Influence of Congenital Heart Defect Types over Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Aortic Cross-Clamping, and Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Their Association with Genetic Factors

Aim: Surgical correction of congenital heart defects (CHD) often requires interruption of blood flow through cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping (ACC), for which duration(s) are considered to be prognostic factors, along with intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (ICULOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate these surgical prognostic factors in pediatric patients with different types of CHD regarding their type of lesion and associated genetic factors. Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study with 307 pediatric patients. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio, in Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil, from 2006-2009 (3 years) Methodology: After inclusion criteria, we studied 266 pediatric patients admitted for the first time in a reference cardiac pediatric ICU from Southern Brazil following cardiac surgery. Intraoperative prognostic factors such as duration of CPB, ACC and ICULOS, in addition to dysmorphological and cytogenetic examinations were compiled and analyzed. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results: CPB time was associated to four outflow tract defects (Tetralogy of Fallot [ToF], transposition of the great arteries [TGA], double outlet right ventricle, and truncus arteriosus [TA]), atrioventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (P < 0.001). ACC duration was associated with three outflow tract defects (ToF, TGA, and TA) and HLHS (P < 0.001). Moreover, CPB and ACC times showed an association with cyanotic and complex heart defects, as well as prolonged ICULOS (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between these prognostic factors and syndromic aspects or cytogenetic findings. Conclusions: CHD type has an impact over CPB and ACC duration and ICULOS, whereas genetic factors are not associated with those prognostic factors.

Frecuencia de discapacidad intelectual de etiología genética debida a rearreglos cromosómicos crípticos / Frequency of intellectual disability of genetic etiology due to cryptic chromosome arrangements

Introducción: la discapacidad intelectual se considera un problema de salud pública global, la prevalencia oscila entre el 1% al 3% de la población mundial, cifra de la que se estima el origen genético estaría representado por el 5-7% de síndromes subteloméricos. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de discapacidad intelectual de etiología genética debida a rearreglos cromosómicos crípticos en 69 pacientes del IDAI. Material y Métodos. El estudio descriptivo de corte transversal se realizó en el Instituto de Genética en 69 pacientes con discapacidad intelectual de 5 a 18 años del Instituto de Adaptación Infantil (IDAI). El estudio fue dividido en tres etapas, la primera consistió en la elaboración de la historia clínica genética, seguidamente, se realizó el estudio de cariotipo en sangre periférica a todos los pacientes, finalmente, con la sospecha diagnóstica se realizó citogenética molecular a nueve de ellos, empleando una sonda locus específica. Resultados. Se encontró 43.48% de rearreglos cromosómicos, 24.67% correspondió a síndromes crípticos, de estos el 7.25% respondió a síndromes subteloméricos. Se observó mayor afectación en la población masculina: 45 hombres (65%) y 24 mujeres (35%), obteniendo una razón de sexo de 1.88 a favor del sexo masculino. Conclusiones. Se debe considerar la causa genética en toda discapacidad intelectual idiopática, sobre todo la debida a rearreglos cromosómicos crípticos . Para confirmar la sospecha diagnóstica se emplean técnicas de citogenética clásica y de hibridación fluorescente in situ , de esta manera se llega a un diagnóstico más preciso para coadyuvar en el asesoramiento genético del paciente.

Introduction. Intellectual disability is considered a global public health problem, the prevalence ranges from 1% to 3% of the world population, a figure whose genetic origin is estimated to be represented by 5-7% of subtelomeric syndromes. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of intellectual disability of genetic etiology due to cryptic chromosomal rearrangements in 69 patients of IDAI. Material and methods. The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Institute of Genetics in 69 patients with intellectual disabilities from 5 to 18 years of age from the Institute for Child Adaptation (IDAI). The study was divided into three stages, the first consisted of preparing the genetic clinical history, then peripheral blood karyotyping was performed on all patients, finally, with suspected diagnosis, molecular cytogenetics was performed on nine of them, using a locus-specific probe. Results. 43.48% of chromosomal rearrangements were found, 24.67% corresponded to cryptic syndromes, of these 7.25% responded to subtelomeric syndromes. Greater involvement was observed in the male population: 45 men (65%) and 24 women (35%), obtaining a sex ratio of 1.88 in favor of the male sex. Conclusions. The genetic cause must be considered in all idiopathic intellectual disability, especially that due to cryptic chromosomal rearrangements. To confirm the diagnostic suspicion, classical cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques are used, thus reaching a more precise diagnosis to assist in the genetic counseling of the patient.

