Nasopalatine Duct Cyst Treated by Transnasal Endoscopic Marsupialization: A Case Report.

Introduction: Nasopalatine duct cyst (NDC) is the most prevalent non-odontogenic cyst emerging from the epithelial remnants in the maxillary incisive canal. A sublabial or transpalatal approach is performed to enucleate NDC completely. More recently, transnasal endoscopic marsupialization has been used gradually. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old male patient with a large nasopalatine duct cyst with a diameter of 51 mm was managed by transnasal endoscopic marsupialization under general anesthesia. The presentation involves painless swelling around the left side of the anterior maxilla and bulging of the hard palate. No postoperative complications were observed after a 3-month follow-up. Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization is a minimally invasive surgery for large NDC. Clinical discussion: Approximately 1% of the population has a nasopalatine duct cyst. Surgical treatment was carried out under general anesthesia; the cyst was dissected and removed using a typically transnasal endoscopic marsupialization technique. Conclusion: The cause of the NDC is unclear. Simple surgical resection and clinical and radiological control are recommended to ensure the case is resolved correctly.

Rare case in Somalia: Fahr's syndrome.

Introduction and importance: Fahr's syndrome is primarily familial, autosomal dominant, and genetically diverse. Basal ganglia calcification that is bilaterally symmetrical is a hallmark of this illness. Although the specific origins of this illness are unknown, it may be brought on by problems with calcium metabolism, infections, toxins, hereditary factors, hypoparathyroidism, and pseudohypoparathyroidism. The prevalence of this syndrome is less than 0.5%. Case presentation: An 11-year-old female comes to the Emergency Department with her parents complaining of high-grade fever and convulsions for 1 week. Convulsion, which is a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, duration was ~5 min and associated with urinary incontinence and biting tongue. On examination, the patient was confused and irritable. Vital signs were normal; there is weakness in the right arm and right leg, associated with irregular movement. There was alternation in her level of consciousness, slurring of speech, and psychiatric symptoms. Another aspect of the neurological examination and systems was normal, and there was no meningeal irritation. Clinical discussion: The pathogenesis of Fahr's syndrome is not completely known. The calcification is caused by flaws in the transport of radioactive particles and tissue damage caused by free radicals. Bilateral calcification found on a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain, autosomal dominant inheritance, the absence of any infection, drugs, or toxins, the absence of mitochondrial dysfunction, and the presence of progressive neurological dysfunction is the clinical criteria for diagnosing Fahr's syndrome. Conclusion: Basal ganglia calcification that is bilaterally symmetrical is a hallmark of Fahr's syndrome. CT scans are the gold standard for conclusively diagnosing Fahr's syndrome.

Clinical manifestation, staging and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Gambian patients.

BACKGROUND: As a result of the lack of screening programs and the difficulty in making a proper diagnosis, the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HHC) patients present late in low-resource countries. The study therefore assesses the clinical features, stage and prognostic variables of patients with HCC in The Gambia. METHODS: From December 2015 to January 2019, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCC were enrolled. All patients' medical history, ultrasound scan, FibroScan and laboratory details were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty (260) patients were enrolled. The mean age of HCC patients was 40 years, and 210 (80.7%) of them were male. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms were early satiety 229 (88.1%) and abdominal pain 288 (87.7%), while the most common constitutional symptoms were weight loss 237 (91.2%) and easy fatiguability 237 (91.2%). Hepatomegaly 205 (78.8%) was the most common sign. On ultrasound scan, lesions were mostly multifocal 175 (67.3%), and the median FibroScan score was 75 kPa. The median fibrosis 4 and aspartate transferase platelet ratio index were 4.6 and 2.2, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 170 (65.4%) patients, and the median AFP level was 3263 ng/ml. HCC patients with positive HBsAg were more likely to be male 145 (85.3%) vs 62 (72.1%) (p = 0.011), much younger 39.9 vs 51.4 yrs (p = < 0.0001), more likely to have abdominal pain 156 (91.8%) vs 68 (79.1%) (p = 0.002), jaundice 78 (45.9%) vs 29 (33.7%) (p = 0.042), dark urine 117 (68.8%) vs 46 (53.5%) (p = 0.018), raised transaminases (Aspartate transaminases 224.5 (32-7886) vs 153 (18-610), p = < 0.01, Alanine transferases 71 (5-937) vs 47 (8-271), p = < 0.001) and decreased platelet count 207 (33-941) vs 252 (52- 641) (p = 0.021) compared to patients with HCC who were HBsAg-negative. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of patients with HCC is poor in developing countries such as The Gambia, where screening programs and treatment modalities are scarce. Young males are disproportionately affected, and HBV is a major cause of HCC in The Gambia.

