KRAS Pathways: A Potential Gateway for Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostics

One of the major disturbing pathways within cancer is "The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) pathway", and it has recently been demonstrated to be the most crucial in therapies and diagnostics. KRAS pathway includes numerous genes. This multi-component signaling system promotes cell growth, division, survival, and death by transferring signals from outside the cell to its interior. KRAS regulates the activation of a variety of signaling molecules. The KRAS oncogene is a key player in advancing a wide range of malignancies, and the mutation rank of this gene is a key feature of several tumors. For some malignancies, the mutation type of the gene may offer information about prognostic, clinical, and predictive. KRAS belongs to the RAS oncogene family, which consists of a compilation of minor GTP-binding proteins that assimilate environmental inputs and trigger internal signaling pathways that control survival, cell differentiation, and proliferation. This review aims to examine the recent and fascinating breakthroughs in the identification of new therapies that target KRAS, including the ever-expanding experimental approaches for reducing KRAS activity and signaling as well as direct targeting of KRAS. A literature survey was performed. All the relevant articles and patents related to the KRAS pathway, the mutation in the KRAS gene, cancer treatment, and diagnostics were found on PubMed and Google Patents. One of the most prevalent causes of cancer in humans is a mutation in the K-RAS protein. It is extremely difficult to decipher KRAS-mediated signaling. It allows transducing signals to go from the cell's outer surface to its nucleus, having an influence on a variety of crucial cellular functions including cell chemotaxis, division, dissemination, and cell death. Other involved signaling pathways are RAF, and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase also known as AKT. The EGFR pathway is incomplete without KRAS. The activation of PI3K significantly contributes to acquiring resistance to a mixture of MEK inhibitors and anti-EGFR in colorectal cancer cell lines which are mutated by KRAS. A series of recent patent studies towards cancer diagnostics and therapeutics reveals the paramount importance of mutated protein KRAS as an extensive driver in human tumors. For the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer, KRAS plays a critical role. This review concludes the latest and vowing developments in the discovery of novel techniques for diagnosis and drugs that target KRAS, the advancements in experimental techniques for signaling and inhibiting KRAS function, and the direct targeting of KRAS for cancer therapeutics.

Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: An Emerging Aspect of New Drug Discovery

BACKGROUND

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic multidrugresistant, aerobic, glucose non-fermentative, and oxidative-negative coccobacilli bacteria. This life-threatening nosocomial infection is associated with immunocompromised patients.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to investigate the multiple drug resistance mechanisms and new emerging diagnostics & treatments for Acinetobacter baumannii.

METHODS

All the articles that were most relevant to A. baumannii virulence and drug resistance mechanisms were founded by a literature search on PubMed. Google Patents were used to find discoveries related to diagnostics and treatment.

RESULTS

Efflux pumps, β-lactamases, aminoglycosides, outer membrane proteins, and alteration of the target sites were identified in the Acinetobacter baumannii pathogen as the most prevalent drug resistance mechanisms. Gene detection, peptide detection, and antigen-antibody-associated detection were the latest diagnostics. Novel antimicrobial peptides, sterilization techniques using blue light, and combination therapies are being developed to effectively treat A. baumannii infections.

CONCLUSION

This review concludes that new drugs and formulations with high efficiency, low cytotoxicity, and no nephrotoxicity are in absolute need. In the near future, we can expect omics technology to play a significant role in discovering new drugs and potential targets.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery for the treatment of CNS disorders

Approximately 6.8 million people die annually because of problems related to the central nervous system (CNS), and out of them, approximately 1 million people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. CNS problems are a primary concern because of the complexity of the brain. There are various drugs available to treat CNS disorders and overcome problems with toxicity, specificity, and delivery. Barriers like the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are a challenge, as they do not allow therapeutic drugs to cross and reach their target. Researchers have been searching for ways to allow drugs to pass through the BBB and reach the target sites. These problems highlight the need of nanotechnology to alter or manipulate various processes at the cellular level to achieve the desired attributes. Due to their nanosize, nanoparticles are able to pass through the BBB and are an effective alternative to drug administration and other approaches. Nanotechnology has the potential to improve treatment and diagnostic techniques for CNS disorders and facilitate effective drug transfer. With the aid of nanoengineering, drugs could be modified to perform functions like transference across the BBB, altering signaling pathways, targeting specific cells, effective gene transfer, and promoting regeneration and preservation of nerve cells. The involvement of a nanocarrier framework inside the delivery of several neurotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of neurological diseases is reviewed in this study.

Cesarean scar pregnancy and early placenta accreta share common histology

OBJECTIVE

To determine, by evaluation of histological slides, images and descriptions of early (second-trimester) placenta accreta (EPA) and placental implantation in cases of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), whether these are pathologically indistinguishable and whether they both represent different stages in the disease continuum leading to morbidly adherent placenta in the third trimester.

METHODS

The database of a previously published review of CSP and EPA was used to identify articles with histopathological descriptions and electronic images for pathological review. When possible, microscopic slides and/or paraffin blocks were obtained from the original researchers. We also included from our own institutions cases of CSP and EPA for which pathology specimens were available. Two pathologists examined all the material independently and, blinded to each other's findings, provided a pathological diagnosis based on microscopic appearance. Interobserver agreement in diagnosis was determined.

RESULTS

Forty articles were identified, which included 31 cases of CSP and 13 cases of EPA containing histopathological descriptions and/or images of the pathology. We additionally included six cases of CSP and eight cases of EPA from our own institutions, giving a total of 58 cases available for histological evaluation (37 CSP and 21 EPA) containing clear definitions of morbidly adherent placenta. In the 29 cases for which images/slides were available for histopathological evaluation, both pathologists attested to the various degrees of myometrial and/or scar tissue invasion by placental villi with scant or no intervening decidua, consistent with the classic definition of morbidly adherent placenta. Based on the reviewed material, cases with a diagnosis of EPA and those with a diagnosis of CSP showed identical histopathological features. Interobserver correlation was high (kappa = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

EPA and placental implantation in CSP are histopathologically indistinguishable and may represent different stages in the disease continuum leading to morbidly adherent placenta in the third trimester.

Production and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies against Haemophilus parasuis and study of their protective role in mice

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Haemophilus parasuis were obtained by the fusion of SP2/0-Ag14 murine myeloma cells and spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with a whole-bacterial-cell suspension (WC) of H. parasuis strain SW124 (serotype 4). Two MAbs showing strong reactivity in ELISA were further characterized using SDS-PAGE and Western-blot assays. Different treatments of the WC indicated that MAbs 4D5 and 4G9 identified epitopes of proteinic and polysaccharidic nature, respectively. Electron microscopic examination revealed that, unlike the proteinic epitopes, the lipopolysaccharidic epitopes were exposed on the surface of the cell. Using coagglutination, Western-blot and dot-blot assays it was found that both MAbs recognized common epitopes of all the reference strains and field isolates of H. parasuis. None of the other bacteria tested reacted with the MAbs. These results indicated that both the proteinic and polysaccharidic antigens carried species-specific epitopes. It is suggested that these MAbs may potentially be useful for identification of H. parasuis isolates as well as for developing serological diagnostic tools. MAbs 4D5 and 4G9 were unable to kill H. parasuis in vitro in the presence of complement. However, an enhanced bacterial clearance from blood was observed in mice inoculated with either of the MAbs. Highly significant protection was observed in mice using MAb 4G9. This is believed to be the first report of MAbs capable of identifying common species-specific antigens of H. parasuis and of their implication in protection against challenge infection in mice.