Cellular mesenchymal epithelial transition (C-MET) gene copy number variation in gastric adenocarcinoma: A pilot search for new marker for targeted therapy in HER-2/neu resistance

Increasing HER-2/neu resistance in gastric carcinoma has encouraged search for new biomarkers for targeted therapy. Cellular mesenchymal epithelial transition (C-MET) is one such tyrosine kinase inhibitor proposed for personalized salvage treatment. We determined frequency of C-MET gene copy number variation (CNV) by Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and sought its correlation with conventional clinicopathologic parameters. Dual-coloured FISH was done on 32 GAC cases. C-MET gene and centromere 7 signals were counted under fluorescent microscope and ratio was calculated for each case. Correlation between C-MET CNV and conventional clinic-pathologic parameters was done by Fischer exact test. CNV was identified in the form of amplification and polysomy (3.1% each) and associated with poorer prognostic parameters. Our pilot study highlights limited subset of patients that may benefit from anti-C-MET-targeted therapy and thus could be a novel biomarker for targeted intervention in GAC.

Análisis clínico y citogenético de un caso de trastorno del desarrollo sexual testicular XX con SRY negativo / Clinical and Cytogenetic Analysis of a Case of SRY-Negative XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development / Análise clínica e citogenética de um caso de transtorno do desenvolvimento sexual testicular XX com SRY-negativo

Resumen: El trastorno del desarrollo sexual (TDS) testicular XX es una patología que se presenta en un individuo con cariotipo 46,XX con un fenotipo anatómico de genitales externos masculinos, que pueden variar desde la normalidad hasta la ambigüedad genital. Clínicamente se han descrito dos subgrupos de hombres 46,XX con SRY-negativos y SRY-positivos, dependiendo de la presencia o no del gen SRY que normalmente se encuentra en el cromosoma Y participando en la determinación testicular. En este artículo se describen los antecedentes personales y los hallazgos clínicos de un infante con anomalías del meato urinario en el cual se identificó un complemento cromosómico 46,XX. También, se realizó hibridación in situ fluorescente en linfocitos de sangre periférica que demostró la ausencia del gen SRY y confirmó la presencia de dos cromosomas X.

Abstract XX testicular disorder of sex development (DSD) is a pathology that occurs in an individual with a 46,XX karyotype and an anatomical phenotype of male external genitalia, which may vary from normal to ambiguous. Clinically, two subgroups of SRY-negative and SRY-positive, 46, XX men have been described, depending on the presence of the SRY gene that is normally found on the Y chromosome participating in testicular determination. This article describes the personal history and clinical findings of an infant with urethral meatus abnormalities in whom a 46,XX chromosome set was identified. Also, fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed in peripheral blood lymphocytes which demonstrated the absence of the SRY gene and confirmed the presence of two X chromosomes.

Resumo: O transtorno do desenvolvimento sexual (TDS) testicular XX é uma patologia apresentada em um indivíduo com cariótipo 46,XX com um fenótipo anatômico de genitais externos masculinos, que podem variar da normalidade à ambiguidade genital. Clinicamente, são descritos dois subgrupos de homens 46,XX com SRY-negativos e SRY-positivos, dependendo da presença ou não do gene SRY que normalmente se encontra em Y cromossomo participando da determinação testicular. Neste artigo, são descritos os antecedentes pessoais e os achados clínicos de uma criança com anomalias de meato urinário em que foi identificado um complemento cromossômico 46,XX. Além disso, foi rea -lizada hibridação in situ fluorescente em linfócitos de sangue periférico que demonstrou a ausência do gene SRY e confirmou a presença de dois cromossomos X.

