Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) and Defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) gene polymorphisms are not associated with periodontitis in Malays

INTRODUCTION

In line with the association of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with periodontitis among the Chinese and European populations, the current study was aimed to assess the same association among the Malays in Malaysia.

METHODS

Blood samples of individuals with periodontitis (PD) (n=72) and periodontally healthy (PH) (n=62) donors were obtained from Malaysian Periodontal Database and Biobanking system (MPDBS). Genomic DNA samples were analyzed for three PTGS2 SNPs (rs5275, rs20417, rs689466,) and one DEFB1 SNP (rs1047031) using Taqman SNP genotyping assays. Notably, rs20417 and rs689466 were located in the promoter region while rs5275 and rs1047031 were located in the 3' untranslated region of the transcript. Association between the SNPs and PD were then analyzed using genotypic association analysis (additive, dominant and recessive models).

RESULTS

The allelic frequency for the rs689466-G was higher in PD group (35.2%) compared that in PH group (29.0%). However, the association of rs689466-G and other SNPs with PD was not statistically significant (at 95% CI). No associations were observed for genotypic associations between the PTGS2 and DEFB1 SNPs with PD susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

PTGS2 (rs5275, rs20417, and rs689466) and DEFB1 (rs1047031) polymorphism was not associated with PD in Malays, unlike the Chinese, Taiwanese & European population. This suggests that other causal variants might be involved in the development and progression of PD among Malays.

Extracellular Vesicle Proteome of Breast Cancer Patients with and Without Cognitive Impairment Following Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy: An Exploratory Study

Cognitive impairment due to cancer and its therapy is a major concern among cancer patients and survivors. Extracellular vesicle (EVs) composition altered by cancer and chemotherapy may affect neurological processes such as neuroplasticity, potentially impacting the cognitive abilities of cancer patients and survivors. We investigated the EV proteome of breast cancer patients with and without cognitive impairment following anthracycline-based chemotherapy from longitudinally collected plasma. EVs were cup-shaped and positive for Flotillin-1 and TSG-101. We identified 517 differentially expressed EV proteins between the cognitive impaired and non-impaired groups during and post-chemotherapy. The observed decreased expression of p2X purinoceptor, cofilin-1, ADAM 10, and dynamin-1 in the plasma EVs of the cognitive impaired group may suggest alterations in the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. The reduced expression of tight junction proteins among cognitive-impaired patients may imply weakening of the blood-brain barrier. These EV protein signatures may serve as a fingerprint that underscores the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in cancer patients and survivors.

A study protocol for HEalth-Related quality of life-intervention in survivors of Breast and other cancers experiencing cancer-related fatigue using TraditionAL Chinese Medicine: the HERBAL trial

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating condition which commonly affects cancer survivors. The management of CRF remains a challenge due to the lack of effective pharmacological interventions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be a potential therapeutic option for CRF. The modified Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (XBYRT) is a TCM herbal decoction, formulated to improve fatigue symptoms in cancer survivors. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XBYRT in improving CRF and quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors.

METHODS

This is a single centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Eighty cancer survivors will be recruited and randomized to receive the XBYRT or placebo decoction, in a ratio of 1:1. Participants will consume the XBYRT/placebo decoction daily for 8 weeks and undergo assessments at baseline and 4, 8 and 10 weeks after baseline. The participants will be assessed for patient-reported outcomes (PRO), blood biomarkers and adverse events at each time point. The primary outcome is the overall health and QOL status, at 8 weeks follow-up. The secondary outcomes are the effects of XBYRT on fatigue levels, cancer-related cognitive impairment and QOL, as assessed by PRO. The incidence of adverse events and the effects of the XBYRT decoction on blood biomarkers associated with CRF will also be evaluated.

DISCUSSION

Efficacy and safety outcomes from this trial will provide important clinical data to guide future large-scale randomized controlled trials, and the evaluation of the objective blood biomarkers can help to delineate the biological mechanisms of CRF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04104113 . Registered on 26 September 2019.

