The ets protein PEA3 suppresses HER-2/neu overexpression and inhibits tumorigenesis

Because HER-2/neu overexpression is important in cancer development, we looked for a method of suppressing the cell transformation mediated by HER-2/neu overexpression. We have identified that the DNA-binding protein PEA3, which is encoded by a previously isolated gene of the ets family, specifically targeted a DNA sequence on the HER-2/neu promoter and downregulated the promoter activity. Expression of PEA3 resulted in preferential inhibition of cell growth and tumor development of HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. This is a new approach to targeting HER-2/neu overexpression and also provides a rationale to the design for repressors of diseases caused by overexpression of pathogenic genes.

Obesity, coronary heart disease risk factors and diabetes in Chinese: an approach to the criteria of obesity in the Chinese population

The aim of this work was to study the relationship between excess body weight and the risks of hypertension and diabetes in the population of northeastern China. Subsections of a cross-sectional survey in Da Qing City were used to assess the relationship of excess weight to risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). A 6-year prospective study also assessed the probability of developing Type 2 diabetes. A total of 2856 adults (25-70 years of age) were assessed cross-sectionally and 629 non-diabetic subjects of similar age were followed-up for 6 years. Blood pressure, plasma fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoporotein (HDL) cholesterol and fibrinogen levels were measured as well as weight, height and waist and hip circumferences. About 45% of adults had a body mass index (BMI) of > or =25.0. Risk factors increased with increasing BMI from a baseline value of 21.0: at a BMI of 23.0-24.9, the risk of hypertension and hypertriglyceridaemia doubled; the risk increased threefold at a BMI of 25.0-26.9. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased progressively in women within the normal BMI range and in men from a BMI of 25.0. Type 2 diabetes was four times as common if the BMI was >27.0. Increasing waist measurements predicted 10-fold increases in hypertension and a three-to-five times increased risk of diabetes. Suitable waist cut-off points were 85cm for men and 80cm for women, with statistical analysis showing waist as the more dominant predictor of risk than age, waist-to-hip ratios or BMIs. Hence, small increases in BMI, and particularly in waist circumference, predict a substantial increase in the risk of diabetes and risk for CHD, especially hypertension, in Chinese adults.

The prognostic value of CDKN2A hypermethylation in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Background:

The prognostic value of CDKN2A promoter hypermethylation in colorectal cancer remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the evidence for assessment of CDKN2A methylation in colorectal cancer to elucidate this issue.

Methods:

Pubmed, Embase and ISI web of knowledge were searched to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association of CDKN2A hypermethylation and overall survival and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer patients. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results:

A total of 11 studies encompassing 3440 patients were included in the meta-analysis. CDKN2A hypermethylation had an unfavourable impact on OS of patients with colorectal cancer (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29–2.11). Subgroup analysis indicated that CDKN2A hypermethylation was significantly correlated with OS in Europe (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.28–1.74) and Asia (HR 3.30; 95% CI 1.68–6.46). Furthermore, there was a significant association between CDKN2A hypermethylation and lymphovascular invasion (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.15–2.47), lymph node metastasis (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.09–2.59) and proximal tumour location (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34–3.26) of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis indicated that CDKN2A hypermethylation might be a predictive factor for unfavourable prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin.

METHODS

This was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with T2DM (N = 438) with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.0-10.0% and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <15 mmol/l (<270 mg/dl) were randomized (1 : 1 : 1) to vildagliptin 50 mg bid, vildagliptin 50 mg qd or placebo in addition to metformin.

