Polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase genes increase risk of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence differentially by ethnicity and disease severity

Objective  

Genetic polymorphisms that modify the detoxifying activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) can affect the level of carcinogenic metabolites created by endogenous steroid hormones and exogenous chemical substances. Although the GSTM1 null genotype has been shown to increase prostate cancer mortality in Caucasians, potential associations between GST polymorphisms and prostate cancer biochemical recurrence (BCR) have not been well studied, particularly in African-Americans.     

Low-speed rotational angioplasty in chronic peripheral artery occlusions: experience in 83 patients. Work in progress

Between December 1986 and October 1988, 83 patients with chronic peripheral artery occlusions were treated with a new technique. In 56 patients, the superficial femoral artery was completely occluded; in 21 patients, the popliteal artery; and in six patients, the iliac artery. The length of occlusion ranged from 5 to 35 cm (mean, 12.5 cm). The duration, estimated by history, was 5-48 months (mean, 16.5 months). In seven patients, durations of 6-36 months were documented angiographically. A flexible, blunt, motor-driven rotating catheter was introduced through an 8-F sheath, and rotational angioplasty was performed at low speed (up to 200 rpm). In 49 of 60 (82%) patients in whom this new technique was used as the primary intervention, the occlusions were successfully reopened. In 23 patients in whom conventional methods had failed more than 4 weeks earlier, the success rate for rotational angioplasty was 67% (12 of 18 patients); when the time interval was less than 4 weeks, only one of five patients was treated successfully. In none of the 83 patients did a perforation occur. This new technique can reopen chronic artery occlusions with a high degree of success and without the danger of vessel-wall perforation, even after failure of conventional techniques.     

A prime–boost immunisation regimen using recombinant BCG and Pr55 virus-like particle vaccines based on HIV type 1 subtype C successfully elicits Gag-specific responses in baboons

Mycobacterium bovis BCG is considered an attractive live bacterial vaccine vector. In this study, we investigated the immune response of baboons to a primary vaccination with recombinant BCG (rBCG) constructs expressing the gag gene from a South African HIV-1 subtype C isolate, and a boost with HIV-1 subtype C Pr55^gag virus-like particles (Gag VLPs). Using an interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay, we show that although these rBCG induced only a weak or an undetectable HIV-1 Gag-specific response on their own, they efficiently primed for a Gag VLP boost, which strengthened and broadened the immune responses. These responses were predominantly CD8+ T cell-mediated and recognised similar epitopes as those targeted by humans with early HIV-1 subtype C infection. In addition, a Gag-specific humoral response was elicited. These data support the development of HIV-1 vaccines based on rBCG and Pr55^gag VLPs.     

有机锗化物对豚鼠和家兔心脏电机械效应的影响

有机锗化物(二羧乙基锗三氧化物,dicarboxyethenylgermanium sesquioxide简称DCG)系一人工合成的新型化合物,分子式(GeCH_2CH_2COOH)_2O_3,分子量339.18,其中含纯锗42.8%。锗是生物体内非必需微量元素,在自然界及生物体内分布相当广泛。最近Ninomiya     

Preferential use of the VH4 Ig gene family by diffuse large-cell lymphoma

Ig heavy chain variable region (VH) genes expressed by human diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLC) and follicular lymphoma (FL) were identified and analyzed with respect to germline gene families. In 67 cases of FL, VH region genes were expressed in a pattern similar to that of normal B cells, with a predominance of the large VH3 gene family being used. In contrast, of the 17 cases of DLC, there was an extremely biased use of VH genes. Of these DLC tumors, 88% expressed genes from the small VH4 gene family; and even among these tumors, there was a limited use of genes, with 11 cases producing Igs derived from the VH4.21 germline gene. Although most of the VH genes expressed by DLC tumor cells contained mutations with respect to their germline counterparts, almost all of these mutations occurred before the clonal expansion of the tumor. This contrasts with our previous findings of ongoing mutations in FL and represents a fundamental difference between these two malignancies. This preferential gene use implies an important role for the VH4 gene family, and specifically for VH4.21, in the genesis of DLC.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus

The aim of this study was to measure plasma atrial natriuretic peptide in preterm infants with a patent ductus arteriosus before and after closure with indomethacin. Atrial natriuretic peptide was measured in 28 preterm infants with clinical and echocardiographic evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus and in eight preterm infants who did not develop clinical evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus. Plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide was measured by radioimmunoassay. In 18 infants the patent ductus arteriosus closed after one course of indomethacin; atrial natriuretic peptide levels decreased from median 1240 pg/ml (range 201-5483 pg/ml) to 266 pg/ml (range 62-1108 pg/ml). In four infants the patent ductus arteriosus closed after two courses of indomethacin and two infants had surgical ligation after indomethacin treatment failed. The patent ductus arteriosus closed spontaneously in four infants (atrial natriuretic peptide median level 152 pg/ml, range 61-495 pg/ml). In the eight infants without patent ductus arteriosus, atrial natriuretic peptide level was median 224 pg/ml (range 38-876 pg/ml). Measurement of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration has a role in predicting when indomethacin treatment is indicated.