Tumor of the mesosalpinx: case report of a female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin

We report a rare case of a 45-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopy for a right mesosalpinx mass. Pathologic examination showed a female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin (FATWO). FATWO represents a rare gynecologic tumor and its clinical and pathological features are often ignored. Immunohistochemistry plays the most part in the diagnosis of FATWO. Through this report, we aimed to call attention to this disease in order to better understand the correct treatment and surgical possibilities, and to evaluate and perform the prognosis properly.

The Molecular Conformation of Non-Doped Polyaniline and its Effect on the Properties of Doped Polyaniline

When thin films of polyaniline (emeraldine base, EB) are deposited on glass substrates from aqueous solutions of polymerizing aniline (“in-situ” EB-I film), they exhibit a Vis/UV spectrum in which the exciton peak has an absorption maximum at ∼600 nm; exposure to NMP vapor results in a shift of this peak to ∼650 nm (EB-II film). Doping of EBI film by aq. HCl gives the characteristic Vis/UV spectrum of “tight coil” doped polyaniline with a localized polaron peak at ∼820 nm. Treatment of EB-II film with HCl in a similar manner gives the characteristic spectrum of “expanded coil” doped polyaniline in which the ∼820 nm peak has disappeared and is replaced by a free carrier tail. It is concluded that EB-I and EB-II exist in “tight coil” and “expanded coil” molecular conformations respectively which do not change on doping in aqueous HCl.

Milk of northern Sudanese mothers whose traditional diet is high in carbohydrate contains low docosahexaenoic acid

AIM

  The suckling neonates and infants are reliant primarily on the mother for optimal supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The richest source of preformed DHA is cold-water oily fish. Although there is paucity of data, existing evidence suggest women with restricted access to these foods have low or marginal DHA status. The aim of the study was to investigate milk fatty acids of Sudanese mothers whose traditional diet is high in carbohydrate and low in fat and gain some insight into the provision of DHA to the suckling offspring.

METHODS

Colostrum (n =26), transitional (n=20) and mature (n=14) milk samples were obtained from Northern Sudanese women (NSW) recruited prior to delivery from Ibrahim Malik and Khartoum Teaching Hospitals.

RESULTS

  The arachidonic acid content of the colostrum (0.87±0.28%) and transitional (0.89± 0.29%) and mature (0.48±0.12%) milk of the NSW were broadly comparable with published international values. In contrast, the DHA level (colostrum 0.13±0.07%, transitional 0.13±0.06% and mature milk 0.06±0.05%) was very low.

CONCLUSION

  The study reveals breast milk of NSW, whose traditional diet is almost devoid of fish and fish products, is unlikely to provide sufficient DHA to support optimal postnatal neuro-visual development.

Shikonin inhibits tumor invasion via down-regulation of NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 expression in human ACC-M cells

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the anti-invasion effect of Shikonin on human high-metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC-M) cells and to explain the possible molecular mechanism involved.

METHODS

The ACC-M cells were treated with Shikonin (0, 2.5, 5, 10 μM) for 24 h. The protein levels and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed using Western blot and Gelatin zymography test, respectively. Matrigel invasion assays were used to investigate tumor invasive potential and electromobility shift assays were used to determine the activity of NF-κB.

RESULTS

The invasiveness of ACC-M cells was reduced in a dose dependent manner following 24-h treatment of up to 10 μM of the Shikonin at which concentration no cytotoxicity occurred. The protein levels and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-9 were significantly suppressed by increasing Shikonin concentrations. The down-regulation of MMP-9 appeared to be via the inactivation of NF-κB as the treatment with Shikonin suppressed the protein level of phosphate-IkBa, which was accompanied by a decrease in DNA-binding level of the factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Shikonin inhibits tumor invasion via downregulation of MMP-9 expression in ACC-M cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 expression by Shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for ACC patients in future.

Gender-specific fatty acid profiles in platelet phosphatidyl-choline and -ethanolamine

Previous studies suggested that women synthesise docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) more efficiently from their precursors than men. This study investigated the relationship between diet, platelet phospholipids fatty acids and gender. Dietary intake and platelet phosphatidyl-choline (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) fatty acids were determined in Caucasian 40 men and 34 women. Absolute and %energy intakes of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA, and the ratios of total n-6/n-3 PUFA and linoleic/alpha-linolenic acids did not differ between the sexes. However, women had higher DHA in PC (1.19 vs 1.05 wt%, p<0.05) and PE (3.62 vs 3.21 wt%, p<0.05) than men. Also EPA (1.10 vs 0.93 wt%, p<0.05) was higher in women's PE. Conversely, men had elevated AA and total n-6 fatty acids in PC. The higher platelet DHA levels and lower platelet AA/EPA and AA/DHA ratios in women of child-bearing age compared with men, may lead to less platelet aggregation and vaso-occlusion.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid clivorine-induced oxidative stress injury in human normal liver L-02 cells