Development of a new serological test for serotyping Haemophilus parasuis isolates and determination of their prevalence in North America

Haemophilus parasuis causes polyserositis in swine. Fifteen serovars have been characterized by immunodiffusion test, but many field strains are not typeable. Isolates (n = 300) of H. parasuis from animals in North America were serotyped by a new indirect hemagglutination test. The test was rapid and effective for serotyping of H. parasuis, and serovars 4, 5, 13, and 7 were the most prevalent serotypes.

Efficacy of tilmicosin in the control of experimentally induced Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in swine

The efficacy of tilmicosin administered in the feed to control Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in pigs was evaluated through a multisite, multitrial study. For each of 6 trials, 48 pigs (stratified by weight and sex) were randomly assigned to 6 to 8 pens. Medicated feed containing tilmicosin (200 g/t) and unmedicated feed were randomly assigned at the pen level and were provided ad libitum from day -7 to trial termination (day 14). Seeder pigs (inoculated intranasally with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 and showing signs of clinical disease) were introduced to each pen on day 0. Rates of death, gross lesions, and culture of A. pleuropneumoniae at necropsy, clinical scores, average daily gain in weight, and average body temperature were compared between the medicated and unmedicated pigs. Compared with the unmedicated pigs, significantly fewer (P < 0.05) pigs given tilmicosin had lesions typical of A. pleuropneumoniae or had A. pleuropneumoniae isolated from their tissues at necropsy. Together with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the average percentage of pneumonic lung involvement (both visually and by weight), there were reductions in the numbers of pigs with moderate and severe pneumonic lung lesions and with A. pleuropneumoniae associated mortality. With tilmicosin treatment, the average daily weight gain, daily temperature, abdominal appearance, attitude, and respiration were also significantly better (P < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate the in vivo effectiveness of tilmicosin (200 g/t) in controlling pleuropneumonia among swine experimentally infected with A. pleuropneumoniae.

Non-pathogenic Actinobacillus isolates antigenically and biochemically similar to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: a novel species?

Two unusual Actinobacillus isolates were recovered from pigs with no clinical signs, no lesions and no history of swine pleuropneumonia. Two representative strains (9953L55 and 0347) analyzed in this study were initially biochemically and antigenically identified as A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 9, respectively, by traditional identification methods. Both strains presented, however, negative results with three A. pleuropneumoniae-specific PCR tests and revealed in particular the absence of the apxIV toxin genes. However, both strains produced and secreted ApxII toxin although they only harbored the toxin genes apxIICA, which is an uncommon feature for any of the known A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes. Upon experimental inoculation of pigs, these strains proved to be totally non-pathogenic. Animals infected with one of the strains produced antibodies that cross-react with A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1-9-11-specific LC-LPS ELISA. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that these strains form a separate phylogenetic group that is distinct from other Actinobacillus species and is particularly different from A. pleuropneumoniae.

Postmenopausal endogenous oestrogens and risk of endometrial cancer: results of a prospective study

We assessed the association of postmenopausal serum levels of oestrogens and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with endometrial cancer risk in a case-control study nested within the NYU Women's Health Study cohort. Among 7054 women postmenopausal at enrolment, 57 cases of endometrial cancer were diagnosed a median of 5.5 years after blood donation. Each case was compared to 4 controls matched on age, menopausal status at enrolment, and serum storage duration. Endometrial cancer risk increased with higher levels of oestradiol (odds ratio = 2.4 in highest vs lowest tertile, P for trend = 0.02), percent free oestradiol (OR = 3.5, P< 0.001), and oestrone (OR = 3.9, P< 0.001). Risk decreased with higher levels of percent SHBG-bound oestradiol (OR = 0.43, P = 0.03) and SHBG (OR = 0.39, P = 0.01). Trends remained in the same directions after adjusting for height and body mass index. A positive association of body mass index with risk was substantially reduced after adjusting for oestrone level. Our results indicate that risk of endometrial cancer increases with increasing postmenopausal oestrogen levels but do not provide strong support for a role of body mass index independent of its effect on oestrogen levels.

Study of antigenic heterogeneity among Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 strains

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 strains were studied for their antigenic heterogeneity using rabbit polyclonal hyperimmune sera against all the known twelve reference strains of A. pleuropneumoniae and a battery of different serological tests such as coagglutination (COA), immunodiffusion (ID), indirect hemagglutination (IHA), counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE), rapid dot-ELISA (RDE), serum soft-agar (SSA) and growth agglutination (GA). Reference serotype 7 strain (WF83) showed cross-reactivity with reference serotype 1B strain but not with other serotypes. Field serotype 7 strains showed cross-reactivities with serotypes 1A, 1B, 4, 9, 10, and 11 in COA, ID, and CIE tests, but not in IHA test. Two field strains of serotype 7 (90-3182 and 86-1411) which appeared to be different from the typical serotype 7 strains were selected for further antigenic characterization by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and Tricine SDS-PAGE assays, and identified as serotypes 1 and 7, respectively. For serotyping atypical strains, it is suggested to use Western blot assay as a confirmatory test to identify serotype-specific capsular and somatic antigens.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae surface polysaccharides: their role in diagnosis and immunogenicity

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is an important pig pathogen that is responsible for swine pleuropneumonia, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Knowledge of the importance, composition and structural determination of the major antigens involved in virulence provides crucial information that could lead to the development of a rationale for the production of specific serodiagnostic tools as well as vaccine development. Thus, efforts have been devoted to study mainly A. pleuropneumoniae virulence determinants with special emphasis on the Apx toxins (for A. pleuropneumoniae RTX toxins). In comparison, little attention has been given to the surface polysaccharides, which include capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and cell-wall lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Here, we review current knowledge on CPS and LPS of A. pleuropneumoniae used as diagnostic tools to monitor the infection and as immunogens for inclusion in vaccine preparations for animal protection.

Atypical Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates that share antigenic determinants with both serotypes 1 and 7

In the present study, the characterization of 3 atypical isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is presented. Two isolates (1B and 27E) showed positive reactions in coagglutination, immunodiffusion, and indirect hemagglutination tests for serotypes 1 and 7, whereas the third isolate (26B) reacted with antisera to serotypes 1, 4, and 7. These atypical isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae possessed a capsular polysaccharide (CPS) antigenically related to serotype 1 as well as an O-chain lipopolysaccharide antigenically related to serotype 7 or to serotypes 4 and 7, as shown by the use of monoclonal antibodies. Results of toxin profile and virulence assays for mice and pigs showed them to be more related to A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 field isolates. All 3 isolates induced antibodies mainly against serotype 7/4 O-long-chain lipopolysaccharide (LC-LPS) and, to a lesser extent, to the CPS of serotype 1, in experimentally infected pigs. Diagnostic laboratories that use a LC-LPS-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of A. pleuropneumoniae infection in swine would probably diagnose herds infected with these atypical isolates as being infected by A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 7 or 4, whereas those that use a CPS-based ELISA would probably consider them as infected by A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1.

