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At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Panfungal PCR and multiplex liquid hybridization for detection of fungi in tissue specimens.

A procedure based on panfungal PCR and multiplex liquid hybridization was developed for the detection of fungi in tissue specimens. The PCR amplified the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2). After capture with specific probes, eight common fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans) were identified according to the size of the amplification product on an automated sequencer. The nonhybridized products were identified by sequencing. The performance of the procedure was examined with 12 deep-tissue specimens and 8 polypous tissue biopsies from the paranasal sinuses. A detection level of 0.1 to 1 pg of purified DNA (2 to 20 CFU) was achieved. Of the 20 specimens, PCR was positive for 19 (95%), of which 10 (53%) were hybridization positive. In comparison, 12 (60%) of the specimens were positive by direct microscopy, but only 7 (35%) of the specimens showed fungal growth. Sequencing of the nonhybridized amplification products identified an infecting agent in six specimens, and three specimens yielded only sequences of unknown fungal origin. The procedure provides a rapid (within 2 days) detection of common fungal pathogens in tissue specimens, and it is highly versatile for the identification of other fungal pathogens.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of enhanced Mycobacterium tuberculosis amplified direct test with COBAS AMPLICOR Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory and extrapulmonary specimens.

The new Roche COBAS AMPLICOR Mycobacterium tuberculosis Assay was compared to the Gen-Probe enhanced Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplified Direct Test (AMTDII). A total of 486 specimens (296 respiratory and 190 extrapulmonary) collected from 323 patients were tested in parallel with both assays. Results were compared with those of acid-fast staining and culture, setting the combination of culture and clinical diagnosis as the "gold standard." After resolution of discrepant results, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for AMTDII were 85.7, 100, 100, and 90.4% for respiratory specimens and 82.9, 100, 100, and 95. 5% for extrapulmonary specimens, respectively. The corresponding values for AMPLICOR were 94.2, 100, 100, and 96.6% for respiratory specimens and 85, 100, 100, and 96.1% for extrapulmonary specimens, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the results of both assays or, within each one, between respiratory and extrapulmonary specimens. The difference between AMTDII and AMPLICOR sensitivities was related to the presence of inhibitory samples, which the former assay, lacking an internal amplification control (IAC), could not detect. The overall inhibition rate for the AMPLICOR assay was 3.9% (19 specimens). It is concluded that, although both amplification assays proved to be rapid and specific for the detection of M. tuberculosis complex in clinical samples, AMPLICOR, by a completely automated amplification and detection procedure, was shown to be particularly feasible for a routine laboratory setting. Finally, AMTDII is potentially an excellent diagnostic technique for both respiratory and extrapulmonary specimens, provided that an IAC is included with the assay.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of the NucliSens Basic Kit for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in genital tract specimens using nucleic acid sequence-based amplification of 16S rRNA.

We evaluated a new RNA amplification and detection kit, the NucliSens Basic Kit (Organon Teknika), for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in genitourinary specimens. The Basic Kit provides an open platform for RNA amplification and detection and contains isolation reagents for nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) reagents (enzymes and buffers), and a generic ruthenium-labeled probe for electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection of amplified product. Using freshly purified and titrated stocks of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae and in vitro-generated RNA transcripts for sensitivity determinations, the Basic Kit detected 1 inclusion-forming unit of C. trachomatis, 1 CFU of N. gonorrhoeae, and 100 RNA molecules of 16S rRNA for both bacteria. The clinical performance of the Basic Kit was evaluated by testing a total of 250 specimens for N. gonorrhoeae by culture and NASBA and a total of 96 specimens for C. trachomatis by PCR and NASBA. The Basic Kit detected 139 of 142 N. gonorrhoeae culture-positive specimens and gave a negative result for 73 of 74 culture-negative specimens, for a sensitivity and specificity of 97.9 and 98.7%, respectively. For C. trachomatis, the Basic Kit detected 24 of 24 PCR-positive specimens and gave a negative result for 71 of 72 PCR-negative specimens, for a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 98.6%, respectively. The Basic Kit also detected specimens containing both N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, using a multiplex NASBA assay using primers for both bacteria. The NucliSens Basic Kit offers a versatile platform for the development of sensitive RNA detection assays for sexually transmitted diseases.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed2002

Performance assessment of two commercial amplification assays for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from respiratory and extrapulmonary specimens.

