A De Novo novel mutation of the EDNRB gene in a Taiwanese boy with Hirschsprung disease.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by an absence of ganglion cells in the nerve plexuses of the lower digestive tract. Although mutations in eight different genes (EDNRB, EDN3, ECE1, SOX10, RET, GDNF, NTN, SIP1) have been identified in affected individuals, it is now clear that RET and EDNRB are the primary genes implicated in the etiology of HSCR. All eight genes are involved in the early development of the enteric nervous system, and most act through two distinct biochemical pathways mediated by RET and EDNRB. Mutations in RET and EDNRB account for up to 50% and 5% of HSCR cases in the general population, respectively. Interaction between these two signaling pathways could modify RET expression and, therefore, HSCR phenotype. Here, we report the case of a 1-year-old Taiwanese boy who presented with abdominal distension since birth and bilious vomiting after feeding. HSCR (short-segment type) was diagnosed based on X-ray, lower gastrointestinal series and biopsy findings. Mutation analysis revealed a heterozygous T>C missense mutation in exon 1 of the EDNRB gene, that substitutes the highly conserved cysteine-90 residue in the extracellular domain of the G protein-coupled receptor with an arginine residue (C90R). No RET gene mutation was detected in this patient.     

Treatment of mandibular prognathism.

Mandibular prognathism (MP) or skeletal Class III malocclusion with a prognathic mandible is one of the most severe maxillofacial deformities. Facial growth modification can be an effective method of resolving skeletal Class III jaw discrepancies in growing children with dentofacial orthopedic appliances including the chincup, face mask, maxillary protraction combined with chincup traction and the Fr?nkel functional regulator III appliance. Orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is required for the correction of adult MP. The two most commonly applied surgical procedures to correct MP are sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Both procedures are suitable for patients in whom a desirable occlusal relationship can be obtained with a setback of the mandible, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In bilateral SSRO, the intentional ostectomy of the posterior part of the distal segment can offer long-term positioned stability. This may be attributable to reduction of tension in the pterygomasseteric sling that applies force in the posterior mandible. While various environmental factors have been found to contribute to the development of MP, heredity plays a substantial role. The relative contributions of genetic and environmental components in the etiology of MP are unclear. The recent identification of the genetic susceptibilities to MP constitutes the first step toward understanding the molecular pathogenesis of MP. Further studies in molecular biology are needed to identify the gene-environment interactions associated with the phenotypic diversity of MP and the heterogenic developmental mechanisms thought to be responsible for them.     

Identifying Risk Drinking in Expectant Fathers

Abstract: Background: Identification of risk drinking in expectant fathers may be helpful as an important part of efforts to minimize maternal alcohol use, and as an opportunity to inform them about a problematic practice during a critical developmental stage for the couple. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the T‐ACE screening questionnaire, which asks about t olerance to alcohol, being a nnoyed by other's comments about drinking, attempts to c ut down, and having a drink first thing in the morning (“ e ye‐opener”), in the male partners of pregnant women who themselves were T‐ACE positive. Methods: Two hundred fifty‐four male partners were asked to complete the T‐ACE embedded in a health survey, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and other questions about their alcohol use in the past 30 days when their pregnant partners had a median gestation of 11.5 weeks (T₁). After delivery, male partners again completed the T‐ACE and quantity‐frequency questions (T₂). The predictive ability of the T‐ACE and AUDIT was compared, using risk drinking (>4 drinks/day or >14 drinks/week) as the criterion standard. Results: A substantial minority of male partners had risk drinking, 31 percent at T₁ and 25 percent at T₂. Although the AUDIT was better than the T‐ACE as an independent predictor of risk drinking, the latter was most accurate when the tolerance threshold exceeded 2 drinks, the same established for pregnant women. The sensitivity (T₁ = 84.6%, T₂ = 82.8%) and specificity (T₁ = 43.8%, T₂ = 51.1%) of the T‐ACE at this threshold compared favorably with those of the AUDIT at the standard cut point of 8. Conclusions: The T‐ACE may be a practical way for clinicians to identify risk drinking in both pregnant women and expectant fathers. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)     

