ABSTRACT
In this study, 18 animals were fed two forage-based diets: red clover (RC) and grass silage (GS), in a crossover-design experiment in which methane (CH4) emissions were recorded in respiration chambers. Rumen samples obtained through naso-gastric sampling tubes were analysed by NMR. Methane yield (g/kg DM) was significantly lower from animals fed RC (17.8 ± 3.17) compared to GS (21.2 ± 4.61) p = 0.008. In total 42 metabolites were identified, 6 showing significant differences between diets (acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, 3-phenylopropionate, and 2-hydroxyvalerate). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to assess which metabolites were more important to distinguish between diets and partial least squares (PLS) regressions were used to assess which metabolites were more strongly associated with the variation in CH4 emissions. Acetate, butyrate and propionate along with dimethylamine were important for the distinction between diets according to the PLS-DA results. PLS regression revealed that diet and dry matter intake are key factors to explain CH4 variation when included in the model. Additionally, PLS was conducted within diet, revealing that the association between metabolites and CH4 emissions can be conditioned by diet. These results provide new insights into the methylotrophic methanogenic pathway, confirming that metabolite profiles change according to diet composition, with consequences for CH4 emissions.
Subject(s)
Rumen , Silage , Animals , Cattle , Diet/veterinary , Methane/metabolism , Poaceae/metabolism , Rumen/metabolism , Silage/analysisABSTRACT
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) represents one of the major disease challenges affecting preweaning dairy-bred calves. Previous studies have shown that differences in feeding and activity behaviors exist between healthy and diseased calves affected by BRD. The aim of this study was to develop and assess the accuracy of models designed to predict BRD from feeding and activity behaviors. Feeding and activity behaviors were recorded for 100 male preweaning calves between ~8 to 42 d of age. Calves were group housed with ad libitum access to milk via automatic milk feeders, water, starter diet, and straw. Activity was monitored via a leg-mounted accelerometer. Health status of individual calves was monitored daily using an adapted version of the Wisconsin Scoring System to identify BRD. Three models were created to predict disease: (1) deviation from normal lying time based on moving averages (MA); (2) random forest (RF), a machine learning technique based on feeding and activity variables; and (3) a combination of RF and MA output. For the MA model, lying time was predicted based on behavior over previous days (3- and 7-d MA) and the expected value for the current day (based on calf age; measured using accelerometers). Data were not split into training and test data sets. Occasions when the actual lying time increased >9% of predicted lying time were classified as a deviation from normal and a disease alert was provided. Both feeding and activity behaviors were included within the RF model. Data were split into training (70%) and test (30%) data sets based on disease events. Events were classified as 2 d before, the day(s) of the disease event, and 2 d after the event. Accuracy of models was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, balanced accuracy, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). If a positive disease prediction agreed with an actual disease event within a 3-d rolling window, it was classified as a true positive. Stand-alone models (RF; MA) showed high specificity (0.95; 0.97), moderate sensitivity (0.35; 0.43), balanced accuracy (0.65; 0.64), and MCC (0.25; 0.29). Combining outputs increased accuracy (specificity = 0.95, sensitivity = 0.54, balanced accuracy = 0.75, MCC = 0.36). The work presented is the first to demonstrate the use of modeling data derived from precision livestock farming techniques that monitor feeding and activity behaviors for early detection of BRD in preweaning calves, offering a significant advance in health management of youngstock.