RESULTS

The treatment groups were well balanced at baseline [mean HbA1c, 8.0%, FPG, 8.8 mmol/l (158 mg/dl); body mass index, 25.5 kg/m(2) ]. The adjusted mean change (AMΔ) in HbA1c at endpoint was -1.05 ± 0.08%, -0.92 ± 0.08% and -0.54 ± 0.08% in patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg bid, 50 mg qd and placebo, respectively. The between-treatment difference (vildagliptin 50 mg bid-placebo) was -0.51 ± 0.11%, p < 0.001. A greater proportion of vildagliptin-treated patients met at least one responder criterion (82.1 and 70.7%) compared to placebo-treated patients (60.4%). The AMΔ at endpoint for FPG with vildagliptin 50 mg bid, -0.95 mmol/l (-17.1 mg/dl); 50 mg qd, -0.84 mmol/l (-15.1 mg/dl) was significantly different compared with the placebo -0.26 mmol/l (-4.68 mg/dl) (p ≤ 0.001). Adverse events (AEs) were reported as 34.2, 36.5 and 37.5% for patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg bid, 50 mg qd or placebo, respectively. Two patients in the vildagliptin 50 mg qd and one in the placebo group reported serious AEs, which were not considered to be related to the study drug; one incidence of hypoglycaemic event was reported in the vildagliptin 50 mg bid group.

CONCLUSION

Vildagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated in Chinese patients who were inadequately controlled by metformin only.

Suppressed bone turnover was associated with increased osteoporotic fracture risks in non-obese postmenopausal Chinese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

We found that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was associated with increased fracture risks in non-obese postmenopausal Chinese women, and suppressed bone turnover might be the underlying mechanism. This is the first study evaluating and explaining the association of T2DM with osteoporotic fracture in Chinese population with such high homogeneity.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of T2DM with osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

One thousand four hundred ten postmenopausal women were included and stratified into non-obese population [body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m(2)] and obese population (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)). Each type of population was classified into diabetes group, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) group, and normal glucose group. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and serum N-amino terminal prepeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) were quantified. Vertebral fractures (VFs) and non-VFs were assessed by vertebral X-ray and questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS

Comparing to normal glucose group, diabetes group and IFG group both had lower levels of P1NP and β-CTX, despite population types. Despite having non-decreased BMD, non-obese diabetic patients had higher risks of total fracture and VF than BMI-matched normal glucose subjects (both P < 0.05). Non-obese population was further classified by a mean value of P1NP or β-CTX. Non-obese diabetic patients with low P1NP or high β-CTX had higher fracture risks (both P < 0.05), comparing to non-obese normal glucose subjects with high P1NP or high β-CTX, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetic patients had suppressed bone turnover, which might explain the increased fracture risks, independent of BMD. IFG patients might also have poor bone quality and need early prevention.

Gene mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlation in a cohort of Chinese osteogenesis imperfecta patients revealed by targeted next generation sequencing

The achievement of more accurate diagnosis would greatly benefit the management of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In this study, we present the largest OI sample in China as screened by next generation sequencing. In particular, we successfully identified 81 variants, which included 45 novel variants. We further did a genotype-phenotype analysis, which helps make a better understanding of OI.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to reveal the gene mutation spectrum and the genotype-phenotype relationship among Chinese OI patients by next generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

We developed a NGS-based panel for targeted sequencing of all exons of 14 genes related to OI, and performed diagnostic gene sequencing for a cohort of 103 Chinese OI patients from 101 unrelated families. Mutations identified by NGS were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 103 patients from 101 unrelated OI families, we identified 79 mutations, including 43 novel mutations (11 frameshift, 17 missense, 5 nonsense, 9 splice site, and 1 chromosome translocation) in 90 patients (87.4%). Mutations in genes encoding type I collagen, COL1A1 (n = 37), and COL1A2 (n = 29) accounts for 73.3% of all molecularly diagnosed patients, followed by IFITM5 (n = 9, 10%), SERPINF1 (n = 4, 4.4%), WNT1 (n = 4, 4.4%), FKBP10 (n = 3, 3.3%), TMEM38B (n = 3, 3.3%), and PLOD2 (n = 1, 1.1%). This corresponds to 75 autosomal dominant inherited (AD) OI patients and 15 autosomal recessive (AR) inherited patients. Compared with AD inherited OI patients, AR inherited patients had lower bone mineral density (BMD) at spine (P = 0.05) and less frequent blue sclera (P = 0.001). Patients with type I collagen qualitative defects had lower femoral neck BMD Z-score (P = 0.034) and were shorter compared with patients with type I collagen quantitative defects (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

We revealed the gene mutation spectrum in Chinese OI patients, and novel mutations identified here expanded the mutation catalog and genotype and phenotype relationships among OI patients.

