Percutaneous sclerotherapy of massive macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the face and neck using fibrin glue with OK-432 and bleomycin

Picibanil (OK-432) and bleomycin have been used as alternative sclerosing agents for lymphatic malformations. This study evaluated the clinical curative effect of sclerotherapy using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and bleomycin for the treatment of macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the face and neck. Fifteen paediatric patients (6 males; 9 females, aged 13 months to 14 years) who had received percutaneous sclerotherapy for massive macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the face and neck were retrospectively reviewed. Affected regions included the neck, parotid region and parapharynx, mouth floor, face and cheek, and orbital regions. All patients showed preoperative symptoms of space-occupying lesions between 4 cm × 5 cm and 12 cm × 16 cm in size. Fibrin glue with OK-432 and bleomycin was injected under general anaesthesia. All patients received preoperative and follow-up CT scans. Outcomes were assessed by three surgeons. All patients exhibited mid-facial swelling for 3-4 weeks after surgery, but no major complications. Follow-up periods ranged from 8 to 16 months. Eight lesions were completely involuted, five were mostly involuted, and two were partially involuted. Percutaneous sclerotherapy using fibrin glue with OK-432 and bleomycin provided a simple, safe, and reliable alternative treatment for massive macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the face and neck.

Crystallographic and Metallurgical Characterization of Radiation Detector Grade Cadmium Telluride Materials

Radiation detector grade CdTe crystals are characterized by several crystallographic and metallurgical techniques including infrared microscopy, dislocation etch pitting and X-ray diffraction. Results are presented for 50 detectors fabricated from an ingot produced by the high pressure Bridgman method. Data on the temperature dependence of leakage current and pulse height analysis are presented, along with measurements of room temperature charge transport properties. Attempts to relate crystal structure to detector performance will be discussed.

Rapid evolution and selection inferred from the transcriptomes of sympatric crater lake cichlid fishes

Crater lakes provide a natural laboratory to study speciation of cichlid fishes by ecological divergence. Up to now, there has been a dearth of transcriptomic and genomic information that would aid in understanding the molecular basis of the phenotypic differentiation between young species. We used next-generation sequencing (Roche 454 massively parallel pyrosequencing) to characterize the diversity of expressed sequence tags between ecologically divergent, endemic and sympatric species of cichlid fishes from crater lake Apoyo, Nicaragua: benthic Amphilophus astorquii and limnetic Amphilophus zaliosus. We obtained 24 174 A. astorquii and 21 382 A. zaliosus high-quality expressed sequence tag contigs, of which 13 106 pairs are orthologous between species. Based on the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions, we identified six sequences exhibiting signals of strong diversifying selection (K(a)/K(s) > 1). These included genes involved in biosynthesis, metabolic processes and development. This transcriptome sequence variation may be reflective of natural selection acting on the genomes of these young, sympatric sister species. Based on Ks ratios and p-distances between 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) calibrated to previously published species divergence times, we estimated a neutral transcriptome-wide substitutional mutation rate of approximately 1.25 x 10(-6) per site per year. We conclude that next-generation sequencing technologies allow us to infer natural selection acting to diversify the genomes of young species, such as crater lake cichlids, with much greater scope than previously possible.

Clinicopathological Features of Solitary Fibrous Tumours in the Extremities: Four Case Reports and a Literature Review

This paper reports on the clinicopathological features of four patients with solitary fibrous tumours arising from the extremities and presents a review of the relevant literature. The patients consisted of three women and one man, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Standard pre-operative work-up data were examined, including: history, clinical examination, plain radiography, computed tomography scans of the lesion and chest, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, technetium-99m bone scan, thallium-201 scintigraphy and routine laboratory tests. Immunohisto chemical staining was performed for CD34, Bcl-2 protein, vimentin, S-100 protein, desmin and smooth muscle actin, and pathological material was reviewed for the presence of histologically malignant components. Immunohistochemically, all of the tumours were diffusely positive for CD34. Clinical and radiological findings of solitary fibrous tumours affecting the extremities are reminiscent of those of aggressive or malignant soft tissue tumours. Pathological and immunohistochemical studies are important in making the correct diagnosis.

