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[Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung. A radiologic and pathologic study].

OBJECTIVE: To study if there are characteristic radiologic features of adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the lung and correlations of histo-pathologic components with radiologic findings and prognosis. METHODS: Fifty one pathologicall confirmed ASC cases (52 foci) were reviewed. All had chest radiographs, CT scans were available in 23 cases and MRI in 6 cases. These cases were subdivided into three groups according to the amount of adenocarcinoma component on microscopic manifestations: less than 40%, 40%-60%, and more than 60%. RESULTS: (1) Radiologic findings: In three cases, the tumor was of central type and in 48 cases (94.1%) of peripheral type. The size of tumor varied from 2 to 15 cm in diameter (mean, 5.7 cm). All the peripheral tumors were lobulated. In 19 cases (39.6%) the tumors were well demarcated, but poorly defined in 18 cases (19 foci) (37.5%) and spiculated in 14 cases (29.2%). Eccentric cavities with thickened wall were seen in 8 cases (15.7%) and pleural tag in 12 cases (25%). (2) Correlations between the amount of adenocarcinoma component and radiologic features: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups with regard to tumor location, margin, and pleural tag. CONCLUSION: The radiologic findings of ASC are not specific; the most common finding is a peripheral mass. The amount of adenocarcinoma component is not significantly related with the radiologic features and prognosis.

Adult↗

Expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in plaques of human anterior subcapsular cataracts and membranes of posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA expression and immunohistochemical characteristics of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) formation as well as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) development (expression of type I collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin and tenascin) under in vivo and under in vitro conditions in human and porcine lens epithelial cells. METHODS: CTGF mRNA expression was investigated using in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. Expression of type I collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin and tenascin was detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: CTGF mRNA was expressed in human cataractous plaques of ASC and human PCO membranes, and appeared simultanously with the expression of type I collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin and tenascin. CONCLUSION: The predominant expression of CTGF mRNA in human ASC and human PCO membranes suggests a significant role of CTGF in the pathological course of these ocular disorders.

Actins↗

Building a successful practice-owned, office-based ambulatory surgery center.

If the orthopedic practice is able to avoid the pitfalls noted above, the practice-owned, office-based ASC can be an ideal venue for retrieving services back into the orthopedic practice. These services have been outsourced to the hospitals and multispecialty ASCs for many decades. These practice-owned, office-based facilities provide significant enjoyment, convenience, efficiency, and in most cases profitability for many practices throughout the country. Few, if any, new orthopedic practice facilities are being designed today without strong consideration of a practice-owned, office-based ASC.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗

A comparative study of glutathione and ascorbate metabolism during germination of Pinus pinea L. seeds.

The ascorbate and glutathione systems have been studied during the first stages of germination in orthodox seeds of the gymnosperm Pinus pinea L. (pine). The results indicate that remarkable changes in the content and redox balance of these metabolites occur in both the embryo and endosperm; even if with different patterns for the two redox pairs. Dry seeds are devoid of the ascorbate reduced form (ASC) and contain only dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). By contrast, glutathione is present both in the reduced (GSH) and in the oxidized (GSSG) forms. During imbibition the increase in ASC seems to be mainly caused by the reactivation of its biosynthesis. On the other hand, the GSH rise occurring during the first 24 h seems to be largely due to GSSG reduction, even if GSH biosynthesis is still active in the seeds. The enzymes of the ascorbate--glutathione cycle also change during germination, but in different ways. ASC peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activities progressively rise both in the embryo and in endosperm. These changes are probably required for counteracting production of reactive oxygen species caused by recovery of oxidative metabolism. The two enzymes involved in the ascorbate recycling, ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase (EC 1.6.5.4) and DHA reductase (EC 1.8.5.1), show different behaviour: the DHA reductase activity decreases, while that of AFR reductase remains unchanged. The relationship between ascorbate and glutathione metabolism and their relevance in the germination of orthodox seeds are also discussed.

Antioxidants↗

Medicare and Medicaid programs; hospital conditions of participation: anesthesia services. Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS. Final rule.

This final rule amends the Anesthesia Services Condition of Participation (CoP) for hospitals, the Surgical Services Condition of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), and the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Conditions of Coverage Surgical Services. This final rule changes the physician supervision requirement for certified registered nurse anesthetists furnishing anesthesia services in hospitals, CAHs, and ASCs. Under this final rule, State laws will determine which professionals are permitted to administer anesthetics and the level of supervision required, recognizing a State's traditional domain in establishing professional licensure and scope-of-practice laws. States and hospitals are free to establish additional standards for professional practice and oversight as they deem necessary. The hospital anesthesia services CoP, CAH surgical services CoP, and the conforming change to the anesthesia Conditions of Coverage apply to all Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals, CAHs, and ASCs.