HER-2/neu-targeting gene therapy--a review

The HER-2/neu (also named c-erbB-2) oncogene is known to be overexpressed in many human cancers, including breast, ovarian, lung, gastric and oral cancers. In animal models, HER-2/neu overexpression was shown to enhance malignancy and metastasis phenotypes. Repression of HER-2/neu overexpression suppresses the malignant phenotypes of HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells, suggesting that HER-2/neu may serve as an excellent target for developing anti-cancer agents. We have previously shown that the adenovirus-5 (Ad5) E1a gene products and the SV40 large T antigen (large T) inhibit transcription of the HER-2/neu promoter and accordingly suppresses transformation induced by HER-2/neu. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on using cationic liposomes or an Ad vector to deliver E1a or large T into tumor-bearing mice. Our results indicate that both cationic liposomes or an Ad vector can efficiently deliver E1a or large T into tumor cells in mice, and this results in suppression of tumor growth and longer survival of the mice.

Vertebral fracture in postmenopausal Chinese women: a population-based study

In a random sample of postmenopausal Chinese women, the prevalence of radiographic vertebral fractures increased from 13% between ages 50 and 59 to over 50% after age 80 years. A model with seven clinical risk factors predicted the probability of vertebral fractures as well with as without BMD and better than a model with only three risk factors. More than half an hour of outdoor activity per day might correlate with lower risk of vertebral fracture in this population.

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to describe the prevalence and develop a model for prediction of radiographic vertebral fractures in a large random sample of postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

We enrolled 1760 women from an age-stratified random sample of postmenopausal women in Beijing, China. The presence of vertebral fracture was assessed by semi-quantitative grading of lateral thoracolumbar radiographs, risk factors by interview, bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur and lumbar spine by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and markers of bone turnover from a fasting blood sample. Associations of these factors were analyzed in logistic models and discrimination by areas of receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC).

RESULTS

The prevalence of vertebral fracture, ranged from 13.4% ages 50 to 59 years old to 58.1% at age 80 years or older. Older age, a history of non-vertebral fracture, lower femoral neck BMD T-score, body mass index (BMI), height loss, housework, and less than half an hour of outdoor activity were significantly associated with increased probability of having a vertebral fracture. A model with those seven factors had a similar AUC with or without BMD and performed better than a simple model with three factors.

CONCLUSION

This study is from a true random sample of postmenopausal women in urban China with high response rate. The prevalence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women in Beijing increases from 13% under age 60 to over 50% by age 80 years. A model with seven clinical risk factors with or without BMD is better than simple models and may guide the use of spine x-rays to identify women with vertebral fractures. More than half an hour of outdoor activity might correlate with lower risk of vertebral fracture in this population.

Establishment of a normal reference value of parathyroid hormone in a large healthy Chinese population and evaluation of its relation to bone turnover and bone mineral density

A normal reference value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was established for the first time in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects by completely excluding interference of vitamin D deficiency. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study are to establish a normal reference value for serum PTH and to evaluate the effect of parathyroid gland status on bone turnover and BMD.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional study included 1436 healthy individuals from 5 different Chinese cities. Concentrations of serum PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), procollagen I N-terminal peptide (P1NP, a bone formation marker), and carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX, a bone resorption marker) were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relation of PTH concentration to age, gender, height, and weight was examined. Reference values of PTH were established for all subjects and for subjects categorized by serum 25OHD concentrations. Correlations of PTH levels with bone turnover biomarkers and BMD were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Reference values of PTH were 8.84-69.95 pg/mL in all the subjects and 7.48-60.73 and 5.83-56.78 pg/mL in the subjects with serum 25OHD concentrations of ≥20 and ≥30 ng/mL, respectively. Serum PTH showed a negative linear correlation with 25OHD, and the breakpoint was 18.21 ng/mL, below which the PTH level rapidly increased. The increase in PTH levels with age showed a positive linear correlation with P1NP and β-CTX concentrations and a negative linear correlation with BMD at the lumbar spines and the femoral neck.