Serological characterization of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 strains by using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

The antigenic differences between strains of serotype 2 of both biotypes I and II of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were studied by using several serological techniques. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against A. pleuropneumoniae biotype I serotype 2 were produced by fusion of spleen cells of BALb/c mice immunized with whole-cell (WC) suspension with SP2/O-Ag14 murine myeloma cells. Desirable MAbs were selected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using WC as antigen. MAbs MK-7 and MK-10 identified multiple bands of lipopolysaccharide in Western-blot. Treatment of WC with proteinase K and sodium periodate indicated that both MAb binding sites were carbohydrates in nature. In both ELISA and Western-blot, MAbs MK-7 and MK-10 recognized only biotype I serotype 2 isolates. Neither MAb MK-7 nor MK-10 reacted with reference strains of remaining serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae and other Gram-negative bacteria tested. The results obtained with various serological tests showed that strains of serotype 2 biotype I shared antigenic determinants with strain N-282 of serotype 2 biotype II, but not with strain N-273 of serotype 1 biotype II. It is suggested that data obtained from this study may be helpful in the development of specific serotyping and serodiagnostic reagents of A. pleuropneumoniae strains.

Identification of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains of serotypes 7 and 4 using monoclonal antibodies: demonstration of common LPS O-chain epitopes with Actinobacillus lignieresii

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 were produced and characterized. Three Mabs directed against surface polysaccharides were selected. One of the Mabs was directed against a capsular polysaccharide epitope (CPS) of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 whereas two other Mabs reacted with different epitopes of the LPS O-chain. One of the latter reacted with the reference strain of serotype 7 and the other one with serotypes 7 and 4. These three Mabs were used to test, by Dot-ELISA, 508 field strains of A. pleuropneumoniae. None of the strains belonging to other serotypes different from serotypes 4 and 7 were positive with the Mabs. Used in combination, the CPS and one of the LPS O-chain directed Mabs were shown to be suitable for serotyping since they detected 100% of serotype 7 strains. In this study, we confirm for the first time that A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 4 is present in North America. Finally, both O-chain specific Mabs also reacted with the O-chain of Actinobacillus lignieresii. The cross-reactivity between the two species was confirmed using sera from pigs experimentally infected with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 and A. lignieresii, using immunoblotting and ELISA. This is the first report of a specific cross-reactivity between the LPS of these bacterial species.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma associated with intrauterine pregnancy. A report of five cases and a review of the literature

Endometrial adenocarcinoma associated with pregnancy is a rare lesion; only 14 acceptable examples have been reported in the literature. This study describes five additional examples with a critical review of the previously published cases. Four of the five women were nulliparous and three had sought medical intervention for infertility. The tumors were all well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinomas; three had a focal to extensive papillary pattern and three had focal to extensive squamous differentiation. Four were diagnosed at the time of dilatation and curettage and one at the time of cesarean section for a 28-week, live infant. Follow-up was available for four of the five women. Two women underwent hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and were alive and well 12 and 48 months after diagnosis. The woman who had the live birth and the remaining woman were treated by repeat curettage with or without progesterone therapy, and each woman has had two subsequent full-term pregnancies with live births. These women are alive and well 57 and 58 months after diagnosis. Women with focal, well-differentiated carcinomas can successfully maintain their fertility if followed by repeat curettage with or without progesterone therapy.

Detection of human papillomavirus in verrucous carcinoma from HIV-seropositive patients

Anogenital squamous cell carcinoma has been noted with increased frequency in HIV-seropositive patients. Verrucous carcinoma is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma that tends to be locally invasive and non-metastasizing. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) has been strongly implicated in other squamous neoplasms, it has been variably associated with verrucous carcinoma and has not been examined in these lesions in the HIV-positive population. The aim of this study was to examine the association of HPV with anal verrucous carcinoma in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HPV DNA in situ hybridization for HPV Types 6/11, 16/18, and 31/33/35 was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from six cases of verrucous carcinoma and four cases of condyloma acuminatum in perianal specimens from HIV-seropositive patients. HPV DNA sequences were identified in five of six cases of verrucous carcinoma and in all cases of condyloma acuminatum. Of the five verrucous carcinomas that harbored detectable HPV DNA, four contained HPV 6/11 and two contained HPV 16/18. One contained both HPV 6/11 and HPV 16/18. All four cases of condyloma acuminatum were positive for HPV 6/11. One patient included in this series had three chronologically separate verrucous carcinomas. The initial lesion was negative for HPV DNA. Subsequent verrucous carcinomas were positive for HPV type 6/11 and type 16/18, respectively. The data presented support the concept that verrucous carcinoma in the HIV-seropositive population is associated with HPV, which may indeed play an important role in its pathogenesis.

Role of outer membrane protein H (OmpH)- and OmpA-specific monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma tumors in protection of mice against Pasteurella multocida

Two major outer membrane proteins of Pasteurella multocida, designated OmpH and OmpA, were characterized and shown to be related to the families of porin and heat-modifiable proteins, respectively. The backpack hybridoma tumor system in BALB/c mice was used to continuously deliver immunoglobulin G2b (IgG2b) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for OmpH (MAb MT1) and OmpA (MAb MT4.1). MAbs were detected in serum and peritoneal lavage samples of mice bearing hybridoma tumors by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunoblot assay. Highly significant protection was observed in mice bearing MT1 hybridoma tumors against both intraperitoneal and intranasal challenge infections with homologous nontoxigenic P. multocida strains possessing MAb MT1-reacting epitopes, whereas the mice bearing MT4.1 hybridoma tumors were not protected. The numbers of P. multocida organisms in the lungs of mice bearing MT1 hybridoma tumors were significantly less than those in lungs of mice bearing MT4.1 hybridoma tumors at 48 h postchallenge. These results indicate that the OmpH-specific MAb inhibited proliferation of P. multocida in the lungs. MAb MT1 was unable to kill P. multocida in vitro in the presence of complement. However, an enhanced phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was observed in mice bearing MT1 hybridoma tumors. P. multocida induced a more extensive and rapid influx of PMNs into the peritoneal cavity of mice bearing MT1 hybridoma tumors than of mice bearing MT4.1 hybridoma tumors. The results of this study demonstrate for the first time that IgG MAbs against OmpH of P. multocida are involved in the protection of mice against lethal challenge infection by means of opsonization and inhibition of proliferation of P. multocida as a result of increased influx of PMNs into the infection site.

