TATA-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 is a novel biomarker that promotes cell proliferation and migration in gastrointestinal stromal tumor

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a common neoplasm with high rates of recurrence and metastasis, and its therapeutic efficacy is still not ideal. There is an unmet need to find new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST. TATA-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) contributes to the progress of various tumors, while the role and molecular mechanism of TAF15 in GIST progression are still unknown.

AIM

To explore new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST and understand the biological role and underlying mechanisms of TAF15 in GIST progression.

METHODS

Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the differentially expressed proteins in GIST. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used to verify the expression level of TAF15 in GIST tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assay were executed to detect the ability of TAF15 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. A xenograft mouse model was applied to explore the role of TAF15 in the progression of GIST. Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation level and total level of RAF1, MEK and ERK1/2.

RESULTS

A total of 1669 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins with 762 upregulated and 907 downregulated in GIST. TAF15 was selected for the further study because of its important role in cell proliferation and migration. TAF15 was significantly over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with larger tumor size and higher risk stage of GIST. TAF15 knockdown significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration of GIST in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, the inhibition of TAF15 expression significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of RAF1, MEK and ERK1/2 in GIST cells and xenograft tissues, while the total RAF1, MEK and ERK1/2 had no significant change.

CONCLUSION

TAF15 is over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with a poor prognosis of GIST patients. TAF15 promotes cell proliferation and migration in GIST via the activation of the RAF1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, TAF15 is expected to be a novel latent molecular biomarker or therapeutic target of GIST.

[Correlation between the primary tumor size of endometrial carcinoma and lymph node metastasis and recurrence]

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of the primary tumor size in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: A total of 385 patients with EC admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2006 to December 2016 with complete follow up data were selected, whose tumor size data before biopsy were retrospectively studied. Results: (1) The mean diameter of the primary tumor was (3.6±1.8) cm (range: 1-15 cm). And 48 cases were 0-<2 cm, 78 cases were 2-<3 cm, 92 cases were 3-<4 cm, 73 cases were 4-<5 cm, 94 cases were ≥5 cm. The diameter of the tumor was associated with age <60 years old, premenopause, CA₁₂₅≥35 kU/L, non-parturition, poor differentiation, stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, depth of myometrial infiltration ≥1/2, cervical interstitial involvement, adnexal metastasis and lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05), but not associated with body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pathology, lymph-vascular space invasion (all P>0.05). (2) Among the 334 patients underwent lymphadenectomy, 45 (13.5%, 45/334) cases with lymph node metastasis were observed. Stratified analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and recurrence rate of patients with EC gradually increased with the increase of tumor size (P<0.05). Adopting 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm as cut-off values of tumor size, there were significant differences in the rate of lymph node metastasis and recurrence among them observed (P<0.05), except for lymph node metastasis rate and recurrence rate when the cut-off value was 2 cm (P>0.05). (3) An receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that a tumor diameter of 4.25 cm was the cut-off prognostic value to predict lymph node metastasis and recurrence of EC. Conclusions: Tumor diameter is significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and recurrence in patients with EC. Tumor size should be considered in determining the scope of surgery and adjuvant therapy.

miR-429 as biomarker for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancers and its potential action mechanisms: A systematic literature review

miR-429 is a member of miR-200 family. Accumulated evidence has indicated that miR-429 dysregulation is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), progression, development, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis and drug resistance of a variety of cancers. miR-429 might specifically function either as a tumor suppressor or promoter candidate for certain cancers depending on the particular types of tumor cells/tissues. miR-429 appears to have a tumor-suppression role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), breast cancer (BC), gastric carcinoma (GC), glioblastoma (GBM), esophageal cancer (EC), osteosarcoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), cervical cancer (CC), pancreatic cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), nephroblastoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and soft tissue sarcomas. On the other hand, miR-429 has a tumor-promotion role in endometrial cancer (EmCa), prostate cancer (CaP) and lung cancer (LC). However, miR-429 shows paradoxical role in colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), bladder cancer and ovarian cancer (OC). This article summarizes the associations between miR-429 and malignant tumors as well as potential action mechanisms. miR-429 has a potential to be used in the future as a biomarker for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of certain cancers.