Anesthetics↗

[Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotype in Hunan Province and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of hepatitis B virus genotype in Hunan Provine and its clinical significance. METHODS: HBV genotype was determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 185 PCR positive patients, including 42 asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC), 38 chronic mild or moderate hepatitis (CH), 80 fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), and 25 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in Hunan Province. RESULTS: Of the 185 patients, 136 (73.5%) were genotype B, and 49 (26.5%) were genotype C. There was a statistical significance in the distribution of genotype B between FHF and ASC, and between HCC and ASC (83.7% vs. 57.1%, 76% vs. 57.1%, P < 0.01, respectively). Vertical transmission and HBeAg positivity were higher in genotype C than in genotype B (38.8% vs. 13.2%, 57.1% vs. 30.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). The ALT value was significantly higher in genotype B than in genotype C (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Genotypes B and C exist in Hunan. Genotypes B is the major genotype in this area and associated with the development of severe liver diseases. Genotype C is associated with vertical transmission.

Adolescent↗

[Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes and its clinical significance in Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the distribution of hepatitis B virus genotype in Guangxi and its clinical significance. METHODS: Nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for amplification of HBV DNA in sera of asymptomatic carrier (ASC) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and patients with different liver diseases from southern and northern Guangxi. Specimens from 161 subjects were positive for HBV DNA and HBV genotype was determined by using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, direct sequencing or cloning sequencing. RESULTS: The prevalence of genotype A was 3.7% in all samples and that of genotype B, C and D was 21.7%, 72.7% and 1.2%, respectively. No other genotypes (such as genotype E, F, G, H) were found. The prevalence of genotype C showed an increasing trend in ASC, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group; in contrast, the prevalence of genotype B showed an opposite trend, although no statistically significant difference was observed, except between ASC and HCC (P=0.05). The HBeAg positive rate was higher, and the anti-HBe positive rate was lower in patients with chronic genotype C infection than in those with genotype B (P<0.05 for both). Liver function test (ALT) abnormality was more severe in genotype C group than in genotypes A and B groups having acute or chronic infection (P<0.01 for all comparisons). The prevalence of genotype C in southern Guangxi was higher than that in northern Guangxi. In contrast, the prevalence of genotype B in southern Guangxi was lower than that in northern Guangxi. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The predominant HBV genotypes in Guangxi were genotypes B and C. The major genotype in southern Guangxi was genotype C; while that in northern Guangxi was genotype B, which implied that the distribution of HBV genotype C was consistent with the incidence of HCC in Guangxi. 2. Genotype C maybe associated with development of severe liver diseases including HCC. 3. Genotype A,D and B+C were mostly found in acute, hepatitis and chronic hepatitis group.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

IgE production is involved in butyrate-enhanced NK cell activity in vivo.

It has been demonstrated that patients with asthma have a large number of NK cells and show a stronger NK activity. These results indicate that NK cell activity may be related to total IgE level in serum in healthy subjects. Previously, we have found that sodium butyrate (NaBu) markedly enhanced the IL-4-induced IgE production in the LPS-stimulated murine splenocytes in vitro, and inductive rat IgE production in vivo, and enhanced the NK cell activity ex vivo. We hypothesized that the IgE production might be involved in butyrate-enhanced NK cell activity in vivo. Mice were intraperitoneally treated/immunized with NaBu or/and Ascaris suum extract (ASC), and the spleen NK cell activity was evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of serum (NAS) on IL-2- or IFN-gamma-induced spleen NK cell activity was determined. The spleen NK cell activity and IL-2- or IFN-gamma-induced spleen NK cell activity of mice treated/immunized with NaBu or/and ASC were stronger than those of untreated/unimmunized mice. Although IL-4 blocked IL-2 (100 U/ml)- or IFN-gamma (100 U/ml)-induced increase in NK cell activity, these NK cell activities in mice treated/immunized with NaBu/ASC were not inhibited. IgE production showed a tendency to rise in NaBu-treated mice serum, and a synergistic effect was observed with treatment of NaBu and ASC. Moreover, the NAS significantly increased IL-2(25 U/ml)-or IFN-gamma(25 U/ml)-induced NK cell activity, and its effect was inhibited by anti-mouse IgE mAb. These data show that IgE plays an important role in NAS-enhanced IL-2/IFN-gamma-induced NK cell activity, and IL-4 does not inhibit IgE and IL-2/IFN-gamma-induced NK cell activity in mice.

