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Biomedical subjects

J Ng

Publications and source records attributed to J Ng.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Relative frequencies of DRB1*11 alleles and their DRB3 associations in five major population groups in a United States bone marrow registry.

One hundred sixty-one individuals from each of five US population groups, Caucasians (CAU), African Americans (AFA), Asians/Pacific Islanders (API), Hispanics (HIS), and Native Americans (NAT), were randomly selected from a volunteer bone marrow registry database consisting of 14,452 HLA-DRB1*11 positive individuals. This sampling provided at least an 80% probability of detecting a rare allele that occurred at 1% in the DRB1*11 positive population. Samples were typed for DRB1*11 alleles by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe typing (PCR-SSOP). A total of 10 DRB1*11 alleles out of 27 possible alleles were detected. The distribution and diversity of DRB1*11 alleles varied among populations although DRB1*1101 was the predominant DRB1*11 allele in all populations. Caucasians were the least diversified; only four common alleles (DRB1*1101-*1104) were observed. As well as the four common alleles, other groups also carried one or two other less frequent alleles including DRB1*1105 (API), *1106 (API), *1110 (AFA), *1114 (HIS), *1115 (NAT), and *1117 (AFA). A subset (418) of these individuals were also typed for DRB3 alleles. Most (97.6%) showed a strong association of DRB1*11 with DRB3*0202.

Black or African American↗

Diversity of alleles encoding HLA-B40: relative frequencies in united states populations and description of five novel alleles.

The frequency of each B*40 allele was determined by DNA sequencing in four major United States populations: Caucasians, African Americans, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. Thirty-two individuals from each ethnic group, who were previously described serologically as B40, B60, or B61, were randomly selected out of a pool of 82,979 unrelated individuals for allele characterization. Out of nine different B*40 alleles identified in this study, B*4001 and B*4002 were the two most frequent B*40 alleles in all the population groups. B*4001 was the primary B*40 allele seen in Caucasians (83%) and African Americans (76%), while B*4002 was found in the majority of Hispanics (62%). The distributions of both alleles were comparable in the Asian/Pacific Islander population. These two alleles were the only B*40 alleles detected in Caucasians while four to five additional B*40 alleles were seen in the other population groups. The other B*40 alleles detected in this study included: B*4003 and B*4010 in Asian/Pacific Islanders; B*4012 and B*4016 in African Americans; and B*4004, B*4006, and B*4027 in Hispanics. Analysis revealed significant differences between Hispanics and all other groups as well as between African Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders. This report also describes five novel B*40 alleles: B*4019, B*4020, B*4024, B*4027, and B*4028.

Alleles↗

Frequencies of HLA-A2 alleles in five U.S. population groups. Predominance Of A*02011 and identification of HLA-A*0231.

Direct DNA sequencing was used to determine the frequency of alleles within the HLA-A2 family in five US population groups. The most frequently detected HLA-A2 allele in all groups was HLA-A*02011. Caucasian and Native American populations appear to be the most homogeneous exhibiting 95.7% and 94.3% A*02011, respectively. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander populations were the most allelicly diverse populations with 9 and 7 different HLA-A2 alleles present, respectively, but the majority of the populations were HLA-A*02011. African-Americans were also diverse, not in the number of alleles seen, but in the percentage of non-A*02011 alleles in the population. HLA-A*0202 (25.8%) and A*0205 (12.9%) were present in a large percentage of African-Americans. Only 13 of the 31 known HLA-A2 alleles were observed in the study. The allelic distributions reflected statistically significant differences among population groups.

Black or African American↗

The relative frequencies of HLA-DRB1*01 alleles in the major US populations.

The frequencies of alleles in the HLA-DRB1*01 family were determined in each of five US populations from a database of 82,979 individuals. Individuals typed as DR1 (or DRB1*01) comprised between 7.6%-21.3% of the individuals in each population group. Fifty-nine DR1 individuals were randomly selected from each group and subjected to high-resolution DNA typing by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. DRB1*0101 was the most common allele in the Caucasian, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American groups while the DRB1*0102 allele was found in the majority of African Americans and Hispanics. DRB1*0103 was present at a similar frequency in all populations. DRB1*0104, DRB1*0105, and DRB1*0106 alleles were not observed.

