Importance of gender in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

BACKGROUND

Combined therapy involving cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival outcomes for patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). The present study aims to investigate gender as a potential prognostic factor on overall survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a period of two decades, 294 patients who underwent CRS and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy were selected from a large multi-institutional registry to assess the prognostic significance of gender on overall survival.

RESULTS

Female patients were shown to have a significantly improved survival outcome than male patients (P < 0.001). Staging according to a recently proposed tumor-node-metastasis categorization system was significant in both genders. Older female patients had significantly worse survival than younger female patients (P = 0.019), a finding that was absent in male patients. Female patients with low-stage disease were found to have a very favorable long-term outcome after combined treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender has demonstrated a significant impact on overall survival for patients with DMPM after CRS and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. An improved understanding of the role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of DMPM may improve the prognostication of patients and determine the role of adjuvant hormonal treatment in the future.

Inhibition of IκB Kinase β attenuates hypoxia-induced inflammatory mediators in rat renal tubular cells

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation is now believed to play a major role in the pathophysiology of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), which is thought to be directly regulated by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Our previous study indicated that ischemic preconditioning (IPC) alleviated renal ischemic-reperfusion injury due to inhibition of IκB kinase β (IKK β) activity. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence the expression of IKKβ, which consists of the IKK complex residing at a key convergence site that leads to NF-κB activation in multiple signaling pathways, we protected organs from ischemic AKI. Herein, we have report a siRNA-based treatment to prevent ischemic AKI.

METHODS

Ischemic AKI was induced by a hypoxia-mimicking agent cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)). The therapeutic effects of IKKβ-specific siRNA were evaluated on the expression of interleukin (IL)-18, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

Compared with CoCl(2)-induced NRK52E cells, pretransfected IKKβ-specific siRNA reduced the expression of IL-18 and NGAL to 62.5% and 50.4% in messenger RNA (mRNA) and to 57.2% and 62.7% in protein levels, respectively. The necrosis index in the IKKβ-specific siRNA transfected group was decreased compared with a nonspecific siRNA transfected group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data revealed that hypoxia-induced inflammatory responses were IKKβ/NF-κB-dependent. Knockdown of IKKβ by siRNA suppressed the transcription IKKβ/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory mediators in tumor necrosis factor-α or CoCl(2)-treated tubular epithelial cells, and decreased CoCl(2)-induced cell death, which may be a useful, preventive and therapeutic strategy for ischemic AKI.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha -308G/A polymorphism and risk of the four most frequent cancers: a meta-analysis

The latest data show that breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer are the four most frequent cancers in both sexes worldwide. A number of molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the association between TNF alpha -308G/A and the risk of those cancers. However the results have been inconclusive or inconsistent. We then performed a meta-analysis to derive a precise estimation of this association. We carried out a comprehensive search in Medline, EMBASE, OVID and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database for studies using related keywords. The inclusion criteria were (i) in English or Chinese; (ii) case-control study on this association; (iii) provide usable genotype frequencies; and (iv) sufficient published data for estimating an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). ORs and 95% CIs were calculated to assess the strength of this association under homozygote comparison (AA vs GG), heterozygote comparison (GA vs GG), dominant (AA/GA vs GG) and recessive (AA vs GA/GG) genetic model comparison. Thirty case-control studies with a total number of 16,507 cases and 19,749 controls were selected for analysis. Overall, no significant association was found between this polymorphism and the risk of total four cancers (GA vs GG: OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.91-1.14, P=0.78). However, there was a significant association between this polymorphism and breast cancer risk in western populations (GA vs GG: OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.85-0.96, P=0.002). This meta-analysis also revealed that this polymorphism was not associated with susceptibility to the other three cancers.

Long-term electromagnetic field treatment enhances brain mitochondrial function of both Alzheimer's transgenic mice and normal mice: a mechanism for electromagnetic field-induced cognitive benefit?