The new BDProbeTec ET Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Direct Detection Assay (DTB) was compared with the enhanced M. tuberculosis Amplified Direct Test (AMTDII). The system is an automated walkaway system characterized by simultaneous DNA amplification (strand displacement amplification) and real-time fluorometric detection. It also contains an internal amplification control (IAC) designed to identify inhibition from the processed samples. The AMTDII assay amplifies rRNA by transcription-mediated amplification; it uses hybridization with a chemoluminescent probe as a detection system and is entirely manual. A total of 515 N-acetyl-L-cysteine-sodium hydroxide-decontaminated respiratory (n = 331) and extrapulmonary (n = 184) sediments (from 402 patients) were tested in parallel by both assays. The results were compared with those of acid-fast staining and culture (solid plus liquid media), setting the combination of culture and clinical diagnosis as the "gold standard." Culture results from the tested specimens were as follows: 121 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) (98 smear-positive), 46 nontuberculous mycobacteria (38 smear-positive), and 338 culture-negative results. After resolution of the discrepant results, the percent sensitivity, percent specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for AMTDII were 88%, 99.2%, 110, and 0.11 for respiratory specimens and 74.3%, 100%, 740, and 0.26 for extrapulmonary specimens, respectively. The corresponding values for DTB were 94.5%, 99.6%, 235, and 0.05 for respiratory specimens and 92.3%, 100%, 920, and 0.07 for extrapulmonary specimens, respectively. The cumulative difference for all tuberculosis-positive extrapulmonary specimens was significant (P = 0.03). The overall inhibition rate for DTB was 5% (26 specimens). We conclude that both amplification assays proved to be rapid and specific for the detection of MTB in clinical samples and particularly feasible for a routine laboratory work flow. DTB combines a labor-intensive specimen preparation procedure with a completely automated amplification and detection. Finally, differences between AMTDII and DTB sensitivities were associated with the presence of inhibitory samples that the former assay, lacking IAC, could not detect.

Humans↗
PubMed2002

Direct detection of enterovirus 71 (EV71) in clinical specimens from a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak in Singapore by reverse transcription-PCR with universal enterovirus and EV71-specific primers.

A recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Singapore in 2000 affected several thousand children and resulted in four deaths. The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with universal pan-enterovirus primers and enterovirus 71 (EV71) type-specific primers for the direct detection of enteroviruses in clinical specimens derived from this outbreak. With the universal primers, EV71 RNA sequences were successfully detected by RT-PCR and direct sequencing in 71% of positive specimens. Three pairs of EV71 type-specific primers were evaluated for rapid detection of EV71 directly from clinical specimens and cell culture isolates. By using a seminested RT-PCR strategy, specific identification of EV71 sequences directly in clinical specimens was achieved, with a detection rate of 53%. In contrast, cell culture could isolate EV71 in only 20% of positive specimens. EV71 was detected directly from brain, heart, and lung specimens of two deceased siblings. Although more than one type of enterovirus was identified in clinical specimens from this outbreak, 90% of the enteroviruses were confirmed as EV71. The data demonstrate the clinical applicability of pan-enterovirus and seminested RT-PCR for the detection of EV71 RNA directly from clinical specimens in an outbreak situation.

Child↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of labelling by bromodeoxyuridine, MIB-1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in gastric mucosal biopsy specimens.

AIMS: To compare proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and MIB-1 with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse labelling, a specific marker of cell proliferation, in endoscopic gastric biopsy specimens. METHODS: Twenty four biopsy specimens were obtained from 12 patients: 10 antral and eight body specimens were suitable. Each specimen was routinely processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. A modified Giemsa stain was used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Sections of the specimens were labelled with BrdU, MIB-1, and PC10. Gastric mucosa specimens were divided into three zones. The numbers of positively staining nuclei for 500 epithelial cell nuclei were counted in each zone and expressed as a percentage. RESULTS: The proportion of PCNA positive cells (range 0-90%) was much greater in all specimens (10 antrum, eight body). BrdU positive cells were virtually all confined to zone 2 (0-17% cells in this zone were positive) (zone 1 = surface and gastric pit, zone 2 = isthmus, zone 3 = gland base), while PCNA positive cells were present in all three zones (1 = 23-90%, 2 = 43-90%, 3 = 0-74%). Spearman's rank coefficient correlation of 0.57 confirmed that the percentage of positively staining cells varied in the same direction for both PCNA and BrdU (p < 0.001). PCNA, however, was overexpressed in all zones of the gastric epithelium compared with BrdU. In 38 biopsy specimens from 19 patients, of which 14 antrum and 11 body were suitable, the proportion of MIB-1 positive cells (0-59%) was greater than BrdU in most. As with BrdU labelling, the MIB-1 positive cells were confined to zone 2 (zone 1 = 1-11%); zone 2 = 21-59%; zone 3 = 0-13%) and the coefficient correlation for MIB-1 and BrdU was 0.63 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MIB-1 accurately reflects the S-phase fraction in gastric mucosa, determined by BrdU labelling in conventionally processed gastric biopsy material. Caution is needed in the interpretation of PCNA labelling detected by PC10, which should not be accepted uncritically as a marker of cell proliferation in paraffin wax embedded material.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2004

Stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: influence of number of specimens on diagnostic accuracy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether number of specimens obtained at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with the patient prone influences diagnostic accuracy and to determine whether this number varies depending on mammographic appearance of lesions as masses or microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsy was prospectively performed in 100 patients (median age, 55 years; range, 31-81 years) with 100 lesions that were mammographically evident as masses (n = 50) and microcalcifications (n = 50) with standardized protocol to acquire 20 specimens per lesion in three 360 degrees probe rotations at one skin entry site. Specimens were histologically evaluated sequentially, and findings were compared with results of surgical excision or of mammographic follow-up for at least 24 months. Differences in diagnostic yield after each probe rotation and differences in diagnostic yield between masses and microcalcifications were determined with chi(2) test. RESULTS: Up to 12 specimens harvested within two 360 degrees probe rotations were necessary to yield correct diagnosis in 96% of patients with masses and 92% of patients with microcalcifications. Diagnostic yield was not improved with more than 12 specimens for masses or microcalcifications. In two (4%) of 47 patients with lesions that were eventually diagnosed as cancer, results at stereotactic biopsy indicated they were benign. Underestimation of diagnosis of lesions as atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ occurred in two (50%) of four and two (17%) of 12 lesions, respectively. With 20 specimens harvested during three probe rotations, there was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic yield between patients with masses and those with microcalcifications (P =.68). CONCLUSION: At 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy, highest diagnostic yield was achieved with 12 specimens per lesion, independent of mammographic appearance of the lesion. Even with standardized retrieval of 20 specimens per lesion, underestimation of disease still occurs.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Stereotactic core breast biopsy of malignant calcifications: diagnostic yield of cores with and cores without calcifications on specimen radiographs.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare core biopsy diagnosis with final diagnosis at surgical excision in cores with and cores without calcification on specimen radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirteen consecutive patients underwent vacuum-assisted 11- or 14-gauge needle stereotactic core biopsy for calcifications with malignant histologic results in core samples from 116 lesions. For each lesion, calcification was identified in at least one core at specimen radiography. Cores with and those without calcification seen on magnified specimen radiographs were separately submitted to and reported on by pathologists, who obtained additional levels in cores with calcification. All patients underwent surgical excision of the lesion area within 7 weeks. The pathologic diagnosis in core samples with and those without calcification on specimen radiographs was compared with final diagnosis at surgical excision. Fisher exact test was used for all chi(2) determinations of statistical significance. RESULTS: Cores with calcification on specimen radiographs were more likely to enable a final diagnosis of malignancy than were cores without calcification (98 [84%] vs 82 [71%] of 116; P =.02). Cores without calcification were significantly more likely to cause a diagnosis of cancer to be missed than were those with calcification on specimen radiographs (13 [11%] vs one [1%] of 116; P <.001). Underestimates of malignancy were more frequent in 14- than in 11-gauge specimens (11 [18%] of 60 vs six [10%] of 56; P =.30). Regardless of needle size, there was no significant difference in underestimation of malignancy between cores with and without radiographically evident calcification (17 [15%] vs 21 [18%] of 116; P =.60). CONCLUSION: Specimen radiography is essential to document calcification retrieval. Cores without radiographically demonstrated calcification may fail to show a malignant lesion. Separate identification of calcium-containing cores may assist the pathologist, who can more thoroughly evaluate these cores with additional levels of section.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Stereotaxic 14-gauge breast biopsy: how many core biopsy specimens are needed?

