Case Series of Fertility Treatment in HIV-Discordant Couples (Male Positive, Female Negative): The Ontario Experience

The success of combination antiretroviral therapies for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has resulted in prolonged life expectancy (over 40 years from diagnosis) and an improved quality of life for people living with HIV. The risk of vertical HIV transmission during pregnancy has been reduced to less than 1%. As a result of these breakthroughs and as many of these individuals are of reproductive age, fertility issues are becoming increasingly important for this population. One population in which conception planning and reduction of horizontal HIV transmission warrants further research is HIV-discordant couples where the male partner is HIV-positive and the female partner is HIV-negative. Sperm washing is a technique carried out in a fertility clinic that separates HIV from the seminal fluid. Although sperm washing followed by intrauterine insemination significantly reduces the risk of horizontal HIV transmission, there has been limited access to the procedure in North America. Furthermore, little is known about the conception decision-making experiences of HIV-discordant couples who might benefit from sperm washing. Chart reviews and semi-structured interviews were completed with 12 HIV-discordant couples in Ontario, Canada. Couples were recruited through HIV clinics and one fertility clinic that offered sperm washing. Participants identified a number of factors that affected their decision-making around pregnancy planning. Access to sperm washing and other fertility services was an issue (cost, travel and few clinics). Participants identified a lack of information on the procedure (availability, safety). Sources of support (social networks, healthcare providers) were unevenly distributed, especially among those who did not disclose their HIV status to friends and family. Finally, the stigmatisation of HIV continues to have a negative affect on HIV-discordant couples and their intentions to conceive. Access to sperm washing and fertility service is significantly limited for this population and is accompanied with a number of challenges

Burkitt lymphoma with a granulomatous reaction: an M1/Th1-polarised microenvironment is associated with controlled growth and spontaneous regression

Aims: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that, in some instances, may show a granulomatous reaction associated with a favourable prognosis and occasional spontaneous regression. In the present study, we aimed to define the tumour microenvironment (TME) in four such cases, two of which regressed spontaneously. Methods and results: All cases showed aggregates of tumour cells with the typical morphology, molecular cytogenetics and immunophenotype of BL surrounded by a florid epithelioid granulomatous reaction. All four cases were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive with type I latency. Investigation of the TME showed similar features in all four cases. The analysis revealed a proinflammatory response triggered by Th1 lymphocytes and M1 polarised macrophages encircling the neoplastic cells with a peculiar topographic distribution. Conclusions: Our data provide an in-vivo picture of the role that specific immune cell subsets might play during the early phase of BL, which may be capable of maintaining the tumour in a self-limited state or inducing its regression. These novel results may provide insights into new potential therapeutic avenues in EBV-positive BL patients in the era of cellular immunotherapy

Burkitt lymphoma with granulomatous reaction: A M1/TH1‐polarized microenvironment associates with controlled growth and spontaneous regression

AIMS: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma, which in some instances, may show a granulomatous reaction associated with a favourable prognosis and occasional spontaneous regression. In the present study, we aimed to define the tumour microenvironment (TME) in four of such cases, two of which regressed spontaneously. METHODS AND RESULTS: All cases showed aggregates of tumour cells with the typical morphology, molecular cytogenetics and immunophenotype of BL surrounded by a florid epithelioid granulomatous reaction. All four cases were Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive with type I latency. The investigation of the tumour microenvironment (TME) showed similar features in all four cases. The analysis revealed a pro-inflammatory response triggered by Th1 lymphocytes and M1 polarized macrophages encircling the neoplastic cells with a peculiar topographic distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide an in vivo picture of the role that specific immune cell subsets might play during the early phase of BL, which may be capable of maintaining the tumour in a self-limited state or inducing its regression. These novel results may provide insights to explore new potential therapeutic avenues in EBV-positive BL patients in the era of cellular immunotherapy

Expression and prognostic significance of cox-2 and p-53 in hodgkin lymphomas: a retrospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cyclooxygenase (cox) is the rate-limiting enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and contributes to the inflammatory process. Cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), which is one of the two isoforms, plays a role in tumor progression and carcinogenesis. p53 contributes to apoptosis, DNA renewal and cell cycle. Studies concerning the relationship of cox-2 and p53 expressions and carcinogenesis are available, but the association between cox-2 and p53 in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not exactly known.</p> <p>In our study, we examined the association of cox-2 and p53 expression, with age, stage, histopathological subtype, and survival in HL. We also examined correlation between cox-2 and p53 expression.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cox-2 and p53 expressions in Hodgkin-Reed Sternberg cells (HRS) were examined in 54 patients with HL depending on cox-2 expression, stained cases were classified as positive, and unstained cases as negative. Nuclear staining of HRS cells with p53 was evaluated as positive. The classifications of positivity were as follows: negative if<10%; (1+) if 10-25%; (2+) if 25-50%; (3+) if 50-75%, (4+) if >75%.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Cox-2 and p53 expressions were found in 49 (80%) and 29 (46%) patients, respectively. There were differences between histological subtypes according to cox-2 expression (p = 0.012). Mixed cellular (MC) and nodular sclerosing (NS) subtypes were seen most of the patients and cox-2 expression was evaluated mostly in the mixed cellular subtype.</p> <p>There were no statistically significant relationships between p53 and the histopathological subtypes; or between p53, cox-2 and the factors including stage, age and survival; or between p53 and cox-2 expression (p > 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Considering the significant relationship between the cox-2 expression and the subtypes of HL, cox-2 expression is higher in MC and NS subtypes. However the difference between these two subtypes was not significant. This submission must be advocated by studies with large series</p

