Polymorphonuclear motility: measurement by computer-linked image analysis

Most methods of measuring neutrophil motility provide information mainly about the performance of a small proportion of the fastest moving cells. Application of a computer-linked image analysis technique, using the "Quantimet," provides a convenient, automated method of measuring the motility of the whole cell population. This makes it possible to test whether changes in motility represent a homogeneous alteration affecting all cells or a change in the numbers or performance of a subset of cells. In this study the neutrophils from patients with uncomplicated rheumatoid arthritis were found to perform similarly to normals, while cells from patients with Felty's syndrome were markedly slower. This was an overall, homogeneous slowing of the whole cell population, not due to a loss of fast moving cells.     

Fertility preservation in girls and adolescents before chemotherapy and radiation - review of the literature

There has been a significant improvement in survival rates over the last decade as a result of advances in the treatment of cancer in children. One of the consequences of chemotherapy may be damage to the ovarian function, which can lead to loss of fertility. Methods of fertility protection have been developed for adult women as a result of advances in reproductive medicine, which make the option of becoming pregnant after surviving cancer realistic. However, only some of the methods can be used in prepubescent girls and adolescents. In addition, a higher number of miscarriages and premature births have been found in women who underwent pelvic radiotherapy during childhood or adolescence and the children were more commonly growth retarded. The effects of cancer treatment on the ovarian function and later fertility should be discussed at the start of treatment.     

Aggressive polyfibromatosis: A 10 year follow-up

Polyfibromatosis syndrome is a condition characterized by the occurrence of several cutaneous fibrotic conditions including Dupuytren's contracture and keloid formation. A 10 year follow-up of a patient with an aggressive type of polyfibromatosis associated with erosive arthropathy is presented. The underlying pathogenesis and management of this uncommon condition is discussed.     

Fertilitätserhalt bei Borderline-Tumoren des Ovars

According to the German guidelines, patients with borderline ovarian tumors require bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which leads to loss of fertility. Cohort studies and case reports demonstrate that fertility-sparing surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or cystectomy) is an option in these patients. In addition, modern fertility-preservation measures could be offered to these patients, including controlled ovarian stimulation with cryopreservation of oocytes as well as cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. All patients with a (prospective) desire to have children must be provided with detailed information on the possible options for fertility preservation as well as on the possible risks. After completion of family planning, subsequent removal of the remnant ovarian tissue to minimize the risk of recurrence should be discussed.     

楤木根皮中皂甙化学成分的研究

楤木根皮中的主要成分是皂甙。将总皂甙以柱层析分离,得到三个化合物(Ⅰ～Ⅲ),经光谱分析和化学方法证明,Ⅰ为楤木皂甙A(araloside A);Ⅱ为银莲花甙(narcissiflorine);Ⅲ是3-O-[β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-(1→2)-β-D-吡喃木糖-(1→)2)-α-L-阿拉伯糖]-齐墩果酸。Ⅲ为一新皂甙,命名为楤木皂甙D(araloside D)。     

人参皂甙Rb_1和Rg_1对小鼠中枢神经递质受体和脑内蛋白质合成的影响

应用放射配基结合法测定了人参皂甙Rb_1和Rg_1对α_1,α_2,β肾上腺素能受体、M胆碱能受体、5-羟色胺、多巴胺及GABA等七种受体的作用。结果均不能证明它们对这七种受体有亲和力。但给动物ip药物连续5天,Rb_1和Rg_1均能使中枢M胆碱受体密度显著增高。Rb_1及Rg_1还能显著增加脑内蛋白质的含量。上述实验结果对解释人参的中枢作用提供了重要证据。     

Genetic variants in VEGF pathway genes in neoadjuvant breast cancer patients receiving bevacizumab: Results from the randomized phase III GeparQuinto study

Studies assessing the effect of bevacizumab (BEV) on breast cancer (BC) outcome have shown different effects on progression‐free and overall survival, suggesting that a subgroup of patients may benefit from this treatment. Unfortunately, no biomarkers exist to identify these patients. Here, we investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGF pathway genes correlate with pathological complete response (pCR) in the neoadjuvant GeparQuinto trial. HER2‐negative patients were randomized into treatment arms receiving either BEV combined with standard chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. In a pre‐planned biomarker study, DNA was collected from 729 and 724 patients, respectively from both treatment arms, and genotyped for 125 SNPs. Logistic regression assessed interaction between individual SNPs and both treatment arms to predict pCR. Five SNPs may be associated with a better response to BEV, but none of them remained significant after correction for multiple testing. The two SNPs most strongly associated, rs833058 and rs699947, were located upstream of the VEGF‐A promoter. Odds ratios for the homozygous common, heterozygous and homozygous rare rs833058 genotypes were 2.36 (95% CI, 1.49–3.75), 1.20 (95% CI, 0.88–1.64) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.34–1.12). Notably, some SNPs in VEGF‐A exhibited a more pronounced effect in the triple‐negative subgroup. Several SNPs in VEGF‐A may be associated with improved pCR when receiving BEV in the neoadjuvant setting. Although none of the observed effects survived correction for multiple testing, our observations are consistent with previous studies on BEV efficacy in BC. Further research is warranted to clarify the predictive value of these markers.