Expression of duck hepatitis A virus type 1 VP3 protein mediated by avian adeno-associated virus and its immunogenicity in ducklings

The avian adeno-associated virus (AAAV) is a replication-defective nonpathogenic virus that has been proved to be useful as a viral vector in gene delivery. In this study, the feasibility of AAAV for transgenic expression of duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) VP3 structural protein and its ability to induce protective immunity in ducklings was assessed. The recombinant AAAV (rAAAV-VP3) expressing the VP3 protein was prepared by co-infection of Sf9 cells with recombinant baculovirus (rBac-VP3) containing VP3 gene flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of AAAV and the other two recombinant baculovirus expressing AAAV functional and structural genes, respectively. The generation of rAAAV-VP3 was demonstrated by electron microscopy, immunofluorescence assay, and western blot analysis. One day old ducklings were inoculated with rAAAV-VP3 or commercial attenuated vaccine and then challenged with DHAV-1 strain SH two weeks post vaccination. Anti-DHAV-1 antibodies were detected in all vaccinated groups by ELISA, and the titers between the rAAAV-VP3 group and the attenuated vaccine group were not statistically significant. Real time RT-PCR analysis showed that the virus copy numbers in the livers of the PBS control group were significantly higher than that of the rAAAV-VP3 and attenuated vaccine groups. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the VP3 expression mediated by rAAAV in ducklings could induce protective immunity against DHAV challenge, and this could be a candidate vaccine for the control of duck viral hepatitis. Keywords: avian adeno-associated virus; duck hepatitis A virus; VP3 gene; immunogenicity.

[Primary tracheal malignant glomus tumor with lung metastasis diagnosed by pathological analysis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations, pathological features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary tracheobronchial or pulmonary malignant glomus tumor (MGT). Methods: A case of primary tracheal MGT with lung metastasis diagnosed by pathological analysis admitted to Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in May. 2015 was analyzed, and the related literatures were reviewed. We searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), using the keyword "tracheal or bronchial or pulmonary malignant glomus tumor" from Jan. 1975 to Dec. 2016. Results: A 47 year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital because of cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath for 3 days. The chest CT showed a soft tissue mass with a diameter of 2.5 cm in the lower tracheal segment, and the lumen was narrowed. Meanwhile, multiple nodular opacities were shown in both lungs. The admission diagnosis was thyroid cancer with multiple metastases of lung. Electronic bronchoscopic airway tumor ablation and cryotherapy were performed, and then the biopsy of the tumor was conducted and the pathological study confirmed the diagnosis of primary tracheal MGT. After 1 month, the tracheal tumor recurred. Then, electronic bronchoscopic airway tumor ablation and cryotherapy were performed again. The patient declined further therapy such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy and died one month later. A total of 14 literatures including 15 cases were retrieved from databases. In addition of this case, a total of 16 cases were analyzed, including 9 males, 7 females. Age of onset ranged from 9 to 74 years, and the average age was 49 years. These patients' chest CT showed airway mass or lung space occupying lesions, and the clinical manifestations were nonspecific. Conclusions: Primary MGT in trachea, bronchus or lung is a rare disease, which is easy to be misdiagnosed or to miss diagnosis. The final diagnosis depends on pathological morphology, and the main treatment is lobectomy or tracheal segment resection surgery. Due to its high invasiveness, local recurrence and metastasis may occur easily. The primary MGT in trachea, bronchus or lung is of poor prognosis.

Protection against duck hepatitis a virus type 1 conferred by a recombinant avian adeno-associated virus

The avian adeno-associated virus (AAAV) has been proved to be an efficient gene transfer vector for human gene therapy and vaccine research. In this experiment, an AAAV-based vaccine was evaluated for the development of a vaccine against duck hepatitis a virus type 1 (DHAV-1). The major capsid VP1 gene was amplified and subcloned into pFBGFP containing the inverted terminal repeats of AAAV, and then the recombinant baculovirus rBac-VP1 was generated. The recombinant AAAV expressing the VP1 protein (rAAAV-VP1) was produced by co-infecting Sf9 cells with rBac-VP1 and the other 2 baculoviruses containing AAAV functional genes and structural genes respectively, and confirmed by electron microscopy, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the titer of rAAAV-VP1 was about 9 × 1012 VG/mL. Immunogenicity was studied in ducklings. One day ducklings were injected intramuscularly once with rAAAV-VP1. Serum from rAAAV-VP1-vaccinated ducklings showed a systemic immune response evidenced by VP1-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and virus neutralization test. Furthermore, all ducklings inoculated with rAAAV-VP1 were protected against DHAV-1 challenge. The data of quantitative real-time RT-PCR from livers of challenged ducklings also showed that the level of virus copies in rAAAV-VP1 group was significantly lower than that of the PBS group. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the AAAV-based vaccine is a potential vaccine candidate for the control of duck viral hepatitis.