Subject(s)
Cattle Diseases , Milk , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Cattle , Diet , Feeding Behavior , Male , WeaningABSTRACT
Across the industry, there is large variation in health status of dairy calves and as a result, disease incidence and antibiotic use is high. This has significant implications for animal welfare, productivity and profitability of dairy and dairy-beef production systems. Technology-based early detection systems could alleviate these issues; however, methods of early detection of disease in dairy calves have not been widely explored. This study aimed to determine whether changes in activity and feeding behaviour can be used as early warning indicators of respiratory disease in calves. In total, 100 pre-weaned male Holstein calves (age: ~8-42â¯days) were used. Calves were group-housed and provided with starter diet, straw bedding and ad libitum water. Calves were fed milk replacer ad libitum through an automatic calf feeder, and each calf was fitted with a leg-mounted activity monitor. Daily activity and feeding behaviour variables were calculated for each calf. Each calf was assessed daily using a modified version of the Wisconsin Scoring System to assess respiratory disease status. Calves were classed as 'Diseased', 'Intermediate' or 'Healthy' based on their cumulative health score. The peak day of the most extreme illness event was identified for each calf. Data from Diseased and Healthy calves were paired for analysis based on age and BW. Data were compared for the day of peak illness, and for the 3â¯days previous and post. Compared to healthy calves, diseased calves lay for longer and tended to have longer lying bouts (daily lying: 17.6⯱â¯0.3 vs 16.7⯱â¯0.2â¯h, Pâ¯<â¯0.01; bout length: 74.8⯱â¯10.6 vs 56.0⯱â¯3.7â¯min, Pâ¯=â¯0.09 for diseased and healthy calves, respectively). Diseased calves fed for a shorter time and had fewer feeder visits (with intake) each day compared to healthy calves (feeding time (min): 19.3⯱â¯1.4 vs 22.8⯱â¯1.5; Pâ¯<â¯0.05; visits: 2.1⯱â¯0.2 vs 3.2⯱â¯0.4; Pâ¯<â¯0.05). Importantly, differences between diseased and healthy calves were evident in both activity and feeding behaviour on the days prior to the peak day of disease. Lying bout length was greater in diseased calves for the 2â¯days prior to the peak day (Pâ¯<â¯0.05), lying time was longer on day -1 (Pâ¯<â¯0.05) and feeder visits with milk intake were less frequent on day -3 (Pâ¯<â¯0.05). Thus, measurement of feeding and activity using precision technology within early detection systems could facilitate early intervention and optimized treatment.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Feeding Behavior , Animals , Cattle , Diet , Male , Milk , Weaning , WisconsinABSTRACT
Worldwide, there is a trend towards increased herd sizes, and the animal-to-stockman ratio is increasing within the beef and dairy sectors; thus, the time available to monitoring individual animals is reducing. The behaviour of cows is known to change in the hours prior to parturition, for example, less time ruminating and eating and increased activity level and tail-raise events. These behaviours can be monitored non-invasively using animal-mounted sensors. Thus, behavioural traits are ideal variables for the prediction of calving. This study explored the potential of two sensor technologies for their capabilities in predicting when calf expulsion should be expected. Two trials were conducted at separate locations: (i) beef cows (n = 144) and (ii) dairy cows (n = 110). Two sensors were deployed on each cow: (1) Afimilk Silent Herdsman (SHM) collars monitoring time spent ruminating (RUM), eating (EAT) and the relative activity level (ACT) of the cow, and (2) tail-mounted Axivity accelerometers to detect tail-raise events (TAIL). The exact time the calf was expelled from the cow was determined by viewing closed-circuit television camera footage. Machine learning random forest algorithms were developed to predict when calf expulsion should be expected using single-sensor variables and by integrating multiple-sensor data-streams. The performance of the models was tested using the Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC), the area under the curve, and the sensitivity and specificity of predictions. The TAIL model was slightly better at predicting calving within a 5-h window for beef cows (MCC = 0.31) than for dairy cows (MCC = 0.29). The TAIL + RUM + EAT models were equally as good at predicting calving within a 5-h window for beef and dairy cows (MCC = 0.32 for both models). Combining data-streams from SHM and tail sensors did not substantially improve model performance over tail sensors alone; therefore, hour-by-hour algorithms for the prediction of time of calf expulsion were developed using tail sensor data. Optimal classification occurred at 2 h prior to calving for both beef (MCC = 0.29) and dairy cows (MCC = 0.25). This study showed that tail sensors alone are adequate for the prediction of parturition and that the optimal time for prediction is 2 h before expulsion of the calf.
Subject(s)
Cattle/physiology , Machine Learning , Monitoring, Physiologic/veterinary , Parturition/physiology , Animals , Eating , Female , Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation , Monitoring, Physiologic/methods , Phenotype , Pregnancy , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Fiber laser ultrasonic sensors are demonstrated to be capable of measuring acoustic emission generated by cracks in aluminum panels. A single laser sensor is integrated into a riveted lap joint, which is subject to accelerated fatigue. Acoustic emission generated by crack formation in the panel in addition to other acoustic events due to fretting within the joint are clearly resolved by the laser sensor. Localization of an acoustic emission event is demonstrated with a multiplexed array of three laser sensors. This manuscript also calculates the fundamental limit to displacement resolution of the fiber laser sensor and presents measurements of the directional response to Lamb waves. The high measurement resolution and multiplexing capability of the fiber laser ultrasonic sensor makes it an ideal candidate for structural health monitoring applications.