Effect of Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation on electrical properties of Ti/Au/GaAs1-xNx Schottky diodes

Current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage-frequency (C-V-f) and conductance-voltage-frequency (G/ω-V-f) measurements at room temperature are used to study 50 kGy 60Co γ-ray electrical properties irradiation dependence of Ti/Au/GaAs1−xNx Schottky diodes with 0.2%; 0.4%; 0.8% and 1.2% nitrogen dilution. This γ-ray irradiation induces a permanent damage that has increased ideality factor and series resistance for all samples. It was accompanied by a decrease in Schottky barrier height with nitrogen content up to 0.4%N and remained constant thereafter. Radiation was also found to degrade the reverse leakage current. At high frequency (1 MHz), capacitance and conductance decreased after radiation due to a decrease in net doping concentration. Interface state density and series resistance were determined from C-V-f and G/ω-V-f characteristics using Hill-Coleman methods. Interface states density exponentially decreased with increasing frequency confirming the behavior of interface traps response to ac signal. Series resistance increases after irradiation is attributed to carrier's removal effect and mobility degradation. It has two peaks in the accumulation and inversion region for some diodes (0.4%N, 0.8%N). γ-ray irradiation produced traps levels and recombination centers that reduce relaxation time. An increase in %N content can impede irradiation damage with even some compensation when the percent of diluted nitrogen is high (1.2%N)

Ascites induces modulation of α6β1 integrin and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor expression and associated functions in ovarian carcinoma

Interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding medium are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that ascites induces selective changes in the expression of integrins and urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPA/uPAR) in ovarian cancer cells. We hypothesise that this change of integrin and uPA/uPAR expression triggers signalling pathways responsible for modulating phenotype-dependent functional changes in ovarian cancer cells. Human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) cell lines and epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines were treated with ascites for 48 h. Ascites induced upregulation of α6 integrin, without any change in the expression of αv, β1 and β4 integrin subunits. Out of the four ovarian cancer cell lines studied, ascites induced enhancement in the expression of uPA/uPAR in the more invasive OVCA 433 and HEY cell lines without any change in the noninvasive OVHS1 and moderately invasive PEO.36 cell lines. On the other hand, no change in the expression of α6 integrin or uPAR, in response to ascites, was observed in HOSE cells. In response to ascites, enhancement in proliferation and in adhesion was observed in all four ovarian cancer cell lines studied. In contrast, no significant increase in proliferation or adhesion by ascites was observed in HOSE cells. Ascites-induced expression of uPA/uPAR correlated with the increased invasiveness of HEY and OVCA 433 cell lines but was not seen in OVHS1, PEO.36 and HOSE cell lines. Upregulation of α6 integrin and uPA/uPAR correlated with the activation of Ras and downstream Erk pathways. Ascites-induced activation of Ras and downstream Erk can be inhibited by using inhibitory antibodies against α6 and β1 integrin and uPAR, consistent with the inhibition of proliferation, adhesion and invasive functions of ovarian cancer cell lines. Based on these findings, we conclude that ascites can induce selective upregulation of integrin and uPA/uPAR in ovarian cancer cells and these changes may modulate the functions of ovarian carcinomas

Special Libraries, April 1933

Volume 24, Issue 3https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1933/1002/thumbnail.jp

High power coupled midinfrared free-electron-laser oscillator scheme as a driver for up-frequency conversion processes in the x-ray region

In this paper we present a high-gain free-electron-laser (FEL) oscillator scheme composed of two oscillators that are ideally coupled unidirectionally, with the coupled signal power flowing from the master to the amplifier oscillator. Electron bunches driving the oscillators are in perfect synchronization with the optical pulses building up within the respective cavities. The scheme is applied to a 100 MeV range superconducting energy recovery linac FEL. The computed mJ level, ultrashort pulse (<10  cycles) output in the midinfrared region indicates the potential of the proposed FEL oscillator scheme in driving up-frequency conversion processes in the x-ray region, enabling tunable, high average brightness, attosecond scale coherent soft/hard x-ray sources