Clivorine is an otonecine-type pyrrolizidine alkaloid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Ligularia hodgsonii Hook. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are well-known hepatotoxins widely distributed around the world. The present study sought to evaluate clivorineinduced oxidative injury in human normal liver L-02 cells. After cells were treated with various concentrations of clivorine for 48 h, cellular total antioxidant capacity, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined to evaluate oxidative injury. Results showed that cellular total antioxidant capacity and GST activity both increased in clivorine-treated L-02 cells, while clivorine decreased GR activity in cells. Further, the protective effects of some antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C, Vc), Trolox, dithiothreitol (DTT) and mannitol against clivorine-induced cytotoxicity were observed. Results showed that Trolox, which is an analogue of tocopherol (vitamin E, Ve), prevented clivorine-induced cytotoxicity in L-02 cells. Taken together, these results revealed clivorineinduced oxidative injury in human liver L-02 cells. These results also indicated the possible use of Trolox in the reduction of clivorine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Bulk and surface sp half-metallic ferromagnetism in alkali metal pnictides with rocksalt structure: a first-principles calculation

Recently, sp half-metallic ferromagnetism in alkali metal/alkaline earth pnictides (I/II-V) with zinc blende structure was predicted by first-principles calculations (Sieberer et al 2006 Phys. Rev. B 73 024404). To search for half-metallic ferromagnets with a more stable structure in alkali metal pnictides MX (M  = Li, Na, K; X =  N, P, As), we apply here first-principles all-electron and pseudopotential-method-based density functional theory to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of these compounds with rocksalt structure. Five rocksalt compounds are found to be half-metallic ferromagnets with a magnetic moment of 2.00 μ(B)/f.u., and they are more stable energetically than the ones with zinc blende structure, which makes them more promising candidates for the possible growth of half-metallic films or ultrathin films on suitable semiconductor substrates. Furthermore, we show that both lithium- and nitrogen-terminated (111) surfaces of rocksalt lithium nitride retain the bulk half-metallic characteristic, and the surface atomic magnetic moments are enhanced compared to the bulk values.

A multinational phase III randomized trial with or without consolidation chemotherapy using docetaxel and cisplatin after concurrent chemoradiation in inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (CCheIN): Interim analysis

7538

Background: Currently, the recommended treatment for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy after CCRT needs to be confirmed. The aim of this phase III randomized trial is to determine the efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy with docetaxel (D) and cisplatin (P) following definitive CCRT with the same agents in stage III inoperable NSCLC. Herein we report the pre-planned interim analysis. Methods: Patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC were randomized to either CCRT alone (observation arm) or CCRT followed by consolidation chemotherapy (consolidation arm). N2 or N3 disease was confirmed by PET and/or pathology. CCRT with D (20 mg/m2) and P (20 mg/m2) was administered every week for 6 weeks with a total dose of 66 Gy of thoracic RT as 33 fractions. In the consolidation arm, patients were further treated with 3 cycles of D and P (35 mg/m2 each on day 1 and 8, every 3 weeks). The primary endpoint is time to progression (TTP). Total target number of patients is 458. Results: From Oct 2005 to Mar 2008, 233 patients were enrolled and 226 were randomized (observation 112; consolidation 114). Patients’ characteristics were similar in both arms. In the consolidation arm, 83 patients (73%) received consolidation chemotherapy, of whom 52 (45%) completed 3 planned cycles. Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 5.4% of 203 consolidation cycles. Common non-hematologic toxicities of all grades during consolidation were anorexia (47%), nausea (37%), vomiting (16%), fatigue (35%) and esophagitis (31%). At the time of this analysis, there were 40 and 41 deaths in the observation and consolidation arms, respectively. Treatment-related mortality rates were similar. With a median follow-up of 28.2 months, the median TTP was 9.0 months in the observation arm and 13.9 months in the consolidation arm (P=0.19). Median overall survival was 20.7 and 21.2 months, respectively (P=0.49). Conclusions: This interim analysis suggests that consolidation chemotherapy with DP after CCRT with weekly DP is feasible and relatively well tolerated. Patient enrollment is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

First-principles calculations: half-metallic Au-V(Cr) quantum wires as spin filters

The half-metallic behavior of Au-V(Cr) quantum wires adsorbed on an armchair (5, 5) boron nitride nanotube is obtained by performing spin-polarized density functional calculations. The density of states shows a metallic property at the Fermi level for the majority spin channel and a semiconductor gap in the minority spin channel. The half-metallic behavior of the quantum wire/nanotube complex originates from the half-metallic behavior of the free-standing Au-V(Cr) quantum wires. The calculations of spin-polarized transport indicate that such a one-dimensional half-metallic magnet can be used as a spin filter.