Alleles↗

Large-scale DNA-based typing of HLA-A and HLA-B at low resolution is highly accurate specific and reliable.

DNA-based typing of HLA class I alleles of the HLA-A and HLA-B loci using sequence-specific oligonucleotide primers and/or probes has been used for the large-scale typing of individuals for the National Marrow Donor Program unrelated donor registry. Typing was performed by 16 laboratories at a low level of resolution (e.g. A*01, B*07). The results of blinded quality control analysis for the first 12 months of the project show the typing to be highly accurate, specific and reliable. The total error rate based on 11,545 HLA-A and 11,428 HLA-B assignments was 1.1% for HLA-A and 1.9% for HLA-B. This level of accuracy is particularly remarkable because the quality control samples could not be distinguished from 64,180 donor samples tested at the same time by the laboratories.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Seventeen more novel HLA-A locus alleles.

This paper describes seventeen novel HLA-A locus alleles: A*0106, *0235, *0236, *0237, *1105, *2302, *2303, *24032, *2422, *2424, *2503, *2613, *3007, *3203, *3204, *6809 and *6810. All alleles were identified due to unexpected probe reaction patterns during routine SSOP typing. Exons 2 and 3 of these alleles were subsequently characterized by DNA sequencing. The alleles represent a shuffling of sequence motifs, likely by interallelic conversion, expanding the diversity of the HLA system.

Alleles↗

The relationship between HLA-B45 and B* 5002 in the five major U.S. population groups.

The antigen encoded by B*5002 differs in sequence from that encoded by B*5001 only at amino acid residue 167 (consensus tryptophan vs. serine) which results in B45 serologic reactivity. To search for B*5002, the frequencies of alleles encoding the serologically defined B45 antigen were determined by sequence-based typing in 5 major U.S. populations: Caucasians, African Americans, Asians/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The percent of serologically defined B45-positive individuals in the 5 populations ranged from 0.7-9.0%. Thirty-two B45-positive individuals were randomly chosen, when available, for sequence-based typing from each ethnic group from a database of 82,979 consecutively typed unrelated individuals. The B*5002 allele was most prevalent in Hispanic (22%) and Caucasian (9%) individuals, while conspicuously absent in African Americans. In addition, a new allele associated with the B45 antigenic specificity, B*4502, has been identified from an African American individual of Middle Eastern descent. In light of the continuing need to reconcile differences between relationships determined by the sequence homologies among alleles and relationships based on the serologic determinants carried by allelic products when determining the level of HLA match for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it is suggested that B*5002 be recognized individually from other B*50 alleles when reporting HLA-B typings for clinical purposes.

Alleles↗

DRB3 alleles with variations in the annealing sites of commonly used amplification primers.

New HLA alleles are often identified initially from observing uncommon patterns found in low-resolution typing performed via polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP). Recently, the HLA-DR oligotyping analysis of two Caucasian, one Caucasian/American Indian and two African American individuals resulted in the identification of three novel DRB3 alleles. Using DRB-specific primer sets commonly employed in amplification-based typing, all four individuals were originally characterized as DRB3 negative. Direct sequencing identified DRB3*0104 (variation at codon 8, TCG instead of TTG), and DRB3*0101202 (variation at intron (-13), G instead of C). One individual appeared to carry a DR52-associated DRB1 allele without an associated DRB3 allele. Lack of conservation at the junction of intron 1 and exon 2 of the DRB3 gene suggests that commonly used DRB-specific primer sets may need to be modified.

Alleles↗

The extent of HLA class II allele level disparity in unrelated bone marrow transplantation: analysis of 1259 National Marrow Donor Program donor-recipient pairs.