nm23-H1基因转染对人胆管癌细胞系QBC939体外浸润能力的影响

目的：探讨nm23-H1基因转染对人胆管癌细胞系QBC939体外浸润能力的影响。方法：将含有全长nm23-H1 cDNA的真核表达载体通过脂腩体法转染人胆管癌细胞系。结果：转染成功的QBC939细胞，其nm23-Hl基因的mRNA、蛋白表达明显增加，转染nm23-H1基因的胆管癌细胞体外浸润能力下降，穿越matrigel的细胞数明显低于亲本QBC939细胞，代表浸润能力的IV型胶原酶（MMP-9）分泌量下降。结论：nm23-Hl基因可以抑制胆管癌细胞的体外浸润能力。     

Molecular cloning of agonistic and antagonistic monoclonal antibodies against human 4-1BB.

Previously, we prepared two different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human 4-1BB (CD137): an agonistic mAb BBK-1 and an antagonistic mAb BBK-2. In this paper, we describe the molecular cloning of these two mAbs and present comparisons of their amino acid sequences. cDNAs encoding the heavy (H) and light (L) chains of the two mAbs were cloned by screening of cDNA libraries constructed from hybridomas secreting these mAbs. Comparisons of amino acid sequences of the two mAbs showed that, while the constant regions of the H and L chains were identical between the two mAbs, the variable region showed 45% identity in H chains and 48% identity in L chains. This suggests that these two mAbs recognize different epitopes of 4-1BB and may have different effects on the activity of 4-1BB.     

Clinical and hormonal effects of chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in polycystic ovarian disease

Previously, we reported that short term administration of a highly potent GnRH agonist (GnRHa) for 1 month to patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) resulted in complete suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis without measurable effects on adrenal steroid production. This new study was designed to evaluate the effects of long term GnRHa administration in PCO patients with respect to their hormone secretion patterns and clinical responses. Eight PCO patients and 10 ovulatory women with endometriosis were treated daily with sc injections of [D-His6-(imBzl]),Pro9-NEt]GnRH (GnRHa; 100 micrograms) for 6 months. Their results were compared to hormone values in 8 women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomies. In response to GnRHa, PCO and ovulatory women had rises of serum LH at 1 month, after which it gradually declined to baseline. In both groups FSH secretion was suppressed throughout treatment. Serum estradiol, estrone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone levels markedly decreased to values found in oophorectomized women by 1 month and remained low thereafter. In contrast, serum pregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone were partially suppressed, and dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and cortisol levels did not change. Clinically, hyperplastic endometrial histology in three PCO patients reverted to an inactive pattern, and proliferative endometrium in two other PCO patients became inactive in one and did not change in the other. Regression of proliferative endometrial histology occurred in all ovulatory women. Vaginal bleeding occurred in all women studied during the first month of GnRHa administration, after which all but one PCO patient became amenorrheic. Hot flashes were noted by all ovulatory women and by four of eight PCO patients. All PCO patients noted subjective reduction of skin oiliness, and five had decreased hair growth. We conclude that in premenopausal women: 1) chronic GnRHa administration results in apparently complete persistent suppression of ovarian steroid secretion; 2) adrenal steroid secretion is not influenced directly or indirectly; and 3) its use may be helpful in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and ovarian androgen excess in women with PCO.     

Controlled trial of clinical utility of serum salicylate monitoring in rheumatoid arthritis

A crossover double-blind controlled trial was performed on 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to assess the necessity for serum salicylate monitoring in determining optimal dosage. There was no clinically or statistically significant increase in the clinical improvement of patients associated with serum monitoring but potentially toxic serum levels occurred without tinnitus when serum monitoring was not used.