Genomic structure and transcript variants of the bovine DAZL gene

The Deleted in AZoospermia Like (DAZL) gene is a member of the DAZ family and encodes an RNA-binding protein that is expressed in prenatal and postnatal germ cells of males and females. In the human, there are five highly-related members in the DAZ family, four (DAZ1-4) on the Y chromosome and one (DAZL) on an autosome (HSA3). Mutations in these genes have been linked to severe spermatogenic failure and infertility in men. In the present study, we have cloned and characterized the bovine DAZL (bDAZL) gene. The full-length bDAZL cDNA is predicted to encode a protein of 295 amino acids with an RNA recognition motif. The deduced protein sequence of bDAZL is 96 and 97% similar to human and mouse DAZL, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) maps bDAZL to the distal region on BTA1q. The bDAZL gene consists of 11 exons and 10 introns. A bDAZL pseudogene was identified on BTA16. Expression analysis of bDAZL in 13 different tissues by RT-PCR shows that two transcripts, variant 1 (2,996 bp) and variant 2 (1,373 bp), of the bDAZL gene are detected only in testis mRNA. The variants probably result from alternative RNA splicing as variant 1 contains an additional 1,623-bp insertion in the 3' UTR. Our results lay the groundwork for possible single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and functional studies of the DAZL gene in cattle.

Correlation of Neo-Sensitabs tablet diffusion assay results on three different agar media with CLSI broth microdilution M27-A2 and disk diffusion M44-A results for testing susceptibilities of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole

We compared the Neo-Sensitabs tablet assay to both reference M27-A2 broth microdilution and M44-A disk diffusion methods for testing susceptibilities of 110 isolates of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. Neo-Sensitabs assay inhibition zone diameters in millimeters on three agars (Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 2% dextrose and 0.5 microg/ml methylene blue [MGM], Shadomy [SHA], and RPMI 1640 [RPMI, 2% dextrose]) were obtained at 24 to 72 h. The correlation coefficient of Neo-Sensitabs results with MICs was similar to that of the disk method for most of the five agents on MGM (R, 0.80 to 0.89 versus 0.76 to 0.89, respectively). Overall, superior correlation was observed at 24 h for most agents. The exception was amphotericin B (R values of 0.68 and 0.5 for disk and tablet, respectively, at 48 h versus 0.68 and 0.48, respectively, at 24 h). In general, Neo-Sensitabs results were less consistent on SHA and RPMI agars. Although agreement by breakpoint category of Neo-Sensitabs and disk results with CLSI method M27-A2 was also similar on MGM (92.7 to 98.2% versus 95.5 to 100%, respectively), the Neo-Sensitabs method failed to identify two of the six isolates with high amphotericin B MICs. These data suggest the potential value of the Neo-Sensitabs assay for testing at least four of the five agents against yeasts evaluated in the clinical laboratory.

Anaesthetist's responses to patients' self-reported drug allergies

BACKGROUND

Patients with drug allergies are commonplace in anaesthetic practice. We investigated the incidence and nature of drug 'allergies' reported by surgical patients attending a hospital pre-admission clinic, and went on to ascertain to what degree drug allergies recorded in the records influenced drug prescribing during the patients' hospital stay and determine whether any adverse events occurred in relation to drug prescribing in this population.

METHODS

Patients attending for anaesthetic assessment at a Pre-Admission Clinic over a 30 week period were questioned concerning drug allergies. Medical records of these patients were then examined after their hospitalization to assess medications prescribed during that period.

RESULTS

Of 1260 patients attending the Pre-admission clinic during the study period 420 (33.4%) claimed to have a total of 644 individual drug 'allergies'. The most common agents implicated were antibiotics (n=272), opioid analgesics (n=118) and NSAIDs (n=62); the most common form of these reactions were dermatological (n=254) and nausea and vomiting (n=124). There were 41 self-reports specifically of anaphylaxis and a further 61 where there was significant respiratory system involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the self-reported allergies were in fact simply accepted adverse effects of the drugs concerned. The patients' reported drug 'allergy' history was generally well respected by anaesthetists and other medical staff. There were 13 incidents, mainly involving morphine, where patients were given a drug to which they had claimed a specific allergy. There were 101 incidents in 89 patients where drugs of the same pharmacological group as that of their allergic drug were used. There were no untoward reactions in 84 patients who had claimed a prior adverse reaction to penicillin who were given cephalosporins. There were no sequelae from any other events. While anaesthetists generally respected patients self-reported 'allergies', more attention needs to be paid to the accurate recording of patients' events and a clear distinction should be made both in medical records and to the patient between true drug allergy and simple adverse drug reactions.

All solid photonic bandgap fiber based on an array of oriented rectangular high index rods

We report the fabrication, characterization and modeling of an all-solid photonic bandgap fiber (PBGF) based on an array of oriented rectangular rods. Observed near-field patterns of cladding modes clearly identify the cut-off rod modes at the bandgap edges. The bend losses in this fiber depend on the bend direction, and can be understood by the directional coupling properties of the different rod modes and the modeled density of cladding states.