Penile amputation after neonatal circumcision: a case report.

In children, one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide is circumcision, which has strong religious implications and is frequently performed for nontherapeutic reasons. Circumcision is typically associated with old customs. Complete penile amputation is extremely uncommon, and the prognosis is little understood. Case Presentation: A 7-day-old male term baby was circumcised with a cauter by an unexperienced practitioner, and the patient was admitted to the department of pediatric surgery. Both the glans and the body had become discolored and necrotic. The patient was taken into the theater and given general anesthesia. The authors removed the debridement and inserted a catheter into the urethra to prevent urethral stenosis. Discussion: The procedure of circumcision has several medical benefits and is widely performed for religious, cultural, and medical reasons. It is generally agreed that circumcision prevents against sexually transmitted diseases, penile and cervical cancer in adults, as well as urinary tract infections in children.Partial or complete penile amputation injuries are rare and frequently the result of psychotic self-harm. Operators must correctly conduct the circumcision in order to prevent the potential complications that can happen when the procedure is performed out by untrained hands.The most common cause of penile amputation injuries, whether partial or total, is psychotic self-harm. Operators must carry out the procedure carefully to prevent the potential complications that can happen when circumcision is performed by untrained hands. Conclusion: The authors present here a case of a 7-day-old boy who had ritual circumcision with a cauter complicated by an entire penile amputation, which was treated with the insertion of a catheter to prevent the closure of the urethra. The patient reported his penis was circumcised with cautery one day later the glans and the entire penis became discolored and necrosis, unfortunately, the entire penis was lost with the overlying skin.

A presentation of iatrogenic hypospadias after traditional circumcision: A case report.

Introduction and Importance: Traditional circumcisions may cause complications such as hemorrhage, infection, amputations of the penis, meatal stenosis, and urethro-cutaneous fistula. In addition to all these complications, iatrogenic hypospadias, as in our case, is a rare condition. In general, complications are mild and preventable, especially in children, but when the procedure is carried out by unskilled providers, in unsterile conditions, or with inadequate equipment and supplies, severe complications are more likely to occur. Several degrees of urethral erosion, including iatrogenic hypospadias, might result from further injury. Particularly in intensive care facilities, the ventral male urethra can undergo this kind of trauma. Case presentation: A 4-year-old child was circumcised at the age of 3 years, and after that, he bled profusely. His parents brought him to the hospital after 4 months. On physical examination of the patient, the glans was normal but there was an opening near the glans in the distal urethra at the subcoronal level. After the pre-operative check-up, the patient was prepared for elective surgery. An incision and dissection were performed to reveal the fistula tract all around by placing marker sutures from the edges of the fistula. The fistula opening was repaired with 6/0 PDS (polydioxanone) and a second layer was created over the urethral fistula repair, and then the skin was closed with 4/0 Vicryl (polyglactin). Clinical discussion: Around the world, circumcision continues to be the most common procedure done on children. Injuries to the penis may actually happen with a 1% complication incidence. A poorly placed suture at the frenulum in an effort to achieve hemostasis is the most frequent cause of the fistula. This causes strangulation and necrosis of a portion of the urethral wall, which leads to the creation of a sub glandular fistula. It is important to properly identify and treat any life-threatening injuries to the urethra as soon as possible. Conclusion: Considered a medical procedure that necessitates great care, circumcision should only be carried out by qualified surgeons under sterile hospital circumstances. Most circumcision-related injuries result from clamp circumcisions (such as Mogen or Gomco), and they can range from minor loss of penile skin to more serious glans, distal urethral, and penile shaft injuries.