Molecular targeting of IGF-I receptor for human pancreatic cancer

14051

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the worst prognostic diseases. Continuous tumor growth depends on the altered regulation of the cell cycle that is modulated by signals from growth factors and their receptors, including insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-Ir). It have been reported that blockade of IGF-Ir can suppress tumorigenicity and induce regression of established tumors. Recently several approaches of targeting IGF-Ir have been reported, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods: To study the mechanism of this effect and develop potential targeted therapeutics, we have constructed truncated IGF-Irs that function as dominant negative inhibitor (IGF-Ir/dn) and short hairpin RNA for IGF-Ir (shIGF-Ir). Those were cloned into recombinant adenoviruses (ad-IGF-Ir/dn and ad-shIGF-Ir). The effects of these adenoviruses were studied in human pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC3, Panc1, and AsPC1. We assessed efficiency of IGF-Ir signaling blockade, the effect of the adenoviruses on cell growth, steady-state, radiation, and chemotherapy induced apoptosis, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in xenografts. Results: The blockade for IGF-Ir suppressed tumorigenicity of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo and increased the amount of steady-state apoptosis in cancer cells. IGF-Ir/dn effectively blocked both IGF-I and IGF-II signaling through Akt-1 and shIGF-Ir reduced both IGF-Ir expression and ligands inducing phosphorylaion. The blockade for IGF-Ir increased chemotherapy and radiation induced apoptosis in vitro and the combination therapy with chemotherapy was very effective against established tumors in mice. Conclusions: These data suggest that the blocking of IGF-Ir signals, by ad-IGF-Ir/dn or ad-shIGF-Ir, may be a useful therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancers.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A randomized multi-center phase II trial of capecitabine (X) versus S-1 (S) as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic or recurrent unresectable gastric cancer

4546

Background: Although the combination chemotherapy is the standard of care for young patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), single agent chemotherapy may be a good alternative for elderly pts. Recent introduction of two new generation oral fluoropyrimidines, capecitabine and S-1, prompted us to investigate the activity and safety of these agents in elderly pts with AGC in a randomized multi-center phase II design. ( NCT00278863 ) Methods: Elderly chemo-naïve pts (= 65 years) with measurable metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer were randomly assigned to receive capecitabine (1,250 mg/m2 bid, D1–14 every 3 weeks, arm X) or S-1 (40∼60 mg bid according to BSA, D1–28 every 6 weeks, arm S). The primary endpoint was the response rate (RR). Results: From Oct 2004 to Apr 2006, 96 pts were enrolled. Excluding 5 pts who did not fit inclusion criteria, 91 pts were randomized to arm X (N=46) or arm S (N=45). Median age was 70.5 years for arm S and 71.0 years for arm X. Other clinical and tumor characteristics were well balanced across the two treatment arms. Among 44 assessable pts in arm X, 13 attained partial response (PR, 29.5%), 17 stable disease (SD, 38.6%) and 10 progressive disease (PD); 4 pts were not evaluable (NE). The corresponding disease responses in the 45 assessable pts in arm S were: 1 complete response (2.2%), 12 PR (26.7%), 18 SD (40.0%), 10 PD, and 4 NE. The incidence of grade 3–4 granulocytopenia was 6.8% in arm X and 4.8% in arm S. One episode of febrile neutropenia was observed in arm X. Grade 3–4 non-hematologic toxicities were as follows (arm X vs. S): asthenia (0% vs. 7.2%), anorexia (6.8% vs. 9.5%), diarrhea (2.3% vs. 0%), and HFS (6.8% vs. 0%). With a median follow up of 13.5 months (mo) for survivors (range, 8.1∼21.9), median time to progression and time to treatment failure were 4.8 mo (95% CI, 3.0–6.5) and 4.4 mo (3.6–5.3) for arm X and 4.2 mo (1.5–6.9) and 3.0 mo (1.5–4.5) for arm S. Median overall survival was 10.0 mo (8.0–12.0) for arm X and 7.9 mo (4.1–11.7) for arm S. Conclusions: Both treatments were active and tolerable as a 1st line treatment for elderly pts with AGC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prospective phase II trial of a combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin and UFT as first-line treatment in patients with advanced, unresectable, non-small cell lung carcinoma