Development and Evaluation of Multimedia Interventions to Promote Breast and Cervical Health among South Asian Women in Hong Kong: A Project Protocol

Recent studies conducted in the local community indicate that the uptake rates of breast and cervical cancer screening among South Asian ethnic minorities are lower than those of the general population. The development of interventions to promote these minorities' awareness of breast and cervical health and the importance of cancer screening is therefore required. This study protocol aims to develop culturally sensitive multimedia interventions to promote awareness of breast and cervical cancer prevention among South Asian women in Hong Kong, and to evaluate the outcomes of such interventions using a Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance framework. By using a multimedia approach and developing socio-culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate educational materials, information related to cancer and accessible preventive measures for breast and cervical cancer is expected to be disseminated more effectively among South Asian women and ultimately increase their awareness of engaging in healthy lifestyles and taking part in cancer screening tests. Successful engagement of community partners will enhance the future sustainability of the project.

EGFR-Co-Mutated Advanced NSCLC and Response to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

OBJECTIVES

The evolution of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has changed the landscape of disease for a subset of patients with NSCLC. Most patients with an EGFR mutation respond to these drugs; however, a proportion show limited or no tumor response. We explored the impact of co-mutation (double or multiple mutation), compared with a single mutation, of the EGFR gene on response to TKIs in a series of patients with metastatic NSCLC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the mutation profiles of nonsquamous NSCLC tested at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 2012 and 2015 by MassArray using the OncoCarta v1.0 panel. Patients with metastatic disease whose tumors had sensitizing EGFR mutation(s) were included. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). We used the Kaplan-Meier method for PFS and overall survival; the log rank test was used to compare groups with and without co-mutation. Multivariable analysis was done for PFS; response rate was assessed using chi-square and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were included, and of these, eight (12.9%) had a co-mutation. The median PFS and overall survival times were 11.5 and 26.3 months, respectively. Patients with EGFR co-mutation had a significantly shorter median PFS than those with a single mutation (5.7 months versus 12.3 months, p = 0.02). The response rate to TKIs was significantly worse in those with co-mutation compared with in those without co-mutation (38% versus 89%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Taking into account the small number of patients in this study, PFS in patients with EGFR co-mutation appeared significantly shorter, and response rate significantly lower, than in patients with a single mutation. Data from multipanel testing may identify subgroups of patients who are likely to respond poorly to standard treatment. Clarification of these subgroups may improve patient care.

Three decades of sea water abstraction by Kapar power plant (Malaysia): What impacts on tropical zooplankton community?

Zooplankton samples collected before (1985-86) and after (2013-14) the establishment of Kapar power station (KPS) were examined to test the hypothesis that increased sea surface temperature (SST) and other water quality changes have altered the zooplankton community structure. Elevated SST and reduced pH were detected between before and after impact pairs, with the greatest impact at the station closest to KPS. Present PAHs and heavy metal concentrations are unlikely causal factors. Water parameter changes did not affect diversity but community structure of the zooplankton. Tolerant small crustaceans, salps and larvaceans likely benefited from elevated temperature, reduced pH and shift to a more significant microbial loop exacerbated by eutrophication, while large crustaceans were more vulnerable to such changes. It is predicted that any further rise in SST will remove more large-bodied crustacean zooplankton, the preferred food for fish larvae and other meroplankton, with grave consequences to fishery production.

The suitability of small biopsy and cytology specimens for EGFR and other mutation testing in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) when their tumor harbors an activating EGFR mutation. As the majority of NSCLC patients present with advanced disease, cytology and small biopsy specimens are frequently the only tissue available for mutation testing, but can pose challenges due to low tumor content. We aim to better define the suitability of these specimens for mutation testing.

METHODS

NSCLC cases referred to our institution for mutation testing over a 15-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Specimens were tested for mutations including EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF, using a multiplex PCR assay (OncoCarta Panel v1.0) and analyzed on the Agena Bioscience MassARRAY platform.

RESULTS

A total of 146 specimens were tested, comprising 53 (36.3%) resection specimens (including 28 lung resection specimens), 55 (37.7%) small biopsy specimens and 38 (26%) cytology specimens. Of 142 cases with sufficient DNA for mutation testing, EGFR mutations were detected in 31 specimens (21.8%), KRAS mutations in 31 specimens (21.8%) and BRAF mutations in three specimens (2.1%). There was no significant difference in the EGFR mutation rate between lung resection (10 of 28 cases; 35.7%), small biopsy (9 of 53 cases; 17%), and cytology specimens (8 of 36 cases; 22.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the utility of small biopsy and cytology specimens for mutation testing. Careful evaluation of the adequacy of small specimens is required to minimize the risk of false negative or positive results.

