Antiproliferative Activity Against MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cells by Diamino‐Triazaspirodiene Antifolates

Two triazaspirodienes, having similar phenoxy propyloxy side chain, were identified as potent mammalian dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors; one having a 6,5‐spiro bicyclic ring system (IC₅₀ = 2.3 nm ) and the other a 6,6‐spiro bicyclic system (IC₅₀ = 6.9 nm ). They also showed more than 50% antiproliferative activity against the MCF‐7 breast cancer cells at 20 μm . This study demonstrated the potential lead of the diamino‐triazaspirodienes in anticancer chemotherapeutical agents’ discovery.     

Pulmonary resection for metastases from colorectal cancer

Aim: The prognosis of patients with disseminated colorectal carcinoma is poor except for those with single organ pulmonary or hepatic metastases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the result of pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal secondary and to identify the prognostic factors. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 80 patients who had pulmonary metastasectomy for pulmonary secondary from colorectal carcinoma in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong. Results: The overall 5‐year and 10‐year survival rates of the entire cohort were 42.5% and 35.5%, respectively. High premetastasectomy carcinoembryonic antigen (> 20 μg/dL), short disease‐free interval (< 12 months) and incomplete resection were the independent prognostic factors. Neither the characteristics of the primary colorectal tumour nor the number of metastatic nodules had a significant contribution to the long‐term survival. Six patients underwent second pulmonary metastasectomy and three were still free from tumour recurrence after the second operation. Conclusion: Patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinoma would benefit from pulmonary metastasectomy. High premetastasectomy carcinoembryonic antigen and short disease‐free interval were negative predictive factors for survival. Long‐term follow‐up study is required, as recurrence can occur more than 5 years after pulmonary metastasectomy. Also, whether the survival benefit is due to surgical treatment effect or lead‐time bias remains undecided.     

Rabbit Liver Class III Alcohol Dehydrogenase: A Cathodic Isoform with Formaldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

Electrophoresis of rabbit liver homogenate on starch gel followed by activity staining revealed multiple forms of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) which, based on their electrophoretic mobilities, had been tentatively labeled as class "I," class "II," and dass "III" ADHs. The class II enzyme has now been purified to homogeneity by ion exchange and affinity chromatography and, except for an isoelectric point of 7.7, close: resembles human class III ADH. It is a homodimer of molecular weight near 80,000 with a similar amino acid composition and comparable kinetic parameter for the oxidation of primary alcohols. Like the rat, human, and Escherichia coli class III ADHs, the rabbit enzyme is a glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and catalyzes the oxidation of S-hydroxymethylglutathione and the hemithiolacetal of 8-thiooctenolc acid. Ethanol up to 3 M does not saturate the enzyme, whereas longer chain primary alcohols exhibit Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Key Words: XX-ADH, FDH.     

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumor (SMT) is a recognized but uncommon disease that is found to occur in patients with immunocompromised conditions such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These tumors may be multifocal and located at unusual sites, such as the brain and liver. This report describes the case of 2 AIDS patients with EBV-associated SMT and highlights the features and outcome of this rare but potentially important tumor in human immunodeficiency virus management.     

New surgical algorithm for femoral head split fractures with anatomical study

BackgroundThe femoral head split fracture line is usually located in the anterior–inferior portion of the head. Proper fixation is difficult using the conventional approach without tenotomy, and thus, the authors sought to devise an effective, safe, fixation approach for the most common type of head fracture.MethodsAnatomical dissection of 80 femoral triangles was performed. The authors evaluated the locations of femoral nerves, vessels, and branches within femoral triangles. On the basis of these observations we used a new anterior approach via the non-dangerous lateral space of the femoral triangle. This approach was applied to 12 femoral head split fractures treated from 2002 to 2009.ResultsA safe area was found within the femoral triangle at the proximal 17.5–32.5 % of the full length of the rectus femoris. In Brumback type 1A and 2A cases, screws were inserted at right angles relative to the fracture plane through the space.ConclusionsThis study contributes by providing a new technique for femoral head split fractures. This anterior approach using the lateral aspect of femoral triangle provided excellent and good results for Brumback type 1A and 2A femoral head split fractures. On the basis of this study, we produced new treatment algorithm for femoral head split fracture.     

Variation and heritability of Hb F and F-cells among beta-thalassemia heterozygotes in Hong Kong

Enhanced fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) production can partially compensate for the lack of adult hemoglobin (Hb A) in patients with beta-thalassemia major or intermedia, and ameliorate the clinical severity of these diseases. To further elucidate factors governing Hb F levels, we evaluated demographic, clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics in 241 unrelated adult beta-thalassemia carriers in Hong Kong. They had wide variations in Hb F and F-cell numbers skewing toward higher levels. Individuals who coinherited the Xmn IT-allele in the (G)gamma-globin gene promoter had higher Hb F and more F-cells compared with those lacking the Xmn I T-allele. However, both groups exhibited a similarly wide spread of Hb F and F-cells. The correlation of Hb F and F-cells corresponded well to both linear and exponential models, suggesting multiple mechanisms for Hb F augmentation. The heritabilities of Hb F and F-cells were calculated in 66 families (111 parents who were beta-thalassemia carriers and 82 asymptomatic offspring) to be 0.7 to 0.9. The Xmn I polymorphism accounted for 9% of the Hb F and 13% of the F-cell heritabilities. These results suggest that these family members are well suited for genome wide association studies that will identify genetic loci regulating Hb F production, and likely novel pharmacological targets for reactivating Hb F production in adults.