18109

Background: Most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receive either single agents or doublet chemotherapy. For non-elderly patients in good performance status, platinum-based double combinations represent the standard treatment. And oral UFT had the survival advantage in adjuvant setting. Therefore we performed a phase II study using the combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin and UFT as a first line therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: Eligible patients had histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IIIB or IV NSCLC with good performance status and were chemotherapy-naive. This study was two-stage design and planned number of patients was forty-seven. Gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m2, 10 mg/kg/min on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2 on day 1) were injected intravenously and UFT (400 mg/day) was administered orally on day 1–14. Treatment repeated every 3 weeks. Primary end point was overall response rate and secondary end points were overall survival, time to progression and toxicity. Results: Thirty seven patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range: 44 to 72). The performance status (WHO) was 0 in 4, 1 in 30 and 2 in 3 patients. Twenty three patients completed six cycles. Complete response was achieved in 1 (3%) patient, partial response in 22 (59%) patients, stable disease in 9 (24%) patients. Overall response rate was 62% on intent to treat basis. Among patients who response evaluation was possible (33 patients), response rate was 70%. The median survival time was 14.5 months (95% CI 6.9, 22.3) and the 1 year survival was 35% and then median time to progression was 3.4 months(95% CI 3, 3.9). Toxicities were moderate and mostly hematological adverse events. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 37%, 5 patients with febrile neutropenia. Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocypenia was occurred in 37% and 5%. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. Conclusion: The combination therapy consisted of gemcitabine, cisplatin and UFT is active and well tolerable first line regimen for NSCLC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Fatty acid composition of milk of refugee Karen and urban Korean mothers. Is the level of DHA in breast milk of Western women compromised by high intake of saturated fat and linoleic acid?

BACKGROUND

Lower proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 metabolites have been reported in breast milk of European, Australian and North American women compared with milk of mothers from non-Western countries. This difference is not always explained by intakes of marine products.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the possibility that the relative composition of DHA and total n-3 metabolites in breast milk of non-Western mothers with low fat intakes is higher than the levels commonly reported in their Western counterparts.

SUBJECTS

Mature milk of refugee Karen women from two different camps in Thailand (n=26 and n=53), and transition milk from urban Korean mothers (n=12) in Seoul was collected. In common with their respective community, the mothers have low fat intake, which is predominately of plant origin.

RESULTS

The percentage levels of DHA and n-3 metabolites in the milk of the Karen mothers were 0.52 +/- 0.14 and 0.85 +/- 0.24 (camp 1) and 0.54 +/- 0.22 and 0.92 +/- 0.42 (camp 2). In the Korean milk, DHA was 0.96 +/- 0.21 and total n-3 metabolites 1.51 +/- 0.3.

CONCLUSION

We postulate that the levels of DHA and total n-3 metabolites may be compromised in breast milk of mothers on the Western high fat diet. This calls into question the use of DHA composition of such milk as a reference for the formulation of milk designed, for infant feed or, to test the function of DHA in neuro-visual development.

Effects of a combined alendronate and calcitriol agent (Maxmarvil) on bone metabolism in Korean postmenopausal women: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

INTRODUCTION

A randomized, double-blind, prospective, 24-week clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effects of a combinative agent, Maxmarvil, of calcitriol (0.5 mug) and alendronate (5 mg) on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 217 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were enrolled; 199 patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (Maxmarvil group or alfacalcidol group). None of the patients were vitamin-D-deficient, as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), nor had they received any drugs affecting bone metabolism before enrollment. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of L1-L4 and the femur were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the initial assessment and after 6 months of treatment. Serum biochemical assays, including serum calcium, 24-h urinary calcium excretion, and bone turnover markers (both bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [bsALP] and urine N-telopeptide [NTx]), were performed at the baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

In the Maxmarvil group, the BMD of the lumbar spine increased up to 2.42+/-0.5% from the baseline after 6 months (p<0.05). On the other hand, the change in BMD in the alfacalcidol group was 0.28+/-0.5% after 6 months. There was no significant difference in femoral BMD between the two groups. The levels of bsALP and NTx were significantly lower in the Maxmarvil group than in the alfacalcidol group (-22.04+/-3.9% vs. -11.42+/-2.8% [p<0.05] and -25.46+/-5.2% vs. 1.24+/-6.2% [p<0.001], respectively). Interestingly, there was a significantly smaller amount of 24-h urinary calcium in the Maxmarvil group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a combination of calcitriol and alendronate is quite effective in preventing bone loss, with the advantage of lesser hypercalciuric effect of calcitriol in the postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Fetal erythrocyte membrane lipids modification: preliminary observation of an early sign of compromised insulin sensitivity in offspring of gestational diabetic women

AIMS

Intrauterine exposure to diabetes is a significant determinant of the development of obesity and early onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the offspring. Both conditions are characterized by insulin resistance and the latter is associated with reduced membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. Hence, we investigated if the membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids are depressed in the cord blood of babies born to women with gestational diabetes.