Identification by monoclonal antibodies of serotype D strains of Pasteurella multocida representing various geographic origins and host species

Two outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) of Pasteurella multocida serotype D, designated H and W, possess potentially important serotype D-specific antigens. Antigenicity as well as toxigenicity of 55 strains of P. multocida representing various serotypes, geographic origins and host species were studied by SDS-PAGE, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Based on the electrophoretic mobility of protein H, different OMP patterns were observed within different capsular serotypes. Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) designated MT1, MT2 and MT3 were produced against H and W proteins of P. multocida in BALB/c mice. MAbs MT2 and MT3 reacted with two distinct epitopes on W protein of serotype D in competitive ELISA. MAb MT1 reacted with all serotype D-I strains but not with D-II strains, whereas MAb MT2 reacted with both serotype D-I and D-II strains in dot-ELISA and immunoblot assay. MAb MT3 reacted with all P. multocida strains belonging to different capsular serotypes in dot-ELISA. None of the MAbs reacted with other gram-negative bacteria tested, indicating that protein H has a serotype D-I specific epitope and protein W has both serotype and species-specific epitopes. PCR assay was used to identify toxigenic strains of P. multocida; 92% of P. multocida strains possess both toxA gene and MAb MT2 reacting epitope, suggesting a strong association between MAb MT2 reacting epitopes and toxA gene. Rapid dot-ELISA with MAb was found to be specific, sensitive and easy to perform and thus suitable for routine serotyping of P. multocida serotype D strains which might be potentially pathogenic.

Histology of leiomyomata in patients treated with leuprolide acetate

This study examined the histologic changes associated with administration of leuprolide acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, in leiomyomata. Thirty-seven women treated with leuprolide acetate who subsequently underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy were matched by age (+/- 3 years), race, and uterine size (+/- 2 weeks) with untreated controls. Tissue samples of leiomyomata (four to 10 slides per patient) were examined "blinded" by two pathologists and evaluated for cellularity, edema, myxoid change, hyalinization, fibrosis, inflammation, infarction, and vascular changes (thrombosis, intimal fibrosis, thickening of the vessel wall with narrowing of the lumen, perivascular fibrosis). A matched case-control analysis was conducted for each morphologic characteristic. Cellularity, hyalinization, and fibrosis were graded as 1(+) versus 2(+); all other characteristics were graded as present or absent. The analysis showed that leuprolide acetate-treated leiomyomata had significantly increased hyalinization (p < 0.005) and decreased cellularity (p < 0.10) as compared with controls; there was also thickening of blood vessel walls with narrowing of the lumen (p < 0.01). A subgroup of leuprolide acetate-treated patients categorized as clinical responders (having > 30% reduction in tumor size) more frequently had thickening of vessel walls (p < 0.05) and vascular thrombosis (p < 0.10) than did nonresponders. Our data suggest that a leuprolide acetate-induced hypoestrogenic state may cause vasoconstriction, thickening of blood vessel walls, and thrombosis, leading to ischemia, hyalinization, and atrophy of the leiomyoma.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies that recognize common epitopes located on O antigen of lipopolysaccharide of serotypes 1, 9 and 11 of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

Seven murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against serotype 1 of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae (reference strain Shope 4074) were produced and characterized. All hybridomas secreting mAbs were reactive with whole-cell antigens from reference strains of serotypes 1, 9 and 11, except for mAb 5D6 that failed to recognized serotype 9. They did not react with other taxonomically related Gram-negative organisms tested. The predominant isotype was immunoglobulin (Ig) M, although IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 were also obtained. The epitopes identified by these mAbs were resistant to proteinase K treatment and boiling in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and reducing conditions; however, they were sensitive to sodium periodate treatment. Enhanced chemiluminescence-immunodetection assay showed that mAbs could be divided in two groups according to the patterns of immunoreaction observed. Group 1 (mAbs 3E10, 4B7, 9H5 and 11C3) recognized a ladder-like banding profile consistent with the O antigen of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from smooth strains. Group II (mAbs 3B10 and 9H1) recognized a long smear of high molecular weight which ranged from 60 to 200 kDa. The mAbs were tested against 96 field isolates belonging to serotypes 1, 5, 9, 11 and 12, which had previously been classified by a combination of serological techniques based on polyclonal rabbit sera (counterimmunoelectrophoresis, immunodiffusion and coagglutination). The panel of mAbs identified all isolates of serotypes 9 and 11, but only 66% of those belonging to serotype 1. This may suggest the existence of antigenic heterogeneity among isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1. These mAbs reacted with epitopes common to serotypes 1, 9 and 11 of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae which were located on the O antigen of LPS.

Characterization of an outer membrane protein of Pasteurella multocida belonging to the OmpA family

The outer membrane vesicle and N-lauroylsarcosine-insoluble protein preparations of Pasteurella multocida 656 were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A major outer membrane protein (OMP) was found to be heat-modifiable, having a molecular mass of 28 kDa when the OMP preparation was solubilized at 60 degrees C and a molecular mass of 37 kDa when it was solubilized at 100 degrees C. A monoclonal antibody, designated mAb MT4.1, was generated against heat-modifiable OMP of P. multocida. This mAb reacted with the heat-modifiable OMP irrespective of the temperature at which it was solubilized, as demonstrated by immunoblot results. The heat-modifiable OMP of P. multocida showed a significant N-terminal amino acid sequence homology with OmpA family. Immunoelectron microscopic study revealed that the mAb Mt4.1 epitope was not surface exposed on the intact bacterium. The mAb MT4.1 reacted with all the reference strains of 5 capsular and 16 somatic serotypes, as well as with 75 field strains of P. multocida in immunoblot assay. This mAb MT4.1 also reacted with strains of various other Pasteurella species such as P. stomatis, P. aerogenes P. gallinarum, P. betti, P. sp, B, P. SP-g and P. canis, but not with strains of 12 other Gram-negative bacteria. These results indicated that this protein carried a genus-specific epitope and mAb MT4.1 may be useful for identification of Pasteurella species. This is the first report in which a major heat-modifiable OMP has been identified and characterized using a mAb, and has been shown belonging to the OmpA family.

Rapid identification of porcine Serpulina species by colony blot assay using a genus-specific monoclonal antibody

An immunoglobulin G monoclonal antibody (mAb C9E8) recognising a genus-specific epitope on the 26 kDa protein of porcine Serpulina species organisms was used in a simple colony blot assay to detect Serpulina in cultures grown directly on blood agar plates from pig faeces and tissues. The mAb detected even a few colonies of the organism in the presence of an abundant growth of non-Serpulina organisms. The whole procedure was completed in less than three hours. A total of 123 strains of S hyodysenteriae and S innocens were correctly identified by the colony blot assay whereas all the 26 non-Serpulina Gram-negative organisms commonly isolated from faecal material or tissues of pigs remained negative. The assay was rapid, highly specific and sufficiently reliable to be used with confidence for identifying porcine Serpulina colonies directly on blood agar plates.