BRAF mutations in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

BRAF is a proto-oncogene encoding a serine/threonine protein kinase which promotes cell proliferation and survival. BRAF mutations are commonly seen in melanoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinicopathological features of BRAF mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases submitted for routine mutation testing at our institution.

METHODS

Mutation analysis for BRAF, EGFR and KRAS was performed using Sequenom MassARRAY platform with OncoCarta panel v1.0. Pathological features were reviewed and immunohistochemistry for BRAF V600E was also performed.

RESULTS

Seven out of 273 cases (2.6%) had BRAF mutations (three males and four females, median age 70 years, all smokers), with six adenocarcinomas and one NSCLC, not otherwise specified (NOS). All had wild-type EGFR and KRAS. The identified BRAF mutations were V600E (4/7, 58%), K601N, L597Q and G469V. BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry was positive in two cases with V600E and negative in one case with K601N (tissue available in three cases only). No significant difference in age or gender was found (BRAF mutant vs. wild-type).

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF mutations occur in a small proportion of NSCLC that lack other driver mutations. The clinicopathological profile differs from that of EGFR mutant tumours. The potential benefits of BRAF-inhibitors should be investigated.

Alterations of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor gene copy number and protein expression are common in non-small cell lung cancer

Aims

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) is a tyrosine kinase membrane receptor involved in tumourigenesis that may be a potential therapeutic target. We aimed to investigate the incidence and prognostic significance of alterations in IGF1R copy number, and IGF1R protein expression in resected primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and lymph node metastases.

Methods

IGF1R gene copy number status was evaluated by chromogenic silver in situ hybridisation and IGF1R protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray sections from a retrospective cohort of 309 surgically resected NSCLCs and results were compared with clinicopathological features, including EGFR and KRAS mutational status and patient survival.

Results

IGF1R gene copy number status was positive (high polysomy or amplification) in 29.2% of NSCLC, and 12.1% exhibited IGF1R gene amplification. High IGF1R expression was found in 28.3%. There was a modest correlation between IGF1R gene copy number and protein expression (r=0.2, p<0.05). Alterations of IGF1R gene copy number and protein expression in primary tumours were significantly associated with alterations in lymph node metastases (p<0.01). High IGF1R gene copy number and protein expression was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared with other subtypes of NSCLC (p<0.05). There were no other associations between IGF1R status and other clinicopathological features including patient age, gender, smoking status, tumour size, stage, grade, EGFR or KRAS mutational status or overall survival.

Conclusions

High IGF1R gene copy number and protein overexpression are frequent in NSCLC, particularly in SCCs, but they are not prognostically relevant.

Correlation of BRAF and NRAS mutation status with outcome, site of distant metastasis and response to chemotherapy in metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of BRAF and NRAS mutations in metastatic melanoma patients remains uncertain, with several studies reporting conflicting results, often biased by the inclusion of patients treated with BRAF and MEK (MAPK) inhibitors. We therefore interrogated a historical cohort of patients free of the confounding influence of MAPK inhibitor therapy.

METHODS

Patients with available archival tissue first diagnosed with metastatic melanoma between 2002 and 2006 were analysed. Mutational analysis was performed using the OncoCarta Panel. Patient characteristics, treatment outcome and survival were correlated with BRAF/NRAS mutation status.

RESULTS

In 193 patients, 92 (48%) melanomas were BRAF-mutant, 39 (20%) were NRAS-mutant and 62 (32%) were wild-type for BRAF/NRAS mutations (wt). There was no difference in response to chemotherapy based on mutation status (35-37%). The distant disease-free interval (DDFI) was significantly shorter in patients with wt melanoma (27.9 months vs 35.1 for BRAF and 49.1 for NRAS) although this was not significant in multivariate analysis. Survival from stage IV melanoma diagnosis was not significantly different based on mutation status. The DDFI was significantly shorter in patients with BRAF(V600K/R) versus BRAF(V600E) melanoma in univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF and NRAS mutation status does not influence survival in metastatic melanoma.