Effect of Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate Replenishment on Tribological Performance of Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil.

Soot is the main contamination that affects oil performance and increases the frequency of oil changes in heavy-duty engine oil. Several studies discussed that additive concentration in engine oil can be influenced due to additive depletion over time and additive adsorption on soot particles. To extend oil drain intervals and improve oil performance, filter manufactures explore removing the soot to a certain level and replenishing the consumed additives. Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is one of the most favored antiwear additives that react very rapidly with rubbing surfaces to form tribofilm that reduces wear. In this study, the experimental work aims to investigate the effect of ZDDP replenishment on tribological performance in the existence of soot and after removing soot from heavy-duty used oil. The study reveals that reclaiming the used oil can be achieved by removing the soot to a certain level. The results demonstrate that the reclaimed oil after removing soot is still not as good as the fresh oil. This study proves that additive depletion, additive adsorption on soot, and the decomposition of antiwear additive adversely influence the reclaimed oil performance. However, replenishing the consumed additive by adding a small amount of ZDDP helps to improve the reclaimed oil performance compared to a large amount of ZDDP which is required to re-gain the oil performance in the existence of soot.

Genome-Wide Analysis Unveils DNA Helicase RECQ1 as a Regulator of Estrogen Response Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells.

Susceptibility to breast cancer is significantly increased in individuals with germ line mutations in RECQ1 (also known as RECQL or RECQL1), a gene encoding a DNA helicase essential for genome maintenance. We previously reported that RECQ1 expression predicts clinical outcomes for sporadic breast cancer patients stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) status. Here, we utilized an unbiased integrative genomics approach to delineate a cross talk between RECQ1 and ERα, a known master regulatory transcription factor in breast cancer. We found that expression of ESR1, the gene encoding ERα, is directly activated by RECQ1. More than 35% of RECQ1 binding sites were cobound by ERα genome-wide. Mechanistically, RECQ1 cooperates with FOXA1, the pioneer transcription factor for ERα, to enhance chromatin accessibility at the ESR1 regulatory regions in a helicase activity-dependent manner. In clinical ERα-positive breast cancers treated with endocrine therapy, high RECQ1 and high FOXA1 coexpressing tumors were associated with better survival. Collectively, these results identify RECQ1 as a novel cofactor for ERα and uncover a previously unknown mechanism by which RECQ1 regulates disease-driving gene expression in ER-positive breast cancer cells.

Spontaneous Biliary Pericardial Tamponade: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Biliary pericardial tamponade (BPT) is a rare form of pericardial tamponade, characterized by yellowish-greenish pericardial fluid upon pericardiocentesis. Historically, BPT reported to occur in the setting of an associated pericardiobiliary fistula. However, BPT in the absence of a detectable fistula is extremely rare. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: A biliary pericardial tamponade is a rare form of tamponade warranting a prompt workup (e.g., MRCP or HIDA scan) for a potential fistula between the biliary system and the pericardial space. A pericardio-biliary fistula can be iatrogenic or traumatic. People with a history of chest wall trauma, abdominal surgery, or chest surgery are at increased risk. The use of HIDA scanning plays a salient role in effectively surveilling for the presence of a fistula - especially when MRCP is contraindicated. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old Hispanic male presenting with dyspnea and diagnosed with cardiac tamponade is the subject of the study. Subsequent pericardiocentesis revealed biliary pericardial fluid (bilirubin of 7.6 mg/dl). The patient underwent extensive workup to identify a potential fistula between the hepatobiliary system and the pericardial space, which was non-revealing. The mechanism of bile entry into the pericardial space remains to be unidentified. LITERATURE REVIEW: A total of six previously published BPT were identified: all were males, with a mean age of 53.3 years (range: 31-73). Mortality was reported in two out of the six cases. The underlying etiology for pericardial tamponade varied across the cases: incidental pericardio-biliary fistula, traumatic pericardial injury, and presence of associated malignancy. - Conclusion: Biliary pericardial tamponade is a rare form of tamponade that warrants a prompt workup (e.g., Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid - HIDA scan) for an iatrogenic vs. traumatic pericardio- biliary fistula. As a first case in the literature, our case exhibits a biliary tamponade in the absence of an identifiable fistula.