We have recently reported that long-term exposure to high frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) treatment not only prevents or reverses cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's transgenic (Tg) mice, but also improves memory in normal mice. To elucidate the possible mechanism(s) for these EMF-induced cognitive benefits, brain mitochondrial function was evaluated in aged Tg mice and non-transgenic (NT) littermates following 1 month of daily EMF exposure. In Tg mice, EMF treatment enhanced brain mitochondrial function by 50-150% across six established measures, being greatest in cognitively-important brain areas (e.g. cerebral cortex and hippocampus). EMF treatment also increased brain mitochondrial function in normal aged mice, although the enhancement was not as robust and less widespread compared to that of Tg mice. The EMF-induced enhancement of brain mitochondrial function in Tg mice was accompanied by 5-10 fold increases in soluble Aβ1-40 within the same mitochondrial preparations. These increases in mitochondrial soluble amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) were apparently due to the ability of EMF treatment to disaggregate Aβ oligomers, which are believed to be the form of Aβ causative to mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Finally, the EMF-induced mitochondrial enhancement in both Tg and normal mice occurred through non-thermal effects because brain temperatures were either stable or decreased during/after EMF treatment. These results collectively suggest that brain mitochondrial enhancement may be a primary mechanism through which EMF treatment provides cognitive benefit to both Tg and NT mice. Especially in the context that mitochondrial dysfunction is an early and prominent characteristic of Alzheimer's pathogenesis, EMF treatment could have profound value in the disease's prevention and treatment through intervention at the mitochondrial level.

Light non-metallic atom (B, N, O and F)-doped graphene: a first-principles study

First-principles calculations are performed to study the geometry, electronic structure and magnetic properties of light non-metallic atom-doped graphene (B, N, O and F). The planar structure and the quasi-linear energy dispersion near the Dirac point remain through doping with B and N atoms, by which p-type doping and n-type doping graphene are respectively induced. A bandgap of about 0.5 eV is generated through O doping, and geometrically the O atom is also in the graphene plane. No magnetic moment is detected in B- , N- and O-doped graphene. For F doping, the F atom bonds with one of the carbon atoms close to the vacancy, with the other two carbon atoms undergoing a Jahn-Teller distortion. A weak polarized magnetic moment of 0.71 µ(B) is detected through F doping.

Evaluation of late immunologic parameters among renal transplant recipients induced with Campath-1H

Organ transplantation success depends principally on avoiding rejection, a purpose almost accomplished with immunosuppressant therapy. Nevertheless, drug side effects have promoted the search for other mechanisms to restrain alloresponses. T-regulatory cells (Treg) might exert that function. Campath 1H (C1H) induces Treg proliferation in the period subsequent to T-cell depletion following C1H administration. In the present study, the status of Treg and de novo HLA antibody production was determined posttransplantation when T-cell repopulation had been completed. In 14 patients, the following parameters were analyzed: renal function, rejection, Treg, panel-reactive antibody (PRA), and HLA antibodies. Patient and graft survivals were 100%. At the moment of Treg determination (20 months following transplant) the mean tacrolimus level was 8.4 ng/mL. One patient experienced an antibody-mediated rejection at 15 months after transplantation while having 3.2% Treg, with excellent treatment responses. Mean leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were 5752 and 1183 cells/mm(3); the mean peripheral blood percentage of Treg of 7.1% +/- 5.9% was not different from that observed in subjects without induction (mean 5.5% +/- 2.5%). Three patients (21%) showed Treg greater than 8.0%. In seven patients, we compared Treg at 4 and 20 months posttransplant, observing a decline from a mean of 19.9% to 5.9% (P = .05). In seven recipients, posttransplant PRA was determined; five of them became "de novo" sensitized, three with a mean class I PRA of 16% and two with a mean class II PRA of 37%. In conclusion, patient and graft survivals were excellent, mean Treg percentage was not elevated with results lower than in the early posttransplant period. Rejection incidence was negligible. Late "de novo" sensitization occurred in 70% showing that B cell-mediated alloresponses were only partially controlled among recipients induced with C1H even when associated with sustained anticalcineurin treatment.

c-Abl and Arg tyrosine kinases regulate lysosomal degradation of the oncoprotein Galectin-3