CONCLUSIONS

A reference value of PTH was established in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects according to 25OHD status, gender, and age. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced BMD.

Normal changes in spinal bone mineral density in a Chinese population: assessment by quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

This study was designed to determine age- and gender-based normative values for spinal bone mineral density (BMD) in a Chinese population. In addition, we compared our data with those of other countries and populations. Four hundred and forty-three healthy Chinese subjects, aged 10-79 years (189 males, mean age 46.9 years; 254 females, mean age 45.7 years) were recruited for BMD assessment. BMD was measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), including posteroanterior DXA (PA-DXA), lateral DXA (L-DXA) and midlateral DXA (mL-DXA). For both genders, BMD values peaked in the 10-19 year age group when measured by QCT, and in the 30-39 year age group when measured by PA-DXA. BMD values decreased with age after reaching peak bone density in males and females for all measurements, except for PA-DXA in males. Male BMD values by DXA tended to increase beginning with the 60-69 age group through the 70-79 age group whether by PA-DXA, or L-DXA and mL-DXA. However, male QCT data showed stable BMD values among these two older groups. Comparative results showed female QCT data were higher in the 20-39 age group and lower after the 40-49 age group compared with American females. The peak BMD value by PA-DXA in Chinese females was reached in the same age group as American and European females and was similar in magnitude (p > 0.05). However, the peak BMD value for Chinese females was reached earlier and was significantly higher than that observed in Japanese females (p < 0.001). We conclude that the age group in which the peak BMD values are reached is different depending on the technique used, as is the calculated age-related rate of bone loss. It can be speculated that such differences reflect different timing for bone maturation in cancellous and cortical bone.

Safety study and characterization of E1A-liposome complex gene-delivery protocol in an ovarian cancer model

A phase I clinical trial of E1A-liposome complex is currently ongoing in patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast or ovarian cancers. To optimize the E1A-liposome complex for a further stage of clinical trial, several aspects of the current protocol have been examined in an animal model. In the orthotopic ovarian cancer model, different doses of lipid in the the E1A-liposome complex, which is currently used in clinical trials, were tested for the in vivo gene-transfer efficacy and tumor-suppression function. A lowered lipid dose--1/13 of the previous amount--produced gene expression level and E1A tumor-suppression efficacy similar to that of the original protocol. Mini-E1A, an E1A construct without its immortalization domain and yet capable of repressing HER-2/neu, was proved to be as potent as E1A in suppressing tumor development in vivo. These changes in the E1A-liposome complex will significantly reduce any potential adverse effects caused by lipid vector and E1A DNA. To examine further whether residual E1A DNA may still exist in normal organs after the E1A-liposome treatment, PCR was used to detect E1A DNA in mice that survived for 1 1/2 years after the last treatment. E1A DNA was detected only in the lungs and kidneys, but not in livers, hearts, spleens, brains, uterus or the ovaries. Furthermore, resistance of the E1A DNA extracted from tissues to the digestion of Dpnl restriction enzyme, which can cleave the methylated E1A plasmid DNA generated by methylation-competent bacteria, suggested integration of E1A DNA into the chromosome of the lungs and kidneys. Experimental results presented here provide important information for safety concerns and for the design of future phase II and phase III trials.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in the Chinese population with impaired glucose regulation: the 2007-2008 China national diabetes and metabolic disorders study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in China. This aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors in Chinese impaired glucose regulation subjects.We used a multistage, stratified sampling method to select subjects from the general Chinese population aged 20 years and older. Subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to identify normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose regulation including isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and combined IFG/IGT and diabetic mellitus (DM). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between glucose abnormalities and CVD events.We identified that 34 293 subjects had NGT, 1 469 i-IFG, 4 571 i-IGT, 957 IFG/IGT and 4 949 DM. The age-sex standardized prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease was 1.06% (95% CI 0.87-1.28), 1.79% (95% CI 1.37-2.33) and 3.83% (95% CI 2.79-5.24) in NGT, impaired glucose regulation and DM, respectively. Among impaired glucose subjects, prevalence of defined CVD risk factors (smoking, overweight, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia) was 29.52% (95% CI: 27.8-31.21), 36.25% (95% CI: 34.29-38.26), 10.05% (95% CI: 8.86-11.37), 36.43% (95% CI: 34.53-38.36) and 69.96% (95% CI: 67.87-71.98), respectively. Compared to 1 risk factor, the odds ratios (ORs) of CVDs with 2, 3 or 4 risk factors were 1.94 (95% CI: 0.74-5.09), 2.76 (95% CI: 1.06-7.21) and 5.84 (95% CI: 1.68-20.26), respectively. Additionally, compared to i-IFGs, ORs of CVDs with i-IGT and IFG/IGT were 2.88 (95%CI 1.36-6.01) and 2.12 (95% CI 0.83-5.44), respectively.The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was high in the Chinese impaired glucose regulation population. The postprandial hyperglycemia is more associated with CVD than isolated fasting hyperglycemia.

