Research status of ginger insecticidal components in botanical insecticides

The development and application of botanical insecticides is important for the sustainable development of green agriculture. The abuse of chemical pesticides has caused serious problems of environment and human health. Botanical insecticides have become an environment-friendly insecticides due to their nature, low toxicity, easy degradation and other advantages, which are an important field of insecticide development in the future. Although botanical insecticides have lots of advantages, there are still problems needed to be resolved, such as insecticidal plant species, impact assessment of botanical pesticide and separation and purification of active components. To excavate the resources of highly effective insecticidal plants and understand the mechanism of botanical insecticides, here we reviewed the progress of resources and active components of botanical insecticides, the mechanisms of action of botanical insecticides, the main active components and insecticidal properties of Zingiber officinale. Finally, we analyzed the difficulties faced in the research and development of botanical insecticides, prospected future directions, and discussed the active components of ginger. This review would provide reference for the deve-lopment of new botanical insecticides.

Genome-wide identification, structure characterization, and expression pattern profiling of aquaporin gene family in cucumber

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin (AQP) proteins comprise a group of membrane intrinsic proteins (MIPs) that are responsible for transporting water and other small molecules, which is crucial for plant survival under stress conditions including salt stress. Despite the vital role of AQPs, little is known about them in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

RESULTS

In this study, we identified 39 aquaporin-encoding genes in cucumber that were separated by phylogenetic analysis into five sub-families (PIP, TIP, NIP, SIP, and XIP). Their substrate specificity was then assessed based on key amino acid residues such as the aromatic/Arginine (ar/R) selectivity filter, Froger's positions, and specificity-determining positions. The putative cis-regulatory motifs available in the promoter region of each AQP gene were analyzed and results revealed that their promoter regions contain many abiotic related cis-regulatory elements. Furthermore, analysis of previously released RNA-seq data revealed tissue- and treatment-specific expression patterns of cucumber AQP genes (CsAQPs). Three aquaporins (CsTIP1;1, CsPIP2;4, and CsPIP1;2) were the most transcript abundance genes, with CsTIP1;1 showing the highest expression levels among all aquaporins. Subcellular localization analysis in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells revealed the diverse and broad array of sub-cellular localizations of CsAQPs. We then performed RNA-seq to identify the expression pattern of CsAQPs under salt stress and found a general decreased expression level of root CsAQPs. Moreover, qRT-PCR revealed rapid changes in the expression levels of CsAQPs in response to diverse abiotic stresses including salt, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000, heat, and chilling stresses. Additionally, transient expression of AQPs in N. benthamiana increased leaf water loss rate, suggesting their potential roles in the regulation of plant water status under stress conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that CsAQPs play important roles in response to salt stress. The genome-wide identification and primary function characterization of cucumber aquaporins provides insight to elucidate the complexity of the AQP gene family and their biological functions in cucumber.

Identification of cucumber circular RNAs responsive to salt stress

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are 3'-5' head-to-tail covalently closed non-coding RNA that have been proved to play essential roles in many cellular and developmental processes. However, no information relate to cucumber circRNAs is available currently, especially under salt stress condition.

RESULTS

In this study, we sequenced circRNAs in cucumber and a total of 2787 were identified, with 1934 in root and 44 in leaf being differentially regulated under salt stress. Characteristics analysis of these circRNAs revealed following features: most of them are exon circRNAs (79.51%) and they prefer to arise from middle exon(s) of parent genes (2035/2516); moreover, most of circularization events (88.3%) use non-canonical-GT/AG splicing signals; last but not least, pairing-driven circularization is not the major way to generate cucumber circRNAs since very few circRNAs (18) contain sufficient flanking complementary sequences. Annotation and enrichment analysis of both parental genes and target mRNAs were launched to uncover the functions of differentially expressed circRNAs induced by salt stress. The results showed that circRNAs may be paly roles in salt stress response by mediating transcription, signal transcription, cell cycle, metabolism adaptation, and ion homeostasis related pathways. Moreover, circRNAs may function to regulate proline metabolisms through regulating associated biosynthesis and degradation genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified large number of cucumber circRNAs and function annotation revealed their possible biological roles in response to salt stress. Our findings will lay a solid foundation for further structure and function studies of cucumber circRNAs.