Galectin-3 (Gal3) has important roles in tumor transformation and metastasis. This study shows that c-Abl and Abl-related gene (Arg) associate with and phosphorylate Gal3. The SH (Src homology)3 domains of c-Abl/Arg bind to a P(80)GPPSGP motif of Gal3, and Tyr79 and Tyr118 are the major tyrosine phosphorylation sites. A consequence of this interaction and phosphorylation is the significant impairment of chaperone-mediated autophagy of Gal3. Cells expressing Gal3 and treated with the c-Abl/Arg inhibitor STI571, Gal3-depleted cells, and Gal3-depleted cells expressing Gal3 phosphorylation mutants all display an increased sensitivity to apoptosis-inducing agents. In addition, tumor cells expressing the phosphorylation mutants show impaired tumorigenicity. These results partially explain the antiapoptotic effect of Abl and Arg. As tumors frequently overexpress Gal3, a c-Abl/Arg-specific inhibitor may potentially be applied along with other antitumor drugs to target the lysosomal degradation of Gal3 in tumor therapy.

Alteration of cortical functional connectivity as a result of traumatic brain injury revealed by graph theory, ICA, and sLORETA analyses of EEG signals

In this paper, a novel approach to examine the cortical functional connectivity using multichannel electroencephalographic (EEG) signals is proposed. First we utilized independent component analysis (ICA) to transform multichannel EEG recordings into independent processes and then applied source reconstruction algorithm [i.e., standardize low resolution brain electromagnetic (sLORETA)] to identify the cortical regions of interest (ROIs). Second, we performed a graph theory analysis of the bipartite network composite of ROIs and independent processes to assess the connectivity between ROIs. We applied this proposed algorithm and compared the functional connectivity network properties under resting state condition using 29 student-athletes prior to and shortly after sport-related mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The major findings of interest are the following. There was 1) alterations in vertex degree at frontal and occipital regions in subjects suffering from MTBI, ( p < 0.05); 2) a significant decrease in the long-distance connectivity and significant increase in the short-distance connectivity as a result of MTBI, ( p < 0.05); 3) a departure from small-world network configuration in MTBI subjects. These major findings are discussed in relation to current debates regarding the brain functional connectivity within and between local and distal regions both in normal controls in pathological subjects.

4-Phase-Rhinomanometry (4PR)--basics and practice 2010

The last comprehensive publications about the theory and practice of rhinomanometry appeared more than 20 years ago. Since the 1980's, the general progress of sensor techniques, fluid physics and data processing was accompanied by the permanent work of the authors to analyze the errors of rhinomanometry and to create a fundament for a contemporary and practical method that can be used in functional diagnostics of the nasal air stream. In this special document, the objectives and measurement principles, as well as the history of rhinomanometry are described in the first three chapters. It is pointed out, that the key parameters are not only intranasal pressure and flow, but also the factor time. The technical requirements as following from the dynamics of breathing are described. The process of averaging of rhinomanometric data lead to a separate and time-dependent analysis of the changes of pressure and flow and implicated the introduction of the 4 breathing phases (ascending and descending curve part in inspiration and expiration) into rhinomanometry and is therefore called 4-Phase-Rhinomanometry (4PR). Chapter 4 is containing a comprehensive analysis of the practical errors, which may follow neglecting the 4 breathing phases. The in chapter 5 described mathematical-physical concept of 4PR is based on the introduction of the terms "steady" and "unsteady" flow, in addition to the up to now used terms of laminarity and turbulence. After the derivation of the HOFFRICHTER-equation as explaining the loops around the intersection point of the x-axis and y-axis, a clinical classification of the rhinomanometric findings is given and confirmed by physical experiments with "artificial noses". Finally, testing the rhinomanometric method by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), lead to the same conclusions as to the importance of 4 phases of the breathing cycle. The precondition for the worldwide introduction of new parameters into the 4PR is a comprehensive statistical analysis. The disadvantages of the present recommended standard values are described in chapter 6. Following previous studies in 5800 cases, the parameters Vertex Resistance (VR), Effective Resistance (Reff) and their logarithmic transformations have been investigated in 1580 rhinograms of different degrees of obstructions, also including the correlations to a VAS. It could be confirmed, that the parameters VR and Reff after logarithmic transformation, have a significant and high correlation to the sensation of obstruction. The new clinical classification of obstruction and conductance of the nose is proposed in Table 1 for Caucasian noses. Table 1. Clinical classification of obstruction and conductance for Causcasian noses. [see text for table]. Chapter 7 is dedicated to the advantages of 4PR in the functional diagnosis of nasal valve problems. Graphical as well as numerical solutions are available by the fact, that the motions of the nasal entrance as caused by the breathing process are now visible from the shape of the 4PR-curve. Discussing practical aspects in chapter 8, the start point of proposals and discussions are the standard recommendations of the ISOANA and the results of its consensus conference in 2003. In particular the calibration processes, hygiene, the correct attachment of the pressure tube at the nostril ("tape method") and the different measurement procedures (AAR, APR), decongestion and provocation tests are extensively described. Both the final chapters are clinical contributions from mainland China, which are of high importance because of the racial differences in nasal respiratory function. In chapter 9, tests of the assessment of normal nasal airway in adult Chinese by 4PR, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry are presented. This investigation lead to the conclusion that 4PR is an important supplement to classic rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, if the classification of obstruction is adapted to the higher basic resistance of the Chinese population. Chapter 10 is dealing with 4PR and acoustic rhinometry in the functional evaluation of septal deviations and concludes, that both methods are valuable objective instruments for the evaluation of nasal obstruction.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor decreases brain amyloid burden and reverses cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's mice