Study on the expression of human lysozyme in oviduct bioreactor mediated by recombinant avian adeno-associated virus

Due to its antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, human lysozyme (hLYZ) has broad application in the medical field and as a preservative used by the food industry. However, limited availability hinders its widespread use. Hence, we constructed a recombinant avian adeno-associated virus (rAAAV) that would specifically express hLYZ in the chicken oviduct and harvested hLYZ from the egg whites of laying hens. The oviduct-specific human lysozyme expression cassette flanked by avian adeno-associated virus (AAAV) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) was subcloned into the modified baculovirus transfer vector pFBX, and then the recombinant baculovirus rBac-ITRLYZ was generated. The recombinant avian adeno-associated virus was produced by co-infecting Sf9 cells with rBac-ITRLYZ and the other 2 baculoviruses containing AAAV functional genes and structural genes, respectively. Electron microscopy and real-time PCR revealed that the recombinant viral particles were generated successfully with a typical AAAV morphology and a high titer. After one intravenous injection of each laying hen with 2 × 1011 viral particles, oviduct-specific expression of recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ) was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. The expression level of rhLYZ in the first wk increased to 258 ± 11.5 μg/mL, reached a maximum of 683 ± 16.4 μg/mL at the fifth wk, and then progressively declined during the succeeding 7 wk of the study. Western blotting indicated that the oviduct-expressed rhLYZ had the same molecular weight as the natural enzyme. These results indicate that an efficient and convenient oviduct bioreactor mediated by rAAAV has been established, and it is useful for production of other recombinant proteins.

Interleukin-6 -572G/C polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility

Strong evidence suggests that cancer-associated inflammation promotes tumor growth and progression, and interleukin-6 (IL6) is an important modulator of inflammation. However, the roles of IL6 and mutations of its corresponding gene in prostate cancer have not been clearly documented. We retrieved data from the Oncomine database concerning IL6 expression in prostate cancer and its role in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. We also performed a case-control study of the IL6 -572G/C polymorphism (rs1800796) in 236 sporadic prostate cancer patients and 256 healthy controls from a southern Han Chinese population. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between rs1800796 and prostate cancer susceptibility. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to test the transcriptional activity of the IL6 promoter G and C alleles. IL6 was overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, especially in those with higher Gleason scores. Moreover, elevated IL6 expression was associated with high PSA recurrence rate in Oncomine data. Our case-control study demonstrated that compared with the -572C allele, the -572G allele conferred a borderline increased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 0.99-1.74, P = 0.061). This was more pronounced in the subgroup of individuals having never smoked (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.07-3.22). Moreover, the G allele showed increased activity relative to the C allele in the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our results suggest that the -572G/C polymorphism may be associated with IL6 expression, which in turn plays a role in prostate cancer development.

Cross talk between PKC and CREB in the induction of COX-2 by PGF2α in human amnion fibroblasts

Compelling evidence indicates a crucial role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in parturition. Both the maternal and fetal sides of the fetal membranes synthesize PGF2α, which exerts effects via the prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP) that is coupled to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the inducible synthesis of prostaglandin. Although activation of PKC is known to induce COX-2 expression, it is not clear whether PGF2α can induce COX-2 via FP receptor-coupled PKC activation. COX-2 promoter carries a cAMP-response element (CRE) and phosphorylation of CRE binding protein 1 (CREB1) is associated with COX-2 expression in human amnion fibroblasts. We demonstrated that human amnion fibroblasts produced PGF2α and expressed FP receptor. PGF2α increased COX-2 expression and CREB1 phosphorylation, which could be blocked by either the FP receptor antagonist AL8810 or PKC inhibitor Ro31-7549. The PKC activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), could mimic the induction of COX-2 and CREB1 phosphorylation. The induction of COX-2 by PGF2α and PMA could be attenuated by the small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of CREB1 expression or overexpressing dominant-negative CREB1. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that the binding of CREB1 to the COX-2 promoter was increased by PGF2α and PMA in amnion fibroblasts. In conclusion, we provide evidence that PGF2α induces COX-2 expression via the FP receptor and phosphorylates CREB1 by PKC, thus increasing CREB1 binding to the COX-2 promoter and the expression of COX-2 in human amnion fibroblasts. This feed-forward loop may be crucial for the production of prostaglandins in the fetal membranes prior to the onset of labor.

The Sp1 transcription factor is crucial for the expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in human placental trophoblasts

CONTEXT

Overexposure of the fetus to glucocorticoids early in gestation is detrimental to fetal development. Glucocorticoid concentrations in the fetal circulation are kept low by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2, encoded by HSD11B2) in the placental syncytiotrophoblasts. However, cytotrophoblasts, the progenitors of syncytiotrophoblasts, express low levels of 11β-HSD2. Here we studied the molecular mechanisms underlying 11β-HSD2 induction upon syncytialization.