Molecular and functional characterization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator from the Australian common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula

Unlike eutherian mammals, the colon of the Australian common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, a metatherian mammal, is incapable of electrogenic Cl(-) secretion and has elevated levels of electrogenic Na(+) absorption, while the ileum secretes HCO (3) (-) rather than Cl(-). In eutherian mammals, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is essential for both Cl(-) and HCO (3) (-) secretion and the regulation of Na(+) absorption. Therefore, we have sequenced possum (p)CFTR, described its distribution and characterized the properties of cloned pCFTR expressed in Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells. pCFTR (GenBank accession No. AY916796) has a 1,478 amino acid open reading frame, which has >90% identity with CFTR from other marsupials and >80% identity with non-rodent eutherian mammals. In pCFTR, there is a high level of conservation of the transmembrane and nucleotide binding domains although, with the exception of other marsupials, there is considerable divergence from other species in the R domain. FRT cells transfected with pCFTR express mature CFTR protein which functions as a small Cl(-) channel activated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. In whole-cell recordings it has a linear, time and voltage-independent conductance, with a selectivity sequence P(Br) > P(Cl) > P(I) > P(HCO)(3) >> P(Gluconate). pCFTR transcript is present in a range of epithelia, including the ileum and the colon. The presence of pCFTR in the ileum and its measured HCO (3) (-) permeability suggest that it may be involved in ileal HCO (3) (-) secretion. Why the possum colon does not secrete Cl(-) and has elevated electrogenic Na(+) absorption, despite the apparent expression of CFTR, remains to be determined.

Unusual amplification pattern by SSP HLA-B typing led to discovery of a novel HLA-C allele

We report here the unique sequence of a novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-C allele resulted in amplification of a product with a primer pair used in sequence-specific primer (SSP) HLA-B typing, which led subsequently to identification of a new allele of Cw*0339 by sequence-based typing method. This new allele is closely related to Cw*031101 with only two nucleotide changes from T to G at position 97, and T to C at position 105 in the exon 2 region of HLA-C locus. The first nucleotide substitution causes an amino acid alteration from tyrosine to aspartic acid at amino acid residue 9 (Y to D), while the second one keeps alanine at residue 11 unchanged. Most interestingly, the nucleotide change from T to G at position 97 makes it identical to the 3' end sequence of one SSP of the commercial HLA-B SSP typing kit we were using. In this specific case, it resulted in amplification of a product of HLA-C gene instead of B gene.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Protects against Experimental Spinal Cord Trauma Injury by Regulating Expression of the Proteins MKP-1 and p-ERK

The present study explored the tissue-protective effect of erythropoietin in rats after experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) produced by dropping a weight onto surgically exposed spinal cord. Sixty rats were randomized to sham operation (spinal cord exposure; control), SCI plus intraperitoneal saline injection, or SCI plus intraperitoneal erythropoietin injection. Locomotor function was evaluated with Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores 1 day (24 h) and 7 days later, and rats were then killed for analysis of lesion site tissue. Compared with saline-treated SCI rats, erythropoietin-treated SCI rats showed significantly less locomotor dysfunction and faster locomotor recovery. Immunohistochemistry showed that erythropoietin-treated SCI rats had a significantly lower phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) protein expression and a significantly higher mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) protein expression than saline-treated SCI rats. Haematoxylin–eosin staining showed progressive disruption of dorsal white matter and neuron loss after SCI; lesions were less severe and there was more neuron regeneration in the erythropoietin group than in the saline group. It is concluded that erythropoietin reduces pathological changes and SCI severity via down-regulation of p-ERK and up-regulation of MKP-1.