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a multi-modal hematopoietic growth factor, which also has profound effects on the diseased CNS. G-CSF has been shown to enhance recovery from neurologic deficits in rodent models of ischemia. G-CSF appears to facilitate neuroplastic changes by both mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells and by its direct actions on CNS cells. The overall objective of the study was to determine if G-CSF administration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (Tg APP/PS1) would impact hippocampal-dependent learning by modifying the underlying disease pathology. A course of s.c. administration of G-CSF for a period of less than three weeks significantly improved cognitive performance, decreased beta-amyloid deposition in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex and augmented total microglial activity. Additionally, G-CSF reduced systemic inflammation indicated by suppression of the production or activity of major pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma. Improved cognition in AD mice was associated with increased synaptophysin immunostaining in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions and augmented neurogenesis, evidenced by increased numbers of calretinin-expressing cells in dentate gyrus. Given that G-CSF is already utilized clinically to safely stimulate hematopoietic stem cell production, these basic research findings will be readily translated into clinical trials to reverse or forestall the progression of dementia in AD. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether a short course of G-CSF administration would have an impact on the pathological hallmark of AD, the age-dependent accumulation of A beta deposits, in a transgenic mouse model of AD (APP+ PS1; Tg). A second objective was to determine whether such treatment would impact cognitive performance in a hippocampal-dependent memory paradigm. To explain the G-CSF triggered amyloid reduction and associated reversal of cognitive impairment, several mechanisms of action were explored. (1) G-CSF was hypothesized to increase activation of resident microglia and to increase mobilization of marrow-derived microglia. The effect of G-CSF on microglial activation was examined by quantitative measurements of total microglial burden. To determine if G-CSF increased trafficking of marrow-derived microglia into brain, bone marrow-derived green fluorescent protein-expressing (GFP+) microglia were visualized in the brains of chimeric AD mice. (2) To assess the role of immune-modulation in mediating G-CSF effects, a panel of cytokines was measured in both plasma and brain. (3) To test the hypothesis that reduction of A beta deposits can affect synaptic area, quantitative measurement of synaptophysin immunoreactivity in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 sectors was undertaken. (4) To learn whether enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis was induced by G-CSF treatment, numbers of calretinin-expressing cells were determined in dentate gyrus.

Novel mutations of cathepsin C gene in two Chinese patients with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is an inherited human disease characterized by early-onset periodontitis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Mutations of the lysosomal protease cathepsin C (CTSC) gene have been shown to be the genetic cause of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. There are several case reports in China, while there has been no study on the genetic analysis of PLS. We studied two Chinese patients carrying Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome and showing premature tooth loss and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Mutation screening and sequence analysis of the CTSC gene revealed a compound heterozygous mutation (c.415 G>A and c.778 T>C) in one patient, and two novel compound heterozygous mutations (c.851G>A and c.112delCCTG) in the other patient. Our novel discovery indicates that the phenotypes observed in these two patients are due to the CTSC gene mutation.

