Soft tissue sarcoma of the perineal region in childhood. A report from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies I and II, 1972 through 1984

Thirty-six previously untreated patients younger than 21 years of age with sarcoma arising in the perineal region were entered on the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies (IRS) I and II from 1972 through 1984. The tumor histologic subtype was alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in 20 patients (56%), embryonal RMS in 11 patients (30%), and other types of sarcoma in 5 patients (14%). Fifteen children had grossly complete surgical excision (Clinical Groups I and II), and 15 had localized gross residual tumor (Group III) after initial operative management. Six patients had distant metastases (Group IV) at diagnosis. Twelve patients without distant metastases underwent regional lymph node biopsy; tumor involvement was found in six. Subsequent treatment consisted of chemotherapy with vincristine (VCR) and dactinomycin (AMD) for all patients; patients in Groups III and IV also received cyclophosphamide (CYC) with or without Adriamycin (ADR) (doxorubicin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH). Radiation therapy (RT) was administered to patients in Clinical Groups II, III, and IV. Overall, 28 (78%) patients achieved a complete clinical response. The 3-year disease-free survival rate for these patients was 42%, compared with 52% for all other patients in the combined IRS I and IRS II series (P = 0.44). The overall 3-year survival rate was 59%, compared with 64% for all other patients in IRS I and IRS II (P = 0.48). Aggressive treatment is needed in children with perineal sarcoma to improve their prognosis.     

Production of genetically stable high-titer retroviral vectors that carry a human gamma-globin gene under the control of the alpha-globin locus control region

The ability to generate stable high-titer vectors that give rise to high levels of expression of transduced globin genes in erythroid cells is a prerequisite for effective retroviral-mediated globin gene therapy. The human beta-globin gene with its immediate flanking sequences does not contain all the regulatory elements necessary for regulated high-level and position-independent expression in erythroid cells. The regulatory element known as the beta-globin locus control region (BetaLCR) can provide a linked Beta-globin gene with these properties. However, addition of BetaLCR sequences to a retrovirus carrying a beta-globin gene increases its genetic instability. We have developed a new generation of retroviral vectors in which a human gamma- globin gene is placed under the control of the alphaLCR, the major regulatory element of the alpha-globin gene cluster. We demonstrate that these retroviruses are genetically stable in producer cell lines and can be produced at high titers that exceed 5 x 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. In addition, we show that the transduced gamma-globin gene can be expressed in the adult erythroid environment of mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells at a level comparable to that of a single endogenous Betamaj-globin gene. These retroviruses can also transduce primary murine bone marrow progenitor cells as efficiently as retroviruses that carry the neomycin resistance (neor) gene. This new generation of globin retroviral vectors may prove useful for gene therapy of human beta-globin gene disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.     

Biomarkers of periodontal inflammation in the Australian adult population

Background:  Several inflammatory biomarkers are implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and C-reactive protein (CRP). This study investigated the presence of these factors in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and their relationship to clinical and social determinants of periodontitis in the Australian population.
Methods:  Equal numbers of periodontitis cases and non-cases were sampled during oral epidemiologic examination in the National Survey of Adult Oral Health. GCF was sampled from four sites where probing pocket depth (PPD) and recession were recorded. From these, IL-1β and CRP were quantified by ELISA and the log amount of GCF IL-1β (pg) per person and the proportion of adults with detectable CRP was computed.
Results:  Periodontitis cases (n = 511) had significantly higher levels of IL-1β and CRP than non-cases (n = 562). PPD, clinical attachment loss, plaque and gingivitis indices were positively associated with elevated levels of both biomarkers. Levels of both were positively associated with age, low socio-economic position and non-Australian birth.
Conclusions:  The presence of IL-1β and CRP in GCF are associated with periodontal disease parameters within the Australian population. The levels of both biomarkers are influenced by age, education and eligibility for public dental care.     

Access Platform Techniques for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Background: One of the unique variables for successful implantation of transcatheter aortic valves involves the ability to secure an access route for deployment of the aortic valve. Aim of study: A large number of the high‐risk patients with critical aortic stenosis referred for transcatheter valve implantation approach may not be candidates for the femoral approach due to peripheral vascular disease with the morbidity and mortality increased severalfold in patients who develop access related complications. Method & Results: A thorough knowledge and review of various alternate access site techniques and trouble shooting are therefore important and required by the implanting cardiac surgeons involved in transcatheter aortic valve therapy. Conclusion: The article review highlights the various percutaneous, hybrid, and surgical access techniques platforms available as well as options for implantation of these devices . (J Card Surg 2010;25:373‐380)