Differential diagnosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma by circulating microRNA

Introduction: More than 70% of lung cancer comprises nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma and is associated with poor survival outcome owing to late diagnosis. Identification of lung cancer in early stages when no clinical signs or symptoms are evident, can drastically improve the prognosis. To this end, we aimed to evaluate the changes occurring at tissue level by assessing the expression of six microRNAs (miRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood of histopathologically proven cases of lung AC and SCC was collected and processed for the isolation of miRNAs using commercially available kit. Primers against mir-2114, mir-2115, mir-2116, mir-2117, mir-449c, and mir-548q with loading control Caenorhabditis elegans were used. Screening was carried out in thirty cases of both AC and SCC, whereas twenty healthy controls were included. Results:Real-time polymerase chain reaction data revealed that the expression of mir-2114 and mir-449c in AC and mir-2115 in SCC was significantly upregulated. The expression of these miRNAs was also confirmed in lung AC cell line. The differential pattern of expression of these miRNAs can be used for precise diagnosis of lung carcinoma Conclusions: We have used a noninvasive technique to identify the subtype of lung cancer based on molecular genetic signatures. The results suggest that through molecular profiling of miRNA, we can screen high-risk cases for cancer interception

Loss of chromosome Y in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Age related or neoplastic phenomenon.

Loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in the bone marrow has long been considered as an age-related phenomenon with an incidence of more than 25% in males beyond the age of 80 years. Though reported as an acquired abnormality in myeloid neoplasms, it has rarely been described in B-lymphoblastic leukemia which primarily is a disease of the young. We describe here in three cases of pediatric B-lymphoblastic leukemia with LOY. Conventional cytogenetic studies and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies using centromeric probes for chromosome X and Y on peripheral blood samples ruled out constitutional LOY in all the three cases favoring it to be a neoplastic phenomenon.

Your dilemma, my identity: Unusual immunogenetic profiles of pediatric B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is characterized by CD19 expression, which is one of the most important prerequisites, along with expression of CD10, CD22 and/or CD79a. Rearrangements involving MLL gene are seen in CD10− B-ALL (pro-B cell origin) and t(9;11)(p21;q23) is most commonly reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it is known to carry very good prognosis in pediatric AMLs and rarely in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We report a case of CD10+, CD19− pediatric ALL with rearrangements of MLL gene as a result of t(9;11)(p21;q23), thus conferring a very poor prognosis. The case emphasizes use of comprehensive panel of antibodies for fl ow cytometric immunophenotyping and cytogenetic correlation for correct diagnosis and prognostication. KEY WORDS: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, CD19, MLL gene, t(9;11)(p21;q23)

Postcraniofacial trauma multidrug resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii infection treated with intravenous colistin: A rare complication.

Nosocomial meningitis is a rare complication of combined craniofacial and neurosurgical procedures. The increase in meningitis caused by multidrug‑resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii has resulted in a significant reduction in available treatment options. We report a case of 52‑year‑old man who sustained a complex craniofacial trauma, who developed nosocomial MDR infection caused by A. baumannii in the wound. Patient was at significant risk of developing meningitis but, he was successfully treated with intravenous colistin. To conclude, patients with complex maxillofacial trauma are at high risk of MDR A. baumannii meningitis, especially in craniofacial intensive care units, and adequate infection control measures with proper institution of antibiotics, should be used to reduce the risk of this infection.

Toxoplasma granuloma of brainstem: A rare case.

Toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS in whom it frequently presents as intracranial space-occupying lesions. In the immunocompetent patient the most common manifestation is as asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy which may be associated with vague systemic manifestations such as fever or myalgia. In very rare cases people with normal immunity may present with meningoencephalitis polymyositis or myocarditis. It is very rare to encounter a brainstem granuloma due to toxoplasma infection in such patients. We report a non-immunocompromised man who presented with multiple cranial nerve palsies due to a brainstem lesion, which turned out to be a toxoplasma granuloma. He recovered completely after a four-week course of Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine. An extensive search of the literature failed to reveal any prior reports of a similar nature. This case is being reported because of its rarity and the complete recovery made by the patient.