Lower Grade Positivity Research Articles

Immunoexpression of Bmi-1, CK15, Bcl-2 in different types of basal cell carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurs in aggressive and non-aggressive forms. The expression of immunohistochemical markers varies in different types of BCC. Immunohistochemical analysis of selected proteins in BCCs. The immunohistochemical method was used to examine the immunoexpression of Bmi-1, CK15 and Bcl-2 in 56 cases of BCC divided into four groups. Positive Bmi-1 staining 3-4+ level (nodular type) was seen in 91.3% of samples, 4+ (infiltrative) in 92.3%, 4+ (nodular/infiltrative) - 69.2%, 3+ - 30.8%, in BSC 3+ - 42.8%, and 28.6% each for 2+ and 4+. Low grade positivity (0-1+) in CK15 staining was present in 52.1% of nodular BCC, 46.2% - nodular/infiltrative, 92.3% - infiltrative, and 100% - BSC, but levels 2-3+ in nodular BCC in 47.8%, nodular/infiltrative BCC - 53.8%, infiltrative - 7.7%. Bcl-2 positivity (3-4+) was revealed in nodular BCC in 95.6%, (1-2+) in 100% of BSC, infiltrative and infiltrative/nodular BCC, but the lowest (0-1+) in 76.9% of nodular/infiltrative BCC, 71.4% of BSC, and in 38.4% of infiltrative BCC. Positive Bmi-1 staining was the highest in the aggressive infiltrative subtype of BCCs, whereas the lowest in basosquamous cell carcinomas (BSC). Infiltrative BCC was characterized by a lower level of CK15 expression than nodular BCC and nodular/infiltrative BCC. Differentiation of Bcl-2 expression depended on the type of tumour; the highest level was found in nodular BCC, low grade in nodular/infiltrative and infiltrative BCCs, and BSC.

Age and Sex Differences in Sputum Smear Microscopy Results for Acid Fast Bacilli in a Tertiary Care Centre, South India

Background and Objectives. Low counts are more difficult to find in microscopic sputum examination and thus are more likely to be missed. In this study, we aimed to estimate the proportion of low-count grading and assessing any age and gender differences in sputum smear grading in a low HIV prevalence setting. Materials and Methods. From the tuberculosis laboratory register information on sputum positivity including the grading of smears, age and gender were extracted for January 2011–December 2011. Smears were examined using Ziehl-Neelsen technique and graded as per the Program Guidelines. Positive smears were classified into low grade positive smears (scanty and 1+) and high grade positive smears (2+ and 3+). Differences in grading of smear based on gender and age were analysed using chi square test. Results. Of 9000 smears examined, 8210 (91.2%) were collected as diagnostic smears from tuberculosis suspects. Low grade positivity was 37.5% among diagnostic smears and 69.6% among follow-up smears. Sputum smears from female examinees had higher proportions of low grade positive smears (P=0.003). Stratification of age and sex within TB suspects had clearly demonstrated the observance of higher low grade positivity among female TB suspects at extremes of age.

Reactivity of P-glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies in childhood cancers.

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the mdr-1 gene, is implicated in the development of chemoresistance in a variety of, mostly adult, cancers. Its role in paediatric tumours, most of which are non-epithelial in origin, has yet to be fully elucidated. A study was undertaken to investigate reactivity of two P-gp monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), JBS-1 and MRK16, recognising cytoplasmic and surface epitopes, respectively, of the P-gp molecule, in a variety of newly diagnosed and relapsed childhood cancers. P-gp was not expressed in any of 36 tumours examined (neuroblastoma 13, nephroblastoma 12, rhabdomyosarcoma 6, lymphoma 3, teratoma 1, Ewings 1), 14 of whom had chemoresistant disease. Reactivity to both MAbs was also investigated in patients with acute leukaemia. Out of 10 diagnostic acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) samples, a positive reaction with JSB-1 was observed in 1 patient who failed to remit on standard induction therapy and in 3 of 6 patients in ALL relapse, only 1 of whom showed low grade positivity with MRK16. Both MAbs reacted positively in 1 patient with acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) at diagnosis who achieved remission with teniposide and cytosine arabinoside, but relapsed 7 months later and was again positive with both Mabs. JSB-1 also showed varying degrees of positivity in 4 out of 4 other patients in ANLL relapse. It would therefore appear that P-gp is unlikely to mediate chemoresistance in most solid tumours of childhood, but may well play a major role in the development of chemoresistance in acute leukaemia.