A novel HLA-DRB1 allele, DRB1*112802, was identified in a Chinese individual

We report here a novel human leukocyte antigen-DRB1 allele, DRB1*112802, which was identified from a Chinese individual during sequence-based typing. The new allele is identical to DRB1*112801 except for one nucleotide change at nucleotide 189 (A --> G ), codon 34 Q (CAA) --> Q (CAG), no coding change.

Retrosigmoid keyhole approach to the posterior cranial fossa: an anatomical and clinical study

The purpose of this study is to describe the microsurgical anatomic features, as well as the operative technique for the retrosigmoid keyhole (RSK) approach to the posterior cranial fossa. In the anatomical study, 6 cadaveric heads were dissected to simulate the RSK approach. In the clinical study, the records for 15 patients treated using the RSK approach were examined. We found both conventional and RSK procedures expose the regions superior to the anterolateral margin of the tentorium, inferior to the foramen magnum, and medial to the anterolateral pons and medulla. Clinically, total removal was achieved in 13 out of 15 patients. We feel it is a safe, succinct, and minimally invasive alternative to the traditional retrosigmoid approach in selected patients.

Full length sequence of the HLA-Cw*0361 allele identified in a Chinese Han potential bone marrow donor from Northern China

HLA-Cw*0361 allele differs from Cw*030301 by one nucleotide substitution at nt 566 from T to A, resulting in an amino acid change at codon 165 from Val to Glu.

Identification of a novel HLA-Cw*08 variant allele, Cw*0824

A novel HLA-C allele, Cw*0824, which was identified from an individual of the Han Chinese, differs from Cw*080101 at codon 222 (GAG > AAG ) in exon 4, which results in an amino acid change Glu222Lys.

Elevated ability to compete for limited food resources by 'all-fish' growth hormone transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio

Food consumption, number of movements and feeding hierarchy of juvenile transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio and their size-matched non-transgenic conspecifics were measured under conditions of limited food supply. Transgenic fish exhibited 73.3% more movements as well as a higher feeding order, and consumed 1.86 times as many food pellets as their non-transgenic counterparts. After the 10 day experiment, transgenic C. carpio had still not realized their higher growth potential, which may be partly explained by the higher frequency of movements of transgenics and the 'sneaky' feeding strategy used by the non-transgenics. The results indicate that these transgenic fish possess an elevated ability to compete for limited food resources, which could be advantageous after an escape into the wild. It may be that other factors in the natural environment (i.e. predation risk and food distribution), however, would offset this advantage. Thus, these results need to be assessed with caution.

Complete genomic sequence of a novel HLA-B*1325 allele observed in a Chinese Han individual

The complete genomic sequence of HLA-B*1325 allele shows one nucleotide difference from B*130101 at nt 302 where A --> G resulting in an amino acid substitution from Asn(AAC) to Ser(AGC) at codon 77 in exon 2.

Genomic sequence of HLA-Cw*1222 allele identified in a Chinese Han patient from Southern China

The genomic sequence of HLA-Cw*1222 allele is identical to Cw*120202 except for a single-nucleotide substitution at codon 87 (CAG-->CGG) resulting in an amino acid change from Gln to Arg.

Elevated levels of serum antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

This study was undertaken to investigate whether levels of anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies (ASCMAs), a serological marker for Crohn’s disease, seronegative spondyloarthritis and Behcet’s disease, also correlate with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in humans. Serum samples from healthy volunteers ( n = 152) and patients with SLE ( n = 40) were compared for ASCMA-IgA, -IgG and -IgM levels using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. ASCMA-IgG, but not IgM and IgA, prevalence was significantly raised in active SLE patients (57.5%) compared with healthy controls (8.5%). ASCMA-IgG levels in SLE patients during remission were relatively lower, indicating a possible correlation with disease activity. These results differ from a previous study, which did not detect a difference between ASCMA levels in SLE patients and healthy control. It remains to be evaluated whether elevated ASCMA-levels are common to all rheumatic disorders.

Full-length sequence of a novel allele, HLA-Cw*070205

The full-length sequences of exons 1-8 of this novel HLA-Cw*070205 allele are identical to those of HLA-Cw*07020101, except for one nucleotide change at nt 498 in exon 3 from C to T, which result in a synonymous amino acid substitution from ATC to ATT at codon 142 in exon 3.

Identification of a new HLA-Cw*01 variant, Cw*0121, by sequence-based typing in a Chinese patient

HLA-Cw(*)0121 allele was identified in a Chinese patient. It is identical to Cw(*)0104 except for five nucleotides changes.

Full length sequence of a novel HLA-B*132202 allele

Full length sequences of this novel HLA-B*132202 allele are identical to those of HLA-B*132201 allele, except for a synonymous amino acid substitution from ACG to ACC at codon 138 in exon 3.