Parents’ posthumous use of daughter’s ovarian tissue: Ethical dimensions

In recent years, progress in cancer treatment has greatly increased the chances of recovery. Yet, treatment may have irreversible effects on patients’ fertility. In order to protect future fertility, preservation of ovarian tissue may be offered today even to very young girls, involving a surgical procedure that may be performed by minimally invasive laparoscopy, under general anesthesia. However, in the tragic event of a girl’s death, questions may arise regarding the possible use of the preserved ovarian tissue by her parents. Should posthumous reproductive use of ovarian tissue without the girl’s prior consent (due to her young age) be considered a violation of her rights? On the other hand, can it be argued that it is in the interest of a child who died young to leave a genetic trace through posthumous reproduction, because genetic continuity is in the interest of every human being? After presenting the relevant clinical facts, we explore the ethical dimensions of this possible practice through an analysis of the interests of the deceased, her parents, and the child that may be born posthumously.     

A Rare Case of De Novo Gigantic Ovarian Abscess within an Endometrioma

We are reporting a rare case of de novo ovarian abscess in an endometrioma. Ovarian abscess within an endometrioma is a rare gynecological problem, but de novo abscess in the endometrioma is even rarer. Most of the ovarian abscesses develop in the endometriomas following interventions, e.g., aspiration, pelvic surgery, and oocyte retrieval. We are presenting a case of a spontaneous giant abscess in a large ovarian cyst in a nulliparous woman who presented with acute abdomen. Patient was treated in a district general hospital with multidisciplinary approach. Thirteen liters of the pus were drained. She has had a sub total (supra cervical) hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) performed. Histology of the abscess wall confirmed endometriotic nature of the cyst. Patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the 14th postoperative day. This case highlights that endometrioma and its complication can present as a surgical emergency and should be dealt as one.     

CA 125 in benign gynecological conditions

The tumor marker CA 125 was initially thought to be specific for ovarian malignancies. Subsequently it was found to be raised in a variety of benign conditions, including pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tuberculosis and cirrhosis of the liver. With respect to gynecological tumors, CA 125 may be elevated in benign ovarian cysts, tubo-ovarian abscess, endometriosis, hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy and fibroids. These results demonstrate that CA 125 is a marker of non-specific peritoneal conditions.     

Cell-secreted vesicles in equine ovarian follicular fluid contain miRNAs and proteins: a possible new form of cell communication within the ovarian follicle

Proper cell communication within the ovarian follicle is critical for the growth and maturation of a healthy oocyte that can be fertilized and develop into an embryo. Cell communication within the follicle involves many signaling molecules and is affected by maternal age. Recent studies indicate that cell communication can be mediated through secretion and uptake of small membrane-enclosed vesicles. The goals of this study were to 1) identify cell-secreted vesicles (microvesicles and exosomes) containing miRNAs and proteins within ovarian follicular fluid and 2) determine if miRNA level differs in exosomes isolated from follicular fluid in young compared to old mares. We demonstrate the presence of vesicles resembling microvesicles and exosomes in ovarian follicular fluid using transmission electron microscopy and CD63-positive and RNA containing vesicles using flow cytometry. Moreover, proteomics analysis reveals that follicular fluid-isolated exosomes contain both known exosomal proteins and proteins not previously reported in isolated exosomes. MicroRNAs were detected in microvesicle and exosomes preparations isolated from follicular fluid by real-time PCR analysis. Uptake of fluorescent-labeled microvesicles by granulosa cells was examined using in vitro and in vivo approaches. MicroRNA expression profiling reveals that miRNAs in microvesicle and exosome preparations isolated from follicular fluid also are present within surrounding granulosa and cumulus cells. These studies revealed that cell communication within the mammalian ovarian follicle may involve transfer of bioactive material by microvesicles and exosomes. Finally, miRNAs present in exosomes from ovarian follicular fluid varied with the age of the mare, and a number of different miRNAs were detected in young vs. old mare follicular fluid.     

Laparoscopic ovarian transposition before pelvic radiation in rectal cancer patient: safety and feasibility

Background

Infertility due to pelvic radiation for advanced rectal cancer treatment is a major concern particularly in young patients. Pre-radiation laparoscopic ovarian transposition may offer preservation of ovarian function during the treatment however its use is limited.