A giant outburst two years before the core-collapse of a massive star

The death of massive stars produces a variety of supernovae, which are linked to the structure of the exploding stars. The detection of several precursor stars of type II supernovae has been reported (see, for example, ref. 3), but we do not yet have direct information on the progenitors of the hydrogen-deficient type Ib and Ic supernovae. Here we report that the peculiar type Ib supernova SN 2006jc is spatially coincident with a bright optical transient that occurred in 2004. Spectroscopic and photometric monitoring of the supernova leads us to suggest that the progenitor was a carbon-oxygen Wolf-Rayet star embedded within a helium-rich circumstellar medium. There are different possible explanations for this pre-explosion transient. It appears similar to the giant outbursts of luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) of 60-100 solar masses, but the progenitor of SN 2006jc was helium- and hydrogen-deficient (unlike LBVs). An LBV-like outburst of a Wolf-Rayet star could be invoked, but this would be the first observational evidence of such a phenomenon. Alternatively, a massive binary system composed of an LBV that erupted in 2004, and a Wolf-Rayet star exploding as SN 2006jc, could explain the observations.

Modulation of cortical activity as a result of task-specific practice

This report aims to examine the role of task-specific practice in the modification of finger force enslaving and to provide empirical evidence for specific EEG frequency bands accompanying such practice may be an end-effectors dependent phenomenon. Nine handed naïve subjects without any training in music participated in a pre- and post-practice sessions separated by 12 practice sessions. Subjects performed a series of isometric force production tasks at 10% and 50% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) with two rates of force development separately by index and ring fingers. Task-specific practice aimed at suppressing the contribution of neighboring fingers was achieved via visual feedback of force traces. Behavioral data (accuracy of force production and amount of force enslaving) and EEG data in frequency domain obtained via Morlet Wavelet transforms were analyzed. The major behavioral finding is that task-specific practice significantly enhanced the accuracy of force production and individuated control of the "most enslaved" ring finger (P<0.01), but not the index finger. The major novel EEG findings are: (a) modulation of EEG activity within alpha band (8-12 Hz) in the central area of the brain as a function of practice was similar for both fingers and (b) after practice, modulation of EEG activity within gamma (30-50 Hz) band was end-effectors specific. Both behavioral and EEG patterns suggest an effect of task-specific practice on the reduction of force enslaving and that modulation of practice-related plasticity in the human cortex is end-effectors dependent phenomena.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Promoter Polymorphism is Not Associated With the Aggressiveness of Disease in Prostate Cancer

AIMS

PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitors-1) regulates plasminogen activation, and is related to tumour development. This study aims to test whether the promoter polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene is related to the aggressiveness of disease in prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, Taqman SNP genotyping assay was used to detect PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in DNA from paraffin-embedded tissues of 98 Caucasian patients with prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The distribution of the genotypes is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype had no statistically significant relationship with other prognostic factors. Similar risks for recurrence were seen in individuals with the 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes compared to those with 5G/5G genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.65, 95% CI: 0.41-16.94, P = 0.30; OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 0.38-12.49, P = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that PAI-1 promoter polymorphism is not associated with the aggressiveness of disease in prostate cancer.

Retrospective analysis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) copy DNA numbers in plasma of immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster, of immunocompromised patients with disseminated VZV disease, and of asymptomatic solid organ transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Subclinical reactivation has been described in solid organ recipients and has been associated with graft versus host disease in bone marrow transplantation. Newer studies assessing the prevalence and impact of subclinical VZV reactivation in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a first step we developed a highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for VZV DNA with a detection limit of < or = 20 copies/mL. Using this assay, we retrospectively analyzed plasma samples of different patient groups for VZV DNA. VZV DNA was found in 10/10 plasma samples of immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster (VZV copy numbers/mL: mean+/-SEM 1710+/-1018), in 1/1 sample of a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with primary VZV disease (15,192 copies/mL) and in 4/4 plasma samples of immunocompromised patients with visceral VZV disease (mean of first value 214,214+/-178,572). All 108 plasma samples of asymptomatic SOT recipients off any antiviral therapy, randomly sampled over 1 year, were negative for VZV DNA.

CONCLUSION

Our qPCR assay proved to be highly sensitive (100%) in symptomatic VZV disease. We did not detect subclinical reactivation in asymptomatic SOT recipients during the first post-transplant year. Thus, subclinical VZV reactivation is either a rare event or does not exist. These data need to be confirmed in larger prospective trials.

