SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF HBV ANTIGEN AND ANTI-HCV AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN A RURAL LOCAL IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: HBV and HCV infections are a significant public health issue in developing countries with weak healthcare systems, high poverty rates, illiteracy, low HBV immunization coverage, and low public health education. A study assessed the sero epidemiology of HBV antigen, anti- HCV markers, biochemical and heamatological indices of 559 participants in Dambam local government during hepatitis day. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess demographic information and risk factors. Rapid latex immunochromtographic kits were used for HBV, HCV, and HBV Combo serological markers, with positive and negative control included in each batch analysis. Descriptive statistics analysis was conducted on the data. Results: The 559 study participants, had a mean age of 35.5+10.9years, majority within the age- group, 18-39years 279(49.04%), female accounted for 291(52.1%) compared to male 268(47.9), educational background, tertiary 244(43.6%), married, 356(68.7%) and student were 254(45.4%). Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 10.7%, serological markers as follows, HbsAb 1.7%, HbeAg 13.3%, HbeAb 60.0% HbcAb 95.0% and Anti-HCV of 3.4%. Gender breakdown(M vs F) of HBV(13.4% vs 8.2%) and HCV(3.0% vs 3.8%). Significant association was observed in the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV with age-group, gender, marital status and occupation(<0.05). No significant difference was observed with the risk factors of HBV and HCV. Biochemical and heamatological indices showed a significant difference between seropositive and negative study participants(<0.05). Conclusion: The study's findings affirmed the endemicity of HBV infection and the increasing trend of HCV infection in Bauchi state, posing serious public health concerns. HBV serological markers suggest a low HBV immunization coverage rate and exposure of participants to the viral etiology in the community. Strengthening immunization coverage and population-based surveillance is strategic in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Bauchi state.

Laparoscopic embryo transfer in pigs - comparison of different variants and efficiencies of the method.

The aim of the study was to develop a method of laparoscopic embryo transfer in pigs and to compare different variants of this method. Two catheter diameters (1.6 mm and 1.0 mm), the method and site of embryo deposition (oviduct or uterus), the embryo development stage (2 - 4 cell or blastocyst), the method for oviduct or uterus stabilization, the potential for cryopreserved embryo transfer, the developmental potential of the embryos after transfer to the oviduct, patomorphology of the oviduct after transfer and possible clinical complications were taken into consideration. Two studies compared two variants of transfer to the uterus, and five variants of transfer to the fallopian tube. The transfer of embryos by the infundibulum may be of limited use due to handling problems and very low efficiency (pregnancy was not achieved). Very low efficiency was shown after transfer of vitrified embryos. Transfer to the fallopian tube by puncture of the fallopian tube, regardless of the developmental stage of the embryo, is the recommended method of embryo transfer. The histopathological examination of the fallopian tube revealed possible changes within the puncture site. The numerous clinical complications observed did not affect the effectiveness of the method.

Expression pattern of ISL-1, TTF-1 and PAX5 in olfactory neuroblastoma.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare neoplasm of the sinonasal area with neuroendocrine differentiation. ISL-1, TTF-1 and PAX5 are transcription factors that are frequently upregulated in tumors showing neuroendocrine differentiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate these markers in a group of ONBs. We included 11 ONBs from 4 large university hospitals. Immunohistochemical expression of TTF-1, PAX5 and ISL-1 was evaluated. TTF-1, ISL-1 and PAX5 were expressed in 3/11 cases (27.27%, h-score: 3-45), 7/11 cases (63.64%, h-score: 23-200), and in 3/11 cases (27.77%, h-score 3-85), respectively. The patient with the strongest PAX5 reactivity exhibited an aggressive clinical course with rapid dissemination to the spine and death shortly after the diagnosis. No significant correlation in the expression of PAX5 and TTF-1 ( = 0.43; p = 0.18) was observed. ISL-1 is widely expressed in tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation and therefore of limited value in their differential diagnosis. TTF-1 positivity does not exclude the diagnosis of primary ONB, although usually only a small percentage of cells are positive. PAX5 expression is infrequent (27.27%) in ONB; however, if present it can be associated with a very aggressive clinical course.