[The comparation of fusion targeting biopsy and systematic biopsy in the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To systematically compare the differences in the detection rate of prostate cancer with fusion targeting biopsy and systemic biopsy. Methods: A computer-based search of PubMed, Medline, China Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang database (from the beginning of establishment of library to October 2016) on the detection rate of prostate cancer by fusion targeting biopsy and systemic biopsy was performed manually.The inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated by 2 reviewers, and the data were extracted and evaluated respectively. RevMan5.3 software was used to analyze the detection rate of prostate cancer by two biopsy methods. Results: A total of 15 related clinical studies were included, 5 337 cases were enrolled in the study, including 2 667 cases of targeted fusion biopsy and 2 670 cases of routine systemic biopsy. The results showed that the overall detection rate of prostate cancer in targeting fusion biopsy was significantly higher than that of conventional systemic biopsy (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.30, P=0.007). The detection rates of prostate cancer with different risk grades by two biopsy methods were conducted. We found that targeted fusion biopsy had a significant advantage compared with conventional system biopsy (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.19-1.58, P<0.05) in middle and high risk prostate cancer with Gleason ≥ 7 points. In low-risk prostate cancer patients with Gleason score <7, the detection rate of prostate cancer by targeted fusion biopsy was lower (OR=0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89, P<0.05) than that of conventional systemic biopsy. Conclusions: Targeted fusion biopsy was significantly better than systemic biopsy in the overall detection rate of prostate cancer and the detection rate of the middle and high risk prostate cancer with Gleason ≥7 points. However, systemic biopsy performed better in patients with Gleason<7 points of low-risk prostate cancer.

Silicon improves salt tolerance by increasing root water uptake in Cucumis sativus L

Silicon enhances root water uptake in salt-stressed cucumber plants through up-regulating aquaporin gene expression. Osmotic adjustment is a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants. Silicon can alleviate salt stress in plants. However, the mechanism is still not fully understood, and the possible role of silicon in alleviating salt-induced osmotic stress and the underlying mechanism still remain to be investigated. In this study, the effects of silicon (0.3 mM) on Na accumulation, water uptake, and transport were investigated in two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars ('JinYou 1' and 'JinChun 5') under salt stress (75 mM NaCl). Salt stress inhibited the plant growth and photosynthesis and decreased leaf transpiration and water content, while added silicon ameliorated these negative effects. Silicon addition only slightly decreased the shoot Na levels per dry weight in 'JinYou 1' but not in 'JinChun 5' after 10 days of stress. Silicon addition reduced stress-induced decreases in root hydraulic conductivity and/or leaf-specific conductivity. Expressions of main plasma membrane aquaporin genes in roots were increased by added silicon, and the involvement of aquaporins in water uptake was supported by application of aquaporin inhibitor and restorative. Besides, silicon application decreased the root xylem osmotic potential and increased root soluble sugar levels in 'JinYou 1.' Our results suggest that silicon can improve salt tolerance of cucumber plants through enhancing root water uptake, and silicon-mediated up-regulation of aquaporin gene expression may in part contribute to the increase in water uptake. In addition, osmotic adjustment may be a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants.

Conjugated linoleic acid synthesis-related protein proteasome subunit α 5 (PSMA5) is increased by vaccenic acid treatment in goat mammary tissue

This study was conducted to identify proteins associated with the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from trans-vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 C18:1, a precursor for CLA endogenous synthesis) in mammary tissues. Six lactating goats were divided into 2 groups. One group was given an intravenous bolus injection of TVA (150mg) twice daily over 4 d; the other group received saline injections. Treatment with TVA increased the concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and TVA in goat milk. Additionally, TVA treatment increased the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in mammary tissue. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 3 proteins affected by infusions of TVA were identified. Proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit α type 5 (PSMA5) was upregulated, whereas peroxiredoxin-1 and translationally controlled tumor protein 1 were downregulated in TVA-treated animals compared with the vehicle-injected controls. Only the effect of TVA on PSMA5 could be confirmed by Western blot analysis. To further explore the regulation of PSMA5 in mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA, we used a differentiated bovine mammary epithelial cell line treated with TVA for 6h. Changes in cis-9,trans-11 CLA concentrations and mRNA expression patterns of both SCD and PSMA5 were monitored. The concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased after TVA treatment. The mRNA expression level of PSMA5 was significantly elevated to 6h, but SCD mRNA expression only increased in 2h after TVA treatment. These results indicate that PSMA5 is highly expressed in goat mammary tissue and bovine mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA. Our data suggest that PSMA5 protein is associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue.