METHODS

Freshly isolated human term placental cytotrophoblasts and in vitro differentiated syncytiotrophoblasts were examined to determine the methylation status of HSD11B2 promoter. The transcription factor responsible for 11β-HSD2 induction was identified by observing its expression upon syncytialization, the effect of its attenuation, and its binding to the HSD11B2 promoter.

RESULTS

11β-HSD2 expression was markedly increased upon syncytialization in vitro. No methylation differences of HSD11B2 promoter were found between cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. Expression of the transcription factor Sp1 was markedly induced during syncytialization and further increased by activation of the cAMP pathway, which correlated with 11β-HSD2 expression. Importantly, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Sp1 expression or inhibition of Sp1 activity with mithramycin A markedly attenuated not only basal but also cAMP pathway-stimulated expression of 11β-HSD2 in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Stimulation of the cAMP pathway also increased the binding of Sp1 and RNA polymerase II to HSD11B promoter in syncytiotrophoblasts. Concomitantly, acetylation at histone H3K9 was increased whereas methylation at histone H3K9 was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

11β-HSD2 induction upon syncytialization is at least in part due to the increased expression of Sp1 upon activation of the cAMP pathway rather than the differential methylation of the HSD11B2 promoter.

Cross talk between cAMP and p38 MAPK pathways in the induction of leptin by hCG in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts

Leptin produced by the placental syncytiotrophoblasts participates in a number of processes in pregnancy including implantation, proliferation of the cytotrophoblasts, and nutrient transfer across the placenta. Despite the functional significance of leptin in pregnancy, the regulation of leptin synthesis is poorly understood in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts. In this study, we investigated the role of endogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the regulation of leptin production as well as the underlying mechanism involving the cross talk between cAMP and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We found that neutralization of endogenous hCG with its antibody dose dependently decreased leptin mRNA level and secretion, whereas exogenous hCG increased leptin mRNA level and secretion. Activation of the cAMP pathway with dibutyryl cAMP (db cAMP) or forskolin recapitulated the stimulatory effect of hCG on leptin expression. Inhibition of protein kinase A with H89 not only reduced the basal leptin expression but also attenuated the induced leptin expression by hCG. Treatment of the syncytiotrophoblasts with db cAMP and hCG phosphorylated p38 MAPK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB203580 not only reduced the basal leptin production but also attenuated the leptin-induced production by both hCG and db cAMP. These data suggest that endogenous hCG plays a significant role in maintaining leptin production in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts, and this effect involves a cross talk between cAMP and p38 MAPK pathways.

Expression of progesterone receptor A form and its role in the interaction of progesterone with cortisol on cyclooxygenase-2 expression in amnionic fibroblasts

CONTEXT

Human amnion fibroblasts produce abundant prostaglandins toward the end of gestation, which is believed to be one of the major events leading to parturition. Glucocorticoids have been shown to up-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, the crucial enzyme catalyzing prostaglandin synthesis, in human amnion fibroblasts. Although a major propregnancy hormone, the effect of progesterone and the associated progesterone receptor subtypes in the regulation of both basal and glucocorticoid-induced COX-2 expression in human amnion fibroblasts have not been resolved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cultured human amnion fibroblasts prepared from the fetal membranes at term pregnancy without labor mainly expressed the progesterone receptor A form (PRA). Inhibition of endogenous progesterone production with trilostane or knockdown of PRA expression with small interfering RNA significantly enhanced the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated COX-2 induction by cortisol, whereas overexpression of PRA attenuated the induction by cortisol. Co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed PRA in the GR protein complex. Although exogenous progesterone did not alter COX-2 expression under basal conditions, it attenuated cortisol-induced COX-2 expression at concentrations about 10- to 50-fold higher, which might be achieved by competition with cortisol for GR.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated in this study that endogenous progesterone might counteract the induction of prostaglandin synthesis by cortisol via PRA transdominant repression of GR function, whereas high levels of progesterone might further inhibit the induction by cortisol via competitive binding to GR in human amnion fibroblasts. These inhibitory actions of progesterone and PRA on glucocorticoids and GR may partly explain the inconsistent effects of glucocorticoids on parturition in humans.

