Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) mRNA as a diagnostic marker in ovarian tumors: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) mRNA in ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR (q-RT-PCR), FoxP3 mRNA level was measured in fresh frozen ovarian tumors and its diagnostic performance was compared to those of preoperative serum CA 125 and risk of malignancy index (RMI). RESULTS: FoxP3 mRNA was differentially expressed in the malignant (n = 25) and benign (n = 25) groups, yet without statistically significant differences; positivity rate: 15/25 vs. 10/25; p = 0.157, median: 0.429 vs. 0.046; p = 0.684, and mean ± SD: 73.75 ± 234.68 vs. 247.09 ± 792.17; p = 0.30 1. Although it showed much less diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.534), FoxP3 mRNA enhanced the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of both CA125 and RMI (96% and 100%, for both). CONCLUSION: FoxP3 mRNA may not be good diagnostic marker in ovarian tumors; however it may prove valuable in defining underlying tumor molecular signature.

SDS-PAGE-separated tissue proteins of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails in the presence and absence of Schistosoma mansoni.

SDS-PAGE was used to separate tissue proteins of control and trematode-infected Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. The separated profiles demonstrate the occasional appearance of protein fractions and the remarkable increase of concentration of certain molecular masses in infected snails at one week interval over four weeks post exposure to Schistosoma mansoni. Proteins of molecular masses of 44, 56, 65 and 144 KDa were among these occasionally appeared protein masses. Post exposure to S. mansoni larval infection, a protein mass of 36 KDa was predominant giving a markedely higher absorbance (> 1) compared to control (0.0166). This was identified as lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Moreover, a protein of 56 KDa mass was identified as Pyruvate kinase. The predicted induction of these two enzymes could be either of host and/or parasitic origin. This study revealed that S. mansoni- B. alexandrina complex has a completely different protein pattern compared to control with very low similarity coefficient "S" value. A correlation between the snail tissue protein or separation patterns and the metabolic redirection of the snail host by the developing sporocyst was discussed.

Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica from cases of acute appendicitis and ice-cream.

Seventy (70) appendiceal specimens and 80 ice-cream samples were analysed to detect Yersinia enterocolitica using three different media. Both Y. enterocolitica and Citrobacter freundii were recovered in appendiceal specimens (17.1% and 8.6%) and ice-cream (26.25% and 18.75%) respectively. Thioglycollate medium was more selective and productive in isolating Yersinia. Y. enterocolitica was the major causative agent of acute appendicitis (11/25, 44%). It was sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole.

Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica from cases of acute appendicitis and ice-cream

Seventy [70] appendiceal specimens and 80 ice-cream samples were analysed to detect Yersinia enterocolitica using three different media. Both Y. enterocolitica and Citrobacter freundii were recovered in appendiceal specimens [17.1% and 8.6%] and ice-cream [26.25% and 18.75%] respectively. Thioglycollate medium was more selective and productive in isolating Yersinia. Y. enterocolitica was the major causative agent of acute appendicitis [11/25, 44%]. It was sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole

Immunotherapy with bacille Calmette-Guérin in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with bilharziasis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness and possible side-effects that may result from intravesical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for superficial bladder cancer associated with bilharziasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intravesical instillation of the Pasteur strain of BCG was carried out in 13 patients after transurethral resection of superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) associated with bilharziasis. The recurrence rate in these patients was compared retrospectively with that of 17 patients with superficial TCC associated with bilharziasis in whom a recurrence had occurred previously and who had not received immunotherapy. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the recurrence of tumours after intravesical BCG therapy. The tumour-free period after BCG treatment was 15.7 months compared with 6.7 months in the control group. CONCLUSION: The presence of bilharziasis does not appear to influence the effectiveness of immunotherapy with BCG for superficial bladder cancer.

Cognitive group therapy for wives of alcoholics--a pilot study.

This paper reports on the results of group therapy for the wives of alcoholics where the alcoholics themselves were offered no treatment. The reason for running such a group is based on the idea that wives might seek help before their husbands, might attend sessions regularly and by acquiring better knowledge of alcoholism and improving their use of coping strategies might favourably influence their husbands' behaviour. At 6-month follow-up it was evident that coping styles were learned quickly; the sessions also provided support and friendship. Attendance at the group induced change, though not always positive in all marriages. Suggestions for future work are discussed.