Moving into a new era of periodontal genetic studies: relevance of large case-control samples using severe phenotypes for genome-wide association studies

Studies to elucidate the role of genetics as a risk factor for periodontal disease have gone through various phases. In the majority of cases, the initial 'hypothesis-dependent' candidate-gene polymorphism studies did not report valid genetic risk loci. Following a large-scale replication study, these initially positive results are believed to be caused by type 1 errors. However, susceptibility genes, such as CDKN2BAS (Cyclin Dependend KiNase 2B AntiSense RNA; alias ANRIL [ANtisense Rna In the Ink locus]), glycosyltransferase 6 domain containing 1 (GLT6D1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), have been reported as conclusive risk loci of periodontitis. The search for genetic risk factors accelerated with the advent of 'hypothesis-free' genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, despite many different GWAS being performed for almost all human diseases, only three GWAS on periodontitis have been published - one reported genome-wide association of GLT6D1 with aggressive periodontitis (a severe phenotype of periodontitis), whereas the remaining two, which were performed on patients with chronic periodontitis, were not able to find significant associations. This review discusses the problems faced and the lessons learned from the search for genetic risk variants of periodontitis. Current and future strategies for identifying genetic variance in periodontitis, and the importance of planning a well-designed genetic study with large and sufficiently powered case-control samples of severe phenotypes, are also discussed.

Patterns of DNA mutations and ALK rearrangement in resected node negative lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Many studies have examined specific mutations in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma across heterogeneous stages, comprising predominantly advanced/metastatic disease, but there is little data regarding the mutation profile of patients with early stage node negative disease. The aim of this study was to identify patterns of mutations in early stage node negative lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 204 patients who underwent resection for stage IB (sixth Ed American Joint Committee on Cancer) lung adenocarcinoma and received no neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatments were identified. Tumors were genotyped using the OncoCarta v1.0 kit (Sequenom, San Diego, CA) on the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for ALK rearrangement was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 110 (54%) patients' tumors harbored at least one mutation. KRAS, EGFR, PIK3CA, ALK, PDGFRA, AKT1, BRAF, FGFR1, and HRAS mutations were detected in tumors from 77 (37.7%), 29 (14.2%), 9 (4.4%), 2 (1%), 2 (1%), 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%), and 1 (0.5%) patients respectively. Synchronous mutations (either comutations or double mutations) were identified in 18 (8.8%) patients. KRAS and PIK3CA mutations were associated with poorly differentiated tumors (p = 0.03; p = 0.02), whereas EGFR mutations were associated with well-differentiated tumors (p = 0.001). Five tumours contained EGFR mutations (one T790M and four exon 20 insertions), which are associated with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs).

CONCLUSIONS

Diverse patterns of mutations are seen in resected node-negative lung adenocarcinoma including an unexpectedly low rate of ALK rearrangement, EGFR mutations associated with resistance to EGFR-TKIs and a high rate of synchronous mutations. These data may influence the design of future adjuvant targeted therapy trials.

EGFR mutant-specific immunohistochemistry has high specificity and sensitivity for detecting targeted activating EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma

AIM

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-specific antibodies for detecting two common activating EGFR mutations.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical expression of mutation-specific antibodies against EGFR exon 19 deletion E746-A750 ((c.2235_2249del15 or c.2236_2250del15, p. Glu746_Ala750del) and exon 21 L858R point mutation (c.2573T>G, p.Leu858Arg) were assessed in a cohort of 204 resected early stage node negative lung adenocarcinomas, and protein expression was compared with DNA analysis results from mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

Of seven cases with L858R point mutation, six were positive by immunohistochemistry (IHC). There were three false positive cases using L858R IHC (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 98.5%, positive predictive value 66.7%, negative predictive value 99.5%). All seven E746-A750 exon 19 deletions identified by mutation analysis were positive by IHC. Four additional cases were positive for exon 19 IHC but negative by mutation analysis. The sensitivity of exon 19 IHC for E746-A750 was 100%, specificity 98.0%, positive predictive value 63.6% and negative predictive value 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutant-specific EGFR IHC has good specificity and sensitivity for identifying targeted activating EGFR mutations. Although inferior to molecular genetic analysis of the EGFR gene, IHC is highly specific and sensitive for the targeted EGFR mutations. The antibodies are likely to be of clinical value in cases where limited tumour material is available, or in situations where molecular genetic analysis is not readily available.

Co-inheritance of variants/mutations in Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease; it affects the mucosa and deeper layers of the digestive wall. Two Crohn's disease patients who carried the JW1 variant and two patients who carried the SNP5 variant were investigated for other co-inherited polymorphisms that could influence Crohn's disease development. Based on the sequencing results, a homozygous 5'-UTR-59 G to A variant in exon 1 (SNP6) was observed in a patient who carried SNP5, while a heterozygous SNP6 variant was detected in the other patient who carried SNP5. No other associated mutations or polymorphisms were detected in the two patients who carried the JW1 variant of the CARD15/NOD2 gene.