Tumour thrombus consistency has no impact on survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

The prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumour thrombus (VTT) is variable and not always possible to predict. The prognostic impact and independence of tumour thrombus-related factors including the recently introduced tumour thrombus consistency (TTC) on overall survival remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of TTC in patients' survival. We determined the tumour thrombus consistency (solid vs. friable) in a cohort of 84 patients with RCC and VTT who underwent nephrectomy with thrombectomy, and performed a retrospective evaluation of the patients' data from the prospectively maintained database. A total of 45% of patients had solid thrombus (sTT) and 55% had friable thrombus (fTT). The venous tumour thrombus consistency was not predictive of overall survival. Further studies, preferably prospective and with a larger number of patients, are needed to validate the obtained results, as well as to evaluate the usefulness of tumour thrombus consistency in clinical practice for stratifying the risk of recurrence and planning further follow-up.

Association of the immunohistochemical detection of gamma-glutamyl transferase expression with clinicopathological findings in postmenopausal women with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a membrane enzyme present not only in the liver but also in healthy endometrial epithelium. Its overexpression has been demonstrated in numerous malignancies, where it exerts an anti-apoptotic effect and causes drug resistance in response to oxidation stress. Aim of the study was investigation of GGT expression in postmenopausal patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus (EAC). The material comprised 98 paraffin-embedded post-operative tumour samples of EAC from postmenopausal patients and a control group of 60 normal human postmenopausal endometrium samples. For immunohistochemical specimen staining, polyclonal IgG anti-GGT was used; for GGT expression measurement, a semi-quantitative method was applied. In EAC patients, 16 (16.33%) were diagnosed as stage IA, 46 (46.93%) as stage IB, 14 (14.29%) as stage II, and 22 (22.45%) as stage IIIA-C, according to the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. Fifty-six (57.14%) patients were diagnosed with low- or moderate-grade (G1-2) disease, and 42 (42.86%) were diagnosed with high-grade (G3) disease. Cytoplasmic GGT staining was confirmed in all samples, while apical membrane GGT staining was observed only in G1-2 EAC specimens and the control group. In G3 EAC specimens, GGT cytoplasmic staining and high nuclear polymorphism areas were predominantly shown. Comparable high GGT median apical expression was confirmed in healthy endometrium (2.0, S.E.M. = 0.28) and in G1-2 EAC (2.0, S.E.M. = 0.27); however, in G3 tumours, GGT expression was significantly lower (0.0, S.E.M. = 0.07) than in healthy endometrium (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After stratification of the cancer cases according to FIGO staging, the lowest median apical GGT expression levels were in II EAC (0.0, S.E.M. = 0.64) tumours compared with IA (4.0, S.E.M. = 0.47) tumours, specimen and normal endometrium (2.0, S.E.M. = 2.8) (P < 0001). Stage IB EAC and IIIA-C EAC (1.0, S.E.M. = 0.16) cases showed only moderate median apical expression of GGT (1.0, S.E.M. = 0.24). We concluded that impaired GGT expression has the potential to become a valuable tool for stratifying EEC patients' prognosis and treatment planning.

Selected immunohistochemical features of conventional renal cell carcinomas coexpressing P53 and MDM2.

Renal clear cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is an aggressive tumor for which new prognostic factors are needed. It has been suggested that CCRCCs co-expressing P53 and MDM2 could represent a special subgroup; therefore the aim of this study was to explore their immunohistochemical features. The material studied consisted of 470 cases of CCRCC. Immunohistochemistry for MDM2, P53, Ki-67, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, GLUT1, CA9, and CK 7 was performed on tissue microarrays and assessed semi-quantitatively. On average, 6.6% or 5.3% of cases were P53+/MDM2+, depending on the P53 antibody used. The mean percentage of Ki-67 positive cells was 0.6% and p53-positive MDM2-positive cases showed significantly higher expression of Ki-67. The other immunohistochemical parameters studied did not differ between p53-positive MDM2-positive cases and the rest of the subtypes studied. Expression of almost all immunohistochemical markers differed with respect to pT stage; only for CA9 was the difference not significant. Furthermore, almost all immunohistochemical markers studied differed with respect to differences in grade; only for GLUT1 was the difference not significant. Our results suggest that with the exception of Ki-67, there are no significant associations between analyzed markers and the double P53+/MDM2+ phenotype.

Population dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus from Northeastern Nigeria in 2007 and 2012.

The population structure of Staphylococcus aureus is changing globally but the situation regarding dominant clones in sub-Saharan Africa is not clear. We therefore assessed changes in the population structure of clinical S. aureus isolates obtained in 2007 (n = 75) and 2012 (n = 75) from Northeastern Nigeria. A reduction in resistance to penicillin, gentamicin, erythromycin and clindamycin was observed in 2012. A decrease of methicillin resistance rates (13·3% to 8·0%) was associated with the decline of the ST241 MRSA clone. The proportion of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive isolates also decreased from 65·3% to 44%, and was linked with the emergence of PVL-negative ST601 clone in 2012. The significant decline in antibiotic resistance in the study area is in contrast to the worldwide trend of increasing resistance rates.