Nanoparticle delivery of anti-metastatic NM23-H1 gene improves chemotherapy in a mouse tumor model

Gene therapy provides a promising approach for cancer treatment. Earlier studies suggested that poly-L-lysine-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP-PLL) might be a promising gene delivery system that can transfect DNA efficiently in vitro and in vivo. In this study we used IONP-PLL as gene carriers to deliver the NM23-H1 gene, the first suppressor gene of cancer metastasis, to tumor cells in vivo. The intravenous injection of IONP-PLL carrying NM23-H1-GFP plasmid DNA significantly extended the survival time of an experimental pulmonary metastasis mouse model. In the IONP-PLL/NM23-H1-GFP-treated group, metastasis was clearly suppressed compared with the group treated with free NM23-H1-GFP plasmid. Furthermore, this gene therapy combined with cyclophosphamide treatment resulted in longer survival times and greater suppression of metastasis growth. In conclusion, treatment with IONP-PLL nanoparticles incorporating the NM23-H1gene is an efficient gene therapy method, and it is even more effective in combination with chemotherapy. This approach appears to be a promising strategy for treatment of metastatic tumors.

[DNA methylation in cotton hybrids and their parents]

The possible role of methylation in the performance of heterosis has been analyzed in many crops. To further study this possibility, we investigated both the differences in cytosine methylation patterns between cotton heterotic hybrid/nonheterotic hybrids and their parental lines and the change in methylation level from seedling stage to flowering stage by using the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) method. The results showed that the number of demethylation loci in highly heterotic hybrids was greater that in lowly heterotic hybrids, and the level of DNA cytosine methylation in cotton at the seedling stage is higher than that at the flowering stage. The altered methylation patterns at low-copy genomic regions can be confirmed by DNA gel blot analysis. A total of 39 fragments that showed different methylation patterns were cloned and sequenced. The methylation status of these genes was modified differentially in hybrid and parents, suggesting that these genes might play a role in the performance of heterosis.

Molecular mimicry in inducing DNA damage between HIV-1 Vpr and the anticancer agent, cisplatin

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral protein R (vpr) gene is an evolutionarily conserved gene among the primate lentiviruses. Several functions are attributed to Vpr including the ability to cause cell death, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA damage. The Vpr domain responsible for DNA damage as well as the mechanism(s) through which Vpr induces this damage is unknown. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified the helical domain II within Vpr (aa 37-50) as the region responsible for causing DNA damage. Interestingly, Vpr Delta(37-50) failed to cause cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, to induce Ku70 or Ku80 and to suppress tumor growth, but maintained its capability to activate the HIV-1 LTR, to localize to the nucleus and to promote nonhomologous end-joining. In addition, our cytogenetic data indicated that helical domain II induced chromosomal aberrations, which mimicked those induced by cisplatin, an anticancer agent. This novel molecular mimicry function of Vpr might lead to its potential therapeutic use as a tumor suppressor.

Measurement of branching fractions and mass spectra of B-->Kpipigamma

We present a measurement of the partial branching fractions and mass spectra of the exclusive radiative penguin processes B-->Kpipigamma in the range m(Kpipi)<1.8 GeV/c(2). We reconstruct four final states: K(+)pi(-)pi(+)gamma, K(+)pi(-)pi(0)gamma, K(S)(0)pi(-)pi(+)gamma, and K(S)(0)pi(+)pi(0)gamma, where K(S)(0)-->pi(+)pi(-). Using 232 x 10(6) e(+)e(-)-->BB events recorded by the BABAR experiment at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy storage ring, we measure the branching fractions B(B(+)-->K(+)pi(-)pi(+)gamma)=[2.95+/-0.13(stat)+/-0.20(syst)] x 10(-5), B(B(0)-->K(+)pi(-)pi(0)gamma)=[4.07+/-0.22(stat)+/-0.31(syst)] x 10(-5), B(B(0)-->K(0)pi(+)pi(-)gamma)=[1.85+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.12(syst)] x 10(-5), and B(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+)pi(0)gamma)=[4.56+/-0.42(stat)+/-0.31(syst)] x 10(-5).