Biochemical and antigenic relationships between porcine and equine isolates of Actinobacillus suis

A total of 50 Actinobacillus suis isolates were studied for their biochemical and antigenic characteristics. Of them, 40 isolates originated from different tissues of diseased pigs, and the other ten isolates were from horses with respiratory problems. There was no major biochemical difference among equine and porcine A. suis isolates. Results of tube agglutination tests showed that porcines isolates were antigenically homogeneous while equine isolates were heterogeneous.

Development of an experimental model allowing discrimination between virulent and avirulent isolates of Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenteriae

Variation in virulence among different strains of Serpulina hyodysenteriae was studied by oral inoculation of specific pathogen free piglets and CD-1 mice. Piglets infected with serotype 2 reference strain B204 and an untypable field strain LHV-90-9-I had severe diarrhea tainted intermittently with mucus and fresh blood. The piglets inoculated with B169, B8044, B6933, and ACK300-8 reference strains representing serotypes 3, 5, 6, and 7 respectively developed moderate diarrhea. However, reference strains B234 and A-1 of serotypes 1 and 4, respectively, failed to cause any diarrhea. None of the S. hyodysenteriae strains caused diarrhea in mice. The results indicate a great variation in virulence among strains of different serotypes of S. hyodysenteriae. Mice were less susceptible to infection with S. hyodysenteriae.

Comparison of p53 and MIB1 expression in benign and borderline areas of ovarian serous tumors

Ovarian serous tumors of borderline malignancy frequently show morphologically benign and borderline areas within the same tumor. This study was undertaken to determine if these two morphologically disparate areas differ in their proliferative activity and p53 expression. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue from 17 ovarian serous borderline tumors with morphologically benign and borderline areas were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against p53 and MIB1. The percentage of positive cells was determined by counting 100 consecutive cells for each stain in the most intensely stained areas in morphologically benign and borderline portions of these tumors. There was a significantly increased proliferation (MIB1 expression) in borderline areas compared with benign areas (37.05 +/- 15.3 versus 12.88 +/- 6.7, p = 0.0001). More than 30% of cells were positive for MIB1 in 13/17 borderline areas compared with none of the 17 benign areas (p < 0.0001). The expression of p53 was also higher in borderline areas compared with benign areas (7.12 +/- 8.8 versus 2.94 +/- 4.46, p = 0.0078). More than 10% of cells were p53 positive in 5/17 borderline areas compared with 1/17 benign areas (p = 0.08). However, there was no significant correlation between p53 expression and MIB1 expression in either the benign or borderline areas (p = 0.4 and 0.2, respectively). In summary, morphologically borderline areas show significantly higher p53 expression and proliferation compared with morphologically benign areas in ovarian serous borderline tumors. Alterations of p53 may play a pathogenetic role in some ovarian serous borderline tumors. The lack of correlation between p53 expression and MIB1 expression, however, suggests involvement of other factors, in addition to p53, in determining the proliferative rate of ovarian serous borderline tumors.

The 32 kDa major outer-membrane protein of Pasteurella multocida capsular serotype D

The major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) of Pasteurella multocida serotype D strain P210, with an apparent molecular mass of 32 kDa, was purified and characterized. The purification method involved selective extraction of MOMP with N-lauroylsarcosine and SDS, followed by immunoaffinity chromatography using a murine monoclonal antibody (mAb). The N-terminal sequence and amino acid composition of the MOMP showed considerable similarity to other Gram-negative bacterial porins, notably to the 37 kDa MOMP (porin H) of P. multocida. Immunoelectron microscopy and colony blotting assays were used to demonstrate the surface localization of the 32 kDa MOMP on bacterial cells. The colony blotting assay provided a simple, sensitive and rapid screening method for visualizing accessibility of the antibody on the cells. In a Western blot assay, murine polyclonal hyperimmune serum against the purified 32 kDa MOMP recognized both serotype B and D strains bearing either a 32 kDa or a 37 kDa MOMP, whereas the mAb recognized only serotype D strains bearing a 32 kDa but not a 37 kDa MOMP. The present data indicate that the 32 kDa MOMPs of P. multocida are antigenically heterogeneous and possess both specific and cross-reacting epitopes. Detection of type-specific epitopes on the 32 kDa MOMP using an mAb may have potential implications regarding the feasibility of developing a serotyping system for P. multocida.

Identification and characterization of genus-specific epitopes of Serpulina species using monoclonal antibodies

Four murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) designated as C9E8, A10, G12, and G8 which recognized both Serpulina hyodysenteriae and S. innocens were produced and characterized. The mAbs reacted with whole cell antigens in ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays. The mAbs did not show any cross reactivity in rapid dot ELISA or immunoblot assay with Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli. Treatment of whole cell suspension with proteinase K and sodium periodate indicated that the reacting epitopes of the mAbs were protein in nature. The genus-specific antigens were identified as heat-stable proteins with molecular weight in the range of 26 to 45 kDa. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling studies showed that the antibody-binding epitopes were exposed on the outer-surface of the spirochaetal cell wall. The mAbs inhibited growth of reference strains of both S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens in vitro but failed to cause agglutination. The detection of spirochaetal forms directly in fecal smears or paraffin-embeded tissue sections from experimentally infected pigs indicated that such mAbs were potentially useful for the diagnosis of swine spirochaetosis. This is the first report of mAbs identifying and characterizing common antigens of porcine Serpulina.

Cervical squamous dysplasias and carcinomas with immunodetectable p53 frequently contain HPV

Studies using cervical carcinoma cell lines usually show mutated p53 in cases without detectable HPV, and wild-type p53 in cases with detectable HPV. These findings suggest that loss of p53 function, either by mutation or by binding to HPV E6, is required for cervical carcinogenesis. Because mutated p53 is usually detectable immunohistochemically, one would predict an inverse relationship between the presence of HPV and detectable p53. In this study we examined 88 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded clinical specimens of cervix for the presence of HPV and p53 expression. All cases were studied for the presence of p53 using immunohistochemical methods. The antibody used was mouse monoclonal PAb1801 (Biogenex). The presence of HPV was detected by PCR. Twenty-six specimens showed foci of p53 expression (0/7 normal, 1/8 (13%) condylomas, 1/6 (17%) CIN I, 3/7 (43%) CIN II, 6/20 (30%) CIN III, 13/22 (59%) SCC, 2/5 (40%) adenosquamous carcinomas, and 0/13 adenocarcinomas). p53 expression was more frequent in SCC than with CIN (P = 0.026). HPV was present in 15 of 24 cases with detectable p53 and 22 of 48 cases without detectable p53. No correlation was seen between HPV status and detection of p53. With the exception of one case, p53 expression was seen in less than 10% of cells. p53 expression was not detected in any of the 13 adenocarcinomas examined (P = 0.0016 vs SCC). Our results show that alterations of p53 may play a role in the pathogenesis of cervical squamous carcinoma. However, p53 expression was neither sufficient nor required for cervical carcinogenesis, irrespective of HPV status.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Serpulina hyodysenteriae and S. innocens and their use in serotyping

Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against serotypes 1, 2, 8, and 9 of Serpulina hyodysenteriae and strain B256 of Serpulina innocens were produced and characterized. A serological classification of 96 field strains of S. hyodysenteriae and 28 field strains of S. innocens isolated from pigs showing clinical signs of swine dysentery was performed by rapid dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the MAbs. The results indicated that the majority of the field strains of S. hyodysenteriae (69%) belonged to serotypes 8, 1, and 9, whereas only 31% of the S. innocens strains were recognized by MAb 9H7, indicating the presence of antigenic heterogeneity among S. innocens isolates. Rapid dot ELISA with type-specific MAbs was found to be specific, sensitive, and easy to perform and thus to be suitable for routine serotyping of S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens isolates. This is the first report of MAbs being used for serotyping clinical isolates of S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens.