Werner Syndrome Protein Expression in Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Werner protein (WRN) plays an important role in DNA repair, replication, transcription, and consequently genomic stability via its DNA-helicase and exonuclease activity. Loss of function of WRN is associated with Werner syndrome (WS), which is characterized by premature aging and cancer predisposition. Malignancies that are commonly linked to WS are thyroid carcinoma, melanoma, breast cancer, meningioma, and soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Currently, the clinicopathologic significance of WRN in breast cancer is largely unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of WRN protein expression in a cohort of clinically annotated series of sporadic (n = 1650) and BRCA-mutated (n = 75) invasive breast cancers. We correlated WRN protein expression to clinicopathologic characteristics, DNA repair protein expression, and survival outcomes. RESULTS: There is strong evidence of association between low nuclear and cytoplasmic WRN co-expression and low levels of KU70/KU80, DNA-PK, DNA Pol-B, CKD18, cytoplasmic RECQL4, and nuclear BLM protein expression (adjusted P-values < .05). Tumors with low nuclear or cytoplasmic WRN expression have worse overall breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (adjusted P-values < .05). In topoisomerase I overexpressed tumors, low WRN nuclear expression was associated with poor BCSS (P-value < .05). In BRCA-mutated tumors, low WRN cytoplasmic expression conferred shortest BCSS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Low WRN protein expression is associated with poor BCSS in patients with breast cancer. This can be used to optimize the risk stratification for personalized treatment.

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Systemic Mastocytosis: Case Report With Literature Review on the Role of Inflammatory Process in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a disorder of excessive mast cell infiltration in multiple organ tissues. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for developing acute coronary syndrome. In addition to lipid accumulation in the arterial wall, inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of plaque rupture and activating the thrombosis cascade. The Mast cells contribution to plaque destabilization has been well established in multiple animal and human studies. In a recent study, SM has been proven to be associated with a higher incidence of acute coronary syndrome even with lower plasma lipids levels. The study showed that 20% of patients with SM had cardiovascular events compared to only 6% in the control group with adjustment to all cardiac risk factors. CASE: We presented a patient with no risk factors for heart disease other than old age and history of SM who developed acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: SM can be life-threatening and can result in ACS, anaphylactic reaction, syncope, or cardiac arrest. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurrence in the setting of inflammatory conditions, such as SM and KS, and vice versa, where SM should be considered or ruled out in patients who suffer from anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction.

Coronary Fistula Between Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) and Pulmonary Artery (PA) Leading to Sudden Cardiac Death: Case Report with Literature Review.

Coronary Artery Fistulas (CAF) are inappropriate connections between a coronary artery and a major vessel or a cardiac chamber. These fistulas may or may not present with symptoms, but they need to be detected as early as possible in order to decide the most appropriate treatment methodology (i.e. surgery vs. conservative management). We report the case of a 67-year-old female with no modifiable cardiovascular risk factors who had an unwitnessed sudden death at home during her ongoing evaluation of a fistula detected incidentally between the Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) and the Pulmonary Artery (PA). This case highlights that early diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic CAF are crucial to minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death. Although the symptomatic fistula of LAD to PA has been reported in the literature multiple times, it has been rarely reported that this fistula can result in sudden cardiac death.