Aim

The study investigates the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of pre-radiation laparoscopic ovarian transposition and its effect on ovarian function in the treatment o locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

Charts review of all young female patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer, underwent laparoscopic ovarian transposition, then received preoperative radiotherapy at king Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre between 2003?C2007.

Results

During the period studied three single patients age between 21?C27?years underwent pre-radiation laparoscopic ovarian transposition for advanced rectal cancer. All required pretreatment laparoscopic diversion stoma due to rectal stricture secondary to tumor that was performed at the same time. One patient died of metastatic disease during treatment. The ovarian hormonal levels (FSH and LH) were normal in two patients. One has had normal menstrual period and other had amenorrhoea after 4?months follow-up however her ovarian hormonal level were within normal limits.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic ovarian transposition before pelvic radiation in advanced rectal cancer treatment is an effective and feasible way of preservation of ovarian function in young patients at risk of radiotherapy induced ovarian failure. However, this procedure is still under used and it is advisable to discuss and propose it to suitable patients.     

Causative agents of liver abscess in Thai hepatitis B carriers

Liver abscess and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are two significant tropical gastrointestinal disorders. The concurrence between these two disorders yields poor prognosis, which then often leads to the need for intensive care. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal pathogens of liver abscess in HBV carriers. This retrospective case review was conducted on 35 Thai hospitalized HBV carriers who had diagnosis of liver abscess. A high rate of amoebic liver abscess in this series (37.1%) was demonstrated; Gram-negative aerobes were the major abscess pathogens. The causative pathogens of HBV carriers were similar to those in the overall patient population with abscess. The treatment plan for liver abscess in the general population can also be applied to HBV carriers.     

误诊为头皮脓肿经抗生素及植皮治疗无效的脓癣——附2例报告

目的 报道2例误诊为头皮脓肿经长期抗生素及植皮治疗失败的须癣毛癣菌所致的脓癣病患者,分析脓肿和脓癣的鉴别要点。方法 例1为9岁男童,头皮外伤后脓肿、溃疡28d,经抗生素治疗无效,行植皮术后5d再发生脓肿溃疡。取皮损处断发行10％KOH涂片镜检、培养,发现并分离出致病真菌,沙堡弱琼脂培养基上呈白色粉状菌落,可使含尿素培养基变红,即尿素酶试验阳性,小培养见螺旋菌丝及分隔棒状大分生孢子,鉴定为须癣毛癣菌。例2为8岁女童,头顶脓肿、溃疡24d,抗感染治疗不愈而接受植皮,术后7d再发脓性丘疹。从皮损处标本中发现、分离出致病真菌,经上述方法鉴定为须癣毛癣菌。结果 2例患者结合真菌学检查和临床表现确诊为脓癣,予伊曲康唑100mg／d内服近2个月皮损均痊愈,但供皮区遗留瘢痕和色素改变。结论 真菌病原学检查是避免脓癣误诊的关键,伊曲康唑内服治疗脓癣有效、安全。     

Black-pigmented Gram-negative anaerobes in genito-urinary tract and pelvic infections

Abstract Black-pigmented Gram-negative anaerobes are part of the normal vaginal flora and contribute to a range of superficial and deep genital infections. Prevotella melaninogenica is found in moderate numbers (10⁴⁻⁶ cfu/g) in healthy women; the numbers and detection rates increase in anaerobic vaginosis (where it may be a significant contributor to changed microbial metabolic activity that gives the signs and symptoms of this condition) and in other vaginal infective conditions. Pr. melaninogenica is also part of the mixed flora in deep pelvic infections: endometritis, post-partum and post-abortal uterine infections; salpingitis and tubo-ovarian abscesses; PID and pelvic abscesses. Porphyromonas asaccharolytica is probably not a vaginal commensal, but may be isolated from patients with vaginal or pelvic disease. It is more specifically associated with superficial abscesses (e.g. Bartholin's abscess) and ulcers of the genitalia and perineum. P. asaccharolytica was the commonest species isolated from men with genital ulcers of various primary causes and ranging in severity from superficial balanitis/balanoposthitis to synergic gangrene.     

Recurrent ovarian cancer presenting as an isolated right supraclavicular lymph node metastasis: a case report

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The majority of ovarian cancer recurrences are in the abdomen. However, some cases relapseas isolated lymph node metastases, mostly in pelvic or para-aortic nodes. Peripheral isolatedlymph node metastasis is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old Japanese woman had recurrent ovarian cancer presenting with isolated rightsupraclavicular lymph node metastasis. After surgical resection and combinationchemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, her right supraclavicular lymph nodecompletely regressed. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated peripheral lymph node metastasis, including the right supraclavicular lymph node,can occur without a macroscopic abdominal lesion. Clinicians should carefully examineperipheral lymph nodes for recurrence.     