Evaluation of different serological tests for detection of antibodies against Serpulina hyodysenteriae in pig sera

Swine dysentery is a mucohemorrhagic diarrheal disease caused by S. hyodysenteriae. The detection of asymptomatic carriers in herds is possible by serological tests. However, cross-reactions between S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens pose a major problem in serological diagnosis. Several serological tests were evaluated for detection of antibodies to S. hyodysenteriae such as: indirect hemagglutination, passive hemolysis, conglutination and microagglutination tests. Among the tests used, only the microagglutination test was able to detect antibodies to S. hyodysenteriae. 70 to 95% of the pigs were invariably seropositive in a single dilution of 1:10 in actively infected herds whereas the number of seropositives did not exceed 10% in presumably non-infected herds. The test was found to be simple, and reliable to be used with confidence for detection of herd infection using boiled cell suspension as an antigen.

Coexistent atypical polypoid adenomyoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) is a rare entity that is believed to follow a benign course. We report a case of APA with coexistent endometrial adenocarcinoma. The example raises the possibility that APA may progress to endometrial adenocarcinoma in some cases.

Identification and characterization of outer membrane proteins of Pasteurella multocida serotype D by using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Pasteurella multocida serotype D were obtained by fusion of spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with outer membrane proteins (OMPs) with SP2/0-Ag 14 murine myeloma cells. Desirable MAbs were selected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with OMP as the antigen. MAbs MT1 and MT2 identified two different proteins (H [heavy] and W [weak]), each with a molecular mass of 32 kDa, in Western blots (immunoblots). Treatment of the OMPs with proteolytic enzymes and sodium periodate indicated that the binding sites of MAbs MT1 and MT2 are of protein and glycoprotein natures, respectively. The epitopes reactive with MAbs were surface exposed, as visualized by immunoelectron microscopy. Among field isolates of P. multocida serotype D, two distinct OMP patterns were recognized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and these patterns were designated types I and II. In both the ELISA and the Western blot, MAb MT1 recognized only type I isolates, whereas MAb MT2 recognized both type I and II isolates. Neither MAb MT1 nor MAb MT2 reacted with either reference strains of capsular serotypes A, B, E, and F or field isolates of capsular serotype A of P. multocida. This is the first report of MAbs identifying the serotype D-specific OMP of P. multocida.

Immunohistochemical profile of ovarian inclusion cysts in patients with and without ovarian carcinoma

The expression of cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, Leu-M1, B72.3, carcinoembryonic antigen, human placental lactogen, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53, and ovarian carcinoma-associated antigen OC-125 was evaluated in inclusion cysts in contralateral ovaries of patients with unilateral ovarian carcinoma. The findings were compared with the findings in inclusion cysts in ovaries of patients without ovarian carcinoma. Although there was more frequent expression of tumour markers B72.3 and CEA in patients with ovarian carcinoma, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Evaluation of microagglutination test for differentiation between Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenteriae and S. innocens and serotyping of S. hyodysenteriae

Swine dysentery is a mucohemorrhagic diarrheal disease caused by the anaerobic spirochete Serpulina hyodysenteriae. At present, the serotyping is done by immunodiffusion testing with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extract as antigen and rabbit hyperimmune sera produced against different serotypes of S. hyodysenteriae. Since the preparation of LPS is time-consuming and requires a large quantity of bacteria, it is desirable to use a serotyping method which does not require the extraction of LPS. In the present investigation, microagglutination was evaluated by using both formalinized whole- and boiled-cell suspensions as antigens and rabbit hyperimmune sera produced against formalinized whole-cell suspensions of reference strains of S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens B256. Use of boiled cell suspension as antigen permitted the differentiation between isolates of S. hyodysenteriae and S. innocens as well as serotyping of S. hyodysenteriae strains accurately. A total of 18 isolates were identified as S. hyodysenteriae, and 3 isolates were identified as S. innocens. The microagglutination test was found specific, sensitive, and easy to perform; thus, it was judged suitable for routine identification and serotyping of S. hyodysenteriae isolates.

Increased expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms and basic fibroblast growth factor in complex hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: evidence for paracrine and autocrine action

Endometrial carcinoma is associated with antecedent simple and complex hyperplasia, and the endometrium is a target tissue for the action of cytokines and growth factors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta s are potent cellular growth and differentiation regulatory factors. Therefore, we investigated the potential role for TGF-beta s in the normal proliferative endometrium and its possible involvement in the transition to complex hyperplasia and progression to endometrial carcinoma. The angiogenic and mitogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, was used for comparison. Differential TGF-beta isoform-specific immunoreactivity was observed in the normal endometrium, which is composed of glandular and stromal cells. There was an increase in TGF-beta 3 but not TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 in the glandular epithelium from the proliferative to the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Immunostaining for TGF-beta 2 was more intense in the stroma than the glands. In contrast, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 were near equal intensity in these two endometrial compartments, TGF-beta 3 being the most intense. The glandular epithelium demonstrated a statistically significant stepwise increase in the expression of all three TGF-beta s progressing from the normal proliferative endometrium to simple hyperplasia and on to complex hyperplasia. However, the stromal cells maintained approximately the same level of immunoreactivity for TGF-beta in all these samples. In comparing proliferative endometrium with complex hyperplasia, there was a 5.1-, 3.4-, and 2.6-fold increase in immunostaining in the glands for TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3, respectively (P < or = 0.001). There was no further increase in immunoreactivity with progression from preneoplastic complex hyperplasia to carcinoma. Immunoreactive basic fibroblast growth factor was slight in normal endometrium and simple hyperplasia. There was a 4.6- and 4.2-fold increase in immunostaining observed in complex hyperplasia compared with proliferative endometrium in the glandular (P < or = 0.0054) and stromal (P < or = 0.0053) cells, respectively, with no further increase in carcinoma. By in situ hybridization, an increase in mRNA for all TGF-beta isoforms paralleled TGF-beta immunoreactivity. However, in contrast to the increased immunostaining in the glands in complex hyperplasia, there was remarkably more mRNA in the stromal cell compartment. The discordant expression of mRNA and protein was only observed in the pathological endometrium since both were more highly expressed in the stromal cells in normal proliferative endometrium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Serological characterisation of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains of serotypes 1, 9 and 11

Various serological tests such as agglutination, coagglutination, indirect haemagglutination, immunodiffusion and counterimmunoelectrophoresis were used to characterise serologically Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates of serotypes 1, 9 and 11 using rabbit hyperimmune sera against serotypes 1 to 12. The rapid slide agglutination test using whole-cell suspension and the indirect haemagglutination test using whole-cell saline extract as antigens gave type specific reactions for serotypes 1 and 9. Antigens comprising saline extracts of boiled or autoclaved cells demonstrated common epitopes among the isolates of all three serotypes in the indirect haemagglutination test. Quantification of the type and group-specific antigens by the coagglutination test. Quantification of the type and group-specific antigens by the coagglutination test distinguished serotypes 1 and 9 strains from those of serotype 11. Results of absorption studies in immunodiffusion tests indicated that the cross-reactivity encountered among strains of serotypes 1, 9 and 11 might be due to common epitopes associated with cell-wall antigens. However, they certainly also have type-specific epitopes, possibly associated with superficially located, capsular antigens.

