Nipple aspirate fluid: a promising non-invasive method to identify cellular markers of breast cancer risk

To evaluate the feasibility of nipple aspiration and to identify intermediate markers of breast cancer risk, nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) was collected from 177 subjects using a modified breast pump. The first 33 subjects demonstrated that we could obtain NAF quickly, reliably and repeatedly. Specimens from the remaining 144 subjects were collected to evaluate promising cellular biomarkers. NAF was obtained in 167 out of 177 (94%) subjects overall and in 99% of the 144 most recent subjects. Sufficient NAF was obtained to evaluate cytology in 160 out of 167 (96%) cases and specimens were sufficiently cellular to analyse DNA markers in 53% of cases. Among the last 144 subjects, menopausal status did not influence the ability to obtain NAF. NAF cytology correlated with increased breast cancer risk (P = 0.002). Using computerized image analysis of NAF epithelial cells, DNA index (P = 0.0002), percentage of cells in G2M (P = 0.05) and percentage of cells with hypertetraploidy (P = 0.002) increased as cytology became more abnormal. Our data indicate that NAF can be obtained in essentially all eligible subjects; that breast epithelial cells are evaluable in > 95% of NAF samples for cytology and in over half of NAF samples for DNA index (ploidy) and cell cycle analysis; and that abnormal NAF cytology correlates with increased breast cancer risk. This suggests that biomarkers identified in nipple aspirate fluid may prove useful either as an adjunct to currently accepted breast cancer screening methods, or to evaluate response to a chemopreventive agent.     

Behavioral science activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: A selected overview of exemplary programs.

Behavioral research and surveillance activities are conducted across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This article highlights activities in 4 program areas: violence against women, tuberculosis elimination, HIV prevention, and occupational health. The unique constraints and opportunities of each organization and program focus have shaped the way research has developed in each of these areas. Behavioral scientists also face many common challenges at CDC. Despite the difficulties of integrating behavioral research into an institution that historically has focused on biomedical and epidemiological research, behavioral scientists have made important contributions to public health. Many opportunities remain for psychologists to translate theory and operationalize constructs for use in solving important public health problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Low-cost microwave/millimeter-wave impedance measuring scheme usinga three-probe microstrip circuit

A simple, compact, and low-cost three-probe microstrip impedance measuring scheme has been developed. The impedance of an unknown load can be determined by measuring the coupling power levels at the three probes. The algorithm, formulas, and bandwidth criteria developed are very simple and can be easily used. The power coupling is arbitrary, and no precise directional coupler is required. Using a switch, only one power meter is needed to detect the output power levels of the three probes. The phase information is obtained by amplitude measurement. A detailed analysis and calibration method are developed. The calibration is based on three known standards (a short, an open, and a matched load). The reflection coefficient is calculated from power measurements at three locations along a uniform line terminated by an unknown load. The operating frequency bandwidth depends on the selection of probe locations. A prototype device has been built at X-band     

IT-Security in der Energieautomatisierung

The increasing use of information technology in energy distribution and the wide interconnection of such systems bring security issues into the focus of interest. This contribution introduces the essential concepts and concentrates on specific security requirements and risks in energy automation. At the example of the two different data acquisition systems REMPLI and JEVis a possible implementation of security concepts is discussed.     

Outcome of hepatitis C patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver transplant

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to examine clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with HCV with or without HCC undergoing liver transplant. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all 55 patients transplanted between November 1990 and December 1996 for HCV cirrhosis with HCC and compared them with a control group of HCV patients without HCC. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse or HBsAg positivity were excluded. There were 37 men and 18 women, with a mean age of 57.6 yr (range, 19-70 yr) in the HCC group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the HCC and nonHCC groups regarding Child's class or United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status at the time of transplant. Twenty-six (45%) patients were diagnosed or suspected of having HCC before transplant. Twenty-five patients (45.5%) had a single focus of HCC. Fourteen percent (seven of 50) of the patients with HCC had been treated with interferon, whereas 12% (six of 52) of patients in the nonHCC group had received interferon. Duration of interferon therapy ranged from 1 to 9 months. All interferon treatment occurred within 5 yr of transplant. A history of intravenous drug use or transfusion was identified in 37 (67%) of HCC patients. Thirty-two patients (58%) without HCC had a parenteral exposure. There was no significant difference in patient or graft survival rates between the patients with and without HCC. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-half of HCC was not detected before liver transplant. There was no significant difference in the mode of transmission, clinical status at the time of transplant, or outcome between the HCV patients with and without HCC.     

An XPS investigation of polymer surface dynamics. I. A study of surface modified by CF4 and CF4/CH4 plasmas

For making the surface hydrophobic, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films were subjected to treatment by CF₄ and CF₄/CH₄ plasmas, and the PET fabrics, to impregnation (padding) with Oleophobol S for comparison. The electronic structure of the modified surface was differenentiated by XPS (ESCA). The surface dynamics upon heating and dipping into water was investigated by the angle-dependent XPS technique. Application of the XPS technique to these topics gave a wealth of information. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Oxidative autoaggression by phagocytes in human peritonitis

In 60 abdominal exudates from patients with the diagnosis of either acute or persistent (chronic) peritonitis, indicators of phagocyte-derived oxidative systems (myeloperoxidase, chemiluminescence) and proteases (elastase) were measured. These exudates reveal a picture of maximal inflammatory activation. Both types of exudates (30 each) showed a significant influx of inflammatory cells, with the mean leucocyte count being 73,000 microL and 32,000 microL-1 respectively. Local myeloperoxidase concentrations were approximately 1000-fold greater than that of normal plasma. Spontaneous and elicitable chemiluminescence--indicators of phagocyte respiratory burst activity--were dramatically increased. In addition, levels of extracellularly released elastase (from neutrophils) were found to be up to about 1000-fold that of normal plasma values. Although most of the elastase detected in the exudates was complexed with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1 PI), enzymatically active elastase could be measured in approximately 60% of the samples being investigated. As there was an excess of immunoreactive alpha 1 PI in these exudates, the free elastase activity implies that much of the alpha 1 PI was inactive, presumably subjected to oxidative destruction. Moreover, a trypsin-inhibitory activity to antigen ratio below 1 (mean = 0.81) in 75% of the purulent exudates indicated also partial proteolytic degradation of alpha 1 PI. In contrast, 16 clear exudates (no bacteria, white cell count below 500 microL-1) taken from the non-infected peritoneal cavity of patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery revealed a similar permeability increase of the peritoneum but did not show relevant oxidative and proteolytic activity or destruction of alpha 1 PI compared with purulent specimens. Thus, only the inflammatory process of peritonitis appears to result in an overwhelming local phagocytic activity that initiates and maintains protease inhibitor consumption and/or inactivation. The tremendous oxidative potential found in purulent exudates may cause destruction in a wide variety of defence systems.     

Sensorforschung in Österreich – Optische Sensorik

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