细菌性脑脓肿的抗感染治疗进展

细菌性脑脓肿指细菌引起的颅内脓腔性感染,虽然发病率不高,但可导致严重后果。导致细菌性脑脓肿的病原体中,以链球菌、葡萄球菌最多,在我国及亚洲地区,革兰阴性杆菌也是重要病原体。第3代头孢菌素联合甲硝唑是最常用的经验性用药方案,能覆盖细菌性脑脓肿的最常见病原体。细菌性脑脓肿抗感染治疗的疗程一般长于6周,且须密切监测患者临床表现和头颅影像学改变。目前多采用手术联合内科药物的治疗方案,可明显缩短疗程,预后也大大改善。单纯保守治疗在脓肿较小、病情轻等情况下可考虑,以避免手术等有创操作的风险。但总体来说,细菌性脑脓肿的药物治疗方案仍缺乏足够的循证医学证据。     

Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by verotoxin-producingEscherichia coli O26

Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) are nowadays among the most important emerging group of food-borne pathogens (VTEC strains cause gastroenteritis that can be complicated by the hemorrhagic colitis or hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS). Escherichia coli 026 producing verotoxin 2 was isolated and its identity confirmed by examination of phenotype and genotype; the strain was first described in Slovakia in association with the development of HUS in a 4-year-old girl.     

ROMA在卵巢上皮性癌早期诊断中的研究进展

卵巢上皮性癌（Epithelial ovarian cancer,EOC）死亡率居妇科恶性肿瘤首位,早期诊断可明显改善患者预后。人附睾上皮分泌蛋白（human epididymis protein 4,HE4）对早期EOC的检测敏感性高,有助于对EOC高危患者的筛选,与CA125可互补,增加盆腔包块患者中EOC早期诊断力度。HE4与CA125联合检测及结合绝经状态预测盆腔包块患者中卵巢恶性肿瘤的发病风险模型（Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm,ROMA）,能成功预测盆腔包块患者中EOC高风险个体,对卵巢良恶性肿瘤的鉴别预测更为准确且更易被接受,有较大的临床应用价值。     

Evaluation of aspiration cytology of ovarian masses with histopathological correlation

T. Sood, U. Handa, H. Mohan and P. Goel
Evaluation of aspiration cytology of ovarian masses with histopathological correlation Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in distinguishing non‐neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian lesions and to determine reliable cytological criteria for typing neoplastic ovarian masses into benign and malignant tumours and their subtypes. Methods: FNAC was performed on 50 patients diagnosed as having an ovarian mass clinically and/or ultrasonographically. Detailed history, clinical examination and ultrasound findings in each case were recorded. The cytological diagnoses were categorized as neoplastic and non‐neoplastic and further into benign and malignant neoplasms. These cytological diagnoses were then compared subsequently with the histopathological diagnoses. Results: The study material consisted of 57 aspirates from 50 patients. A comparison of cytological findings with the histological diagnosis was possible in 53 aspirates; in the remaining four cases (7%) the smears were acellular. On cytology, 31 lesions were diagnosed as neoplastic and 22 as non‐neoplastic. The overall sensitivity of cytology in diagnosing neoplastic and non‐neoplastic ovarian lesions was 93.9% and the specificity was 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value 90.9%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.2 %. Conclusion: FNAC of ovarian masses is a minimally invasive procedure that can differentiate neoplastic from non‐neoplastic ovarian lesions. It may help avoid unnecessary operations and preserve the reproductive ability in young patients. Furthermore, it also enables a satisfactory sub‐categorization of ovarian tumours, which facilitates the choice of appropriate therapy.     