Effects of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 genes on litter size in a Large White and a Landrace Herd

Abstract. The polymorphisms of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 genes were detected by PCR-SSCP, PCR and PCR-RFLP in a Large White and a Landrace herd in Beijing, China and the influence of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 on litter size traits was analyzed using three models. We found polymorphisms for the three genes in Large White besides for ESR1 and RBP4 genes in Landrace. The results showed that the most genotype effects are of ESR1 among these three genes.

Genistein inhibits Brca1 mutant tumor growth through activation of DNA damage checkpoints, cell cycle arrest, and mitotic catastrophe

Epidemiological studies revealed that amount of consumption of soy was inversely related to incidence of breast cancer. Genistein, the predominant isoflavone in soy, has been reported to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in animal models. To investigate whether genistein has a therapeutic effect on BRCA1-associated breast cancer, we treated Brca1 mutant mammary tumor cells with genistein. We showed that genistein treatment depleted the G1 population of cells, which was accompanied by an accumulation of cells at G2. Some genistein-treated cells entered mitosis; however, they exhibited chromosome abnormalities and maintained tetraploidy owing to abortive mitotic exit. A fraction of G2 cells underwent endoreduplication and became polyploid, which was accompanied by increased cell death through activating DNA damage response. Furthermore, our data indicated that Brca1 mutant cells were more sensitive to genistein than some other types of cancer cells, highlighting a good therapeutic potential of genistein for BRCA1-associated breast cancer.

Cloning and molecular characterization of three novel LMW-i glutenin subunit genes from cultivated einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.)

Three novel low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits from cultivated einkorn (Triticum monococcum L., A(m)A(m), 2n = 2x = 14) were characterized by SDS-PAGE and molecular weights determined by MALDI-TOF-MS. Their coding genes were amplified and cloned with designed AS-PCR primers, revealing three complete gene sequences. All comprised upstream, open reading frame (ORF), downstream and no introns were present. The deduced amino acid sequences showed that all three genes, named as LMW-M1, LMW-M3 and LMW-M5, respectively, belonged to the LMW-i type subunits with the predicted molecular weight between 38.5206 and 38.7028 kDa. They showed high similarity with other LMW-i type genes from hexaploid bread wheats, but also displayed unique features. Particularly, LMW-M5 subunit contained an extra cysteine residue in the C-terminus except for eight conserved cysteines, which resulted from a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the T-C transition, namely arginine --> cysteine substitution at position 242 from the N-terminal end. This is the first report that the LMW-i subunit contained nine cysteines residues that could result in a more highly cross-linked and more elastic glutenin suggesting that LMW-M5 gene may associates with good quality properties. In addition, a total of 25 SNPs and one insertions/deletions (InDels) were detected among three LMW-i genes, which could result in significant functional changes in polymer formation of gluten. It is anticipated that these SNPs could be used as reliable genetic markers during wheat quality improvement. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that LMW-i type genes apparently differed from LMW-m and LMW-s type genes and diverged early from the primitive LMW-GS gene family, at about 12.92 million years ago (MYA) while the differentiation of A(m) and A genomes was estimated at 3.98 MYA.

A phase II study of weekly gemcitabine and docetaxel in first and second line metastatic breast cancer

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Background: Combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer has generally been demonstrated to be associated with a higher response rate than single agent therapy, however such therapy is often accompanied by increased toxicity. Thus there is a need to develop well-tolerated combination chemotherapy regimens. Gemcitabine and docetaxel are both active agents in the treatment of this disease, and are effective and well tolerated when administered on a weekly basis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of weekly gemcitabine and docetaxel as first or second line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: Patients with measurable MBC who had received no more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen in the metastatic setting were treated with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and docetaxel 30 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 21 days without growth factor support. Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Twenty-nine patients were evaluable for toxicity and 25 for efficacy. Median age was 55 (range 30 to 79). Visceral disease was the dominant site in 74% of patients. Doxorubicin and paclitaxel were previously administered in 74% and 48% of patients respectively. The overall response rate was 56% (complete response in 1 patient and partial responses in 13 patients). Stable disease was evident in 10 additional patients (38.4%). The progression free survival was 35 weeks (range 9 to 101 weeks) and the median overall survival was 17 months. Treatment was well tolerated with the majority of toxicities being grade 1 or 2 (85%). The only grade 3 (G3) or 4 (G4) toxicities observed were neutropenia in 14 participants (G3 41%; G4 7%), anemia in 4 (13%), G3 elevated transaminases in 3 (10%), G3 thrombocytopenia in 1 (3%), G3 flu-like symptoms in 2 (7%) and G3 edema in 1 (3%). Conclusions: The regimen of gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and docetaxel 30 mg/m2 given two weeks out of three for MBC showed excellent overall response of 56% with very good tolerability. The findings from our trial compare well to the response rates of 36% to 79% seen in prior phase II trials utilizing higher doses of this combination chemotherapy.