ABSTRACT
Photonic crystal hollow core fiber (PC-HCF) has enabled many exciting new applications in nonlinear optics and spectroscopy. However, to date there has been less impact in coherent applications where preservation of optical phase over long fiber lengths is crucial. This paper presents characteristics of three commercially available PC-HCFs relevant to coherent applications including higher-order mode analysis, birefringence and polarization-dependent loss, and their impact on coherent light transmission in PC-HCF. Multipath interference due to higher-order mode propagation and Fresnel reflection is shown to generate excess intensity noise in transmission, which can be suppressed by up to 20 dB through high frequency phase modulation of the source laser. To demonstrate the potential of PC-HCF in high performance sensing, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) incorporating 10 m of PC-HCF in each arm is characterized and demonstrates a phase resolution (59×10(-9) rad/Hz(1/2) at 30 kHz) close to the shot noise limit, which is better than can be achieved in a MZI made with the same length of single mode solid core fiber because of the limit set by fundamental thermodynamic noise (74×10(-9) rad/Hz(1/2) at 30 kHz).
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Upregulation of cyclin E and cyclin D1-6 accelerates the transition from G1 to S phase. The objective of this study was to determine if cyclin D1 and E are prognostic indicators in endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgically-treated patients with endometrial carcinoma had their tumors stained for nuclear expression of cyclin D1 and E. Quantification of staining and measurement of growth phase fraction were performed using image analysis. FIGO stage, grade, and histology were also analyzed. RESULTS: Cyclin D1 and E expression was unrelated to DNA index (p = 0.93). While cyclin D1 expression did not correlate with S+G2M phase fraction (p = 0.69), increased cyclin E expression was directly correlated with increased S+G2M phase fraction (p = 0.002). Cyclin E expression was highest in clear cell carcinomas (p = 0.042) while cyclin D1 expression was highest in adenosquamous carcinomas (p = 0.028). Patients dying from cancer had significantly higher expression of cyclin D1 (p = 0.042) and E (p = 0.02) as compared to patients surviving their disease. Multivariate logistic regression revealed FIGO stage, grade, and lack of cyclin E overexpression to be independent prognostic indicators of survival. CONCLUSION: Cyclin E expression is related to increased growth fraction, clear cell histology, and decreased survival in patients with endometrial cancer.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/mortality , Cyclin E/analysis , Endometrial Neoplasms/mortality , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/chemistry , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Cyclin D1/analysis , Endometrial Neoplasms/chemistry , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Neoplasm Staging , PrognosisABSTRACT
The interaction between fluid loaded fiber-optic cantilevers and a low frequency acoustic wave is investigated as the basis for an acoustic vector sensor. The displacements of the prototype cantilevers are measured with an integrated fiber laser strain sensor. A theoretical model predicting the frequency dependent shape of acoustically driven planar and cylindrical fiber-optic cantilevers incorporating effects of fluid viscosity is presented. The model demonstrates good agreement with the measured response of two prototype cantilevers, characterized with a vibrating water column, in the regime of Re ≥ 1. The performance of each cantilever geometry is also analyzed. Factors affecting the sensor performance such as fluid viscosity, laser mode profile, and support motion are considered. The planar cantilever is shown to experience the largest acoustically induced force and hence the highest acoustic responsivity. However, the cylindrical cantilever exhibits the smoothest response in water, due to the influence of viscous fluid damping, and is capable of two axis particle velocity measurement. These cantilevers are shown to be capable of achieving acoustic resolutions approaching the lowest sea-state ocean noise.
ABSTRACT
A magnetic field sensor is described based on coupling the field into a time varying strain in a fiber laser strain sensor, through the Lorentzian force. A conducting bridge carries an ac current and oscillates at resonance in the presence of a magnetic field. A fiber laser strain sensor attached to the ribbon measures the deflections. The quality factor is shown to be limited by air damping resulting in a measurement resolution of 704 pT/Hz(1/2)±10% at ambient pressure and 360 pT/Hz(1/2)±10% at a reduced pressure of 1700 Pa at 1 Hz and 75 mA (rms).