METHODS

Cord (fetal) and maternal blood were obtained at delivery from control subjects (n = 33) and women with gestational diabetes (n = 40) and analysed for plasma triglycerides and cholinephosphoglycerides, and erythrocyte choline- and ethanolaminephosphoglycerides fatty acids.

RESULTS

Babies of gestational diabetic mothers had reduced docosahexaenoic acid in the plasma (5.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 7.1 +/- 2.0, P < 0.01) and erythrocyte (4.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 5.4 +/- 2.9, P < 0.05) cholinephosphoglycerides. Moreover, the total omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids of the erythrocyte cholinephosphoglycerides were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in these babies. A similar trend was observed in plasma triglycerides and erythrocyte ethanolaminephosphoglycerides. The maternal plasma triglycerides and erythrocyte ethanolaminephosphoglycerides fatty acids profile were not different between the two groups. However, there was a reduction in arachidonic acid and total omega-6 fatty acids in the erythrocyte cholinephosphoglycerides of the gestational diabetic women.

CONCLUSION

The altered plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids in the cord blood of babies born to women with gestational diabetes suggests a perturbation in the maternal-fetal nutrient transport and/or fetal lipid metabolism.

Insulin-like growth factor I receptor blockade enhances chemotherapy and radiation responses and inhibits tumour growth in human gastric cancer xenografts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I receptor (IGF-Ir) signalling is required for carcinogenicity and proliferation of many tumours but this pathway has not been studied in detail in gastric cancer. We have previously shown successful therapy for colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer using recombinant adenoviruses expressing dominant negative (dn) IGF-Ir. In this study, we sought to better dissect the role of IGF-Ir on progression of gastric cancer and determine whether IGF-Ir targeted adenoviruses represent potentially effective therapeutics for human gastric cancer.

METHODS

We assessed the effect of IGF-Ir ligands on proliferation and survival in gastric cancer cells in culture. Then, recombinant adenoviruses expressing truncated IGF-Ir (482 and 950 amino acids long, IGF-Ir/dn) that function as dn inhibitors were studied in the treatment of human gastric cancer xenografts. We characterised the effects of IGF-Ir/dn on signalling blockade, growth, apoptosis induction, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

IGF-Ir signalling promoted tumour growth and survival in gastric cancer. IGF-Ir/dn expression suppressed tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo and upregulated stressor induced apoptosis. IGF-Ir/dn blocked Akt-1 activation induced by IGF-I, IGF-II, and des(1-3)IGF-I, but not by insulin. IGF-Ir/dn expression increased radiation and chemotherapy induced apoptosis and the combination of IGF-Ir/dn and chemotherapy was very effective against tumours in mice. In an intraperitoneal model, IGF-Ir/dn therapy also suppressed peritoneal dissemination.

CONCLUSIONS

IGF-Ir is involved in the regulation of survival and cell growth in human gastric cancer and may be a good molecular therapeutic target. Adenovirus-IGF-Ir/dn may thus have therapeutic use in gastric cancer.

Observation of discrete quadratic solitons

Discrete solitons with two frequency components mutually locked by a quadratic nonlinearity have been observed for the first time. Optical experiments have been performed in arrays of coupled channel waveguides with tunable cascaded quadratic nonlinearity. The tunability was the prerequisite that soliton species with different topology could be identified in the same array. Moreover, soliton stability has been experimentally probed. Good agreement with theoretical predictions was found.

Plasma AA and DHA levels are not compromised in newly diagnosed gestational diabetic women

OBJECTIVE

The polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), are vital structural and functional components of the neural, vascular and visual systems. There is increased demand for these fatty acids during pregnancy. Diabetes impairs the synthesis of both AA and DHA. We have investigated the possibility that pregnancy-induced diabetes compromises the levels of plasma AA and DHA in newly diagnosed expectant mothers.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

London, UK.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Venous blood was obtained from 44 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and from the same number of nondiabetics, during the third trimester. Fatty acid composition of plasma choline phosphoglycerides (CPG), triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol esters (CE) was analysed.