The dynamics of heat shock system activation in Monomac-6 cells upon Helicobacter pylori infection.

Immune system cells, particularly phagocytes, are exposed to direct contact with pathogens. Because of its nature - elimination of pathogenes - their cytoprotective systems supposed to be quick and forceful. Physiological consequence of phagocytosis for the phagocyte is the apoptotic death to prevent the eventual survival of bacteria as intracellular parasites. However, in some cases, defense systems used by the bacteria force the immune cells to prolong the contact with the pathogen for its effective elimination. Experiments were performed on Monomac-6 cells exposed to live CagA, VacA expressing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) over different period of time. Total cellular RNA, cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins were isolated for polymerase chain reaction, Western-blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, respectively. We found that Monomac-6 cells infection with H. pylori resulted in the translocation of the entire cellular content of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) into the cytoplasm, where its presence could protect cell against toxic products of engulfed bacteria and premature apoptosis. At the same time the nuclear translocation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) and activation of HSP70 gene transcription was noticed. Action of HSP70 might to postpone monocyte apoptosis through protecting cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins from damaging effect of bacterial products, what could be the defending mechanism against the toxic stress caused by engulfed bacteria and provide the immune cell with the sufficient amount of time required for neutralization of the bacteria from phagosomes, even at the expense of temporary lack of the protection of nuclear proteins.

Expression of macrophage markers in cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis - a possible role of CXCL9.

PURPOSE: Cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis (CGGN) is a type of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) that develops in patients with systemic cryoglobulinemia. To date the exact pathogenesis of CGGN remains unclear. It has been suggested that macrophages may be significant contributors to the glomerular injury in this disease. In our study we attempt to characterize the macrophages in human CGGN using classical activation and regulatory macrophage markers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We searched our database for renal biopsy cases of CGGN. Macrophages were detected using a monoclonal anti-CD68 antibody. Two groups of macrophage markers were used: classical activation markers, including iNOS, CXCL9 and CCL20, and regulatory markers: SPHK1 and LIGHT. The stains were performed using immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Five patients with CGGN were identified. Four patients had systemic cryoglobulinemia and two had a serological evidence of hepatitis C virus infection. In all cases the glomeruli contained numerous macrophages. Staining for activatory macrophage markers revealed a strong nuclear staining for CXCL9 in numerous cells, including those corresponding to the macrophage location. Staining for the other activatory markers, as well as staining for regulatory markers, was not significant. CONCLUSION: In this study of human CGGN we showed a striking expression of cytokine CXCL9, a classical macrophage activation marker, by the macrophages and possibly other cell types within the glomeruli. This observation points to the possible role of classically activated macrophages in the pathogenesis of MPGN. If this observation is confirmed on a larger group of patients, the cytokine CXCL9 could become a potential therapeutic target for human CGGN.

Neuroendocrine markers and sustentacular cell count in benign and malignant pheochromocytomas - a comparative study.

Pheochromocytomas are rare tumours with uncertain clinical behaviour. Histological separation between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas is usually difficult. The utilization of PASS criteria (Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score) has not provided a solid basis for separating benign from malignant tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate immunohistochemical markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, S-100 and Ki-67) to find out if they could provide useful diagnostic and/or prognostic data in a series of 62 pheochromocytomas (5 cases followed an aggressive clinical course). Chromogranin and synaptophysin immunoreactivity proved to be diagnostically useful, allowing, together with the absence of immunoreactivity for inhibin and melan A, an unequivocal diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The pattern of staining did not provide, however, significant prognostic information. The mean count of sustentacular S-100 positive cells was lower in malignant than in benign pheochromocytomas but the frequent architectural variability and the haemorrhagic and cystic changes make it very difficult to achieve a precise and reproducible count in the majority of tumours. Without questioning that the occurrence of metastases and/or recurrent disease still remains the only unquestionable criterion for diagnosing a malignant pheochromocytoma, we think that the combined use of the PASS score and Ki-67 index provides useful information for diagnosing malignancy.

Short- and medium-chain fatty acids as a feed supplement for weaning and nursery pigs.