PURPOSE: To determine the optimum number of specimens to obtain at stereotaxic core breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stereotaxic biopsies were performed in 145 mammographically evident lesions by using a dedicated table with patients in the prone position. Samples were obtained with an automated gun and a 14-gauge needle. Indications for biopsy were calcifications (n = 53) and masses (n = 92). Three to 11 (mean, 5.4) core biopsy specimens were obtained per lesion and were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Diagnostic material was obtained in the first specimen in 102 (70%) of the 145 lesions. Obtaining two, three, four, five, and six core specimens yielded a diagnosis in 117 (81%), 129 (89%), 132 (91%), 137 (94%), and 140 (97%) of the 145 lesions, respectively. Obtaining five specimens yielded a diagnosis in 46 (87%) of the 53 calcifications and 91 (99%) of the 92 masses. Obtaining six specimens resulted in a diagnosis in 49 (92%) lesions evident as calcifications but did not improve the yield on masses. CONCLUSION: Stereotaxic 14-gauge core biopsy achieved a 99% diagnostic yield with five specimens for masses. Additional specimens may be necessary to diagnose some calcified lesions.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of a contralateral biopsy specimen in prostate cancer patients with unilateral suspicious lesions.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with a clinically unilateral palpable and/or visible lesion confined to the prostate on digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography, the findings of biopsy specimens of a clinically unsuspicious lobe do not reflect TNM staging results (2002 classification). In patients with such a unilateral lesion, we compared the biopsy results of a clinically unsuspicious lobe with the pathological assessment of the radical prostatectomy specimen and evaluated the importance of the results of biopsy specimens in an unsuspicious lobe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2000 and August 2004, 97 prostatic cancer patients without neoadjuvant therapy underwent a radical retropubic prostatectomy. In the patients with a unilateral lesion on digital rectal examination and/or transrectal ultrasound, the preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels, the results of contralateral biopsy specimens, and contralateral cancer foci in radical prostatectomy specimens were examined. RESULTS: Of 39 patients with a unilateral palpable and/or visible lesion, 15 had contralateral positive biopsy findings, while 24 had contralateral negative biopsy findings. In a pathological analysis of prostatectomy specimens, a significantly higher rate of clinically significant cancer foci and a larger cancer volume in a clinically unsuspicious lobe have been observed in patients with contralateral positive biopsy findings than in patients with contralateral negative biopsy findings (p < 0.001). Moreover, contralateral cancer foci in patients with a contralateral positive biopsy specimen exhibited a more ominous state, such as seminal vesicle invasion, extraprostatic extension, and a positive surgical margin, than those in patients with a contralateral negative biopsy specimen (40.0 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.017). However, in a pathological analysis of both ipsilateral and contralateral cancer foci, the proportion of ominous pathological findings did not differ between the patients with a contralateral positive biopsy and those with a contralateral negative biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with clinically unilateral palpable and/or visible tumors confined to the prostate, the results of a bilateral biopsy need not be used to determine the clinical stage. However, in patients with positive biopsy results for an unsuspicious lobe, urologists should perform an extended surgical resection.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Coronary composition and macrophage infiltration in atherectomy specimens from patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-rich, inflamed atherosclerotic lesions are associated with plaque rupture and thrombosis, which are the most important causes of death in patients with diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to quantify lipid composition and macrophage infiltration in the coronary lesions of patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 47 coronary atherectomy specimens from patients with diabetes mellitus were examined and compared with 48 atherectomy specimens from patients without diabetes. Plaque composition was characterized by trichrome staining. Macrophage infiltration was characterized by immunostaining. Clinical and demographic data were similar in both groups. The percentage of total area occupied by lipid-rich atheroma was larger in specimens from patients with diabetes (7+/-2%) than in specimens from patients without diabetes (2+/-1%; P:=0.01), and the percentage of total area occupied by macrophages was larger in specimens from patients with diabetes (22+/-3%) than in specimens from patients without diabetes (12+/-1%; P:=0.003). The incidence of thrombus was also higher in specimens from patients with diabetes than in specimens from patients without diabetes (62% versus 40%; P:=0.04). Plaque composition, macrophage infiltration, and thrombus were similar in lesions from diabetic patients treated with insulin compared with lesions from patients treated with sulfonylureas or diet. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary tissue from patients with diabetes exhibits a larger content of lipid-rich atheroma, macrophage infiltration, and subsequent thrombosis than tissue from patients without diabetes. These differences suggest an increased vulnerability for coronary thrombosis in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Reliance on hormone receptor assays of surgical specimens may compromise outcome in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the concordance of breast cancer immunohistochemical receptor assays on core biopsy and surgical specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 100 patients whose core biopsy and definitive surgical specimens were processed in our hospital. New sections, with core and surgical specimens on the same slides, were stained for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) immunohistochemistry (IHC). Two pathologists assessed the sections independently. Raw scores and clinically significant groupings were compared. RESULTS: Concordance for ER, PR, overall hormone receptor (HR), and HER-2 status was seen in 86%, 83%, 90%, and 80% of patients, respectively. The core was positive, while the surgical specimen was negative in 13%, 11%, 9%, and 1% of patients, respectively. Using a log-linear model, differences in ER, PR, and HER-2 staining were all in the direction of stronger staining in the cores, and were statistically significant. Nine percent (95% CI, 4.2% to 16.4%) of women in this group would have had endocrine therapy inappropriately withheld if management decisions were based on surgical specimen results alone. CONCLUSION: ER and PR assays on core biopsy specimens are more reliable than assays on surgical specimens. Receptor IHC should be performed on core biopsy specimens to avoid patients with HR positive cancers not receiving appropriate hormonal therapy and being overtreated with systemic chemotherapy. Biopsy should be considered in patients with "receptor negative" cancer and recurrent disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Rectal adenocarcinoma: assessment of tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin by MRI of resected specimen.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether MRI could predict tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin on resected rectal cancer specimens. 26 specimens obtained after total mesorectal excision were examined in the sagittal and axial plane on a clinical 1.5 T MR system using phased-array surface coils. The shortest distance between the deepest point of tumour penetration and the lateral resection margin was measured. This distance is referred to as LRM. The results were correlated to measurements on digital images of giant histopathological sections. The total number of lymph nodes and lymph node metastases was also counted. LRM was less than or equal to 1 mm (a distance considered for non-radically excised tumours) in eight of the histopathological specimens. On MR images of the resected specimen, LRM was less than or equal to 1 mm in seven of these specimens. LRM was shorter in MR examinations than in histopathological giant sections in 11 specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for prediction of tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin (LRM < or = 1 mm) by MR of the resected specimen were 88%, 78%, 64% and 93%, respectively. Presence of lymph node metastases could not accurately be predicted by MR. However, it is concluded that the presence of a tumour free lateral resection margin can be predicted by MRI of resected rectal specimens when this exceeds 1 mm.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