ABSTRACT
A multimode linear cavity and a single-mode unidirectional ring cavity fiber laser with meter-long cavity lengths are shown to exhibit frequency noise limited by fundamental thermodynamic noise from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. Their measured spectra agree closely with theoretically derived thermodynamic noise and the characteristic dependence of the frequency noise power spectrum on the inverse of the cavity length is observed. The unidirectional ring laser exhibits a frequency noise of 2 Hz/Hz(1/2) at 1 kHz, one of the lowest published values to date from a free-running laser. The multimode linear cavity laser is shown to be a suitable candidate for thermal-noise-limited, meter-long fiber laser strain sensors with a strain resolution of 14 fϵ/Hz(1/2) at 1 kHz.
ABSTRACT
In this paper, different linear and nonlinear methodologies for the estimation of cortical connectivity from neuroelectric and hemodynamic measurements are reviewed and applied on common data set in order to highlight similarities and differences in the results. Different effective and functional connectivity methods were applied to motor and cognitive data sets, including structural equation modeling (SEM), directed transfer function (DTF), partial directed coherence (PDC), and direct directed transfer function (dDTF). Comparisons were made between the results in order to understand if, for a same dataset, effective and functional connectivity estimators can return the same cortical connectivity patterns. An application of a nonlinear method [phase synchronization index (PSI)] to similar executed and imagined movements was also reviewed. Connectivity patterns estimated with the use of the neuroelectric information and of the information from the multimodal integration of neuroelectric and hemodynamic data were also compared. Results suggests that the estimation of the cortical connectivity patterns performed with the linear methods (SEM, DTF, PDC, dDTF) or with the nonlinear method (PSI) on movement related potentials returned similar cortical networks. Differences in cortical connectivity were noted between the patterns estimated with the use of multimodal integration and those estimated by using only the neuroelectric data.
Subject(s)
Action Potentials/physiology , Algorithms , Brain Mapping/methods , Brain/physiology , Models, Neurological , Nerve Net/physiology , Synaptic Transmission/physiology , Animals , Computer Simulation , HumansABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To establish an effective approach for diagnosis and treatment of hand ischemia in matured radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). METHODS: One hundred and fifty end-stage renal disease patients (4% of our practice) presented to our outpatient vascular access facility complaining of a range of symptoms including coldness, numbness and pain in the fingers indicative of ischemia due to steal syndrome. In 15 patients the symptoms of steal syndrome were limited to the fingers, sparing the hand. Physical examination was indicative of steal syndrome caused by shunting of blood from the ulnar artery via the palmar arch, away from the fingers and into the fistula. To confirm the diagnosis, angiography was performed which demonstrated retrograde flow in the distal radial artery (DRA), a hypertrophied palmar arch, and a patent hypertrophied ulnar artery. Ischemia was treated with DRA flow interruption. Transcatheter coil embolization of the DRA (10 patients) was preferred because it proved to be a quick, safe and effective technique. Whenever embolization was not possible ligation of the DRA was performed in accordance with accepted surgical literature (five patients). RESULTS: DRA flow interruption was effectively accomplished by either ligation or coil embolization in all cases. All patients had symptomatic improvement. Complete symptom resolution was experienced by 100% (10/10) of patients who received DRA embolization and by 3/5 patients who required ligation. The average follow-up period was 9 months. There were no complications during the procedure or during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis using physical examination, angiography and treatment with embolization or ligation of the DRA can be performed with great success in an outpatient setting.
Subject(s)
Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical/adverse effects , Blood Flow Velocity/physiology , Embolization, Therapeutic/methods , Fingers/blood supply , Ischemia/therapy , Radial Artery/physiopathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Angiography , Brachiocephalic Veins/surgery , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Ischemia/etiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Radial Artery/diagnostic imaging , Radial Artery/surgery , Renal Dialysis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
We describe a set of computational tools able to estimate cortical activity and connectivity from high-resolution EEG and fMRI recordings in humans. These methods comprise the estimation of cortical activity using realistic geometry head volume conductor models and distributed cortical source models, followed by the evaluation of cortical connectivity between regions of interest coincident with the Brodmann areas via the use of Partial Directed Coherence. Connectivity patterns estimated on the cortical surface in different frequency bands are then imaged and interpreted with measures based on graph theory. These computational tools were applied on a set of EEG and fMRI data from a Stroop task to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach. The present findings suggest that the methodology is able to identify differences in functional connectivity patterns elicited by different experimental tasks or conditions.