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis Virulence Strains as Causative Agents of Persistent Infections in Breast Implants

Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are currently considered two of the most important pathogens in nosocomial infections associated with catheters and other medical implants and are also the main contaminants of medical instruments. However because these species of Staphylococcus are part of the normal bacterial flora of human skin and mucosal surfaces, it is difficult to discern when a microbial isolate is the cause of infection or is detected on samples as a consequence of contamination. Rapid identification of invasive strains of Staphylococcus infections is crucial for correctly diagnosing and treating infections. The aim of the present study was to identify specific genes to distinguish between invasive and contaminating S. epidermidis and S. aureus strains isolated on medical devices; the majority of our samples were collected from breast prostheses. As a first step, we compared the adhesion ability of these samples with their efficacy in forming biofilms; second, we explored whether it is possible to determine if isolated pathogens were more virulent compared with international controls. In addition, this work may provide additional information on these pathogens, which are traditionally considered harmful bacteria in humans, and may increase our knowledge of virulence factors for these types of infections.     

盆腔结缔组织炎大鼠模型的层黏连蛋白表达

目的建立混合菌液致SD大鼠盆腔结缔组织炎模型,研究大鼠盆腔黏连组织的病理学改变与层黏连蛋白表达。方法用注射器将细菌混悬液0．5mL,注人大鼠盆腔,并结合子宫穿孔手术,建立SD大鼠盆腔结缔组织炎模型。采用Philips分级评分法对大鼠盆腔黏连程度分级评分,切取黏连组织,用多聚甲醛固定,进行病理检测,并采用免疫组化法测定层黏连蛋白表达情况。结果模型组大鼠盆腔黏连Philips分级评分以Ⅲ级为主,与正常对照组比较差异极显著。HE染色镜检模型组可见大量炎细胞浸润,脓肿形成,伴有多少不等的纤维组织增生。免疫组化染色镜检模型组可见层黏连蛋白高表达,纤维结缔组织增生程度越高,层黏连蛋白表达越多。结论盆腔注射混合菌液并结合子宫穿孔手术,可作为建立大鼠盆腔结缔组织炎模型的方法。层黏连蛋白在盆腔结缔组织炎发病中起重要作用,参与整个炎症过程并维持盆腔黏连组织纤维化,可作为判断盆腔结缔组织炎的炎症和纤维化程度的参考指标。     

Evaluation of proteomics-identified CCL18 and CXCL1 as circulating tumor markers for differential diagnosis between ovarian carcinomas and benign pelvic masses

A lack of sensitive and specific tumor markers for early diagnosis and treatment is a major cause for the high mortality rate of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify potential proteomics-based biomarkers useful for the differential diagnosis between ovarian cancer and benign pelvic masses. Serum samples from 41 patients with ovarian cancer, 32 patients with benign pelvic masses, and 41 healthy female blood donors were examined, and proteomic profiling of the samples was assessed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy (MS). A confirmatory study was also conducted with serum specimens from 58 patients with ovarian carcinoma, 37 patients with benign pelvic masses, and 48 healthy women. A classification tree was established using Biomarker Pattern Software. Six differentially expressed proteins (APP, CA 125, CCL18, CXCL1, IL-8, and ITIH4) were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MS/MS and database searches. Two of the proteins overexpressed in ovarian cancer patients, chemokine CC2 motif ligand 18 (CCL18) and chemokine CXC motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), were automatically selected in a multivariate predictive model. These two protein biomarkers were then validated and evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 535 serum specimens (130 ovarian cancer, 64 benign ovarian masses, 36 lung cancer, 60 gastric cancer, 55 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 48 hepatocellular carcinoma, and 142 healthy women). The combined use of CCL18 and CXCL1 as biomarkers for ovarian cancer had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 97%. The multivariate ELISA analysis of the two putative markers in combination with CA 125 resulted in a sensitivity of 99% for healthy women and 94% for benign pelvic masses, and a specificity of 92% for both groups; these values were significantly higher than those obtained with CA 125 alone (p and lt;0.05). We conclude that serum CCL18 and CXCL1 are potentially useful as novel circulating tumor markers for the differential diagnosis between ovarian cancer and benign ovarian masses.     