The effect of supplementing piglet diets with acidifiers containing the short-chain fatty acids - SCFA (propionic C3 and formic) together with medium-chain fatty acids -- MCFA (caprylic C8 and capric C10) on performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, intestinal microflora and small intestine structure was investigated. The study was performed on 326 piglets allocated to 5 experimental groups. They were fed a standard diet (Group I - control) or a standard diet supplemented with 0.5% propionic and formic acids (Group II - PF). Group III (PF + C8), group IV (PF + C10) and group V (PF + C8 + C10) received the same mixture as group II with a supplement of 0.2% of caprylic and/or capric acids, respectively. Apparent digestibility of nutrients and microbiological analyses were performed. The structure of jejunum mucosa was also examined. Piglets receiving capric acid (groups IV and V) had the highest body weight gains. Piglets receiving MCFA digested protein and fiber better (P < or = 0.05) than piglets receiving SCFA as acidifier. There was no difference in intestinal microflora except for Clostridium perfringens, the population of which was reduced by SCFA (group II). Villi of the mucosal epithelium were the highest (P < or = 0.05) in piglets receiving SCFA with capric acid (group IV). Under the conditions of this study a mixture of SCFA (propionic and formic) with capric acid significantly improves performance of piglets.

Two consecutive cases of renal oncocytomatosis in a single-center experience.

Renal oncocytoma is a rare finding and represents the small percentage of all kidney tumors. This kind of tumor is benign and diagnosed accidentally (on autopsy or during nephrectomy performed for other reasons). On rare occasions, truly multiple tumors are seen, affecting the entire renal parenchyma; this condition is called oncocytosis or oncocytomatosis. Here we present two cases of this condition, diagnosed consecutively in a single internal medicine department.

Primary adrenal tumors--a 16-year experience in a single institution.

The incidence of primary adrenal gland tumors observed at the Pathology Department, Cracow, in the period of 16 years was examined. The frequency of adrenal lesion in males and females was studied and compared. The mean age of the patients was calculated. The results were shown in tables and diagrams and compared with data given in the WHO Classification of Tumors and the literature on the subject.

The unique case of adrenocortical malignant and functioning oncocytic tumour.

UNLABELLED: Adrenocortical oncocytoma is extremely rarely found. Only a little more than thirty cases of adrenal oncocytoma, mainly nonfunctioning and benign, have been reported in the literature. Adrenal mass 150 x 160 x 172 mm in size and enlarged periarterial lymph nodes were found in CT examination performed in 51-year-old male. Main complaints: weight loss, general asthenia and abdominal pain. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: elevated blood pressure (180/120 mmHg), no features typical of Cushing's syndrome. Abnormal laboratory findings: oral glucose tolerance test revealed diabetes, elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (1101.9 microg/dl; normal, 59-452), elevated serum cortisol following overnight 1 mg dexamethasone test (5.1 microg/dl; normal, <1.8), increased urinary excretion of 17- hydroxycorticosteroids (18.1 mg/24 h; normal, 2.0-7.0) with pathological response to high-dose dexamethason test (16.6 mg/24). On laparotomy, the lesion was considered unresectable because of evident - confirmed by intraoperative ultrasound - tumour infiltration of the inferior caval vein. The large biopsy specimen was obtained for histological examination in which tumour fulfilled criteria proposed by Bisceglia et al. for adrenocortical oncocytic borderline tumour. On immunohistochemistry, the lesion showed cytoplasmic reaction for cytokeratin, vimentin and synaptophysin. The presented case appears to be the first malignant and functioning adrenocortical oncocytic tumour reported and confirms the complexity of its biology.

[Evaluation of quality of life in patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with topotecan]. / Ocena jakosci zycia chorych z zaawansowanym rakiem jelita grubego leczonych topotekanem.

UNLABELLED: During last years a few new directions appeared in therapy of advanced colorectal cancer. Topotecan, a camptothecin analog, seems to be one of the promising novel drug in these cases. Its unique mechanism of action is connected with inhibition of the nuclear enzyme topoizomerase I. Assessing therapeutic effects of new cytotoxic drugs we should consider their impact on survival time and quality of life as well. The aim of our study was the attempt to assess the quality of life of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (IV stage in TNM scale), treated by topotecan. Clinical trial was performed in the group of 10 patients. Topotecan was administered intravenously at 1.5 mg/m2/day for 5 days and repeated every 21 days. Quality of life assessment was performed at special time points using Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. We observed improvement in quality of life in six out ten patients having advanced colorectal cancer. Two patients did not show any change in quality of life and two patients with progression of disease demonstrated lower quality of life during topotecan treatment. CONCLUSION: Topotecan has a positive influence on quality of life of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Further study are needed to confirm this observation.

Application of neural networks to the classification of pancreatic intraductal proliferative lesions.