An investigation of the mechanisms underlying the disparity between rate of residual endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) in hysterectomy specimens and clinical failure rate following conservatively treated AIS.

The location, amount, and anatomic relationships of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) in 5 delayed second cone biopsy excision specimens and 21 definitive-therapy hysterectomy specimens were measured in relation to the neosquamocolumnar junction (nSCJ). All 5 biopsy specimens had 1 to 2 mm of AIS situated at the nSCJ. None had AIS in the proximal endocervix, despite positive or extremely close biopsy margins. Residual AIS in hysterectomy specimens was located proximal to the nSCJ in 19 (90%) of 21 cases. The mean distance between AIS and the nSCJ was 4.9 mm in 12 (86%) of 14 hysterectomy specimens. The mean maximum length of AIS was 4.6 mm in hysterectomy specimens and 1.1 mm in biopsy specimens. Some postbiopsy failures might be de novo neoplasms that begin at the nSCJ rather than recrudescence of persistent AIS. Small amounts of residual AIS following cone biopsy excision might be eradicated by the healing process. These 2 factors might underlie the disparate rates of residual AIS in hysterectomy specimens and postbiopsy excision failures and also explain the poor correlation between biopsy margin status and clinical failure. Factors that impact postbiopsy AIS eradication might be unrelated to de novo AIS beginning at the nSCJ.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Anti-transglutaminase antibody assay of the culture medium of intestinal biopsy specimens can improve the accuracy of celiac disease diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: We measured anti-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibody in the culture medium of intestinal biopsy specimens from patients with suspected celiac disease (CD) and evaluated the relationship between antibody production and severity of intestinal mucosal damage. METHODS: We performed diagnostic testing for CD on 273 consecutive patients. In addition to routine histologic evaluation of duodenal biopsy specimens, we assayed anti-tTG antibodies in serum and in the culture medium of duodenal biopsy specimens. RESULTS: CD was diagnosed in 191 of the 273 patients. Sensitivity and specificity of the serum anti-endomysium (EmA) and anti-tTG assays were 83% and 85% and 99% and 95%, respectively, and both had 88% diagnostic accuracy. EmA and anti-tTG assayed in the culture medium had 98% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 98% diagnostic accuracy (vs serum assays; P <0.0001). Twenty-nine CD patient specimens (16%) were negative for serum anti-tTG and EmA; for 24 of these patients, anti-tTG assay of the culture medium was positive. The CD patients whose biopsy specimens were positive for serum antibodies showed the following intestinal histologies: total villous atrophy, 35%; severe villous atrophy, 25%; mild atrophy, 25%; villi with no atrophy but with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, 15%. None of the CD patients whose specimens were negative for serum antibodies showed total or severe villous atrophy; 77% had mild villous atrophy, and 23% had no villous atrophy but had increased intraepithelial lymphocyte counts. Mild villous atrophy was also seen in specimens from approximately 15% of patients without CD. CONCLUSION: Anti-tTG assay of the culture medium of biopsy specimens can improve the accuracy of CD diagnosis in patients negative for serum antibodies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparative study on the different staining methods and number of specimens for the detection of acid fast bacilli.