Initiation of insulin for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: what are the issues? A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive condition in which the pancreatic beta-cell function deteriorates with increasing duration of the disease. When good glycaemic control is not achieved despite adherence to oral hypoglycaemic drugs, healthy diet and lifestyle, insulin should be initiated. However, this is often delayed due to various reasons. We aimed to determine the issues relating to insulin initiation for diabetic patients managed in primary care polyclinics in Singapore.

METHODS

Qualitative data was obtained during four focus group discussions, with participation from healthcare professionals (HCPs), including physicians and nurses, and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The data was transcribed into text, coded and grouped into themes.

RESULTS

Launching the topic and doctor-patient communication on insulin therapy were key issues in insulin initiation. Patient barriers to insulin commencement included: refusal to acknowledge the need for insulin therapy; its perception as a social stigma, an inconvenient mode of treatment or punishment for failure; and fear of needles, side-effects and complications. The HCP's attitude and experience with insulin therapy were also possible barriers.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight that insulin initiation is affected by the complex interaction between the patients and HCPs, and other system factors. Patients may harbour misconceptions about insulin due to the late introduction of insulin therapy by HCPs or the way the therapy is being communicated to them. The key issues to address are the disparity in perceptions of diabetic control between HCPs and patients, and education regarding the need for insulin therapy.

SeqVis: visualization of compositional heterogeneity in large alignments of nucleotides

Most phylogenetic methods assume that the sequences evolved under homogeneous, stationary and reversible conditions. Compositional heterogeneity in data intended for studies of phylogeny suggests that the data did not evolve under these conditions. SeqVis, a Java application for analysis of nucleotide content, reads sequence alignments in several formats and plots the nucleotide content in a tetrahedron. Once plotted, outliers can be identified, thus allowing for decisions on the applicability of the data for phylogenetic analysis.

AVAILABILITY

http://www.bio.usyd.edu.au/jermiin/programs.htm.

p53DINP1, a p53-inducible gene, regulates p53-dependent apoptosis

Using the differential display method combined with a cell line that carries a well-controlled expression system for wild-type p53, we isolated a p53-inducible gene, termed p53DINP1 (p53-dependent damage-inducible nuclear protein 1). Cell death induced by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as well as Ser46 phosphorylation of p53 and induction of p53AIP1, were blocked when we inhibited expression of p53DINP1 by means of an antisense oligonucleotide. Overexpression of p53DINP1 and DNA damage by DSBs synergistically enhanced Ser46 phosphorylation of p53, induction of p53AIP1 expression, and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the protein complex interacting with p53DINP1 was shown to phosphorylate Ser46 of p53. Our results suggest that p53DINP1 may regulate p53-dependent apoptosis through phosphorylation of p53 at Ser46, serving as a cofactor for the putative p53-Ser46 kinase.

Alteration of nuclear matrix protein composition of neuroblastoma cells after arsenic trioxide treatment

The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of arsenic trioxide on the nuclear matrix protein profiles of mouse neuroblastoma cells. Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. Our results demonstrated that 2 microM As2O3 could significantly inhibit the growth of Neuro-2a cells. As early as 24 hours after As2O3 treatment, we began to observe the alteration of nuclear matrix proteins and apoptosis in tumor cells by TUNEL assay but not by DNA ladder. An increase expression of Hsc in nuclear matrix proteins of 2 microM As2O3 treated cells was also noted. Our results also showed that before a mass range of apoptosis occurred, the composition of nuclear matrix proteins had altered. Hence the alteration of nuclear matrix proteins, such as increased expression of Hsc, may be a sensitive indicator for the detection of early apoptosis.

The measurement of AgNORs in human glioma cells

Sixty gliomas obtained by neurosurgical resections were examined. Paraffin blocks were retrieved from pathological files of the Second Affiliated Hospital in Guangzhou Medical College. The methods of argyrophilic technique for AgNORs staining, and Image Analysis System for measurement of AgNORs were used. Six parameters, which included hcount, count, narea, agnrea, agpern and agperc were used to correlated well with histopathological grades (compared grade 2 & 3, grade 3 & 4, and grade 2 & 4, respectively). We concluded that AgNORs is useful in evaluating proliferative activity and assessing the malignancy of human gliomas. It may also be used as a target for anti-neoplastic drugs in the treatment of gliomas.