Evaluation of counterimmunoelectrophoresis for serotyping Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates and detection of type-specific antigens in lungs of infected pigs

A rapid, simple, and accurate counterimmunoelectrophoresis technique was developed for serotyping cultures of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as well as for detection of their type-specific antigens in the lung tissues of infected pigs. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis test correctly identified all of the reference antigens and more than 99% of 1,200 field isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae representing the 12 established serotypes within 1 h. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis and coagglutination tests did not differ broadly in sensitivity from each other. Both procedures were more rapid and more sensitive than immunodiffusion and indirect hemagglutination tests. A total of 355 lung tissue samples (130 lungs of pigs that died because of acute respiratory problems, 125 lungs of pigs from herds with chronically infected pleuropneumonia, and 100 lungs from apparently healthy pigs at the slaughterhouse) were examined for the presence of A. pleuropneumoniae type-specific antigens by counterimmunoelectrophoresis, coagglutination, and immunodiffusion tests. A. pleuropneumoniae type-specific antigen was found in all 55 samples from which the bacteria had earlier been isolated and in 27 specimens in which they had not been found. Detection of antigen in the lung tissues by coagglutination and counterimmunoelectrophoresis tests was found to be much simpler and much more rapid than conventional culture isolation. Both counterimmunoelectrophoresis and coagglutination tests were found extremely useful in the diagnosis of acute cases of porcine pleuropneumonia. However, these techniques were able to detect only some of the chronically infected carrier pigs.

Flow cytometric DNA ploidy and quantitative histopathology in partial moles

This study quantitates morphologic changes seen in partial moles and hydropic abortuses in an attempt to find a correlation with DNA content. Thirty-two products of conception were studied. Fifteen were diagnosed as definitive partial moles (DPM), and 17 had changes suggestive of a partial mole (SPM). We determined DNA ploidy by flow cytometry and quantitatively analyzed the following microscopic features: villous edema and sclerosis, central cistern formation, villous blood vessels, trophoblastic proliferation, and trophoblastic inclusions. No single pathologic feature significantly correlated with DNA content, even though triploid cases showed more inclusions than diploid cases (8.3 versus 7.2 on the average per ten x 100 fields). An overall diagnosis of DPM did correlate with ploidy; 12 of 18 triploid cases (67%) compared with only three of 13 diploid cases (23%) had been previously diagnosed as DPM (p < 0.05). Flow cytometric DNA ploidy estimates DNA content and cannot determine chromosomal origin. It is possible that detailed cytogenetic studies of moles compared with abortuses may show a significant correlation of the proportion of paternal chromosomes, morphologic changes, and the risk of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease.

Detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in the porcine upper respiratory tract as a complement to serological tests

Attempts were made to isolate Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae from the nasal cavities and tonsils of 442 healthy pigs from 15 herds. Samples were streaked onto different media formulations. Serum samples were assayed for antibodies to A. pleuropneumoniae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and complement fixation test. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was isolated from the nasal cavities only in 24 pigs, from tonsils only in 90 pigs, and from both the nasal cavities and the tonsils in 11 pigs. A PPLO medium supplemented with lincomycin, bacitracin and crystal violet allowed recovery of A. pleuropneumoniae from more animals than a tryptic soy agar medium from both sites. Incubation of plates in an enriched CO2 atmosphere did not affect the recovery rate. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae belonging to serotypes 1, 2, 3, 5a, 5b, 7, 8, 10 and 12 were isolated, and, in several herds, more than one serotype were recovered. Serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae were isolated from nine herds which were found seronegative to these. The isolation of A. pleuropneumoniae from the upper respiratory tract can be useful for detection of carrier pigs and complements serological screening.

Squamous cell carcinoma in HIV-positive patients under age 45

Eight patients 45 years of age and under (range, 29 to 45) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus are reported. Primary tumor sites include nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx. Probes for the human papillomavirus were positive in two of the patients. Therapy consisted of surgery followed by radiation therapy in five patients, surgery alone in one patient, and radiation therapy in the remaining two patients. Follow-up ranged up to 2 years and revealed four deaths, three patients alive without disease, and one patient recently posttreatment with residual disease. The significance of the presence of the human papillomavirus in these individuals remains to be determined. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck under age 45 is low, and whether there may be a higher incidence in HIV-positive patients cannot be determined from this small series.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma involving adenomyosis without true myometrial invasion is characterized by frequent preceding estrogen therapy, low histologic grades, and excellent prognosis

We reviewed cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma to characterize the carcinomas that involved foci of adenomyosis in contrast to the carcinoma that invaded into the myometrium. We encountered 18 cases in which tumor involved foci of adenomyosis without myometrial invasion. There were no cancer-related deaths in these 18 cases over a minimum follow-up period of 5 years. Myometrial invasive tumor was present in 43 cases. Eight of these 43 patients died within 5 years. History of postmenopausal use of estrogen of longer than 6 months duration was obtained in 9 of the 18 patients (50%) with carcinoma confined to adenomyosis compared with 8 of the 43 (19%) with myometrial invasive carcinoma. Only 1 of the 18 cases with adenocarcinoma involving adenomyosis had architectural or nuclear grade III carcinoma compared to 12 of the 43 patients with myometrial invasive carcinoma. Adenocarcinomas involving adenomyosis were characterized by frequent preceding estrogen use, low histologic grades, and excellent prognosis.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (cyclin) expression in normal and abnormal cervical squamous epithelia

Expression of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was evaluated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded normal and abnormal cervical squamous epithelia using immunoperoxidase stains and PC10 monoclonal antibody to PCNA. PCNA was exclusively expressed in the parabasal and basal layers of normal ectocervix and a similar pattern was seen in nine of the 11 cases with squamous metaplasia. Examples of cervical dysplasia showed expression in higher layers of cervical epithelium, corresponding to the degree of dysplasia. Increased staining was seen in condylomas and markedly reduced staining with atrophy. The percentage of basal cells that stained increased progressively from atrophic to normal, to condylomatous, to dysplastic epithelia. Proliferative activity can be satisfactorily assessed in formalin-fixed cervical epithelia using PC10 PCNA antibody. This assessment can be of potential diagnostic use in difficult cases.