超声介入治疗常见妇科囊性炎症包块的疗效评价

目的：比较超声引导介入治疗盆腔脓肿、输卵管积脓、输卵管积液、包裹性积液及宫颈囊肿的,临床效果,了解超声引导介入治疗常见的妇科囊性炎症包块的临床价值。方法：选取我院妇科门诊2007年1月～2011年3月收治的常见妇科囊性炎症包块共108例,其中盆腔脓肿11例、输卵管积脓19例、输卵管积液43例、盆腔包裹性积液31例、宫颈囊肿4例,给予超声实时引导抽囊液、甲硝唑冲洗治疗,治疗后3个月内复查超声评价和比较疗效。结果：盆腔脓肿、输卵管积脓、盆腔包裹性积液包块均明显缩小（12／43）或消失（29／43）,治疗有效率100％;输卵管积液包块治疗有效率95％（41／43）,宫颈囊肿均痊愈。各组间比较无统计学差异（P〉O．05）。结论：超声引导介入治疗对输卵管积脓、盆腔脓肿、盆腔包裹性积液均有显著的疗效,且治疗效果无差异,值得推广应用,代替传统的非必要的手术治疗。     

ALDH1-High Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells Can Be Isolated from Serous and Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma Cells,and ALDH1 High Expression Is Associated with Poor Prognosis

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/cancer-initiating cells (CICs) are defined as a small population of cancer cells that have high tumorigenicity. Furthermore, CSCs/CICs are resistant to several cancer therapies, and CSCs/CICs are therefore thought to be responsible for cancer recurrence after treatment and distant metastasis. In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cases, disease recurrence after chemotherapy is frequently observed, suggesting ovarian CSCs/CICs are involved. There are four major histological subtypes in EOC, and serous adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma are high-grade malignancies. We therefore analyzed ovarian CSCs/CICs from ovarian carcinoma cell lines (serous adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma) and primary ovarian cancer cells in this study. We isolated ovarian CSCs/CICs as an aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 high (ALDH1^high) population from 6 EOC cell lines (3 serous adenocarcinomas and 3 clear cell adenocarcinomas) by the ALDEFLUOR assay. ALDH1^high cells showed greater sphere-forming ability, higher tumorigenicity and greater invasive capability, indicating that ovarian CSCs/CICs are enriched in ALDH1^high cells. ALDH1^high cells could also be isolated from 8 of 11 primary ovarian carcinoma samples. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that higher ALDH1 expression levels in ovary cancer cases are related to poorer prognosis in both serous adenocarcinoma cases and clear cell adenocarcinoma cases. Taken together, the results indicate that ALDH1 is a marker for ovarian CSCs/CICs and that the expression level of ALDH1 might be a novel biomarker for prediction of poor prognosis.     

The ability of some Yersinia enterocolitica strains to invade HeLa cells

Many types of Yersinia enterocolitica have been isolated from animal, environmental, food, and human sources but their public health significance remains uncertain. Seventy two strains of Y. enterocolitica were tested for their abilities to invade HeLa cells. The typical clinical strains invade HeLa cells like the other species of invasive pathogens. This characteristic remains even in old stock cultures and can be temperature-sensitive like the motility characteristic. With the use of electron micrographs it was demonstrated that the bacteria were truly intracellular and not merely adhering to the HeLa cell membrane. The esculin-and salicin-positive typical clinical strains did not invade HeLa cells. None of 34 food and water isolates were invasive by this test. The negative Y. enterocolitica strains did not adhere to the cells and cause ambiguous results. The HeLa cell test is simple, inexpensive, rapid, and should prove useful marker for screening the Y. enterocolitica isolates.     

Experimental abscess formation caused by human dental plaque

Human dental plaque consists of a wide variety of microorganisms, some of which are believed to cause systemic infections, including abscesses, at various sites in the body. To confirm this hypothesis experimentally, we examined the abscess-forming ability of native dental plaque in mice, the microbial features of the infectious locus produced by the plaque, and the anti-phagocytic property of microbial isolates. Aliquots of a suspension of supragingival dental plaque containing 6 x 10(6) colony-forming unit of bacteria were injected subcutaneously into the dorsa of mice. Abscess formation was induced in 76 of 85 mice using ten different plaque samples. Thirteen microorganisms were isolated from pus samples aspirated from abscess lesions. The microbial composition of pus, examined in 17 of 76 abscesses, was very simple compared to that of the plaque sample that had induced the abscess. The majority of the isolates belonged to the Streptococcus anginosus group, normally a minor component of plaque samples. S. anginosus was the most frequently detected organism and the most prevalent in seven abscesses, and Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus constellatus were predominant in one and three abscess samples, respectively. Each isolate of S. anginosus group produced abscesses in mice, and heat-treated supragingival dental plaque influenced the abscess-forming ability of S. anginosus isolate. These isolates possessed a high antiphagocytic capacity against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Our results suggest that human supragingival dental plaque itself is a source of the infectious pathogens that cause abscess formation.