi administrada em 762 tratamentos de infecçöes respiratórias baixas, 88 infecçöes respiratórias altas, 108 bacteremias, 766 infecçöes de pele e anexos, 142 infecçöes dos ossos e articulaçöes, 149 infecçöes intra-abdominais, 33 infecçöes gastrintestinais, 1.633 infecçöes do trato urinário, 49 infecçöes pélvicas, 279 doenças transmitidas sexualmente, principalmente gonorréia, e em três meningites. A resposta clínica foi cura em 76%, melhora em 18% e falha em apenas 6%. A resposta bacteriológica em relaçäo a todos os locais avaliáveis foi: patógenos erradicados em 74%, acentuadamente reduzidos em 2% e persistentes em 10%. Ocorrem recidivas em 4% e reinfecçöes em outros 6%. A resposta global foi favorável em 90% dos pacientes. A segurança da droga foi estabelecida com base nos dados de 8.861 tratamentos a nível mundial. De acordo com a terminologia de COSTART, foram observadas as seguintes reaçöes adversas: digestivas 5%, metabólico-nutricionais 4,6% sistema nervoso central 1,6%, pele 1,4%, hematológicas e linfáticas 1%, cardiovasculares 0,4%, urogenitais 0,3%, órgäos dos sentidos 0,3%, músculo-esqueléticas 0,1%, respiratórias 0,08%...

Worldwide clinical data on efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin.

During the clinical trials 8,861 patients have been treated with ciprofloxacin worldwide. 3,822 of the therapeutic courses were valid for analysis of efficacy according to FDA standards. The following dosages were usually administered: UTI: 100 to 500 mg twice daily orally or 100 mg twice daily intravenously; RTI: 250 to 1000 mg twice daily orally or 200 mg twice daily intravenously; septicemia: 200 mg intravenously twice daily; gonorrhea: 250 to 500 mg single tablet orally; all other infections: 500 to 1000 mg twice daily orally or 200 mg twice daily intravenously. Ciprofloxacin was administered to 762 courses of lower RTI, 88 courses of upper RTI, 108 courses of bacteremia, 766 courses of skin structure infection, 142 courses of bone and joint infections, 149 courses of intra-abdominal infections, 33 courses of gastrointestinal infections, 1,633 courses of UTI, 49 courses of pelvic infections, 279 courses of STD, mainly gonorrhea, and three courses of meningitis. The clinical response was resolution in 76%, improvement in 18% and failure in only 6%. Bacteriologic response by all sites evaluable: pathogens were eradicated from 74%, markedly reduced in 2%, persisted in 10%. Relapse occurred in 4% and reinfection was observed in another 6%. The overall response was favourable for 90% of the patients. Drug safety was established on a data base of 8,861 courses worldwide. The following side-effects according to COSTART terminology were observed: digestive 5%, metabolic nutritional 4.6%, central nervous 1.6%, skin 1.4%, hemic and lymphatic 1%, cardiovascular 0.4%, body as a whole 0.4%, urogenital 0.3%, special senses 0.3%, musculo-skeletal 0.1%, respiratory 0.08%. Several courses had more than one reaction. Thus the total incidence of side-effects for the treated patient population was 10.2%. Ciprofloxacin is a highly effective drug and a breakthrough in several areas of medical interest. It is relatively safe and side-effects are usually mild or moderate in intensity and transient.

[Evaluation of the clinical activity of azlocillin. A multicenter study conducted in 14 centers]. / Evaluation de l'activité clinique de l'azlocilline. Etude multicentrique réalisée dans quatorze centres.

Azlocillin, an acylureidopenicillin particularly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was used to treat 124 patients, 36 of whom were children, presenting with pulmonary infections (including cystic fibrosis), urinary, genital, intra-abdominal, osteoarticular and skin infections as well as septicaemia, otitis and meningitis. The causative agent in all cases was Ps. aeruginosa either alone or associated with other pathogens. Azlocillin was administered alone in 75% of the cases and in combination with an aminoglycoside in 25%. Dosage was 240 mg/kg/24 h in three intravenous infusions in adults and in children older than 3 months, and 75 to 225 mg/kg/24 h in two intravenous injections in neonates and prematures. The duration of treatment varied according to the site of infection, with a mean of 10 days. One-hundred and eight pathogenic organisms were isolated, including 114 strains of Pseudomonas, 43 of which were carbenicillin-resistant. A satisfactory clinical response was observed in 86.5% of the infections. The bacteriological response was similar to the clinical response, with 76.6% cures, 10% improvements and 13.5% failures. Microbiologically, 77.5% of the germs were eradicated, 7.5% reappeared and 15% persisted. Azlocillin was well tolerated systemically and biochemically and had no detrimental effect on renal function.

[Clinical experience of mezlocillin in France (author's transl)]. / Expérience clinique de la mezlocilline chez l'adulte. Etudes réalisées en France.

The acylureidopenicillin mezlocillin -- the first penicillin with activity against both ampicillin -- and carbenicillin-resistant micro-organisms--has been clinically tested on a world-wide scale on more than 4000 patients. The present study summarizes the results of clinical trials conducted in France on 580 patients, most of whom had urinary tract or respiratory tract infection, as well as septicaemia, meningitis and various post-operative infections. The daily dosage ranged from 100 to 250 mg/kg (6 to 15 g) divided into three 8-hourly intravenous bolus injections or infusions, or 2 to 3 g doses administered intramuscularly. Eighty-two p. cent of the organisms isolated were completely eradicated, and the incidence of relapses was only 5 %. Therapeutic results were satisfactory in about 90 % of the cases. The best results were obtained in upper and lower UTIs, respiratory infections meningitis, biliary tract infections, peritonitis and septicaemia. Side-effects were those common to all penicillins, i.e. allergic or digestive disorders : they seldom occurred and were always reversible. This, together with the lack of renal or hepatic disturbances, should encourage the use of mezlocillin in extremely or moderately severe infections caused by sensitive organisms. The antibiotic appears to be particularly valuable in patients with impaired renal function or immunodepressed.