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Aims—The human ccn1 (hccn; hcyr61) gene has been identified previously at the mRNA and protein level as a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and growth factor regulated gene in human osteoblasts. This study aimed to analyse genomic clones containing the human ccn1 (cyr61) gene and to provide the 5′ flanking region. Methods—Genomic clones were isolated by screening a λ library and by array filter hybridisations of a genomic library. Sequencing was performed using the dye terminator method. Promoter activity was measured after transient transfection using a β galactosidase assay. CA repeat motifs were studied by a combined PCR/fragment analysis protocol. Results—The human 5′ flanking region of 870 nucleotides contains several stretches with high homology to the mouse promoter as well as CA repeat motifs. This first report on the human 5′ flanking sequence of the hccn1 (hcyr61) gene provides important insights into regulation pathways for the expression of this 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and growth factor responsive early gene. A genomic clone containing the hccn1 (hcyr61) gene region also yielded a CA sequence located 3′ of the ccn1 (cyr61) gene. This CA repeat and one of the CA repeat motifs in the promoter were studied in detail and found to be polymorphic. Conclusions—The 5′ flanking sequence of the hccn1 (hcyr61) gene provides insights into the mechanisms of regulation of this immediate early gene product. The CA repeat polymorphisms within the gene region will be useful in the genetic study of disorders affecting bone metabolism.

Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye lasers (585 nm) are used to treat port-wine stains and other cutaneous vascular lesions. Strikingly different tissue effects were seen after two apparently similar 585 nm pulsed dye lasers at equivalent fluences were used.We compared the photometric and histologic effects of two apparently similar 585 nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser systems.The burn pattern and beam profile analysis of two Candela SPTL-1 lasers and two Cynosure Photogenica V lasers were compared. Various fluences and spot sizes of the Cynosure laser were placed on normal skin and evaluated for histologic change.Variation between the stated area of the spot and the actual measured area of the spot was found in all lasers studied. The area of the 5 mm spot of the two Candela lasers studied was 35% and 31% larger, respectively, than the stated area. The Cynosure lasers had areas that were 8% and 4% smaller than the stated area. Neither beam profile was uniform. The Candela laser maintained a gaussian-like distribution of energy, whereas the Cynosure laser beam profile resembled a top hat with a more even distribution of energy. Histologic studies confirmed the maintenance of vascular specificity without nonspecific thermal damage.When changing from one 585 nm pulsed dye laser to another and using supposedly equivalent fluences, one cannot guarantee that clinical results will be equivalent. In an effort to achieve consistent treatments when moving between lasers manufactured by different companies, it would be prudent to place a single spot of energy onto burn paper and measure the diameter of the spot.

The area of small irregular microscopic objects can be estimated by projecting the image of the objects on to tracing paper, making a tracing using a fibre tipped sketch pen, eluting the ink from the paper, and estimating the colour photometrically. Similarly treated spots of known area are used as standards. The method can also be used to measure the lengths of lines that are too complicated to be measured by other means.