Genetics and molecular mapping of genes for high-temperature resistance to stripe rust in wheat cultivar Xiaoyan 54

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most widespread and destructive wheat diseases worldwide. Growing resistant cultivars is the preferred means of control of the disease. The winter wheat cultivar Xiaoyan 54 has high-temperature resistance to stripe rust. To identify genes for stripe rust resistance, Xiaoyan 54 was crossed with Mingxian 169, a winter wheat genotype susceptible to all Chinese races of the pathogen. Seedlings and adult plants of the parents and F(1), F(2), F(3) and F(4) progeny were tested with Chinese race CYR32 under controlled greenhouse conditions and in the field. Xiaoyan 54 has two recessive resistance genes, designated as Yrxy1 and Yrxy2, conferring high-temperature resistance. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to identify molecular markers flanking Yrxy2 using 181 plants from one segregating F(3) line. A total of nine markers, two of which flanked the locus at genetic distances of 4.0 and 6.4 cM on the long arm of chromosome 2A were identified. Resistance gene analog polymorphism (RGAP) and SSR techniques were used to identify molecular markers linked to Yrxy1. A linkage group of nine RGAP and two SSR markers was constructed for Yrxy1 using 177 plants of another segregating F(3) line. Two RGAP markers were closely linked to the locus with genetic distances of 2.3 and 3.5 cM. Amplification of a set of nulli-tetrasomic Chinese Spring lines with RGAP markers M8 and M9 and the two SSR markers located Yrxy1 on the short arm of chromosome 7A. The SSR markers Xbarc49 and Xwmc422 were 15.8 and 26.1 cM, respectively, from the gene. The closely linked molecular markers should be useful for incorporating the resistance genes into commercial cultivars and combining them with other genes for stripe rust resistance.

Preparation and growth mechanism of lead telluride nanocrystals by a modified molten composite-hydroxides method

PbTe nanocrystals were prepared by a modified molten composite-hydroxides method at 180 degrees C for different times, using Pb(NO3)2 and TeO2 as starting materials and KBH4 as a reductant. The nanocrystal structure and morphologies of the synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution TEM (HRTEM), respectively. The results showed that the reaction time has a significant influence on the size and shape of the as-prepared PbTe nanocrystals. As the reaction time increased, the as-prepared products were eventually transformed from nanomaterials (nanocubes, nanorods, and nanosheets) to microcrystals with different morphologies (microcubes, mciroprisms, and microplates). The formation mechanism of the PbTe was proposed, and a one-dimensional oriented attachment growth process combined with two-dimensional oriented attachment growth process was suggested for the growth of nanorods and nanosheets.

Ultra long SiCN nanowires and SiCN/SiO2 nanocables: synthesis, characterization, and electrical property

SiCN nanowires are synthesized by pyrolysis of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) using ferrocene as a catalyst precursor at 1200 degrees C in a flowing argon atmosphere on the surface of mullite substrate, polycrystalline alumina wafer and quartz tube. In oxygen-contained argon atmosphere, SiCN/SiO2 nanocables are synthesized. The as-synthesized products are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The lengths of the nanowires and nanocables are in the millimeter range. The diameter of the SiCN nanowires grown on mullite substrate and alumina wafer ranges from about 10-70 nm, while that of the nanowires grown on quartz tube surface is in the range of around 7-10 nm. The diameters of the SiCN/SiO2 nanocables are relatively large. A vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism of the nanostructures is proposed. The electrical resistivity of a single SiCN/SiO2 nanocable is reported for the first time.