RESULTS

The GDM women had higher levels of AA (20:4n-6; P<0.0001) and AA/linoleic acid ratio (20:4n-6/18:2n-6; P<0.01) in the CPG, and linoleic acid (LA; P<0.0001), total n-6 (P<0.01), DHA (P<0.05) and n-3 metabolites (P<0.05) in TG compared to their nondiabetic counterparts. Similarly, AA (P<0.0001), osbond acid (22:5n-6; P<0.05), total n-6 metabolites (P<0.0001), AA/LA (P<0.0001) and n-6 metabolites/LA (P<0.01) were higher in the CE of the GDM women. There was no difference in the levels of DHA in CPG and CE between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study do not provide evidence that the activity of delta-6 or delta-5 desaturases, which are vital for the synthesis of AA and DHA, is compromised by pregnancy-induced diabetes. However, since the samples were taken at diagnosis, it is conceivable that the duration of the diabetes was too short to have a discernable adverse effect on the levels of AA and DHA in plasma lipids.

Adverse effect of obesity on red cell membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in gestational diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting 2-5% of women and is a predictor of obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance, a characteristic of gestational diabetes and obesity, is correlated with the fatty acids profile of the red cell and skeletal muscle membranes. We investigated the plasma and red cell fatty acid status of gestational diabetes. The effect of obesity on membrane fatty acids was also examined.

METHODS

Fasting blood obtained at diagnosis was analysed for the fatty acids in plasma choline phosphoglycerides and red cell choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides.

RESULTS

There were reductions in arachidonic acid (controls 10.74+/-2.35 vs gestational diabetes 8.35+/-3.49, p<0.01) and docosahexaenoic acid (controls 6.31+/-2.67 vs gestational diabetes 3.25+/-2.00, p<0.0001) in the red cell choline phosphoglycerides in gestational diabetes. A similar pattern was found in the ethanolamine phosphoglycerides. Moreover, the arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids depletion in the red cell choline phosphoglycerides was much greater in overweight/obese gestational diabetes (arachidonic acid=7.49+/-3.37, docosahexaenoic acid=2.98+/-2.18, p<0.01) compared with lean gestational diabetes (arachidonic acid=10.03+/-2.74, docosahexaenoic acid=4.18+/-1.42).

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Apparently normal plasma choline phosphoglycerides fatty acids profile in the gestational diabetic women suggested that membrane lipid abnormality is associated specifically with perturbation in the membrane. The fact that the lipid abnormality is more pronounced in the outer leaflet of the membrane where most of receptor binding and enzyme activities take place might provide an explanation for the increased insulin resistance in gestational diabetes and obesity.

The potential role for arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in protection against some central nervous system injuries in preterm infants

The risk of central nervous, visual, and auditory damage increases from 2/1000 live births in the normal birthweight to > 200/1000 as birthweight falls below 1500 g. Such babies are most likely to be born preterm. Advances in infant care have led to increasing numbers of very-low-birthweight, preterm infants surviving to school age with moderate to severe brain damage. Steroids are one of the current treatments, but they cause significant, long-term problems. The evidence reported here suggests an additional approach to protecting the very preterm infant by supporting neurovascular membrane integrity. The complications of preterm, very-low-birthweight babies include bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis, all of which have a vascular component. Arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA are essential, structural, and functional constituents of cell membranes. They are especially required for the growth and function of the brain and vascular systems, which are the primary biofocus of human fetal growth. Molecular dynamics and experimental evidence suggest that DHA could be the ligand for the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in neural tissue. RXR activation is an obligatory step in signaling to the nucleus and in the regulation of gene expression. Very preterm babies are born with minimal fat stores and suboptimal circulating levels of these nutrients. Postnatally, they lose the biomagnification of the proportions of AA and DHA by the placenta for the fetus. No current nutritional management repairs these deficits. The placental biomagnification profile highlights AA rather than DHA. The resultant fetal FA profile closely resembles that of the vascular endothelium and not the brain. Without this nourishment, cell membrane abnormalities would be predicted. We present a scientific rationale for a common pathogenic process in the complications of prematurity.

Frequent alterations of the beta-catenin and TCF-4 genes, but not of the APC gene, in colon cancers with high-frequency microsatellite instability

High-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) due to defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is a characteristic of the majority of tumors from kindreds with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and a subset of sporadic cancers. To better understand the molecular characteristics of colon cancers with MSI-H, we analyzed these cancers for alterations of genes, such as APC, beta-catenin, and TCF-4 genes, involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. Following the National Cancer Institute (NCI) criteria, 385 unselected colon cancers were classified as follows: 50 (13%) MSI-H tumors, 36 (9%) low-frequency MSI (MSI-L) tumors, and 299 (78%) microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. The frequency of APC mutations was significantly lower in MSI-H tumors (9 out of 50) than in MSI-L (12 out of 20) and MSS (66 out of 100) tumors (P = 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, the frequency of exon 3 mutations in the beta-catenin gene was higher in MSI-H tumors (10 out of 50) than in MSI-L tumors (0 out of 30; P = 0.0110) and MSS tumors (3 out of 100; P = 0.0010). Frameshift mutations in a (A)9 tract of the TCF-4 gene were detected in 44% (22 out of 50) of MSI-H tumors, but not in any of the 20 MSI-L tumors or 40 MSS tumors. In total, 78% of MSI-H tumors and 84% of the remaining tumors had at least one alteration in APC, beta-catenin, or the TCF-4 genes. Although further analysis is needed to functionally characterize the consequences of each of these alterations on beta-catenin/TCF target gene expression, our results suggest that the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in colon tumorigenesis, irrespective of MSI status.

