HMGB1 Translocation is Associated with Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells and Involved in the Progression of Fibroblastic Sarcoma.

The morphological variability and genetic complexity of fibroblastic sarcoma makes its diagnosis and treatment a challenge. High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which functions as a DNA chaperone and a prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern, plays a paradoxical role in cancer. However, the expression pattern and role of HMGB1 in fibroblastic sarcomas is ill defined.

Two cases of non-haematological cause of fetal hydrops in at-risk pregnancies for homozygous α0-thalassemia.

In recent years, sonography has been successfully used as an alternative method for prenatal detection of Hb Bart's disease in areas with high prevalence of α-thalassemia. We present two cases in which the fetuses demonstrated signs of Hb Bart's disease by sonography, however, invasive procedures could not confirm it. We recommend that, in prenatal diagnosis of Hb Bart's disease by sonography, the diagnosis should always be confirmed with definitive methods to exclude false-positive findings.

Chronic hypoxemia absent bacterial infection is one cause of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS).

The object of the investigation was to determine whether chronic fetal hypoxemia triggers a systemic fetal inflammatory response absent bacterial infection. Chronically hypoxemic (10.5% O(2)) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 400 microg/kg of maternal body weight) injected intrauterine (but extra-amniotic) treated pregnant guinea pigs were used with appropriate controls.

Prenatal control of Hb Bart's disease in southern China.

Alpha-thalassemia (thal) is one of the most common genetic diseases and is widely distributed in southern China. Fetuses with homozygous alpha(0)-thal, known as Hb Bart's (gamma(4)) disease, usually die during the last trimester of gestation, and the affected pregnancies are frequently associated with serious maternal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis is needed for early detection of this disease in couples at-risk.

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy in Southern China.

Objective: To analyze the etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) for a southern section of China.

Methods: 138 cases of NIHF presenting after 20 weeks' gestation over a 10-year period were reviewed.

Results: The causes of fetal hydrops were identified in 92.

Prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia by reverse dot-blot hybridization in southern China.

Beta-thalassemia (thal) is the most common genetic disease and is widely distributed in southern China. Prenatal diagnosis is needed to prevent the birth of thalassemic offspring in couples at-risk. This can be performed in the first or second trimester of pregnancy by DNA analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Efficacy and safety of cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of diagnostic cordocentesis.

Methods: Between January 1991 and May 2004, 2,010 cordocentesis were performed in the outpatient setting in 2,010 women with singleton pregnancies. A fixed needle guide and a 22-gauge percutaneous needle were used and no more than 2 attempts were allowed at 1 visit.

Prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in Southern China.

Objective: To control the birth of thalassemic children in Southern China.

Study Design: DNA-based diagnosis was offered on fetal tissues in pregnancies when beta-globin gene mutations were identifiable in both parents using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse dot blot (RDB) assay. An automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system was used to analyze fetal hemoglobin in pregnancies when mutation was unidentified in at least one parent.

[Studies on safety of cordocentesis guided by transabdominal ultrasound for prenatal diagnosis].

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of diagnostic cordocentesis during pregnancy.

Methods: During March 1990 to June 2003, 2403 consecutive cordocenteses were performed under transabdominal ultrasound guidance at Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital. The results of each procedure was prospectively collected and subsequently analysed in terms of operational complications and pregnancy outcomes.