Comparative outcome of reduced intensity and myeloablative conditioning regimen in HLA identical sibling allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients older than 50 years of age with acute myeloblastic leukaemia: a retrospective survey from the Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) of the European group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)

Results of reduced intensity conditioning regimen (RIC) in the HLA identical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) setting have not been compared to those after myeloablative (MA) regimen HSCT in patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) over 50 years of age. With this aim, outcomes of 315 RIC were compared with 407 MA HSCT recipients. The majority of RIC was fludarabine-based regimen associated to busulphan (BU) (53%) or low-dose total body irradiation (24%). Multivariate analyses of outcomes were used adjusting for differences between both groups. The median follow-up was 13 months. Cytogenetics, FAB classification, WBC count at diagnosis and status of the disease at transplant were not statistically different between the two groups. However, RIC patients were older, transplanted more recently, and more frequently with peripheral blood allogeneic stem cells as compared to MA recipients. In multivariate analysis, acute GVHD (II-IV) and transplant-related mortality were significantly decreased (P=0.01 and P<10(-4), respectively) and relapse incidence was significantly higher (P=0.003) after RIC transplantation. Leukaemia-free survival was not statistically different between the two groups. These results may set the grounds for prospective trials comparing RIC with other strategies of treatment in elderly AML.

P2X (purinergic) receptor redistribution in rabbit aorta following injury to endothelial cells and cholesterol feeding

The redistribution of purinergic P2X receptor subunits (P2X(1) to P2X(7)) within the rabbit aorta wall three weeks after endothelial balloon injury/cholesterol feeding was examined. P2X(1) receptor cluster density was elevated in the media following balloon injury/cholesterol feeding by about 30% and these clusters appeared on smooth muscle cells throughout the greatly expanded neointima but they did not change significantly on the endothelial cells following balloon injury. P2X(4) clusters were found in high density throughout the media and in very high density in the enlarged neointima following balloon injury, particularly on the endothelial cells where the density increased about 10-fold after balloon injury. P2X(5) clusters were found in high density in the media of normal aorta but with little change following balloon injury. P2X(3), P2X(6) and P2X(7) cluster density was low in normal aorta and remained unchanged following balloon injury. All receptor subunits were found on endothelial cells. It is suggested that the release of ATP from damaged endothelial cells and from smooth muscle cells sufficient to activate P2X(4) receptors may contribute to neointimal proliferation.

Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for measurement of cytokine and growth factor mRNA expression with fluorogenic probes or SYBR Green I

Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the method of choice for rapid and reproducible measurements of cytokine or growth factor expression in small samples. Fluorescence detection methods for monitoring real-time PCR include fluorogenic probes labelled with reporter and quencher dyes, such as Taqman probes or Molecular Beacons and the dsDNA-binding dye SYBR Green I. Fluorogenic (Taqman) probes for a range of human and rat cytokines and growth factors were tested for sensitivity and compared with an assay for SYBR Green I quantification using real-time fluorescence monitoring (PE Applied Biosystems Model 7700 sequence detector). SYBR Green I detection involved analysis of the melting temperature of the PCR product and measurement of fluorescence at the optimum temperature. Fluorogenic probes provided sensitive and reproducible detection of targets that ranged from low (<10 copies/reaction) to high (>107 copies/ reaction) expression. SYBR Green I gave reproducible quantification when the target gene was expressed at moderate to high levels (> or =1000 copies/reaction), but did not give consistently reproducible quantification when the target gene was expressed at low levels. Although optimization of melting temperature improved the specificity of SYBR Green I detection, in our hands it did not equal the reproducible sensitivity and specificity of fluorogenic probes. The latter method is the first choice for measurement of low-level gene expression, although SYBR Green I is a simple and reproducible means to quantify genes that are expressed at moderate to high levels.