Maternal-fetal n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids gradient in plasma and red cell phospholipids

Fatty acid distribution was investigated in ethnically and economically homogenous Korean mothers (n = 40) and neonates. Venous blood, maternal before delivery and cord, was obtained. Choline (CPG) and ethanolamine (EPG) phosphoglycerides and sphingomyelin (SM) were assayed. Mean arachidonic acid (AA) level was higher in plasma CPG and SM (p < 0.0001), and red cell CPG (p < 0.0001), EPG (p < 0.0001) and SM (p = 0.005) of the neonates. Similarly, the neonates had higher proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma CPG (p < 0.0001) and red cell CPG (p = 0.001) and EPG (p = 0.036). In contrast, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids were significantly higher in maternal blood. Mead acid was elevated in plasma CPG (p < 0.0001) and red cell CPG and EPG (p < 0.0001) of the neonates. Consistent with data from high-fat-intake populations, our subjects, whose traditional diet is low in fat, exhibited maternal-fetal gradient in AA and DHA in plasma and red cell phospholipids. This may be due to an imbalance between supply and maternal and fetal requirements, and/or a physiological response to pregnancy. Prenatal nutritional constraint is associated with impaired development and a risk of chronic diseases in adults. AA and DHA are vital nutrients. Hence, there is a need to investigate whether the discrepancy between maternal and neonatal AA and DHA is a manifestation of nutritional insufficiency.

On small-sample confidence intervals for parameters in discrete distributions

The traditional definition of a confidence interval requires the coverage probability at any value of the parameter to be at least the nominal confidence level. In constructing such intervals for parameters in discrete distributions, less conservative behavior results from inverting a single two-sided test than inverting two separate one-sided tests of half the nominal level each. We illustrate for a variety of discrete problems, including interval estimation of a binomial parameter, the difference and the ratio of two binomial parameters for independent samples, and the odds ratio.

Association of matrilysin mRNA expression with K-ras mutations and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas

The matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin has been implicated in the progression of gastrointestinal and other cancers. The aim of this study was to examine matrilysin mRNA expression and determine whether it is correlated with K-ras mutations and/or progression of pancreatic carcinoma. Using the semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we analyzed 11 pancreatic cancer cell lines and 70 pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues for matrilysin mRNA expression. The results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and K-ras mutations. Significant amounts of matrilysin mRNA were detected in six of the eight cell lines with K-ras mutations but not in the three cell lines with wild-type K-ras. Matrilysin mRNA was detected in 57 (81.4% ) of the 70 tumor tissues and in all of the eight liver metastases, but not in any of the adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Matrilysin expression was significantly correlated with the size of tumor, tumor spreading, lymph node metastasis, advanced pathologic tumor-node- metastasis stage and K-ras mutations. The relative amounts of matrilysin mRNA in tumor tissues increased with increase in tumor stage and were highest in liver metastatic tumor tissues. Our results suggest that matrilysin, the expression of which is correlated with K-ras mutations, plays a key role in tumor growth and progression of pancreatic carcinoma.

[A clinical observation of preserved donor tarsal plate transplantation for repair of tarsus defect]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of preserved donor tarsal plate transplantation on the repair of the tarsus defect at the time of eye lid tumor removal.

METHODS

Donor tarsal plates preserved in pure glycerin were used for the repair of tarsus defects of 58 cases after the complete removal of the eye lid tumors. The grafts were covered with rotated or slid myocutaneous and conjunctival flaps. The associations of the effect with the blood supply, with the size and the preserved time of the donor tarsal plates, as well as with the follow-up time were analyzed by chi(2) test.