A comprehensive analysis of the HLA-D region loci, DRB1, DRB3, DRB5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1, was performed to determine allelic diversity and underlying HLA disparity in 1259 bone marrow recipients and their unrelated donors transplanted through the National Marrow Donor Program. Although 43.0% of DRB1 alleles known to exist at the beginning of the study were found in this predominantly Caucasian transplant population, a few alleles predominated at each locus. In recipients, 67.1% of DRB1 alleles identified were one or two of six common DRB1 alleles. Only 118 (9.4%) donor-recipient pairs were matched for all alleles of DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1. While 79.4% of the pairs were matched for DRB1, only 13.2% were matched for DPB1 alleles. Almost 66% of pairs differed by more than one allele mismatch and 59.0% differed at more than one HLA-D locus. DQB1 was matched in 85.9% of DRB1-matched pairs. In contrast, only 13.9% of the pairs matched for DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 were also matched for DPA1 and DPB1. This database, highlighting the underlying HLA disparity within the pairs, forms the foundation of an ongoing study to establish the relationship between HLA matching and successful outcome in unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Alleles↗

Basal cell carcinoma in chronic arsenicism occurring in Queensland, Australia, after ingestion of an asthma medication.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of trivalent inorganic arsenic has long been recognized as a cause of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and has been reported most often in Taiwan and Singapore. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the clinical and histologic characteristics of BCCs occurring in Australian Caucasians as a consequence of chronic arsenicism due to ingestion of an arsenic-containing medication. METHODS: Self-referred persons with a history of ingestion of Bell's Asthma Medication were interviewed, and skin examinations were performed. Local age- and sex-matched patients with BCCs were used to compare the distribution and histologic subtypes of BCCs in arsenic-exposed and sporadic cases. RESULTS: Thirty-six persons (21 male, 15 female; mean age, 57 years) participated, all of whom had been exposed to the asthma medication early in life (mean age, 13 years) for a mean duration of 5 years. Each person had at least one cutaneous sign of chronic arsenicism, either self-reported or on examination, and all except one had a history of either BCC or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, with self-reports of 20 to 2000 skin lesions removed per person. The mean age at first presentation with a BCC was 33 years, but neither latency nor number of skin lesions appeared to be related to duration of exposure to arsenic. BCCs in persons exposed to arsenic occurred more often on sun-protected sites compared with BCCs in age- and sex-matched sporadic cases (P <.001), but the distribution and histologic subtypes between these two groups were similar. CONCLUSION: We have described BCCs in arsenic-exposed Australians and shown that they occur predominantly in sun-protected locations. Although the reported number of skin lesions is very high, the latency and number do not appear to be related to the duration of arsenic exposure. The histologic types of the BCCs occurring in arsenic-exposed persons are not different from sporadic BCCs.

Adult↗

A Drosophila ESC-E(Z) protein complex is distinct from other polycomb group complexes and contains covalently modified ESC.

The extra sex combs (ESC) and Enhancer of zeste [E(Z)] proteins, members of the Polycomb group (PcG) of transcriptional repressors, interact directly and are coassociated in fly embryos. We report that these two proteins are components of a 600-kDa complex in embryos. Using gel filtration and affinity chromatography, we show that this complex is biochemically distinct from previously described complexes containing the PcG proteins Polyhomeotic, Polycomb, and Sex comb on midleg. In addition, we present evidence that ESC is phosphorylated in vivo and that this modified ESC is preferentially associated in the complex with E(Z). Modified ESC accumulates between 2 and 6 h of embryogenesis, which is the developmental time when esc function is first required. We find that mutations in E(z) reduce the ratio of modified to unmodified ESC in vivo. We have also generated germ line transformants that express ESC proteins bearing site-directed mutations that disrupt ESC-E(Z) binding in vitro. These mutant ESC proteins fail to provide esc function, show reduced levels of modification in vivo, and are still assembled into complexes. Taken together, these results suggest that ESC phosphorylation normally occurs after assembly into ESC-E(Z) complexes and that it contributes to the function or regulation of these complexes. We discuss how biochemically separable ESC-E(Z) and PC-PH complexes might work together to provide PcG repression.

Animals↗

Effects of dehydration on phonation in excised canine larynges.