The presence of acid fast bacilli in multiple specimens was investigated comparatively with Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) staining in order to determine sensitivity in detecting tuberculosis (TB). A total of 465 specimens obtained from 295 patients were analysed at Harran University Medical School Hospital between March 1998 and March 2000. The culture was employed as the reference method. Sixty-eight patients (23.1%) were diagnosed as having TB by culture. The ZN and FM staining sensitivities were 67.6% (46/68) and 85.2% (58/68) respectively. Two hundred and one patients (68.1%) submitted one specimen to the laboratory. TB positivity was detected in 42 (20.9%) of these patients by culture. The sensitivities of ZN and FM stains were found to be 61% and 83% in these patients. However, in 18 patients (6.1%) who submitted two specimens to the laboratory, the TB was positive in six of them (33.3%) and ZN and FM sensitivities were 66% and 83% respectively. When three specimens or more were collected from the patients (76 patients, 25.8%), TB positivity was determined in 20 of them (26.3%) and the sensitivities were 80% and 92% in the ZN- and FM-stained smears, respectively. Our data indicate that in the diagnosis of TB, FM has greater sensitivity than ZN. In particular, in the case of a single specimen, the diagnostic value of FM is quite significant. It is, therefore, possible to conclude that both ZN and FM staining can be used for the diagnosis of TB when there are more than two specimens. However, if only one or two specimens are available, FM staining is preferable.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

Size and growth rate of the tongue in normal and cleft lip and palate human fetal specimens.

In the present study, the size and rate of growth of the tongue was assessed in human fetuses. For comparative purposes, 29 human fetal specimens (20 "normal" and 9 with cleft lip and palate were celloidin embedded, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and serially photomicrographed. The specimens ranged from 8 to 21 weeks postmenstrual age. The application of a well documented three-dimensional reconstruction technique provided quantification of several aspects of the tongue. Tongue length and volume were larger in the cleft specimens than for the normal specimens, while both length and volume were growing at a faster rate. Growth curves were produced by plotting length and volume against postmenstrual age and a significant difference was noted between the slopes (growth rate) of the growth curves for tongue length and volume for the two groups. Tongue length increase was approximately 2.27 times greater and tongue volume increase was approximately 1.64 times more for the cleft specimens than for the normal specimens from 8 to 21 weeks. In support of these findings, tongue volume was relatively larger expressed as a contribution of total oronasal capsule volume in the cleft specimens. For an initial age category (8 to 12 weeks), tongue volume in the cleft specimens was larger, growing at a faster rate than normal tongue volume and a significant difference was noted between the slopes of the growth curves. No significant difference was observed between the tongue length indices in the initial or the 8 to 21 week age category.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1987

Two-view specimen radiography in surgical biopsy of nonpalpable breast masses.

Nonpalpable, low-density, noncalcified lesions sometimes can be difficult to see on an initial specimen radiograph. In 57 consecutive wire localizations, 37 patients had obvious microcalcifications and did not require a second specimen radiograph. Twenty-six patients had nonpalpable, noncalcified lesions, and a second specimen radiograph was obtained in 24 of these. In four of these cases the initial specimen radiograph failed to show the suspected lesion, and a second specimen radiograph orthogonal to the original plane of orientation of the specimen showed the lesion to be contained within the biopsied material. Although it is seldom necessary to use this technique, it may obviate a second biopsy specimen as well as reduce operative time. We found that a second orthogonal specimen radiograph provided important information in 7% of cases.

Aged↗