Detection of human papillomavirus in routinely processed biopsy specimens from laryngeal papillomas: evaluation of reproducibility of polymerase chain reaction and DNA in situ hybridization procedures.

The frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) in laryngeal papillomas varies largely among different studies. DNA in situ hybridization (ISH) has been the most widely used method for detection of HPV. The aim of this study was to compare the reproducibility and sensitivity of ISH with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 35 specimens of laryngeal papillomas routinely fixed in buffered or unbuffered formalin. Out of 12 specimens fixed in buffered formalin, 10 were positive for HPV 6/11 using ISH. The procedure was repeated three times and three specimens were positive only twice. Nine biopsies were positive for HPV using PCR with consensus primers (My 09/11) on dewaxed tissue without extracting DNA. In three repeated PCRs, the results were inconsistent in three samples. After DNA extraction, all 12 samples were positive with PCR. Of the 23 specimens fixed in unbuffered formalin, 14 were HPV-positive with ISH, while only one was positive with PCR. We concluded that PCR with My 09/11 consensus primers is a highly sensitive method for detection of HPV in laryngeal papillomas fixed in buffered formalin, but useless for samples fixed in unbuffered formalin. When DNA was extracted from the former type of fixed tissue, the results were highly reproducible. In contrast to PCR, ISH appeared to be less influenced by fixation procedure, but it was not as reproducible and sensitive as PCR. Negative results did not necessarily mean absence of HPV.

Recombinant lys-plasminogen, but not glu-plasminogen, improves recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator-induced coronary thrombolysis in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the modification of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA)-induced thrombolysis by recombinant lys-plasminogen. BACKGROUND: Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator restores flow in the thrombosed coronary artery, but the artery often reoccludes. The rt-PA-induced thrombolysis is a result of activation of plasminogen bound to fibrin in the thrombus and results in generation of the fibrinolytic enzyme plasmin. Small amounts of lys-plasminogen are formed when rt-PA is used. Lys-plasminogen binds to fibrin with a 10-fold greater affinity than the predominant native glu-plasminogen, leading to a loose fibrin structure. METHODS: Dogs with electrically induced occlusive intracoronary thrombus were treated with saline solution (n = 9), glu-plasminogen (2 mg/kg body weight, n = 5) or lys-plasminogen (2 mg/kg, n = 5), followed by infusion of rt-PA (1 mg/kg over 20 min) 10 min later. RESULTS: Reperfusion rates were similar in all groups of dogs, but the time to reflow was lowest in dogs given lys-plasminogen compared with those given saline solution or glu-plasminogen before rt-PA (mean [+/- SE] 14 +/- 2 vs. 22 +/- 2 and 23 +/- 3 min, respectively, p < 0.05). None of the reperfused coronary arteries reoccluded in the lys-plasminogen plus rt-PA group, whereas 75% reoccluded in dogs given saline solution plus rt-PA, and 50% reoccluded in those given glu-plasminogen plus rt-PA. Accordingly, duration of reflow was greater in the lys-plasminogen plus rt-PA group (> 120 vs. 39 +/- 7 and 82 +/- 21 min, respectively, p < 0.05). Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity decreased during rt-PA infusion and thereafter increased in all dogs, but less so in dogs given lys-plasminogen (p < 0.05 vs. those given saline solution before rt-PA). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with recombinant lys-plasminogen before rt-PA reduces time to reflow and sustains reflow after thrombolysis, whereas glu-plasminogen has no such effect.

Hormones, electrolytes, and cerebrospinal fluid proteins in manic-melancholic patients.

The concentrations of insulin and thyroid hormones, tryptophan, electrolytes, urea, plasma proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, and glucose in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in manic-melancholic patients were studied. As control groups served patients suffering from other psychiatric disorders as well as neurological and orthopedic patients. Apart from the blood values of thyroid hormones, the results showed no differences between the various diagnostic groups, neither in the abnormal states nor when recovered. For blood thyroxine and free thyroxine index, a statistically significant differences was seen in unipolar (melancholic) patients, namely a decrease concomitant with the clinical improvement. A tendency in the opposite direction of the thyroxine values was found in bipolar (melancholic) patients. In the manic group a marked decrease in the thyroxine values was obtained in the lithium-treated patients.

Cyclic AMP levels in cerebrospinal fluid in manic-melancholic patients.

The concentrations of adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in manic-melancholic patients were studied. As control groups served patients suffering from other psychiatric disorders as well as neruological and orthopedic patients. The results showed no difference between the various diagnostic groups, including melancholic versus manic patients, unipolar versus bipolar types. The severity of the affective states measured by rating scales showed no correlation to cyclic AMP levels in CSF. The cyclic AMP levels were apparently not influenced by electroconvulsive therapy or treatment with lithium, neuroleptica, or tricyclic antidepressants.