A Novel Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure 5,5,5,5‘,5‘,5‘-Hexafluoroleucine

[reaction in text] A novel, short, and efficient synthesis of (S)-5,5,5,5',5',5'-hexafluoroleucine (6) in greater than 99% ee starting from the protected oxazolidine aldehyde 1 is described. The enantiomeric excess of the product was calculated from an NMR analysis of a dipeptide formed by reaction with a protected L-serine derivative. Furthermore, a racemic sample of N-acylated hexafluoroleucine was enzymatically resolved by treatment with porcine kidney acylase I and was found to have the same optical rotation as a synthetic sample of 6.

BMSC-Derived ApoEVs Promote Craniofacial Bone Repair via ROS/JNK Signaling

Bone defect caused by trauma, neoplasia, congenital defects, or periodontal disease is a major cause of disability and physical limitation. The transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promotes bone repair and regeneration. However, it has been shown that most BMSCs die within a short period after transplantation. During apoptosis, BMSCs generate a large number of apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs). This study aims to understand the potential role of ApoEVs in craniofacial bone defect repair and regeneration. First, we confirmed that BMSCs undergo apoptosis within 2 d after transplantation into the defect of the cranium. Abundant ApoEVs were generated from apoptotic BMSCs. Uptake of ApoEVs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of recipient BMSCs in vitro. ApoEVs from cells in the middle stage of apoptosis were the most efficient to enhance the regenerative capacity of BMSCs. Moreover, a critical size bone defect model in rats was used to evaluate the osteogenic property of ApoEVs in vivo. Local transplantation of ApoEVs promoted bone regeneration in the calvarial defect. Mechanistically, ApoEVs promoted new bone formation by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species to activate JNK signaling. This study reveals a previously unknown role of the dying transplanted BMSCs in promoting the viability of endogenous BMSCs and repairing the calvarial defects. Since it could avoid several adverse effects and limits of BMSC cytotherapy, treatment of ApoEVs might be a promising strategy in craniofacial bone repair and regeneration.

Formation of binary alloy cluster ions from group-14 elements and cobalt and comparison with solid-state alloys

By using laser ablation on mixtures of transition metal cobalt and group-14 elements, binary alloy cluster anions were produced while no binary alloy cluster cations were detected, and the homocluster cations of group-14 elements appeared at very low abundance. The differences between clustering abilities of germanium, tin and lead with cobalt are described, and the chemical bonds in the binary alloy cluster anions appear to indicate a transition from covalent to metal bonds. The cluster anion [CoPb10](-) appears in very high abundance (magic number), and an endohedral structure is proposed for this cluster. The cluster anion [CoPb12](-), also representing a magic number, probably has an icosahedral structure. Compared with solid-state Co/Ge binary alloys, the compositions of most binary alloy cluster anions are germanium-rich, in which the covalent bonds are predominant.

