Identification of an oncogenic form of the thrombopoietin receptor MPL using retrovirus-mediated gene transfer

Thrombopoietin and its receptor (MPL) are important regulators of megakaryopoiesis. We have identified an activating mutation of MPL using a combination of a retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and polymerase chain reaction-driven random mutagenesis. This point mutation causes a single amino acid substitution from Ser498 to Asn498 in the transmembrane region and abrogates factor-dependency of all interleukin-3-dependent cell lines tested. Murine interleukin-3- dependent Ba/F3 cells expressing the mutated but not the normal form of MPL were tumorigenic when transduced into syngeneic mice. Analysis of intracellular signaling pathways indicated that the mutant MPL protein constitutively activated two distinct signaling pathways, SHC-Raf-MAPK and JAK2-STAT3/STAT5.     

Pharmacogenomics of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in ovarian-cancer patients from Yakutia

A DNA polymorphism is one of the most important factors determining individual variations in patients’ responses to the same medicinal preparations. This work deals with assessment of associations between polymorphisms of 106 genes involved in key processes of cellular activity (xenobiotic metabolism, DNA repair, the cell cycle, and the regulation of apoptosis) and the outcomes of a cisplatin-based chemotherapy in a cohort of ovarian-cancer patients from Yakutia. The CDKN1B gene polymorphism (rs34330) has been found to be associated with the frequency of complete remissions. The allelic status of this locus was also shown to be significant for progression-free survival. The allelic status at the EPXH1 gene loci (rs2234922 and rs2260863) correlated with impairments in hearing, while the NBN gene polymorphism (rs1063045) was associated with severe emesis.     

Hazards of non coherent light sources as determined by the framework of IEC TR-60825-9

An overview is provided of the scope and application of IEC TR 60825-9 in determination of hazards of non coherent optical radiation sources. Specific areas reviewed in detail include those relating to hazards of ultraviolet radiation, retinal thermal hazard and blue light photochemical hazard. The effect of spectral temperature on relative risk relating to retinal thermal hazard and blue light photochemical hazard are outlined. Assessment of risk factors of these hazards was determined using a range of measurement devices including spectral radiometer, broad band power meter and a locally developed device for determination of pulse profile of pulsed light sources.     

Characteristics of the Behavioral Phenotype of BALB/C Mice

Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology - The existence of specific behavioral characteristics which can be regarded as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in BALB/c mice was detected and confirmed,...     

Clinical and Neurophysiological Characteristics of Alcohol Dependence and Its Comorbidity with Affective Disorders

Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology - Objective. To identify the characteristics and possible differences in the clinical signs and electroencephalographic parameters in alcohol dependence...     

Recurrent Spontaneous Paresthesia in the Upper Limb Could Be Due to Migraine: A Case Series

Transient neurologic dysfunction is a characteristic feature of migraine. About 20% of migraineurs may experience various symptoms in the absence of any headache at one time or another. Visual auras are the most common auras of migraine, and migraine is considered as the most common cause of transient vision loss in young patients. Sensory auras are the second most common migrainous auras. However, the literature is silent for isolated sensory aura as a migraine equivalent. Herein we report 14 patients with recurrent episodic paresthesia in the limbs and other body parts. All patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of “typical aura without headache” of ICHD‐3β. All patients were subjected to various investigations to rule out secondary causes. Ten patients received antimigraine drugs and all showed a positive response to therapy. Recurrent spontaneous paresthesia is quite common in the general population and many patients remain undiagnosed. We speculate that a subset of patients might be related to migrainous sensory auras.