The effects of exposure to dry air on phonation were measured in an ex vivo model of vocal fold vibration. Excised canine larynges were mounted on an apparatus and made to phonate at a constant subglottal pressure by means of unhumidified airflow. The phonation threshold pressure (PTP), glottal airflow, sound intensity of the acoustic output, and effects on vocal efficiency were also assessed. Student's t-test was performed on the results. In 17 larynges, the average PTP increased from 10.0 cm H2O to 15.0 cm H2O after exposure to dry airflow (p < .001). In addition, the average flow increased from 585 mL/s to 801 mL/s at a constant suprathreshold subglottal pressure (p < .001), and from 323 mL/s to 610 mL/s at the PTP (p < .001). The average acoustic output levels, measured during stable phonation segments, markedly decreased with exposure to the dry airflow, from 91.5 dB to 88.5 dB (p < .001). The average vocal efficiency decreased from 3.63 x 10(-4) to 7.00 x 10(-5) (p < .001). No such changes were seen in control larynges phonated with 100% humidified air used for driving the airflow. The results support previously reported modeling and experimental findings that dehydration of the vocal fold generally degrades laryngeal performance.

Animals↗

Colorectal cancer recurrence during pregnancy--unique and poorly understood clinical entity: report of a case.

The detection of primary or recurrent colorectal cancer during pregnancy is a rare event. Early diagnosis is difficult, because symptoms are often attributed to pregnancy. Here we describe a case of recurrent adenocarcinoma of the colon in a 23-year-old pregnant patient. The relationship between various hormonal and immunological changes of pregnancy and colorectal cancer is discussed.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

Varying features of early age-of-onset "sporadic" and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Although the criteria for clinical diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer are not fully agreed on, young age seems to be a common trait. The purpose of this study is to identify clinicopathologic features of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer patients stratified as a function of family cancer history. METHODS: Two hundred thirty consecutive colorectal cancer patients 40 years or older at time of diagnosis were registered into an ongoing database during a ten-year period. Accurate family history was obtained via medical records, telephone calls, and questionnaires on 146 patients. According to extent of family history of cancer, patients were stratified into seven groups: 1) fulfilling Amsterdam criteria, 2) fulfilling less strict criteria, 3) having at least one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, 4) having at least one distant relative with colorectal cancer, 5) having at least one first-degree relative with any cancer, 6) having at least one distant relative with any cancer, 7) having no family history of cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 146 patients fulfilled Amsterdam and less strict hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer criteria (15 percent). These hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients were significantly younger (31 vs. 35 years; P = 0.0003) and had more metachronous colorectal cancer (27 percent vs. 2 percent; P = 0.007) and less colorectal cancer with nodal or metastatic spread than the non-hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients (35 percent vs. 65 percent; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Precise familial cancer assessment in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer increases the yield of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer diagnosis. Because of the frequent development of metachronous colorectal cancer and favorable prognosis, extensive rather than segmental surgery should be considered in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer patients belonging to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer families.

Adolescent↗

Benefits of stereolithography in orbital reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the benefits of the stereolithography (SLA) modeling system in the evaluation and surgical planning of selected bony orbital pathology. DESIGN: Two case reports. PARTICIPANTS: One patient presented with a displaced left orbital roof fracture into his orbit causing globe compression and binocular vertical diplopia. A second patient underwent removal of his right orbital floor, medial wall, and inferior portion of his lateral wall during excision of a cylindrical cell papilloma of the paranasal sinuses. Postoperatively, he suffered from globe ptosis and binocular oblique diplopia. INTERVENTION: Stereolithographic models of the patients' orbits were obtained from computed tomography data to better assess the bony orbital pathology. In the second patient, the model was used as a template to create a temporary custom fit prosthesis to repair the defect of his orbital walls. RESULTS: The SLA models were useful in evaluating the dimensions of the bony defects and in preoperative surgical planning. Intraoperatively, the SLA models facilitated orbital surgical rehabilitation. Postoperatively, both patients noted resolution of their diplopia after reconstruction of more normal bony anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, SLA offers highly accurate models of the bony orbit for preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and teaching and can act as a template for custom prosthesis manufacturing. This technology increases the orbital surgeon's options in managing complex orbital pathology.

Accidents, Traffic↗