The application of naked DNA plasmid (DrZP3) and recombinant adenovirus (Ad-rZP3) in rat animal model to determine comparative efficacy of ZP3-Immunocontraceptive vaccines.

The common physical and chemical methods for controlling rat pest are less than satisfactory and inhumane. Immunocontraception approach has been considered more humane and it can be accomplished by inducing the relevant host immune response that block further development of reproductive gametes. ZP3 proteins are known to play very important role during sperm-ovum fertilization. It is a self-antigen and only localized in female ovaries. Therefore, an immunization with ZP3 protein elsewhere will induce a generalize host immune response against ZP3 protein. This study employed rat ZP3 (rZP3) gene prepared from its cDNA of Rattus rattus diardii. It was delivered and expressed in vivo by naked plamid DNA (DrZP3) or recombinant ZP3-Adenovirus (Ad-rZP3). Expression studies in vitro with DrZP3 or Ad-ZP3 showed rZP3 proteins were successfully expressed in Vero cells. Hyperimmune serum against rZP3 that were prepared by immunizing several rats with purified rZP3-pichia yeast fusion protein showed it blocked sperms from binding DrZP3-transfected Vero cells. Female Sprague Dawley rats immunized with DrZP3 demonstrated a long-term effect for significant reduction of fertility up to 92.6%. Ovaries from rats immunized with DrZP3 were severely atrophied with disappearance of primordial follicles from ovarian cortex with an increased in the amount of oocyte-free cell clusters. Female rats immunized with Ad-rZP3 demonstrated 27% reduction of fertility. The infertility induced by Ad-rZP3 is comparatively low and ineffective. This could be due to a strong host immune response that suppresses the recombinant virus itself resulted in minimum rZP3 protein presentation to the host immune system. As a result, low antibody titers produced against rZP3 is insufficient to block oocytes from maturity and fertilization. Therefore, immunization with DrZP3 for immunocontraception is more effective than Ad-rZP3 recombinant adenovirus. It is proposed to explore further on the use of adenovirus or other alternative viruses to deliver ZP3 protein and for the development of enhanced expression of rZP3 in target host.

Energy supply and demand in the intervertebral disc / Fornecimento e demanda de energia no disco intervertebral / Suministro de energía y demanda en el disco intervertebral

ABSTRACT The intervertebral disc (IVD) is one of the parts of the body most commonly affected by disease, and it is only recently that we have come closer to understanding the reasons for its degeneration, in which nutrient supply plays a crucial role. In this literature review, we discuss the basic principles and characteristics of energy supply and demand to the IVD. Specifically, we review how different metabolites influence IVD cell activity, the effects of mechanical loading on IVD cell metabolism, and differences in energy metabolism of the annulus fibrous and nucleus pulposus cell phenotypes. Determining the factors that influence nutrient supply and demand in the IVD will enhance our understanding of the IVD pathology, and help to elucidate new therapeutic targets for IVD degeneration treatment.

RESUMO O disco intervertebral (IVD) é uma das partes mais comuns do corpo e apenas recentemente nos aproximamos de compreender as razões da sua degeneração, em que o suprimento de nutrientes desempenha um papel crucial. Nesta revisão da literatura, discutimos os princípios básicos e as nuances do fornecimento e da demanda de energia para o IVD. Específicamente, analisamos como os diferentes metabólitos influenciam na atividade das células IVD, os efeitos da carga mecânica no metabolismo das células IVD, a diferença no metabolismo energético dos fenótipos das células fibrosas e do núcleo do pulposus anelar. A determinação de fatores que influenciam o suprimento e a demanda de nutrientes no IVD aumentará nossa compreensão da patologia IVD e ajudará a elucidar novos alvos terapêuticos para o tratamento da degeneração IVD.

