ABSTRACT
Galectin-3 has been implicated in tumor progression. We demonstrated immunohistochemically that galectin-3 was negative in normal breast tissue, but it was highly increased in breast cancer and in metastatic tissues to brain. Similarly, histochemistry with mucin-specific lectins showed increased recognition in breast tumor and metastasis with Machaerocereus eruca agglutinin (Fualpha 1,2 (GalNAcalpha 1,3) Galss1,4 in complex mucin) but not for Amaranthus leucocarpus (Galss1,3-GalNAc-alpha 1,0-Ser/Thr) and Arachis hypogaea lectins (Galss1,3GalNAc/Galss1,4GlcNAc). Mucin-type glycans and galectin-3 colocalized in breast cancer and metastasis, but not in normal tissue, suggesting upregulated biosynthesis of complex O-glycosidically linked glycans and galectin-3 favor breast cancer progression and brain metastasis.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/chemistry , Breast Neoplasms/chemistry , Galectin 3/analysis , Mucins/analysis , Arachis , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Brain Neoplasms/secondary , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Glycoproteins , Glycosylation , Histocytochemistry/methods , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Mucins/metabolism , Neuraminidase/metabolism , Plant Lectins , Specimen Handling/methods , Trypsin/metabolism , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
A rapid assay for detection of yeast species in vacuum packed ham has been developed based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled to a 24 h pre-enrichment at 25 °C. DNA was isolated from yeast inoculated ham samples and amplified using primers specific for the 18S rRNA gene sequences of yeasts. A detection limit of 10(2) CFU/cm(2) was achieved following enrichment of samples experimentally inoculated with three yeast species frequently associated with meat products spoilage: Debaryomyces hansenii, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. Likewise, commercial sliced and vacuum packed ham samples were analysed using the PCR-culture technique. The results obtained in this work show that PCR amplification of a conserved region of the 18S rRNA gene in the yeast species could be potentially used as a rapid tool for detection of low levels of viable spoilage yeasts in meat products.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Obsessive compulsive disorder is a common disorder, but research on its clinical features is scarce. The goal of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and demographic features of a large sample of patients with Obsessive compulsive disorder. METHOD: The characteristics of 104 patients who sought psychiatric treatment and who were diagnosed as having Obsessive compulsive disorder were assessed by means of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of onset was 20 years and the mean time before soliciting treatment was 4 years. Most of the patients reported an insidious onset and related the onset to an stressful event. The most frequent obsessions were doubt, aggressiveness and contamination. Checking, need to ask and mental rituals were the most frequent compulsions. Cleaning and repetition compulsions were most frequent in women. DISCUSSION: Our results regarding age at onset of illness, way of onset or prevalence of certain obsessions and compulsions are similar to previous research. No agreement was obtained with previous research regarding the link between stress and illness onset, the course of the disorder or the time before treatment was sought. The differences with respect to previous studies could be accounted for the use of different instruments or criteria. The need for the development of instruments allowing to shed light on these discrepancies is stressed.
