Delineation of individual human chromosomes in metaphase and interphase cells by in situ suppression hybridization using recombinant DNA libraries

A method of in situ hybridization for visualizing individual human chromosomes from pter to qter, both in metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei, is reported. DNA inserts from a single chromosomal library are labeled with biotin and partially preannealed with a titrated amount of total human genomic DNA prior to hybridization with cellular or chromosomal preparations. The cross-hybridization of repetitive sequences to nontargeted chromosomes can be markedly suppressed under appropriate preannealing conditions. The remaining single-stranded DNA is hybridized to specimens of interest and detected with fluorescent or enzymelabeled avidin conjugates following post-hybridization washes. DNA inserts from recombinant libraries for chromosomes 1, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 22, and X were assessed for their ability to decorate specifically their cognate chromosome; most libraries proved to be highly specific. Quantitative densitometric analyses indicated that the ratio of specific to nonspecific hybridization signal under optimal preannealing conditions was at least 8:1. Interphase nuclei showed a cohesive territorial organization of chromosomal domains, and laserscanning confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to aid the 3-D visualization of these domains. This method should be useful for both karyotypic studies and for the analysis of chromosome topography in interphase cells

Cost-effectiveness analysis of pemetrexed versus docetaxel in the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in Spain: results for the non-squamous histology population

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness evaluation of pemetrexed compared to docetaxel in the treatment of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for patients with predominantly non-squamous histology in the Spanish healthcare setting.MethodsA Markov model was designed consisting of stable, responsive, progressive disease and death states. Patients could also experience adverse events as long as they received chemotherapy. Clinical inputs were based on an analysis of a phase III clinical trial that identified a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for non-squamous patients treated with pemetrexed compared with docetaxel. Costs were collected from the Spanish healthcare perspective.ResultsOutcomes of the model included total costs, total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total life years gained (LYG) and total progression-free survival (PFS). Mean survival was 1.03 years for the pemetrexed arm and 0.89 years in the docetaxel arm; QALYs were 0.52 compared to 0.42. Per-patient lifetime costs were € 34677 and € 32343, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were € 23967 per QALY gained and € 17225 per LYG.ConclusionsPemetrexed as a second-line treatment option for patients with a predominantly non-squamous histology in NSCLC is a cost-effective alternative to docetaxel according to the € 30000/QALY threshold commonly accepted in Spain

Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

MOTIVASI DAN PERSEPSI WISATAWAN TENTANG DAYA TARIK DESTINASI TERHADAP MINAT KUNJUNGAN KEMBALI DI KOTA WISATA BATU

This research is done in order to find out motivation and perception about tourist destination toward eagerness of visiting back to Kota Wisata Batu. formulation of the problem in this study were : 1. What is the motivation which encourage tourist visiting Kota Batu 2. How does the perception of tourists to the attraction tourist destination Kota Batu 3. How does the motivation and tourist perceptions of the attractiveness of tourist destinations interest in a return visit in Kota Batu The method use is Random Sampling, the sampling technique that gives equal opportunities to members of the population randomly. Accidental Sampling techniques also used, namely retrieval techniques without careful planning to meet members of the population that has the same opportunities as well. Respondents of this study was the visitors who come to Kota Batu as a research site. Sample size using the formula total population is unknown (Kusmayadi dan sugiarto, 1999:74).. The spreading of the 100 questioners 56% of the male sex by age of majority 21-30 years, entrepreneur jobs, high school educational background with an average income a month is less then Rp. 750.000,- with the average tourist expenditure less than Rp. 500.000,- a large numbers of visit performed 2 times. The analysis of the highest tourist motivation is to enjoy the beauty of nature and seek new experiences. Perception about tourist destination of Kota Wisata Batu said the facilities, infrastructure and authenticity has been appropriate, but there is need for improvement in the transportation of tourists is still considered less support. The study also shows that tourist who had visited Kota Wisata Batu wanted to do return visit. This requires the government and the authority of ODTW to improve existing facilities infrastructure and maintain the authenticity of its natural attractions