Animals↗

[Application of FTIR micro-spectroscopy in the tribology].

The wave number of characteristic absorption peak nu asC-O-C of the polyester formed on the frictional process were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Micro-spectroscopy, and the wave number displacement of characteristic absorption peak nu asC-O-C was analyzed based on the conversion mass of polyester formed. The internal relations between anti-wear order rule of hydroxyl fatty acids and vibration absorption peak nu asC-O-C of polyester formed by hydroxyl fatty acids was deduced according to these results, and the anti-wear order of hydroxyl fatty acids was reasonably explained, that is 13, 14-di-hydroxydocosanoic acid > 13 (14)-monohydroxydocosanoic acid = 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid > 9,10,12-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid > 9(10)-monohydroxyoctadecanoic acid. A net polyester film is formed by 13, 14-dihydroxydocosanoic acid and a linear polyester film is formed by 9, (10)-monohydroxyoctadecanoic acid and 13(14)-monohydroxydocosanoic acid.

Absorption↗

Effect of purified components of Ascaris suum extracts on IgE antibody response in guinea pigs.

The effect of components P530 and P29, isolated from Ascaris suum adult worm extract (ASC), on the heterologous IgE antibody response was studied in guinea pigs. Groups of 7 guinea pigs were immunized ip with 50 micrograms of ovalbumin (OA) alone or mixed with 200 micrograms of each component precipitated in an alum gel. The primary and secondary IgE antibody response was evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction (PCA). Immunization of guinea pigs with P29 plus ovalbumin (OA) resulted in a significant increase in the level of serum IgE anti-OA antibodies, especially in the secondary response (almost 8-fold higher when compared with control group). This potentiated response was not observed when the animals received OA plus P530 or the crude extract. Indeed, the P530 component, as well as the crude extract, induced a depression of the anti-OA IgE antibody response (2-3 fold decrease when compared with OA-immunized animals). It was also shown that P29, but not P530 or ASC, was capable of eliciting a strong anti-ASC IgE antibody response. These results demonstrate that in guinea pigs these two Ascaris suum components have antagonistic biological effects, one inducing potentiation and the other suppression of the heterologous IgE antibody response.

Animals↗

Apocrine carcinoma developed in nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn.

Apocrine skin carcinoma (ASC) is a rare aggressive cutaneous tumor. We describe a case of ASC occurring on a nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ) in a 66-year-old man. Malignant degeneration of NSJ is a rare complication usually found in elderly patients. Most of these tumors are basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. Only five cases of ASC on NSJ have been previously reported. This report recalls the potential of NSJ for degeneration.

Aged↗

Management and follow-up of abnormal Papanicolaou tests.

Although less prevalent than breast cancer, cervical cancer has a lower 5-year survival rate. Cervical cancer is nearly always due to human papillomavirus (HPV). Increased screening and DNA typing for oncogenic HPV have begun to reduce the number of cases. Interpretation of Papanicolaou test results and disease management decisions require a comprehensive grasp of recent revisions in classification and management practice. This article reviews the recommendations of the multidisciplinary Bethesda 2001 Workshop and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. Practice changes include: new criteria for using liquid-based collection, a streamlined borderline category of atypical squamous cells (ASC), and a new category of ASC-cannot exclude high-grade lesion (ASC-H). Management includes colposcopy for all categories suspicious for epithelial abnormality and clearer guidelines for diagnostic colposcopy and endocervical sampling for glandular cell abnormalities (AGC, AGC-favor neoplasia). Adolescents and postmenopausal women have some variations from the recommended protocol. Reflex HPV DNA typing reflects the advances in research regarding risks for progression to cervical cancer. Treatment options include surgical removal of the lesions via laser, cryosurgery, loop excision, or cold-knife conization. Medical options include local treatments of cervical condyloma with tricloroacetic acid or 5-fluorouracil. Visible and sometimes functional cervical changes may result. Clinicians now have clearer guidelines with which to manage abnormal Papanicolaou test results, using the latest technology and research. Discussing abnormal results with patients requires great sensitivity.

Adolescent↗

Antibody-secreting cell responses in the mouse liver.

