Naturally occurring hepatitis B virus X deletions and insertions among Korean chronic patients

Deletions and insertions in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) X region have been associated with severe forms of liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular epidemiologic features of this virus have been described rarely. Deletions and insertions in the X region were determined by direct sequencing in a Korean cohort of 267 patients with different clinical statuses. Deletions and insertions were observed in two sets of six patients each (2.2%, 6/267). The prevalence of deletions or insertions was significantly higher in patients with severe liver disease, HCC, or cirrhosis of the liver (7.2%, 10/132) compared to patients who were carriers or had chronic hepatitis (1.5%, 2/135) (P = 0.017). All deletions in six strains were concentrated at the C terminal end of HBx, encompassing the 113th to 154th codons. A total of four novel types of insertions (PKLL, GM, FFN, and tt) were observed in six patients. Of particular interest, all six strains with insertions were accompanied by double mutations in the basal core promoter (BCP). In conclusion, these results suggest that deletions or insertions in the X region may contribute to disease progression in Korean patients with genotype C infection.     

A new immunoassay of human antibodies to chemical carcinogens

The study was undertaken to optimize the well known immunoassay of antibodies to chemical carcinogens, designed by J. Chagnaud et al., and examine the specific features of the generation of antibodies (Ab) to benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in patients with lung cancer. Ninety-two serum samples from healthy males and 80 samples from patients with lung cancer were studied. Increased efficiency was achieved by the use of bovine serum albumin instead of thyreoglobulin in the synthesis of carrier protein conjugates with BP. Better reproducibility was accomplished, by using the control serum sample with the known content of IgM, IgG, and IgA Ab to BP. Analysis of the study serum samples has established that in healthy male smokers, the count of IgA Ab was twice greater than that in non-smokers. The patients with lung cancer were found to higher levels of IgG and IgA Ab to BP (in both smokers and non-smokers) than healthy individuals. It is proposed to use the stated method to study a role of A to chemical carcinogens in the pathogenesis of malignancies.     

Effects of Rubus coreanus on sperm parameters and cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) expression in rat testes

Rubi Fructus (RF), the dried, unripe fruit of Rubus coreanus M IQ. (Rosaceae), has been used to improve male reproductive function in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of RF on sperm parameters and expression of cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), which has a crucial role in spermatogenesis. RF was administered to 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 56 consecutive days (1.0 g/kg, daily, p.o.). Sperm analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot assays were then carried out. The RF-treated animals showed significant increases in the weight of the testes, epididymal sperm count, and sperm motility compared to the control group. RF also increased the expression of CREM at both the mRNA and protein levels. These results suggest that RF may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis.     

Radiofrequency Volume Reduction of Gastrocnemius Muscle Hypertrophy for Cosmetic Purposes

Muscularly prominent calves, caused mainly by hypertrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), are prevalent among Asian women, and this condition can be a significant factor leading to psychological stress. The authors have devised a method for contouring the calf using radiofrequency (RF) applications to the GCMs to correct thick, muscular legs. This study was performed to investigate the effects of RF energy in reducing enlarged GCMs for 250 patients (249 women and 1 man) who sought aesthetic consultation for problems such as thick, muscular, asymmetric, or bowed calves. The operations were performed from June 2004 to April 2006. The patients first received a local anesthetic and sedation. After application of RF current, the prominent muscular contours improved, and the GCMs were contoured to an appropriate proportional volume. The range of the reductions in the calf circumferences at their thickest levels was 1 to 6 cm (mean, 2.5 cm) during the follow-up visits 6 months after the procedures. Most of the patients could return to their activities of daily living, except for exercise, after 1 to 7 days, and they were satisfied with the improved aesthetic contour lines of their lower legs. Clinical photography and ultrasonic examination were performed, and the leg circumferences were measured. Radiofrequency-induced coagulation tissue necrosis of the muscles caused no functional disabilities, and the clinical improvement was well maintained after the treatments for up to 17 months of follow-up evaluation.     

Cost-benefit analysis of a follow-up program in patients with breast cancer: a randomized prospective study

Increasing the number of breast cancer patients in follow-up involves increased costs and, with limited health care resources, there is a need to evaluate the cost-benefit to the patient of follow-up regimens. We present a randomized prospective study to evaluate the cost-benefit of intensive follow-up in the early detection of relapses in patients with breast cancer. One hundred and twenty-one patients were randomized to standard clinical follow-up (n=63) or to an intensive follow-up (n=58) that included diagnostic laboratory tests and imaging designed to detect early relapse following curative treatment. All patients had annual mammography. The number of scheduled outpatient appointments kept were 359 in the standard clinical follow-up and 355 in the intensive follow-up group. After a median of 3 years of follow-up, there were 28 relapses, 11 in standard clinical follow-up, and 13 in the intensive follow-up group. The overall cost of follow-up was 24,567 euros in the standard clinical follow-up group and 74,171 euros in the intensive follow-up group. Performing complimentary investigations in breast cancer follow-up is associated with higher costs without difference in early detection of relapses.