Assessment of the nitrification process in a culture of pacific white shrimp, using artificial substrate and bacterial inoculum in a biofloc technology system (BFT) / Avaliação do processo de nitrificação no cultivo do camarão branco do pacífico Litopenaeus vannamei com uso de substrato artificial e inóculo de bactérias em sistema de bioflocos (BFT)

ABSTRACT: Litopenaeus vannamei is the most cultured marine shrimp in all types of systems including the Bioflocs Technology System (BFT). Bioflocs are formed by microorganisms, among these, autotrophic bacteria are responsible for the nitrification process. This study aimed to identify and promote the development of nitrifying bacteria by adding artificial substrates and biofloc inoculum in L. vannamei culture in a BFT system. The experiment consisted of four treatments with three replics (4x3) as follows: (1) Control: clear water in which bioflocs were formed; (2) IN (10%): clear water with biofloc inoculum (10%); (3) IB: clear water with substrate (immature "bioballs"); and (4) MB: clear water with mature "bioballs" inoculum from a recirculation system. Treatments were stocked with shrimp juveniles (4.92±0.45 g) in 12 tanks with 200 L working volume at a stocking density of 200 shrimp/m³. Shrimps were fed twice a day with a commercial feed (38% CP) following a feeding table, and daily observations intake were made over the four weeks of the experiment. Biofloc and "bioballs" samples were collected to detect the growth of the population of nitrifying and heterotrophic bacteria by FISH. There was no significant difference between treatments (P>0.05) for survival, obtaining mean values greater than 88%. The IN (10%) treatment had lower concentrations of ammonia and nitrite, and nitrate concentration increased, while MB had a higher weight and biomass final, productivity, weekly weight gain and lower conversion of apparent feed for production performance results.

RESUMO: Litopenaeus vannamei é o camarão marinho mais cultivado em todos os tipos de sistemas, incluindo o Sistema de Tecnologia de Bioflocos (BFT). Os bioflocos são formados por microorganismos, entre estes, bactérias autotróficas que são responsáveis pelo processo de nitrificação. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e promover o desenvolvimento de bactérias nitrificantes pela adição de substratos artificiais e inóculo de bioflocos no cultivo de L. vannamei em sistema BFT. O experimento consistiu de quatro tratamentos com três repetições (4x3), sendo: (1) Controle: água limpa, na qual foram formados os bioflocos; (2) IN (10%): água limpa com inóculo de bioflocos (10%); (3) BI: água limpa com substrato ("bioballs" imaturos); e (4) BM: água limpa com inóculo de "bioballs" maduros de um sistema de recirculação. Para tanto, os tratamentos foram estocados com juvenis de camarão (4,92±0,45 g) em 12 tanques com 200 L de volume útil com densidade de 200 camarões/m³. Os camarões foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com ração comercial (38% PB) seguindo uma tabela de alimentação, e observações diárias foram feitas ao longo das quatro semanas de experimento. Amostras de bioflocos e "bioballs" foram coletadas para detectar o crescimento da população de bactérias nitrificantes e heterotróficas por FISH. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) para sobrevivência, obtendo-se valores médios superiores a 88%. O tratamento com IN (10%) apresentou menores concentrações de amônia e nitrito, e a concentração de nitrato aumentou, enquanto o BM apresentou maior peso e biomassa final, produtividade, ganho de peso semanal e menor conversão alimentar aparente para resultados de desempenho zootécnico.

Characterisation of immunogenotypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