RESULTS

Of the 43 cases whose plates were fully covered with conjunctival flaps, new blood vessels began growing into the donor tarsal plates one week after the operation. The grafts were vascularized one month later. The donor tarsal plates of 15 cases were only partly covered with conjunctival flaps. As a result, the grafts were vascularized in 2 -- 3 months, and there was dissolution to varying degrees at the surface of the exposed parts of the plates. The effects of the 43 cases with good blood supply were significantly better than the effects of 15 cases with poor blood supply (chi(2) = 5.81, P < 0.05). The sizes of the donor tarsal plates ranged from 5 x 10 mm(2) to 8 x 29 mm(2). Eleven cases were equal or shorter than half of the original sizes of donor tarsal plates, 34 cases were subtotal and 13 cases were total plates. The differences of the sizes led to different results (chi(2) = 6.28, P < 0.05). The preserved times of donor tarsal plates were from 1 week to 2.5 years. However, the results were similar in all cases (chi(2) = 0.99, P > 0.05). All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 10 and half years (mean, 1.8 years). The effects had no statistical significance (chi(2) = 0.85, P > 0.05). The cilia of the donor tarsal plates were preserved in 3 cases, but all of them were totally lost during post-operative one month. After operation slight entropion occurred in 8 cases, slight ectropion in 3 cases, lagophthalmos for 2 -- 3 mm in 7 cases, notch of the palpebral margin in 5 cases and thinness of the donor tarsal plates in 4 cases, but the functional and aesthetic results were normal. Thirty-one cases were cured, 11 cases acquired tangible results and 12 cases were improved. The total effective rate was 93.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

The more blood supplies of the donor tarsal plates, the better the effects. So we must make all our efforts to improve the blood supplies of the donor tarsal plates. The effects were associated with the sizes of the plates, but not associated with the preserved times of the grafts and the follow-up times. Preserved donor tarsal plate transplantation for the repair of tarsus defect is a relatively simple operation, the rejection is slight and the result satisfactory, thus it is an ideal plastic material.

AAc photografted porous polycabonate films and its controlled release system

The AAc grafted porous PC film was prepared by simultaneous UV irradiation and the pH sensitivity of the grafted films was investigated with the simple controlled release device designed by the authors. The grafted porous PC films showed remarkable pH sensitivity and can be reused after proper treatment.

[Analysis of ultrasonic backscattering microstructure feature of human spleen based on "WD cepstrum"]

A new method "WD cepstrum" for analysing ultrasonic scattered signals based on wavelets decomposition before cepstrum has been developed and then applied to process the backscattered signals of normal and pathological human spleen in vitro. The mean scatterer spacing(MSS) has been estimated. The results show that the MSS data of the two tissues are quite different and "WD cepstrum" is more effective for reflecting the microstructure feature of tissue. The results also illustrate that "WD cepstrum" is an effective method for signal analysis of ultrasonic scattering and characterization of tissue scatterers.

Identification of genes differentially expressed in association with acquired cisplatin resistance

The goal of this study was to identify genes whose mRNA levels are differentially expressed in human cells with acquired cisplatin (cDDP) resistance. Using the parental UMSCC10b head and neck carcinoma cell line and the 5.9-fold cDDP-resistant subline, UMSCC10b/Pt-S15, two suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH) cDNA libraries were prepared. One library represented mRNAs whose levels were increased in the cDDP resistant variant (the UP library), the other one represented mRNAs whose levels were decreased in the resistant cells (the DOWN library). Arrays constructed with inserts recovered from these libraries were hybridized with SSH products to identify truly differentially expressed elements. A total of 51 cDNA fragments present in the UP library and 16 in the DOWN library met the criteria established for differential expression. The sequences of 87% of these cDNA fragments were identified in Genbank. Among the mRNAs in the UP library that were frequently isolated and that showed high levels of differential expression were cytochrome oxidase I, ribosomal protein 28S, elongation factor 1alpha, alpha-enolase, stathmin, and HSP70. The approach taken in this study permitted identification of many genes never before linked to the cDDP-resistant phenotype.

Photoluminescence Properties of Surface-Modified Nanocrystalline ZnS : Mn

DBS surface-modified nanocrystalline ZnS : Mn was prepared by a precipitation method. Photoluminescence spectra and decay curves were measured and compared to those of unmodified samples. For both kinds of samples, luminescence decay curves of 600 nm emission consist of two components with nanosecond (ns) and millisecond (ms) lifetimes. The nanosecond component is attributed to zinc vacancies luminescence, with peak located at 440 nm. While the millisecond component is attributed to Mn(2+) luminescence and its decay time changes with Mn(2+) concentration and surface modification. The surface-modified sample has a longer lifetime compared to unmodified samples. The photoaging of surface-modified samples is slow. Particle size effects on photoaging were also examined. For nanocrystalline ZnS : Mn photoaging is more noticeable than that of bulk material. After UV irradiation, photoluminescence intensity of the modified sample is several times larger than that of the unmodified sample, because the surface-active reagent decreases surface defects and depresses radiationless transitions. XPS yields direct evidence of the surface-modification effect on the surface structure. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.