Subject(s)
Brain/anatomy & histology , Brain/physiology , Electroencephalography/statistics & numerical data , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Algorithms , Cerebral Cortex/physiology , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
We have measured the nuclear transparency of the A(e,e'pi+) process in 2H, 12C, 27Al, 63Cu, and 197Au targets. These measurements were performed at the Jefferson Laboratory over a four momentum transfer squared range Q2=1.1 to 4.7 (GeV/c)2. The nuclear transparency was extracted as the super-ratio of (sigmaA/sigmaH) from data to a model of pion-electroproduction from nuclei without pi-N final-state interactions. The Q2 and atomic number dependence of the nuclear transparency both show deviations from traditional nuclear physics expectations and are consistent with calculations that include the quantum chromodynamical phenomenon of color transparency.
ABSTRACT
Dialysis-associated steal syndrome (DASS) is defined as a clinical condition caused by arterial insufficiency distal to the dialysis access owing to diversion of blood into the fistula or graft. The incidence of symptomatic DASS requiring treatment is 1-8%. The etiology is iatrogenic and symptoms are quite debilitating. Banding of the access inflow has largely been abandoned because of the inherent problem with balancing fistula flow with distal flow complicated by a high incidence of subsequent access thrombosis. In this study, we are reporting a modification to the traditional banding procedure, which markedly improves banding outcomes. We are reporting 16 patients who underwent a new standardized minimally invasive banding procedure performed in an outpatient setting with minimal morbidity. This modified banding procedure requires a small (1-2 cm) skin incision for the placement of a ligature and utilizes a 4 or 5 mm diameter endoluminal balloon to achieve and standardize the desired reduction of inflow size. All 16 patients had immediate symptomatic and angiographic improvement after the procedure. Follow-up showed none of the patients had recurrence of symptoms or thrombosis of the access. In our experience, this procedure is an excellent treatment option because of its simplicity and should be considered as a first-line treatment for patients with DASS.
Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon/methods , Catheterization, Peripheral/methods , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Subclavian Steal Syndrome/etiology , Subclavian Steal Syndrome/therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Catheters, Indwelling/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Incidence , Ligation/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Subclavian Steal Syndrome/epidemiology , Thrombosis/etiology , Thrombosis/prevention & controlABSTRACT
In the last decade, the possibility to noninvasively estimate cortical activity and connectivity has been highlighted by the application of the techniques known as high resolution EEG. These techniques include a subject's multi-compartment head model (scalp, skull, dura mater, cortex) constructed from individual magnetic resonance images, multi-dipole source model, and regularized linear inverse source estimates of cortical current density. More recently, it has proved as the use of information from the hemodynamic responses of the cortical areas as revealed by block-designed (strength of activated voxels) fMRI improves dramatically the estimates of cortical activity and connectivity. Here, we present some applications of such estimation in two set of high resolution EEG and fMRI data, related to the motor (finger tapping) and cognitive (Stroop) tasks. We observed that the proposed technology was able to unveil the direction of the information flow between the cortical regions of interest.
ABSTRACT
This investigation was conducted to test whether an upper hive entrance may result in reduced Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) population buildup in newly established honey bee, Apis mellifera L., colonies over an 8-mo period. The upper hive entrance consisted of a 3.5-cm-i.d. polyvinyl chloride pipe positioned 20 cm above the hive bottom. Sixteen bee colonies were established using five-frame nucleus hives with a 0.9-kg (2-1b) package of bees with queen. Eight colonies were placed in each apiary, and each colony received one of two treatments: 1) conventional hive lower entrance and 2) modified upper hive entrance. This investigation was conducted in two distant apiaries where A. tumida had been a major problem to local beekeepers for a minimum of 2 yr. Results showed no overall differences between treatment effects on A. tumida counts over the test period, but there was a reduction in bee brood measured in colonies having an upper hive entrance. We conclude that the upper pipe entrance is not recommended in areas where A. tumida are well established and have become problematic. The expected reduction of brood in colonies as a result of using an upper hive entrance will lead to less productive units for honey production and pollination activities. Other control measures will be necessary to maintain tolerable levels of A. tumida in honey bee colonies at high pest densities.