Role of human chorionic gonadotropin in maintaining 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 expression in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts

Proper glucocorticoid exposure in utero is vital for normal fetal organ maturation, but excess glucocorticoids are detrimental to fetal growth and can even predispose the individuals to the high risk of having certain diseases in adulthood. The fetus is protected from 10 times higher maternal glucocorticoid levels by the placental enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11beta-HSD2), which converts biologically active cortisol to inactive cortisone. Thus it is of primary importance to understand how this enzyme is regulated. Activation of cAMP/PKA pathway is known to upregulate 11beta-HSD2 expression in placental syncytiotrophoblasts, however the endogenous hormones utilizing this pathway remain largely unknown. By using cultured human placental syncytiotrophoblasts, we demonstrated that inhibition of protein kinase A with H89 attenuated 11beta-HSD2 expression in the syncytiotrophoblasts, suggesting endogenous factors from the syncytiotrophoblasts using this pathway to maintain 11beta-HSD2 expression in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Neutralization of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by the syncytiotrophoblasts with hCG antibody decreased 11beta-HSD2 promoter activity, mRNA and protein expression as well as intracellular cAMP level, while treatment of the syncytiotrophoblasts with exogenous hCG increased 11beta-HSD2 expression, which was attenuated by H89. Furthermore, we found that cortisol increased both hCG expression and secretion. The up-regulation of 11beta-HSD2 expression by cortisol was significantly attenuated by co-treatment with hCG antibody or H89 in the syncytiotrophoblasts. In conclusion, hCG is an important paracrine or autocrine hormone maintaining 11beta-HSD2 expression and the up-regulation of 11beta-HSD2 expression by cortisol may be mediated in part by hCG in the syncytiotrophoblasts.

Paradoxical stimulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by glucocorticoids via a cyclic AMP response element in human amnion fibroblasts

Human amnion fibroblasts produce abundant prostaglandins toward the end of gestation, which is one of the major events leading to parturition. In marked contrast to its well-described antiinflammatory effect, glucocorticoids have been shown to up-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in human amnion fibroblasts. The mechanisms underlying this paradoxical induction of COX-2 by glucocorticoids have not been resolved. Using cultured human amnion fibroblasts, we found that the induction of COX-2 mRNA expression by cortisol was a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent process requiring ongoing transcription. Upon transfection of a COX-2 promoter-driven reporter gene into the amnion fibroblasts, cortisol stimulated the COX-2 promoter activity. This was abolished by mutagenesis of a cAMP response element (CRE) at -53 to approximately -59bp as well as by cotransfection of a plasmid expressing dominant-negative CRE-binding protein (CREB). The phosphorylation level of CREB-1 was significantly increased by cortisol treatment of the amnion fibroblasts, whereas the effect was attenuated either by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 or the p38 -MAPK inhibitor SB203580. The induction of the COX-2 promoter activity and the phosphorylation of CREB-1 were also blocked by the GR antagonist RU486. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that the binding of CREB-1 to the CRE of the COX-2 promoter was increased by cortisol treatment of the amnion fibroblasts. In conclusion, cortisol, via binding to GR, stimulated COX-2 expression by increasing phosphorylated CREB-1 binding to the CRE of the COX-2 gene. Cortisol may phosphorylate CREB-1 by activating either protein kinase A or p38-MAPK in the amnion fibroblasts.

Measurement of milk D-3-hydroxybutyrate with a simple UV spectrophotometer method: an alternative assay method

The measurement of D-3-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHBA) in milk samples is an important tool for diagnosis of subclinical/clinical ketosis in dairy cows. We describe a simple UV spectrophotometric method for measuring the concentration of D-BHBA in milk of dairy cows. From two herds, 119 milk samples were taken from dairy cows. The standard-curve equation was y = 0.2582x + 0.0269 (R2 = 0.9967). The assay was highly specific with a minimum detection limit of 0.01 mmol/L and measuring range of up to 5 mmol/L. The recovery was between 99.35% and 100.22% and repeatability was 99.8%. The comparison between the spectrophotometric method and the fluorometric method revealed a close correlation (r = 0.9939). These results show that the spectrophotometric method can be successfully used as an alternative method to measure D-BHBA content in milk.

Congenital isolated upper limb hypertrophy with hand abnormality--a report of 2 cases

Two cases of congenital isolated hypertrophy of the left upper limb with different hand deformities are described. A 4-year-old girl had splayed fingers and an abducted thumb due to anomalous muscles. Excision of these muscles corrected the deformity. The other, an 8-year-old boy, had severe ulnar drift of the fingers (windblown-like hand). He had corrective osteotomies of the second and third metarcarpals and reconstruction of the collateral ligaments. The deformity was corrected and at the latest follow up there was with no recurrence of the deviation. Both cases regained good hand function.