Mutations in N-ras predominate in acute myeloid leukemia

Using synthetic oligomers we investigated fresh samples of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for the presence of mutated ras oncogenes. Our original results showed that five of eight samples contained a mutation in codon 13 of the N-ras gene. In a subsequent study involving 37 samples, we found only one N-ras-13 mutation, and, in addition, mutations in codon 61 of the N-ras gene in four cases and a mutation in codon 12 of the Ki-ras gene in two cases. Amplification of ras genes was not observed. We conclude that in approximately 20% to 25% of AML cases, a mutated ras oncogene is present, predominantly the N-ras gene. The occurrence of mutations does not correlate with the cytological features of the leukemia.     

Open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: proximal aortic control by endoaortic balloon - a novel approach

Patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with unfavorable anatomy for endovascular aneurysm repair have to undergo open surgical repair. Open surgery has its own morbidity in terms of proximal clamping and declamping, bleeding and prolonged hospital stay and mortality. We present two such patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent open surgical repair. The proximal aortic control during open surgical repair of the aneurysm was achieved by endoaortic balloon occlusion technique.     

Gender and ethnic differences in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Asian subgroups in California

AimsTo investigate gender and ethnic type 2 diabetes (DM) prevalences among California Asian subgroups versus other ethnic groups and if risk factors explain these differences.MethodsWe identified the prevalence of DM and associated risk factors, stratified by gender, among Chinese, Filipino, South Asian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Other Hispanic, African-American, Caucasian, and Native American adults in a large survey conducted in 2009 (n = 46,091, projected n = 26.6 million).ResultsThe highest age-adjusted DM prevalence was seen in Native Americans (32.4%), Filipinos (15.8%), and Japanese (11.8%) among men and in Native Americans (16.0%) and African-Americans (13.3%) among women. Caucasian and Mexican men had higher DM prevalences than women. Age and risk factor-adjusted logistic regression showed DM more likely (relative to Caucasians) among women in Koreans (OR = 4.6, p < 0.01), Native Americans (OR = 3.0, p < 0.01), and Other Hispanics (OR 2.9, p < 0.01) and among men in Filipinos (OR = 7.0, p < 0.01), South Asians (OR = 4.7, p < 0.01), and Native Americans (OR = 4.7, p < 0.01). No specific risk factors accounted for the gender differences.ConclusionsEthnic and gender differences in DM prevalence persist, even after adjusting for lifestyle and other risk factors; prevalence is high among certain Asian American subgroups. Different diabetes prevention approaches may be needed across ethnic/gender groups.