Identification of seven genes regulated by wild-type p53 in a colon cancer cell line carrying a well-controlled wild-type p53 expression system

We applied a differential display method to screen mRNAs isolated from a newly established cell line that carried a wild-type p53 transgene under control of the lactose operon. To investigate the p53 signaling pathway, we looked for genes whose expression was significantly induced or suppressed by induction of wild-type p53 protein, and identified seven. DNA sequence analyses revealed that the two genes that were upregulated encoded isozyme 6 of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH6) and subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (COI). The five genes that were downregulated encoded protein-tyrosine kinase (Syk), high mobility group chromosomal protein 17 (HMG-17), transferrin receptor, human alpha-tubulin, and sds22-like protein. The results indicated that genes related to cell cycle regulation, cell respiration, and cytoskeletal structure are involved in the process of growth arrest induced by wild-type p53.

Isolation and characterization of a novel TP53-inducible gene, TP53TG3

We applied the differential mRNA display method to isolate genes regulated by wild-type TP53 in cells of a colon-cancer line (SW480) in which we had established an inducible TP53 expression system under the control of the lactose operon. Here we report isolation and characterization of a novel TP53-inducible gene, termed TP53TG3 (TP53 target gene 3). Its DNA sequence was identical to sequences present in two BAC clones that had been mapped to chromosome band 16p13. The gene expressed several transcripts by alternative splicing; the two major transcripts, TP53TG3a and TP53TG3b, encoded 124- and 132-amino-acid peptides that were expressed predominantly in testis. Immunohistochemical analysis using cancer cells (HeLa or H1299) that had been transfected with plasmid DNA designed to express the MYC-fused TP53TG3 proteins indicated that these products were present mainly in the cytoplasm 20 hr after transfection. However, 40 hr after transfection, the recombinant proteins had accumulated in the nuclei of some cells. Because no known nuclear localization domain was present in the amino acid sequence, we suspect that this protein plays an important role in the TP53-mediated signaling pathway, when it forms complexes with other protein(s) and is transferred by them into the nucleus. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 26:329-335, 1999.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura with intracerebral hemorrhage: case report

We report the case of a 5-year-old patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) who had a large intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in the left parietal area. HSP complicated by ICH is rare, with only three cases reported in the literature. Conservative treatment with steroid therapy in this patient was successful and no further major neurologic sequelae occurred.

Epidermolysis bullosa letalis with pyloric atresia in an infant

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited diseases, that are characterized by vesiculobullous lesions that arise in response to minimal trauma or friction. The three major groups of EB differ according to the ultrastructural level of cleavage namely: simplex (epidermolytic), junctional and dystrophic (dermolytic). The combination of EB and pyloric atresia in rare and there is a definite association between them. We report a baby boy who died epidermolysis bullosa complications despite successful surgical correction of this pyloric atresia.

Pelvic mucocele following colostomy: CT and ultrasound findings

Mucocele formation is a rare complication of colorectal surgery. We present a case of a mucocele following colostomy and mucosal proctectomy for fecal incontinence. The pathophysiologic and radiologic features are similar to those of mucocele of the appendix.

Application of region of interest definition to quadtree-based compression of CT images

A quadtree-based data compression algorithm can provide different levels of compression within and outside of regions of interest (ROIs). The current study shows whether ROI compression can provide greater compression or diagnostic accuracy than uniform quadtree compression. In 75 single CT images from 75 consecutive abdominal examinations, 43 abnormalities were identified and surrounded by ROIs. Three radiologists interpreted the images following (1) 50:1 compression of the entire image; (2) ROI compression at five decreasing compression ratios (with 50:1 compression outside the ROI); and (3) reversible (lossless) compression of the entire image. Reversible compression (compression ratio 3:1) yielded a sensitivity of 96%. ROI compression of 15:1 was achieved with no loss of sensitivity; ROI compression of 28:1 yielded a sensitivity of 91% (not significantly different). At any given compression ratio, diagnostic sensitivity was greater with ROI compression than with uniform quadtree compression. For purposes of image archiving, quadtree-based ROI compression is superior to uniform compression of CT images.