Subject(s)
Bees/physiology , Coleoptera/physiology , Insect Control , Animals , Housing, AnimalABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is produced in response to pathophysiologic stress in animal cells. The authors have previously shown that HSP27 is an independent prognostic indicator in patients with ovarian carcinoma. The present study was performed to see whether HSP27 remained an independent prognostic indicator with longer follow-up. METHODS: One hundred and three consecutive patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma were studied. Slides were prepared from fresh tissue. HPS27 staining was performed as previously described. Patient records were examined for FIGO stage, grade, histology, level of cytoreduction and survival. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were followed for a mean of 60 months. Twenty patients had FIGO Stage I disease, four Stage II, 59 Stage III, and 20 Stage IV. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HSP27 was not related to histologic grade, level of cytoreduction or histologic subtype. A statistically significant decrease in HSP27 staining was found to correlate with increased FIGO stage (p = 0.008). Using cox-regression analysis, HSP27 staining (p = 0.025), stage (p = 0.0012), and level of cytoreduction (p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of survival in these patients. CONCLUSION: Cox-regression analysis found HSP27 to be an independent indicator of prognosis and survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma who had longer follow-up. Decreased HSP27 staining was related to decreased survival. This study confirms the authors' earlier report on the importance of HSP27 as a prognostic indicator in ovarian carcinoma.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/mortality , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/surgery , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/mortality , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/pathology , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/metabolism , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/mortality , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/surgery , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/metabolism , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/mortality , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/surgery , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/metabolism , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/mortality , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/surgery , Female , HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Middle Aged , Molecular Chaperones , Neoplasm Staging , Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Predictive Value of Tests , Proportional Hazards Models , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although not fully understood, heat shock proteins (HSP) are well known stress response proteins. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether staining for HSP27 was different between placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe pre-eclampsia with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as compared to controls. METHODS: Sterile placental tissue was collected from ten women whose pregnancies were complicated by severe preeclampsia with IUGR and from ten women with uncomplicated by severe pre-eclampsia with IUGR and from ten women with uncomplicated term pregnancies. The tissue was then stained for HSP27. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 27 years (mean 27, range 17-37). The median estimated gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks (mean 37, range 29-41). Overall 12 of 20 placentas stained positively for HSP27 (nuclear and/or cytoplasmic). Eight of ten placentas from women with pre-eclampsia and IUGR stained positively for HSP27 (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: HSP27 staining of the placenta is twice as common in patients with severe preeclampsia as compared to patients with normal term gestations. These preliminary results warrant the inauguration of a similar but larger study to examine the significance of these findings.
Subject(s)
Heat-Shock Proteins , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Female , HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Molecular Chaperones , Pilot Projects , PregnancyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The role of the c-myc proto-oncogene in genomic instability is just becoming more fully understood. However, its role in endometrial cancer is essentially unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cytoplasmic and nuclear c-myc staining, DNA index, and survival in patients with endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one patients with endometrial carcinoma were studied. Image analysis was used to determine DNA index. In addition to cytoplasmic and nuclear c-myc staining and DNA index, histologic type, stage, grade, depth of invasion, lymphvascular space invasion, and peritoneal cytology were evaluated as prognostic indicators. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients were followed for over 5 years. c-myc cytoplasmic staining was present in 75.2% of the patients' tumors, and nuclear staining was present in 66.9% (P = 0.99). DNA index was significantly higher in patients with nuclear c-myc staining and no cytoplasmic staining (DNA index 1.38) as compared to those patients whose tumors displayed cytoplasmic c-myc staining but no nuclear c-myc staining (1.18) (P = 0.016). Patients whose tumors stained positively for nuclear c-myc and negatively for cytoplasmic c-myc had significantly worse survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.0001). Seventeen patients died during the follow-up period of this study. By multivariate analysis, positive cytoplasmic c-myc staining with negative nuclear staining (P = 0.0076), negative cytoplasmic c-myc staining with positive nuclear staining (P = 0.011) and FIGO stage (P < 0.0001) were shown to be independent prognostic indicators predictive of survival. CONCLUSION: Nuclear and cytoplasmic c-myc staining, as well as FIGO stage, when assessed by multivariate analysis, were demonstrated to be important factors in predicting survival in the 121 patients in this study. While increasing FIGO stage was prognostic of decreased survival, the specific location of c-myc staining was also associated with prognosis. The expression of the c-myc protein is related to survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.