Nocturnal sleep apnea/hypopnea is associated with lower memory performance in APOE ε4 carriers

The authors investigated the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea (OSAH) and cognition in 36 older adults, 18 APOE ε4 carriers, and 18 non-carriers. Greater numbers of respiratory events negatively impacted memory function in ε4 carriers only. This is the first study to provide preliminary evidence for a negative interaction of APOE ε4 and OSAH on memory in older adults, which may have important implications for treating cognitive decline and delaying dementia onset.

[Arthralgia, eosinophilia, proteinuria and diuretics-resistant leg edemas]

We report the case of a patient with eosinophilic fasciitis, a rare disease related to systemic sclerodermia and other fibrosing disorders. An involvement of the kidneys--like in this patient with proteinuria and hypoproteinemia--has been described in the literature but is very rare. We discuss diagnostic procedures and novel therapeutic options as combination therapies with steroids, methotrexate and ciclosporine A.

Human single chain Fv antibodies and a complementarity determining region-derived peptide binding to amyloid-beta 1–42

A library of phage-displayed human single-chain Fv (scFv) antibodies was selected against the human amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta42). Two new anti-Abeta42 phage-displayed scFvs antibodies were obtained, and the sequences of their V(H) and Vkappa genes were analyzed. A synthetic peptide based on the sequence of Ig heavy chain (V(H)) complementarity-determining region (HCDR3) of the clone with the highest recognition signal was generated and determined to bind to Abeta42 in ELISA. Furthermore, we showed for the first time that an HCDR3-based peptide had neuroprotective potential against Abeta42 neurotoxicity in rat cultured hippocampal neurons. Our results suggest that not only scFvs recognizing Abeta42 but also synthetic peptides based on the V(H) CDR3 sequences of these antibodies may be novel potential candidates for small molecule-based Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy.

Molecular characterization of insulin-like peptide genes and their expression in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

Of the seven genes encoding insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, four are arrayed proximally as duplicate pairs on chromosome three. Amino acid substitutions encoded in the duplicate genes occur in the C peptide and not the B and A peptides. Except for one duplicated gene, sequence-specific transcripts for all other AgamILPs were obtained from female mosquitoes. Transcript expression of each AgamILP was determined by RT-PCR in the head, thorax, and abdomen of all life stages and both sexes of this mosquito. Two AgamILPs were ubiquitously expressed, suggesting a growth factor function, whereas the other AgamILPs were expressed primarily in heads, as confirmed by the immunostaining of ILPs in the neurosecretory cells of female brains, thus indicating a hormonal function.

Amyloid-beta peptide-specific single chain Fv antibodies isolated from an immune phage display library

A single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody library displayed on phage was constructed using spleen cells from mice immunized with human amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta42). This first anti-Abeta42 scFv immune antibody library was selected against human Abeta42. A number of positive clones were obtained, and sequences of VH and Vkappa genes were analyzed using ExPASy and BLAST computer tools. This analysis revealed that only two unique clones with identical VH and Vkappa complementarity determining region (CDR) (except HCDR2) and identical germline genes were selected, indicating that oligoclonal immune response was occurring in Abeta42-immunized mice. Abeta42-specific scFv antibodies selected from this first immune anti-Abeta42 phage antibody library may be an important tool for the development of therapeutic molecules for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with periodontal diseases in Japanese and Chinese

We examined whether polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with the incidence of adult periodontitis (AP) and early-onset periodontitis (EOP) in case-controlled studies of Japanese and Chinese subjects. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the VDR gene detected by digestion with Taq I were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of AP or EOP, suggesting that the VDR genotype a risk factor for periodontitis.

[Intermittent-pulse treatment of onychomycosis with orally administered itraconazole]

Fifty-four patients received an intermittent regimen of itraconazole (26 of them were finger onychomycosis and 28 toe onychomycosis) and were followed-up for nine months. The result showed that the clinical cure rate of fingernails was 88.5% and the mycologic cure rate was 96.4%, while the clinical cure rate of toes was 82.1% and the mycologic cure rate was 96.4%. Few adverse events were observed by 7.4%, just like nausea, gastric discomfort etc. It suggests that the pulse administration system is highly effective and has a few side-effects.