[Table: see text]

An RT-PCR-based multi-gene prognostic signature predicts distant metastasis of node negative, ER positive breast cancer from FFPE sections

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Background: Gene expression profiles have been shown to predict distant metastasis risk in breast cancer patients. For routine medical practice, molecular prognostic tests need to be able to quantify metastasis risk with readily available samples and optimally employ regulatory-approved platforms. Methods: 142 early stage, N-, ER+, untreated breast cancer patients were chosen. Mean age was 61.8 (31 - 89) yrs with 72% > 55 yrs. RNA was isolated from 4×10 μm FFPE sections. Using real-time RT-PCR, 200 genes selected from van ‘t Veer et al, Dai et al, Paik et al and additional candidate genes were profiled. Primary endpoint was distant metastasis free survival. A prognostic signature was identified using semi-supervised principal component method. Metastasis score (MS) was calculated from gene expression levels. Results: We identified a unique 15-gene prognostic signature and 3 normalization genes. Probability of metastasis for any time period can be calculated from MS and was evaluated for 2, 5, and 10 yrs. Using median of MS to stratify patients, the high-risk group had a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.1 (95%CI 1.77–9.54, p = 0.001) vs. the low-risk group. 5-yr and 10-yr metastasis free survival rates (std. error) were 0.76 (0.053) and 0.62 (0.064) in the high-risk group and 0.96 (0.025) and 0.90 (0.038) in the low-risk group. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that molecular signature had independent prognostic value with HR of 2.97 (95%CI 1.17 - 7.52, p = 0.022) after adjusting for age, tumor size and grade. Molecular signature was more prognostic in the low-grade subgroup (HR = 6.85, 95%CI 1.81–25.88) than an unstratified analysis. AUC at 5 yr was 0.65 and 0.60 for molecular signature and Adjuvant Online (AO) respectively. The prognosticator combining both had AUC of 0.67. 10-yr metastasis probabilities from MS and AO have low correlation (R2=0.17). Conclusions: A prognostic signature based upon mRNA expression of 15 genes has been identified using FFPE sections with RT-PCR for early stage, N-, ER+ patients. Metastasis score that quantifies distant metastasis risk for any time period, not confounded with any treatment effect, can help clinicians and patients to choose among different therapeutic options. (Lau and Wang contribute equally)

[Table: see text]

Bend loss in all-solid bandgap fibres

Experimental measurements of all-solid photonic bandgap fibres with an array of high-index rods in a low-index background revealed an unexpected variation of bend loss across different bandgaps. This behaviour was confirmed by calculations of photonic band structure, and explained with reference to the differing field distributions of the modes of the cladding rods. Our understanding was confirmed by further experiments, leading to proposals for the improvement of these fibres.

Three-level neodymium fiber laser incorporating photonic bandgap fiber

We report a neodymium fiber laser incorporating an all-solid photonic bandgap fiber to suppress the four-level laser transition 4F(3/2)-4I(11/2). We demonstrate lasing at 907 nm on the three-level transition 4F(3/2)-4I(9/2) when pumping at 808 nm. The maximum slope efficiency obtained was 32% with a threshold pump power of 70 mW.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity is essential for inhibition of prostatic tumor growth by interferon-beta gene therapy

We have previously reported that adenoviral vector-mediated interferon (IFN)-beta gene therapy inhibits orthotopic growth of human prostate cancer cells in nude mice. The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy and mechanisms of this therapy in immune-competent mice. TRAMP-C2Re3 mouse prostate cancer cells infected with 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI) of adenoviral vector encoding for mouse IFN-beta (AdmIFN-beta), but not AdE/1 (a control adenoviral vector), produced approximately 60 ng/10(5) cells/24 h of IFN-beta. The tumorigenicity of AdmIFN-beta-transduced cells was dramatically reduced in the prostates of C57BL/6 mice. A single intratumoral injection of 2 x 10(9) PFU (plaque-forming unit) of AdmIFN-beta inhibited tumor growth by 70% and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Intriguingly, this AdmIFN-beta therapy did not alter the growth of tumors in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-null C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that treatment of tumors with AdmIFN-beta in wild-type C57BL/6 mice led to increased iNOS expression, decreased microvessel density, decreased cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, quantitative reverse-transcriptional PCR analysis showed that AdmIFN-beta therapy, in C57BL/6 but not the iNOS-null counterparts, reduced levels of the mRNAs for angiopoietin, basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, transforming growth factor-beta1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and VEGF-B, as well as the antiapoptotic molecule endothelin-1. These data indicated that IFN-beta gene therapy could be effective alternative for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer and suggest an obligatory role of NO in IFN-beta antitumoral effects in vivo.