Role of the cardiotrpohin-1 in evaluation of ischemia in coronary artery bypass surgery performed on beating heart or in vitro circulation support

Günümüzde kalp-damar hastalıkları orta ve ileri yaş grubunda en önemli mortalite nedeni olup küresel ölümlerin %30'unu teşkil etmektedir. Koroner arter hastalığının sıklığının artmasına paralel koroner bypass operasyonlarında da artış olmaktadır. Cerrahi uygulamalar çoğunlukla kardiyopulmoner bypass altında yapılmasına karşın cerrahi deneyimin artması ile günümüzde koroner revaskülarizasyon ameliyatlarının %25-30 kadarı çalışan kalpte yapılmaktadır. Koroner arter bypass operasyonu yapılan hastalarda, operasyon sonrasında miyokard hasarı gelişmesi önemli komplikasyonlar arasındadır. Bugün için teşhiste en sık kullanılan kardiyak biyobelirteçler kreatin kinaz-MB (CKMB) ve troponin (cTn)'dir. İskemi ve hipoksi ile salınımı uyarılan kardiotropin-1 (CT-1), Interlökin-6 ailesinin bir üyesidir. Bizim çalışmamızda vücut dışı dolaşım desteği ile çalışan kalpte koroner bypass uygulanan hastalarda gelişen miyokard hasarını göstermede CT-1'in yerini ve diğer kardiyak biyobelirteçler ile olan korelasyonunu araştırdık. Çalışmamızda 20 hasta çalışan kalpte koroner arter bypass operasyonu ve diğer 20 hasta vücut dışı dolaşım (VDD) desteği kullanılarak ve kalbi durdurarak koroner arter bypass yapılan hastalardan oluşturuldu. Biyokimyasal tetkikler, hemogram, üre, kreatinin, Aspartat Aminotransferaz (AST), Alanin Aminotransferaz (ALT), CK, CKMB, cTn-I ve CT-1 düzeyleri preoperatif dönemde ve postoperatif 6.saatte çalışıldı. Tüm hastaların preoperatif ve postoperatif dönem elektrokardiyografileri çekildi. Çalışan kalpte koroner bypass (ÇKKB) grubunda postoperatif CT-1 ile postoperatif CK, CKMB ve cTn-I düzeyleri arasında korelasyon analizi yapıldığında anlamlı olduğu bulunmuştur. Vücut dışı dolaşım desteği ile yapılan koroner arter bypass (VDDKB) grubunda postoperatif CT-1 ile korelasyon analizi yapıldığında ise postoperatif CK, cTn-I düzeyleri anlamlı bulunmuştur.iii Sonuç olarak çalışmamızda, her iki gurupta CT-1'in postoperatif değerlerinin, preoperatif değerlere göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde yükseldiği, miyokardiyal hasarı göstermede postoperatif CK, CKMB ve cTn-I ile pozitif korelasyon göstererek alternatif bir biyobelirteç olarak kullanılabileceği gösterilmiştir.At the present time, cardiovascular diseases are the most primary reason of mortality rates in the middle and advanced age group and they involve %30 of death. Coronary artery disease's rates are increasing, relatedly to that coronary bypass operations are increasing too. Although, surgical operations are operated with cardiopulmonary bypass, nowadays nearly 25-30 percent of coronary revascularization operations are operated on beating heart thanks to increasing surgical experience. After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, myocardium damage is one of the most important complications on patients. Cardiac biomarkers which are creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) and troponin (cTn) are mostly used to make diagnosis. Cardiotropin-1 (CT-1) which is release induced by ischaemia and hypoxia is member of interleukin-6 family. We researched significance of CT-1 to show myocardium damage after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and correlation with other cardiac biomarkers on both of group. We organized two group of patient. Beating Heart Coronary bypass surgery to 20 patients.from Coronary artery bypass with cardiopulmonary bypass to the other 20 patients. Patients' physical examinations were checked. Detailed medical history was taken from patients. Biochemical tests, hemogram, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), CK, CK-MB, cTnI-I and CT-1 levels were determined preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 hours. All patients' preoperative and postoperative period electrocardiographies were taken. When postoperative CT-1 and correlation analysis was taken from beating heart coronary bypass surgery, postoperative CK, CKMB and cTn-I v levels was significant. When postoperative CT-1 and correlation analysis was taken from coronary arter bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative CK and cTn-I levels was significant. Consequently, CT-1's postoperative values significantly increased when compared to preoperative values both of groups. CT-1 can be used to indicate myocardial damage by correlation positively with postoperative CK, CKMB and cTn-I so, it was showed that CT-1 can be used for alternative biomaker