The aim of the study was to test applycability of neural networks to classification of pancreatic intraductal proliferative lesions basing on nuclear features, especially chromatin texture. Material for the study was obtained from patients operated on for pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis and other tumours requiring pancreatic resection. Intraductal lesions were classified as low and high grade as previously described. The image analysis system consisted of a microscope, CCD camera combined with a PC and AnalySIS v. 2.11 software. The following texture characteristics were measured: variance of grey levels, features extracted from the grey levels correlation matrix and mean values, variance and standard deviation of the energy obtained from Laws matrices. Furthermore we used moments derived invariants and basic geometric data such as surface area, the minimum and maximum diameter and shape factor. The sets of data were randomly divided into training and testing groups. The training of the network using the back-propagation algorithm, and the final classification of data was carried out with a neural network simulator SNNS v. 4.1. We studied the efficacy of networks containing from one to three hidden layers. Using the best network, containing three hidden layers, the rate of correct classification of nuclei was 73%, and the rate of misdiagnosis was 3%; in 24% the network response was ambiguous. The present findings may serve as a starting point in search for methods facilitating early diagnosis of ductal pancreatic carcinoma.

Karyometric features differentiate early invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma from preinvasive carcinoma.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether karyometric features reflect phenotypic change from preinvasive to early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix uteri. The material for the study was obtained from 12 patients diagnosed in the Chair of Pathomorphology. Each specimen contained both preinvasive and microinvasive lesions. The system of image acquisition and analysis consisted of a microscope coupled with a CCD camera and a PC computer. The software based on AnalySIS 3.0 system (Soft Imaging Systems GmbH) automatically detected cell nuclei and measured the preselected parameters. In each case 250 cell nuceli from both preinvasive and invasive components were analyzed. Significant differences in basic karyometric parameters were found both within individual cases and especially between groups studied. The present findings confirm the presence of early cytological changes at the onset of invasion. From the practical viewpoint the results suggest that karyometric features measured by image analysis might be used as a diagnostic tool, especially in cases where the diagnosis of microinvasion is difficult.

[P-selectin and E-selectin in serum of patients with coronary artery disease]. / Selektyna P i selektyna E w surowicy krwi chorych na chorobe wiencowa.

UNLABELLED: Evidence for the role of chronic inflammation in atherogenesis has been well documented. Selectins mediate the first step in leukocyte adhesion and may contribute to the pathogenesis of stable and unstable angina. METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 patients (pts) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented coronarographically: 27 pts with stable exertional angina (group A), 32 pts with unstable angina (group B). 20 healthy persons were the control group (group C). Serum levels of E-selectin and P-selectin were measured by ELISA method both before and after the treadmill ECG stress test (ST) in groups A and C. In group B the measurements were carried out at 6, 24, and 48 hours following an episode of chest pain. RESULTS: There were no differences between the baseline serum levels of selectins as determined in groups A and C. In patients with stable angina, the post-ST concentrations of E-selectin were significantly higher (68.8 +/- 29 ng/ml) in comparison to both baseline (38.7 +/- 15 ng/ml), and group C-values (pre-ST: 35.1 +/- 16; post-ST: 49.9 +/- 15 ng/ml). In unstable patients, serum P-selectin levels were higher when compared to those found in groups A and C (group A: 142.3 +/- 24; group B: 190.1 +/- 99; group K: 136.4 +/- 33 ng/ml). No differences between selectins concentrations were observed at fixed times after an episode of chest pain. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble selectins levels in pts with stable angina are comparable to those of healthy persons. Significant increase of E-selectin concentration as induced by ST may reflect endothelial response to exercise. Patients with unstable angina had elevated levels of P-selectin, which seems to be associated with enhanced platelet and leukocyte activation. The serum levels of selectins may indirectly reflect clinical condition of pts with CAD.

Proliferation and apoptosis within the oral mucosa "hemangiomas".

In the study the expression of Ki-67, p53, bcl-2 and apoptotic index in ten cases of lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH), ten of capillary hemangioma (CH), and five of epithelioid hemangioma (EH) was examined. The expression of Ki-67, p53 and bcl-2 did not differ significantly between each group of lesions. Instead, significant differences in apoptotic index between LCH and CH were found. The expression of bcl-2 was positively correlated with that of Ki-67 in LCH and CH group, but negatively correlated in the EH group. Our results confirm that LCH, EH and CH, which are histologically similar, are different in terms of proliferation/apoptosis balance. This reflects their different biology, and presumably pathogenesis.