Comparison of isolation methods for the recovery of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida from the nasal cavities of piglets

Nasal swabs from 241 piglets from 12 herds with clinical atrophic rhinitis and 283 piglets from 14 herds without clinical atrophic rhinitis were examined for the presence of Bordetella bronchiseptica and/or Pasteurella multocida. For B. bronchiseptica, swabs were streaked on three selective media. Blood agar supplemented with cephalexin was the most satisfactory selective culture medium for the isolation of B. bronchiseptica. For P. multocida, swabs were also streaked on three selective media. Mice were also used for isolation of P. multocida from the nasal cavities of pigs. The mouse inoculation test was not found to be the definitive test for the isolation of P. multocida. A significant number of P. multocida strains were avirulent in the mouse model. The modified Knight medium (without potassium tellurite) was the best single method for isolating P. multocida. However, a combination of mouse passage and direct culture on selective media increased the rate of isolation. There was no marked difference in the prevalence of B. bronchiseptica or P. multocida in swine herds with or without clinical atrophic rhinitis. Both capsular types A and D were present in the nasal cavities of the pigs with or without clinical atrophic rhinitis.

Contralateral ovary in unilateral ovarian carcinoma: a search for preneoplastic lesions

Contralateral ovaries from patients with unilateral ovarian carcinoma were examined and compared to ovaries from age-matched control patients without ovarian carcinoma. The number of inclusion cysts were increased in ovaries from patients with ovarian carcinoma compared to the controls (p < 0.01). In addition, inclusions from cases with ovarian carcinoma showed serous differentiation more frequently than the controls (p < 0.01; odds ratio = 10.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.2-78.1). An age-related increase in the number of inclusion cysts was seen in the study group but not in the control group. These findings support a role of surface inclusion cysts in the genesis of ovarian carcinoma.

Rapid development of lymphoma following liver transplantation in a recipient with hepatitis B and primary hemochromatosis

We report a case of a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) which presented in a liver allograft shortly after transplantation. The patient, who had been transplanted because of cirrhosis due to primary hemochromatosis and chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV), developed early recurrent HBV in the graft, and 2 months after transplantation, liver biopsies showed a malignant large-cell lymphoma. The neoplastic cells demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus DNA by in situ hybridization. The patient died 3.5 months posttransplant due to liver failure. At autopsy, the liver showed nodules of malignant lymphoma, massive hepatic necrosis, and iron overload, but no evidence of rejection. This report suggests that the grafted liver can be the site of PTLD in recurrent HBV and hemochromatosis.

Superficial nuclear enlargement without koilocytosis as an expression of human papillomavirus infection of the uterine cervix: an in situ hybridization study

Nuclear enlargement of the superficial cervical epithelial cells in the absence of koilocytosis is frequently observed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether this change represents human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We reviewed 257 cervical biopsies with the diagnosis of "suggestive of condyloma," mild or moderate dysplasia, or both. Of the 257 consecutive biopsies, 23 fulfilled the two criteria: the superficial cells had a nuclear diameter of at least twice that of the basal nuclei, and complete absence of koilocytosis was seen. Parallel sections from each paraffin block were hybridized with biotinylated probes for HPV 6/11, 16/18, and 31/35/51 under high-stringency conditions. The cases that were negative at high-stringency conditions were then hybridized under low-stringency conditions with a mixture of the three HPV probes. Twelve of the 23 cases (52.17%) were positive for HPV, including one positive for HPV 16/18 in one area and for HPV 31/35/51 in another area, four positive for HPV 31/35/51, two positive for HPV 16/18, two positive for HPV 6/11, and three positive for HPV probe mixture at low-stringency conditions. The positive in situ hybridization was located predominantly in the enlarged nuclei in the superficial layers. In conclusion, HPV infection can be expressed as nuclear enlargement in the superficial layers of the cervical epithelium in the absence of koilocytosis.

Patterns of keratin 19 expression in normal, metaplastic, condylomatous, atrophic, dysplastic, and malignant cervical squamous epithelium

Keratin 19 (K-19) expression has been strongly correlated with dysplasia in oral epithelium. Expression of K-19 was evaluated by immunoperoxidase staining in formalin-fixed normal ectocervical tissue, normal endocervical tissue, cervical dysplasia, squamous metaplasia, atrophic epithelium, cervical condylomas, and invasive carcinoma to determine if a correlation of K-19 expression with dysplasia was present in the cervical epithelium. Uniform expression of K-19 was seen in endocervical epithelium and in the basal layer of normal ectocervical epithelium in all areas where these epithelia were present. Cervical dysplasia without associated condylomatous changes showed increased expression of K-19 in suprabasal epithelium, corresponding to the level of immature cells. Squamous metaplasia was characterized by scattered cells with increased staining (patch-quilt pattern). There was considerable overlap in the patterns of K-19 expression in dysplastic and metaplastic epithelium. Thus K-19 staining pattern could not be used as a distinctive marker for dysplasia in the cervical epithelium. Atrophic epithelium showed a characteristic uniform but low-level expression of K-19 in suprabasal areas. This pattern may be of diagnostic use in differentiating atrophic lesions from dysplasia. Condylomas showed focal loss of K-19 in the basal layer, suggesting induction of premature differentiation in the basal layer by human papillomavirus infection. Invasive carcinomas showed variable patterns. K-19 is a marker of immature cervical squamous epithelium, with generally distinctive but sometimes overlapping patterns of expression in various diagnostic categories.

Serological characterization of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains isolated from pigs in Quebec

A total of 3306 isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae originating from lung tissues of pigs that died of acute pleuropneumonia and 140 isolates recovered from tonsils or nasal cavities of apparently healthy pigs from chronically infected herds were serotyped. Various serotyping methods, such as slide agglutination, tube agglutination, ring precipitation, coagglutination, immunodiffusion, indirect hemagglutination and counterimmunoelectrophoresis either alone or in combination were used. The techniques used for serotyping continued to evolve during the last 10 years depending on the problem encountered in serotyping. Antisera prepared in rabbits against formalinized whole cell suspensions of reference strains of A. pleuropneumoniae of serotypes 1 to 12 were employed for serotyping. Serotype 1 was predominant ranging from 55 to 87% from year to year during the last 10 years with an average prevalence of 68%. Serotype 5 was second in prevalence ranging from 9 to 30% with a mean of 23%. Both subtypes of serotype 5 (5a and 5b) were present in Quebec. Serotypes 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 were isolated in small numbers together accounting for about 9%. Serotypes 4, 9 and 11 were not present. Cross-reactions were observed among isolates of serotypes 3, 6 and 8, and 1, 9 and 11 and were easily differentiated from each other by quantitation of type and group specific antigens by coagglutination and immunodiffusion tests. Serotypes 1, 5 and 7 were isolated most frequently from tonsils of pigs from chronically infected herds. Prevalence of different serotypes in different countries has also been reviewed.