Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the mouse asparagine synthetase gene: relationship to asparaginase sensitivity in lymphoma cells. Partial methylation in normal cells

We have sequenced the promoter region of the murine asparagine synthetase gene and examined its methylation profile in the CpG islands of L-asparaginase-sensitive 6C3HED cells (asparagine auxotrophs) and resistant variants (prototrophs). In the former, complete methylation of the CpG island is correlated with failure of expression of mRNA: cells of the latter possess both methylated and unmethylated alleles, as do cells of the intrinsically asparagine-independent lines L1210 and EL4. A similar phenomenon was seen in normal splenic cells of adult mice. This was age related: no methylation was found in weanlings, but up to 45% of gene copies in animals 18 weeks or older were methylated. It was also tissue related, with methylation occurring rarely in liver cells. The relationship of these changes to oncogenesis is considered.     

Women and health care

Women have specific health risks not only because of their race, ethnicity, and lifestyle, but they also have unique risks related to gender. Women in industrialized countries such as the United States have multiple indicators of morbidity but lower rates of mortality than men. Among women from different racial and ethnic groups, there are clear differences in morbidity and mortality. Insight into the differences and challenges that confront women are important in the delivery of optimal health care.     

Commentary on Iraqi health and culture

Respect for the inherent dignity of each human is one of the most fundamental requirements for the delivery of culturally competent health care (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2006). The inclusion of the worldviews, historical events, and differing belief systems of others is a characteristic of cultural competence. The following interview conducted with Colonel John P. McGuinness, MD, an Army medical officer who served in Iraq from April, 2003-April 2004 and December 2005-March 2006, gives insight to the Iraqi culture.     

Native Americans: traditional healing

There are an estimated 4.1 million people who are classified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with one or more other races. This racial group composes 1.5% of the total U.S. population. The leading causes of illness and death among American Indians are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries (accidents), diabetes, and stroke. American Indians also have a high prevalence of obesity, chronic renal failure, alcoholism, and are at increased risk for mental health issues and suicide. In an effort to build a trusted relationship with these patients and become an active participant in their care, the health care provider must demonstrate respect for the traditions of the American Indian.     

Evaluation of the introduction of a standardised protocol for the staging and follow-up of colorectal cancer on resection rates for liver metastases

INTRODUCTION

In 2004, an audit in our unit demonstrated wide variation in liver resection rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases within the cancer network. Subsequently, a network-wide CT-based follow-up and referral policy was introduced for all patients. A second audit was performed to assess the impact of the guidelines on liver resection rates.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Analysis of prospective liver resection database between 1997 and 2004 and after the introduction of standardised guidelines between January 2005 and April 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 362 patients underwent liver resection for CRC metastases between 1997 and 2008, 237 prior to the introduction of the referral guidelines and 125 after. Liver resection rates according to referring hospital varied from 0.92 to 2.32 per 100,000 population before guidelines were introduced. After 2005, resection rates from the four district hospitals standardised (1.68–1.84 per 100,000 population), but the central unit rate (Sheffield) remained significantly higher (2.67 per 100,000 population). No significant difference in 1-year disease-free survival between patients from Sheffield and the outlying hospitals was found (P = 0.553).

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a referral protocol standardised resection rates from the four district hospitals, but these remain lower compared to the specialist centre. The wide-spread adoption of a policy to discuss all patients with liver metastases at an advanced disease multidisciplinary team meeting, in the presence of hepatobiliary specialists, may further increase resection rates across the UK.