To elucidate the origins of biliary IgA antibodies, we investigated the isotype and specificity of antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in the liver in comparison with the spleen and intestinal lamina propria of mice immunized by peroral or parenteral routes. The profile of specific IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA ASC in the liver resembled that of the spleen rather than the lamina propria, regardless of the route of immunization. Peroral immunization increased the proportion of specific IgA ASC in all three organs. However, liver mononuclear cells (MNC) contained a higher proportion of total IgA-secreting cells than spleen cells. After immunization, the number and proportion of B220+ B cells were increased in the liver but not in the spleen. Although the predominant isotype of Ig and specific antibody in bile in response to immunization by either route was IgA, IgM and IgG were clearly detectable. However, specific activities of biliary antibodies relative to total Ig isotype were generally higher than in serum. The predominance of IgA-secreting cells in the liver and the large amount of IgA secreted in the bile resemble the situation at other secretory sites of the mucosal immune system. However, specific antibody-secreting cells appear to accumulate in the liver promptly after immunization, regardless of isotype, and contribute locally produced antibodies to the bile.

Administration, Oral↗

Cholera toxin conjugates for intragastric vaccination against herpes simplex virus type 2.

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that enteric immunization with cholera toxin (CTX) conjugated to glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or a peptide corresponding to residues (1-23) of gD (gD(1-23)) would induce relevant antiviral immunity. Intraperitoneal (IP) immunization of mice with CTX-gD(1-23) conjugate induced anti-HSV-2 sera antibody responses which correlated with protection from a lethal IP challenge with HSV-2. Intragastric (IG) immunization of mice with the same conjugate or a CTX-gD conjugate did not result in measurable anti-HSV-2 responses in sera or vaginal washings and only small numbers of anti-HSV-2 antibody-secreting cells (ASC) were found in intestinal lamina propria cell and splenocyte preparations. In comparison, anti-CTX responses were detected in sera and vaginal washings after IG immunization with CTX and anti-CTX ASC in lamina propria cell preparations accounted for 5-10% of total ASC detected at this site. No significant differences in the survival of mice immunized with the conjugates were noted after a lethal intravaginal (IVAG) challenge with HSV-2. The poor enteric immunogenicity of gD(1-23) and gD conjugated to CTX was attributable to proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. These results indicate that although peptide-CTX conjugates can induce protective immune responses when administered parenterally, it may not be feasible to use peptides as the basis of an oral vaccine unless methods are developed to protect these antigens from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Administration, Oral↗

Changes in myocardial collagen content before and after left ventricular assist device application in dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to confirm the changes in myocardial collagen level after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), find the relation between these changes and prognosis, and test a practical method to assess the level of myocardial collagen. METHODS: Left ventricular samples were collected from DCM patients with different prognosis (transplanted group n = 8, weaning group n = 10) at the time when the LVADs were implanted and again during cardiac transplantation (n = 8). The level of neutral salt soluble collagen (NSC) and acid soluble collagen (ASC) was measured by Sircol collagen assay, and that of total collagen and insoluble collagen (ISC) by quantification of hydroxyproline (Hyp). Serum samples were collected from a portion of these patients (transplanted group, n = 6; weaning group n = 7) at the time the LVADs were implanted, 1 month after implantation and on explantation. Circulating concentration of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P I CP), amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P I NP), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P III NP) and type I collagen telopeptide (I CTP) were measured by the equilibrium type radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Before LVAD implantation the level of NSC and ISC in the weaning group was higher but ASC in the transplanted group was lower than in the controls (P < 0.05). After LVAD support, the level of total collagen was higher, but ASC was also lower in the transplanted group than in the controls (P < 0.05). In comparison of the pre- and post-LVAD subgroups of the transplanted and weaning groups, all collagen fraction levels before LVAD implantation were lower in the transplanted group than in the weaning group (P < 0.05); but this difference disappeared after LVAD support. Comparison of the pre- and post-LVAD subgroups of the transplanted group showed increased level of NSC and total collagen after LVAD support. The changes of serum peptide concentration showed that P III NP increased constantly in the transplanted group, but P I CP and P I NP increased in the weaning group after LVAD implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in myocardial collagen level as a sign of myocardial interstitial remodeling in DCM are not involved with total collagen but involved with collagen fractions, and they are related to prognosis. The changes of myocardial collagen content and serum procollagen peptide after LVAD support can be regarded as an expression of the reverse of maladaptive myocardial interstitial remodeling.

Adult↗

Physician office space in an ambulatory surgical center.