Ras effector pathways modulate scatter factor-stimulated NF-kappaB signaling and protection against DNA damage

Scatter factor (SF) (hepatocyte growth factor) is a pleiotrophic cytokine that accumulates within tumors in vivo and protects tumor cells against cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to DNA damaging agents in vitro. Previous studies have established that SF-mediated cell protection involves antiapoptotic signaling from its receptor (c-Met) to PI3 kinase --> c-Akt --> Pak1 (p21-activated kinase -1) --> NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappa B). Here, we found that Ras proteins (H-Ras and R-Ras) enhance SF-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and protection of DU-145 and MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells against the topoisomerase IIalpha inhibitor adriamycin. Studies of Ras effector loop mutants and their downstream effectors suggest that Ras/PI3 kinase and Ras/Raf1 pathways contribute to SF stimulation of NF-kappaB signaling and cell protection. Further studies revealed that Raf1 positively regulates the ability of SF to stimulate NF-kappaB activity and cell protection. The ability of Raf1 to stimulate NF-kappaB activity was not due to the classical Raf1 --> MEK1/2 --> ERK1/2 pathway. However, we found that a MEK3/6 --> p38 pathway contributes to SF-mediated activation of NF-kappaB. In contrast, RalA, a target of the Ras/RalGDS pathway negatively regulated the ability of SF to stimulate NF-kappaB activity and cell protection. Ras, Raf1 and RalA modulate SF stimulation of NF-kappaB activity, in part, by regulating IkappaB kinase (IKK)-beta kinase activity. These findings suggest that Ras/Raf1/RalA pathways may converge to modulate NF-kappaB activation and SF-mediated survival signaling at the IKK complex and/or a kinase upstream of this complex.

Biomechanics of the intrinsically optimal design of the intervertebral disc

The spinal shock-absorbing disc needs to have the flexibility to enable the spine to bend and twist. At the same time under loading, its lateral and axial deformations have to be contained, so that it does not herniate and impinge on the spinal-chord. The disc is composed of a fluid-like nucleus pulposus (NP) contained within an annulus. Hence when the disc is loaded, the NP gets pressurized and stresses the surrounding annulus. Now, because its elastic modulus is stress-dependent (i.e. E-E ₀ = ksigma, where k is a constitutive parameter ), the annulus stiffens under loading. In this way, the flexible disc is able to sustain its loading with minimal deformation and thereby contain its deformation. In this paper, we have carried out a stress and deformation analysis of the spinal disc, and demonstrated that its deformations are invariant with the load intensity and only dependent on its dimensions and its constitutive property parameter k. Thus, we demonstrate that the intrinsic design of the spinal disc makes it an optimal structure.

Effect of Akt inhibition on scatter factor-regulated gene expression in DU-145 human prostate cancer cells

The cytokine scatter factor (SF) (hepatocyte growth factor) transduces various biologic actions, including cell motility, invasion, angiogenesis and apoptosis inhibition. The latter is relevant to understanding the role of SF in promoting tumor cell survival in different contexts, for example, detachment from basement membrane, growth in metastatic sites and responses to chemo- and radiotherapy. Previously, we showed that SF protects cells against apoptosis owing to DNA damage, by a mechanism involving phosphoinositol-3-kinase/c-Akt signaling. Here, we used DNA microarray assays to identify c-Akt-regulated genes that might contribute to cell protection. DU-145 human prostate cancer cells were transfected+/-a dominant-negative mutant Akt, treated+/-SF and analysed for gene expression using Affymetrix arrays. These studies identified SF-regulated genes for which induction was c-Akt-dependent vs -independent. Selected microarray findings were confirmed by semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We tested the contribution of four SF-inducible/c-Akt-dependent genes (AMPD3, EPHB2, MX1 and WNT4) to protection against adriamycin (a DNA topoisomerase IIalpha inhibitor) using RNA interference. Knockdown of each gene except EPHB2 caused a small but significant reduction in the SF cell protection. The lack of effect of EPHB2 knockdown may be due to the fact that DU-145 cells contain a single-mutant EPHB2 allele. A combination of three small interfering RNAs blocked most of the protection by SF in both DU-145 and T47D cells. These findings identify novel c-Akt-regulated genes, some of which contribute to SF-mediated cytoprotection.