Singaporean humor: a cross-cultural, cross-gender comparison

One hundred and nineteen undergraduate students (62 men and 57 women) of Chinese origin at the National University of Singapore answered three self-report humor questionnaires. Students were also asked to supply their favorite joke (M. A. Johnson, 1991) and a description of a person with an outstanding sense of humor (M. Crawford & D. Gressley, 1991). These responses were compared with results obtained using the same questionnaires and methods in previous studies in Israel and the United States. In general, means and reliabilities of results obtained from the Singapore study replicated those found in other countries. However, Singaporean participants reported significantly less use of humor for coping. Content analysis of jokes supplied by Singaporean students reflected conservative values: Compared with American students, they reported a significantly greater number of jokes with aggressive content and relatively fewer jokes with sexual content. Contrary to expectations, very few gender differences were found. Regardless of gender, a majority of participants nominated a man as an example of a person with an outstanding sense of humor.

A semi-quantitative PCR method for the detection of low levels of apoptotic DNA fragmentation in a heart failure model

Cells that are apoptotic and comprise less than 2% of the total cellular population are difficult to detect by conventional methods (i.e., DNA ladder). We discuss a new methodological technique, PCR-amplified DNA ladder, to detect very low levels of DNA fragmentation (indicative of apoptosis) in a myocardial infarct heart failure model. Results and methodology are contrasted with the traditional DNA ladder technique.

Direct cloning of polymerase chain reaction products into the pinpoint Xa1-T vector protein expression system

Expression of recombinant proteins is an important method for the characterisation of the structure and function of proteins. However, many expression methods can be difficult, time-consuming and lead to low protein yields. The Promega Pinpoint Xal-T vector system is a unique, one-step cloning method that allows the direct insertion of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments into the expression vector. We describe our experience of the use of this system to clone and express three proteins (8-12 kDa) directly from their PCR products. The proteins are expressed as fusion proteins with a 13 kDa biotinylated tag that can be used for detection of the expressed protein and affinity purification. In our case, the yield was greater than 20 mg per litre of culture. Expressed proteins were purified by Q-Sepharose anion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instead of the conventional method of avidin-biotin affinity chromatography. The Pinpoint vector proved to be a relatively simple and fast protein expression technique suitable for wide application for expressing recombinant proteins.

Interferon response in chronic myeloid leukaemia correlates with ABL/BCR expression: a preliminary study

alpha-Interferon (IFN) has been used to induce cytogenetic remission in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), but there are few indicators to predict IFN response. The role of the chimaeric BCR/ABL gene in the malignant process is undisputed. There are, however, conflicting views as to whether the breakpoint site within the BCR gene, and the type of mRNA produced determine disease prognosis and progression. The function and clinical significance of the newly discovered ABL/BCR mRNA has not been investigated for a correlation with CML prognosis or response to therapy. We have used a two-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the transcripts of the chimaeric genes BCR/ABL, ABL/BCR, as well as the normal ABL and BCR genes in 24 CML patients treated with IFN. Because of the variable expression of the four transcripts at presentation, a correlation between gene expression, prognosis and clinical progression was examined. No correlation between prognosis and gene expression was seen. Also, no correlation was found between expression of BCR, ABL or BCR/ABL mRNA and response to treatment with IFN. However, 7/10 ABL/BCR mRNA positive patients achieved a major cytogenetic response to IFN; but of the 13 ABL/BCR mRNA negative patients, only two achieved a major cytogenetic response (P = 0.013). Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

A Ph+ acute myeloid leukaemia expressing both CML-type and ALL-type BCR/ABL mRNA transcripts

This report describes a patient presenting with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML-FAB classification M2). Phenotypic markers were positive for cells of the myeloid lineage, but negative for monocyte/macrophage, megakaryocyte, and T-cell lineages. The occasional blast was positive for CALLA. All blasts carried the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+), with 20% also harbouring a monosomy 7 (a cytogenetic marker for AML). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed the presence of two BCR/Abl mRNA transcripts; b2a2, the CML-type and E1a2, the ALL-type. Immunoglobulin (Ig) gene analysis demonstrated the presence of a small population of cells containing rearranged Ig genes. After a short remission, the patient relapsed. At relapse the leukaemia had undergone a major phenotypic switch from AML to ALL, with blasts bearing B-cell markers. Ig gene analysis confirmed a monoclonal population of B-cells. The Ph+ persisted, but the monosomy 7 had disappeared. The same two BCR/Abl mRNA transcripts were found at relapse as at presentation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an AML simultaneously expressing BCR/Abl transcripts from both the minor and major BCR. The possible mechanisms of this dual expression are discussed.

