Expression of the Human Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain VH6 Gene Element by Fetal B Lymphocytes

Fetal B lymphocytes in mice and humans use a limited number of the available V_H gene segments. Mouse fetal B cells primarily utilize 3' V_H elements, suggesting that the localization of these elements determines their rearrangement frequency. The previously reported non-random usage of human V_H genes has been more difficult to explain. In this study the authors analysed the expression of the most proximal 3' human V_H element (V_H6) using a monoclonal antibody (JE-6). V_H6 expression was assessed in various B cell differentiation stages from fetal liver, bone marrow and spleen at 12–20 weeks of gestation. The authors demonstrate that the level of V_H6 expression does not exceed a stochastic usage frequency. This suggests that the localization of V_H6 does not significantly promote its expression during human fetal life, and that other factors must affect the usage of V_H genes during human fetal development.     

Influence of age on the reactivity of the BANA test among Brazilian children.

Three hundred and twenty samples of subgingival plaque were obtained from 80 caucasian girls, ranging from 10 to 13 years of age. The samples were analyzed to verify the influence of age upon colonization of the gingival sulcus by microorganisms potentially pathogenic to the periodontal tissues. The gingival and plaque status were evaluated through the gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PlI) and the microflora was assessed by the enzymatic method benzoyl-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA). The results of the BANA test were positive for 62.50% of the tested individuals and 40% of the examined sites. The influence of age was statistically significant on BANA reactivity, and the number of positive sites was greater at 11 (57.5%) than at 12 years (28.8%).     

A prospective randomized trial of colchicine in prevention of liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients

Background : The clinical course of chronic hepatitis B is variable. Patients with hepatic decompensation, bridging necrosis or an alpha-fetoprotein level greater than 100 ng/mL during an exacerbation of hepatitis have a high risk of developing cirrhosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of colchicine in the prevention of cirrhosis in such patients.
Methods : Patients with risk factor(s) were randomized to receive either colchicine 5 mg/week or no specific treatment, the end point being development of cirrhosis.
Results : After a follow up period of 4 years, the treatment group had a marked reduction in exacerbations of acute hepatitis (32% vs. 63%/patient/year, P <0.005). Seven out of 38 patients in the treatment group and 10 out of 27 patients in the control group developed cirrhosis. The calculated cumulative incidence of cirrhosis by the end of first, second, third and fourth years in the treatment group was 8.7, 18.6, 32 and 32%, respectively. The corresponding figures in the control group were 30, 35.5, 46.3 and 73.2%, respectively, with a P -value of 0.057.
Conclusions : The results suggest that colchicine may prevent cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with risk factor(s), possibly by suppressing exacerbations of hepatitis through an anti-inflammatory effect.     

Accessory left-ventricular chorda and the early ventricular repolarization syndrome

Electrocardiographic symptoms were evaluated in 53 patients with an additional left-ventricular chorda (ALVC), detected by two-dimensional echocardiography. Signs of early ventricular repolarization (EVR) were identified in 45 (84.9%) patients. A transverse ALVC was more common in EVR-free patients (87.5%), as compared to patients with ALVC + EVR combinations (51.1%; p less than 0.05).