RESUMEN El disco intervertebral (IVD, por sus siglas en inglés) es una de las partes más comúnmente enfermas del cuerpo y solo recientemente nos acercamos a la comprensión de los motivos de su degeneración, de los cuales el suministro de nutrientes juega un papel crucial. En esta revisión de la literatura discutimos los principios básicos y los matices de la oferta y demanda de energía para el IVD. Específicamente, revisamos cómo los diferentes metabolitos influyen en la actividad de las células IVD, los efectos de la carga mecánica sobre el metabolismo de las células IVD y las diferencias en el metabolismo energético de los fenotipos de las células del anillo fibroso y el núcleo pulposo. La determinación de los factores que influyen en la oferta y demanda de nutrientes en el IVD mejorará nuestra comprensión de la patología IVD y ayudará a dilucidar nuevos objetivos terapéuticos para el tratamiento de la degeneración IVD.

Disseminated Burkitt's Lymphoma with a Pancreatic Mass in a HIV Positive Woman Diagnosed by Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy.

Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B cell lymphoma of non-Hodgkin's type usually presenting in extranodal sites for endemic and sporadic types of the disease. Like other non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL), HIV positive associated BL is associated with peripheral lymphadenopathy. We present a case of 22-year-old newly diagnosed HIV positive female patient who presented with generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy and obstructive jaundice. Initial work up was suggestive of acute pancreatitis with further evaluation revealing a pancreatic head mass. BL was confirmed both by axillary lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry, highlighting the importance of high index of suspicion and prompt histopathological diagnosis to enable treatment of this fatal disease that is potentially curable.

A case report of a giant appendiceal mucocele and literature review.

A 43-year-old female presented at the accident and emergency department of Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana. She reported a deep dull aching pain of two years duration in the right iliac fossa that has been progressively becoming worse. Ultrasound revealed a large sausage like cystic mass extending from the pelvis up to the medial aspect of the ascending colon. CT scan showed a large sausage like cystic mass extending from the pelvis up to the hepatic flexure of the colon with the cecum displaced. No metastatic features were seen. We made an impression of appendiceal mucocele. A semi-elective laparotomy was scheduled. Intraoperative findings: a giant intact cystic distended appendix with involved base, displacing the cecum cranially. A right hemicolectomy was performed. The histopathological results revealed a low-grade appendicular mucinous neoplasm with no lymph node involvement. The surgical margins were free. The patient recovered uneventfully.

Combination of VP3 and CD147-knockdown enhance apoptosis and tumor growth delay index in colorectal tumor allograft.

BACKGROUND: Cancer therapies that kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells is the ultimate mode of treating cancers. The VP3, an avian virus-derived protein, can specifically initiate cell death through several signal transduction pathways leading to apoptosis. In cancer, chemoresistance and cell survivability implicate the cell surface protein, CD147. METHODS: In this study, transfection of VP3 and silencing of CD147 genes was achieved through the treatment of tumors with pVIVO1-GFP/VP3 (VP3), psiRNA-CD147/2 (shCD147/2), and their combination of CT26 colon cancer cell-induced in mice. The effectiveness of tumor-treatment was ascertained by electrophoresis, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry analysis. While histopathological and biochemical analysis were used as toxic side effect identification. RESULTS: The tumor growth delay index (TGDI) after treatment with VP3, shCD147/2, and their combination treatments increased by 1.3-, 1.2-, 2.0- and 2.3-fold respectively, over untreated control. The VP3-shCD147/2 combination treatment was more efficacious then either VP3 or shCD147/2 alone in the retardation of mouse CT26 colorectal cell tumor allograft. CONCLUSION: The antitumor effect of the combination treatment is the result of synergistic effects of VP3 and shCD147/2 on the tumor cells resulting in apoptosis. Thus, the study shows that combination of VP3 and shCD147/2 treatment can be developed into a potential approach for anticolorectal cancer treatment regimen.

Splint-assisted disc plication surgery.