Medicare requires that ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) be operated exclusively for the purpose of providing surgical services to patients who do not require hospitalization. As a result, ASCs have been reluctant to establish physician office space within their facilities for non-surgical procedures due to fear of losing their Medicare certification for failure to satisfy the exclusivity requirement. Recently, however, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified its position on the exclusivity issue, stating that if an ASC follows certain criteria, it can establish physician office space within its facility without violating the exclusivity requirement or jeopardizing its Medicare certification.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the management of women with abnormal Pap smears. Experience of a colposcopy referral clinic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several detailed algorithms for the appropriate use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the management of women with abnormal Pap (Papanicolaou) smears have been launched, but their direct country-to-country adoption is difficult. This necessitates their testing in individual settings, which is ongoing in our colposcopy referral clinic. METHODS: A series of 224 consecutive women attending the clinic with the usual referral indications (ASC-US or higher in Pap) were examined by the conventional diagnostic tools (PAP smear, colposcopy, punch biopsy) and subjected to HPV testing and viral typing for both low-risk (L-R) and high-risk (H-R) types by nested PCR-based techniques. Predictors of the high-grade diagnostic categories were analysed using both univariate- and multivariate modelling, and the performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV) of all tests in detecting high-grade CIN were calculated. RESULTS: In the PAP test, ASC-US smears were most common (37.9%), followed by low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (26.3%) and high-grade SIL (HSIL) (4.9%). Colposcopy was performed for 180 women, of whom 48.3% had a normal transformation zone (TZ), 40.6% had ATZ1 (abnormal TZ grade 1), and 5.6% had ATZ2. In biopsy (n = 71), 49.3% had CIN1, 5.6% CIN2, and 16.9% CIN3. The HPV test was positive in 64 (28.8%) women, more often in those aged < 35 years (p = 0.025). High-grade colposcopy (ATZ2) was significantly associated with HSIL in the Pap test (OR 20.5; 95% CI: 4.34-96.47), and with HPV test positivity (OR 6.37; 95% CI: 1.58-25.73). The most significant predictors of CIN3 were HSIL in the PAP, HPV test positivity, and high-grade colposcopy. HSIL and HPV test (for H-R types), but not colposcopy, retained their significance as independent predictors of CIN3 also in adjusted multivariate models: OR 88.27; 95% CI 4.17-1867.04, and OR 19.46; 95% CI 2.01-187.75, for the HSIL and H-R HPV test, respectively. Changing the cut-off level of the Pap test from ASC-US to HSIL increased the specificity of the test up to 96.4%, with the loss in sensitivity from 87.5% to 43.8%. Colposcopy (ATZ2) had 92% specificity, and NPV competing with that of the Pap test. The sensitivity of HPV test exceeds that of the Pap test at HSIL cut-off level, but the specificity of the PAP test is clearly superior. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate predictors of significant cervical pathology (CIN3) are well defined, but the problem is the different performance of the diagnostic tools in clinical practice. A proficient combination of the tests is likely to result in the most satisfactory clinical practice in the management of women with abnormal Pap tests (MAPS).

Adolescent↗

Atypical squamous cells: improvement in cytohistological correlation by the 2001 Bethesda System.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To evaluate the advantages of the 2001 Bethesda System over the 1991 Bethesda System in the management of atypical squamous cells. METHODS: The cytology files of the 8,748 patients were reviewed for diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) at Zeynep Kamil Hospital. Seventy-two of the 259 smear specimens with the diagnosis of ASCUS were reviewed and reclassified according to Bethesda 2001. RESULTS: Of the 8,748 specimens, 259 (2.96%) were diagnosed as ASCUS. In re-evaluation of the 72 specimens according to the 2001 Bethesda system, the number of cervical smears with a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells (ASC) decreased to 21 in number. Of the 21 cervical smears with an ASC category, eight patients (38.1%) had high-grade intraepithelial squamous lesions (HSIL) and six (28.6%) had low-grade intraepithelial squamous lesions (LSIL) in histopathological specimens. The detection rates of squamous abnormalities (chi2 = 24.79, p < 0.0001) and high-grade squamous abnormalities (chi2 = 8.31, p = 0.0039) were significantly higher according to Bethesda 2001. CONCLUSION: The 2001 Bethesda System seems to reduce the number of cervical smear diagnoses of ASC, without causing any impairment in the diagnosis of HSIL thus decreasing the number of unneccesary interventions like cervical biopsy and decreasing the cost, inconvenience, anxiety and discomfort.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