Bone marrow transplantation for Fanconi's anaemia: the Hammersmith experience 1977-89

Twenty-one patients with Fanconi's anaemia (FA) were treated by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Two, transplanted before 1980, received high dose cyclophosphamide conditioning and both died. Subsequently 19 patients received conditioning with low dose cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg x 4 and total body irradiation 200 cGy x 3. Ten of 19 received HLA identical sibling marrow (ID-BMT) and nine marrow from alternative donors (MM-BMT). Marrow was T cell depleted in 9/19 cases. Sustained engraftment was observed in 13 cases (eight ID-BMT, five MM-BMT). Nine patients developed greater than or equal to grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (six ID-BMT, nine MM-BMT). Chronic GVHD occurred in 5/11 evaluable patients. Overall survival of the low dose cyclophosphamide group was 9/19 (47%) at a median follow-up of 1257 days post-BMT (110-1825). Six of 10 (60%) survived after ID-BMT compared with two of nine (22%) after MM-BMT. We conclude that allogeneic BMT using a low dose cyclophosphamide protocol is a satisfactory treatment for FA patients who have a normal HLA identical sibling. The results of MM-BMT have been poor, and must improve before these transplants can be generally recommended for treatment of FA.

Bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia using cyclosporin: long-term follow-up

Between 1980 and 1986 we transplanted 49 patients from genotypically identical sibling donors for severe aplastic anaemia (SAA). Patients were predominantly adults, median age 22 years (3-47). Forty-six were multiply transfused prior to referral. The median pre-transplant disease duration was 4 months (1-72). Pre-transplant conditioning was with cyclophosphamide (CY) 200 mg/kg. Cyclosporin A (CSA) was given from 1 day before the transplant and continued for 9-12 months. Eight of 48 evaluable patients did not achieve initial engraftment (early graft failure). Six of these episodes occurred in the eight cases transplanted more than 1 year after diagnosis, four of whom died. Thirteen of 44 (30%) evaluable patients (with stable engraftment after one or two transplants) had grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Only three of 35 patients surviving more than 100 days with sustained engraftment developed generalized chronic GVHD; two died. An additional 10 patients developed localized chronic GVHD, which was very mild, transient and related to CSA withdrawal. Four long-term survivors are known to have autologous marrow function. All survivors have Karnofsky scores of greater than 90%. We conclude that the use of CSA after bone marrow transplantation for SAA is associated with good long-term survival and minimal on-going chronic GVHD. Early graft failure was frequent when transplantation was delayed beyond 1 year from diagnosis.

Histocompatible unrelated volunteer donors compared with HLA nonidentical family donors in marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia and leukemia

We treated 14 patients by transplantation of marrow from unrelated volunteer donors. Eight patients had severe aplastic anemia, 3 had chronic granulocytic leukemia, and 3 had Fanconi's anemia. The results are compared with those of a group of 14 similar patients transplanted concurrently from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched family members: Sustained engraftment was achieved in 8 of 14 patients in both groups; one additional patient survived with autologous marrow reconstitution following an unrelated donor transplant. In the unrelated donor group, 6 of 9 evaluable patients developed grade III through IV acute graft-v-host disease, as compared with 4 of 9 patients after family-mismatched transplants. Overall survival was similar in the two groups. In the unrelated donor group 4 of 14 (29%) patients survived (median survival 1,299 days) as compared with 5 of 14 (36%) in the mismatched-family donor group (median survival 808 days). In both groups, patients with HLA phenotypically matched donors fared better than those with donors who were mismatched for one or more HLA antigen. Of the patients transplanted from HLA phenotypically matched donors 6 of 12 patients (50%) survived, as compared with 3 of 16 patients (19%) transplanted from HLA-mismatched donors. We conclude that unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation (BMT) should be considered in those cases of leukemia or bone marrow failure in which the chance of cure using conventional therapy is remote and a HLA genotypically or phenotypically matched family donor is not available.