Chronic disc displacement may lead to long-term pain. Temporomandibular joint surgery is reserved for those patients whose symptoms remain severe despite conservative treatment. We looked at the of effect of modified meniscopexy on patients with chronic disc displacement without reduction who did not respond to non-surgical pain management treatment. In this retrospective study a total of 59 joints was treated and all patients except one underwent splint assisted bilateral meniscopexy: this patient had splint assisted unilateral meniscopexy. At the time of presentation and following treatment all patients underwent clinical examination and were required to complete a pain and functional questionnaire. All patients reported improvement following treatment.

[Disparity of apoptotic response in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 after infection with recombinant adenovirus encoding the VP2 gene of infectious bursail disease virus].

Recombinant adenovirus encoding the VP2 gene of infectious bursal disease virus (ADV-VP2) has shown potent anti-tumour effects due to its capability of apoptotic induction in cancer cells. In the present study, human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were infected with ADV-VP2. The expression of VP2 protein was registered 4 h post-infection, particularly in MCF-7 cells. Multiple time-point DNA ladder assay demonstrated that ADV-VP2 infected MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells endured apoptosis as early as 8 and 12 h post-infection, respectively. Apoptosis induction in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, albeit different start points, lasted til 36 h post-infection. The induction of apoptosis by ADV-VP2 was further shown by the TUNEL assay, with dark brown discoloration of apoptotic cells. The present study also explored the different stages of apoptosis by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry quantification. Treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively detected 25.58 +/- 9.02 and 14.51 +/- 3.12% of early apoptotic cells, 6.09 +/- 4.06 and 77.12 +/- 5.09% of late apoptotic cells. Results revealed that there were significant differences in the number of cells of both types which underwent early and late apoptosis. Significant differences were also observed among viable and apoptotic cells which have been post treated with ADV-VP2. The apoptotic effects of ADV-VP2 on human breast cancer cell lines were consistently demonstrated by three apoptosis detection methods. Therefore, a cancer vaccine basing on gene therapy could be developed in the near future using the present construct.

Cross-reactivity of Malaysian rat cytomegalovirus strains with its human counterpart.

This study probes into the prospect of cross-reactivity of HCMV with RCMV which has not been acknowledged to date. We describe the uncovering of a protein with an estimated size of between 61-68 kDa from local RCMV strains which reacted with HCMV positive sera. Our findings are a first disclosure of a plausible immunological cross-reactivity between RCMV with its human counterpart which grounds substantial interest implying existence of conserved determinants between rat and human CMV polypeptides. The cross-reactive protein most likely represents an enveloped glycoprotein, though the precise identification and its degree of similarity needs to be evidently defined and further elucidated in forthcoming experiments.

Further biological, serological and biochemical characterization of North American, European and Southeast Asian strains of bovine herpesvirus 1 compared with other alphaherpesvirinae members.

Hemagglutination activity, structural protein profiles and neutralization assays were used in a comparative study of bovine herpesvirus 1 strains from the U.S.A., Canada, Great Britain, Denmark and Malaysia with equine, feline and human herpesviruses in order to further characterize the bovine herpesvirus 1 hemagglutinin. Bovine herpesvirus 1 strains of different geographical origins all showed hemagglutinating activity for mouse erythrocytes; furthermore, feline herpesvirus 1 was also shown to hemagglutinate mouse erythrocytes. Analyses of partly purified viruses showed that a distinctive and specific polypeptides profile is associated with each species of herpesviruses used in our study; strains of bovine herpesvirus 1 from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia however, presented a remarkable similarity as to their electrophoretic protein patterns. A protein similar to the 97-kDa bovine viral hemagglutinin was not identified with the hemagglutinating feline herpesvirus. An important neutralization epitope on the bovine viral hemagglutinin was also not found on feline, equine and human herpesviruses but was identified on all bovine strains tested from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia stressing the importance of the bovine hemagglutinin for eventual prophylactic purposes.