Rovibrational-state-selected pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study of methyl iodide using two-color infrared-vacuum ultraviolet lasers

The preparation of methyl iodide (CH(3)I) in selected rovibrational states [nu(7)=1 (C-H stretch); J] by infrared (IR) excitation prior to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization has greatly simplified the observed pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectra, allowing the direct determination of the rotational constants B(+)(C(+))=0.254+/-0.003 cm(-1) for CH(3)I(+)(X (2)E(3/2);nu(7) (+)) and the ionization energy (76 896.9+/-0.2 cm(-1)) for CH(3)I(+)(X (2)E(3/2);nu(7) (+)=1,J(+)=3/2)<--CH(3)I(X (1)A(1);nu(7)=1,J=0). The IR-VUV-PFI-PE and IR-VUV-photoion measurements also provide relative state-to-state (nu(7) (+)=1, J(+)<--nu(7)=1, J) cross sections for the photoionization process.

Safety studies of the intraperitoneal injection of E1A--liposome complex in mice

The HER-2/neu (also called c-erbB-2) proto-oncogene is overexpressed in many human cancer cells, including those of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. We have previously shown that adenovirus 5 E1A inhibits HER-2/neu transcription and functions as a tumor suppressor gene in HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. Liposome-mediated E1A gene transfer suppresses tumor development and prolongs survival of tumor-bearing mice. In support of a phase I clinical trial of an E1A-liposome complex administered to patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast of ovarian cancer, we conducted a series of studies to evaluate the safety of intraperitoneal injection of E1A in normal mice. The cumulative doses used were from five to 40 times the DNA-lipid starting dose proposed for the phase I clinical trial. In this dosing range, the administration of the E1A-liposome complex had no adverse effects on renal, hepatic and hematological parameters studied. No major organ pathologic changes were observed. We concluded that intraperitoneal administration of E1A-liposome complex at the proposed dose would not be expected to produce significant toxicity. The E1A-liposome clinical trial was recently approved by the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee and Food and Drug Administration for a phase I trial in patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast and ovarian cancer.

Glycemic control and self-monitoring of blood glucose in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin: Baseline results from the COMPASS study

AIMS

Self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is not widely utilized in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. In this analysis, we evaluated the current state of SMBG in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin.

METHODS

The 2-phase COMPASS study involved 24 centers across 10 provinces and cities in China. In the first phase, a cross sectional survey was carried out in type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment. The inclusion criteria for the study subjects in the first phase were: type 2 diabetes, insulin treatment for ≥ 3 months, and age ≥ 18 years. Evaluation was made on the status of SMBG and insulin therapy in these patients by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 2819 patients (age 58.2 ± 10.8 years; 49.6% females; BMI 24.6 ± 3.4 kg/m(2)) with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were recruited in phase I of this study. The majority of patients (80.4%) were receiving insulin treatment for at least 6 months. At baseline, the mean HbA1c was 8.5 ± 1.9% and 54.6% of patients had an HbA1c above 8%. 50.4% of the cohort had diabetes for at least 10 years, and fewer of these patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). At baseline, 65.8% of patients reported that daily SMBG frequency was performed on a random basis. 59.2% of patients reported that they occasionally, rarely or never follow their physician's instructions regarding SMBG. Hypoglycemia occurred in over 50% of patients, although in 71.8% of patients this was a rare occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low utilization of SMBG in Chinese adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, with approximately two-thirds of patients reporting irregular use of SMBG. This is in line with an overall poor level of glycemic control.

Weighted learning of bidirectional associative memories by global minimization

A weighted learning algorithm for bidirectional associative memories (BAMs) by means of global minimization, where each desired pattern is weighted, is described. According to the cost function that measures the goodness of the BAM, the learning algorithm is formulated as a global minimization problem and solved by a gradient descent rule. The learning approach guarantees not only that each desired pattern is stored as a stable state, but also that the basin of attraction is constructed as large as possible around each desired pattern. The existence of the weights, the asymptotic stability of each desired pattern and its basin of attraction, and the convergence of the proposed learning algorithm are investigated in an analytic way. A large number of computer experiments are reported to demonstrate the efficiency of the learning rule.