@#Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with variable clinical outcomes. The immunogenotypic features of this heterogeneous disease in Malaysia were not well characterized. Materials & Methods: In total 141 local series of DLBCL cases from UKM Medical Centre were retrospectively studied. Results: Of these cases, we classified our patients into two subtypes: 32.7% (37/113) GCB and non-GCB 67.3% (76/113) by Hans algorithm and the results showed strong agreement with the results by Choi algorithm (κ = 0.828, P<0.001). Survival analysis indicated significant difference in between GCB and non-GCB subtypes (P=0.01), elevated serum LDH (P=0.016), age more than 60-year-old (P=0.021) and the presence of B symptoms (P=0.04). We observed 12% DLBCL cases were CD5 positive and 81.8% of them died of the disease (P=0.076). Analysis on the dual expression of MYC/ BCL2 revealed that there is no significant difference in DE and non-DE groups (P=0.916). FISH study reported there were 9.22% (13/141) rearranged cases observed in our population at which highest frequency of BCL6 gene rearrangement (76.9%), followed by MYC (15.4%) and BCL2 (7.7%); no BCL10 and MALT-1 gene rearrangement found regardless of using TMAs or whole tissue samples. More cases of MYC protein overexpression observed compared to MYC translocation. Conclusion: Relatively lower frequency of GCB tumours and low gene rearrangement rates were observed in Malaysian population. A national study is therefore warranted to know better the immunogenotypic characteristics of DLBCL in Malaysia and their implications on the survival.

Serie de casos: síndrome de Prader-Willi con diagnóstico molecular y citogenético en la Unidad de Especialidades Médicas / Case series: Prader-Willi syndrome with molecular and cytogenetic diagnosis in the Medical Specialities Unit

Resumen El síndrome de Prader-Willi en un trastorno multisistémico; se caracteriza en la infancia por hipotonía, dificultades para la alimentación, retraso en el desarrollo e hipoplasia genital. En la adolescencia y edad adulta, la problemática se centra en las alteraciones del comportamiento, la ausencia de saciedad y el retraso mental leve o moderado. Su diagnóstico temprano requiere una alta sospecha clínica y estudios especiales (estudios de metilación e hibridación fluorescente in situ). La detección temprana se realiza con el fin de disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes. Existe una clara necesidad de un enfoque multidisciplinario para facilitar el diagnóstico temprano y optimizar el manejo y tratamiento para mejorar la calidad de vida. Se presentan seis casos de SPW que tienen seguimiento en la Unidad de Especialidades Médicas a fin de conocer la prevalencia del SPW, ya que en la actualidad no se cuenta con ningún registro que la documente.

Abstract Prader-Willi syndrome in a multisystem disorder; it is characterized in childhood by hypotonia, feeding difficulties, developmental delay and genital hypoplasia. In adolescence and adulthood, the problem focuses on behavioral changes, the absence of satiety and mild or moderate mental retardation. Its early diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion and special studies (methylation studies and fluorescent in situ hybridization). An early detection reduces the morbidity and mortality of patients. There is a clear need for a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate early diagnosis and optimize management and treatment to improve quality of life. There are six cases of SPW that are followed in the Medical Specialties Unit; we report them in order to know the prevalence of PWS, since at present there is no record documenting it.

Outcomes of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Cycles by Fluorescent Hybridization of Infertile Males with Nonmosaic 47,XYY Syndrome / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The 47,XYY syndrome could result in fertility problems. However, seldom studies reported comprehensive researches on the embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes of these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonmosaic 47,XYY patients performed with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) treatment.@*Methods@#This was a retrospective study. Between January 2012 and May 2017, 51 infertile males with nonmosaic 47,XYY syndrome underwent FISH-PGD were included in the study. According to sex chromosomal FISH results, embryos were classified as normal signal, no nuclei fixed, no signal in fixed nuclei, suspensive signal, and abnormal signal groups, respectively. The incidence of each group, the fixation rate, and hybridization rate were calculated. Embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes were also analyzed. The measurement data were analyzed with Student's t-test. The comparison of categorical data was analyzed with the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test when expected cell count was 0.05), and were significantly lower than the normal signal group (66.4%, P < 0.001). The clinical pregnancy rates of fresh and frozen embryos transferred cycles were 70.6% and 85.7%, respectively.@*Conclusions@#Among embryos with a clear diagnosis of sex chromosome, about one-fifth showed abnormal signals. Embryos with two sex chromosomal signals are more likely to develop into good-quality ones. The application of the PGD by FISH may help to improve the clinical outcome s.

Clinicohematological parameters and outcomes in a cohort of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with Deletion 17p from Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibits profound heterogeneity in its clinical course. Its clinicohematological and cytogenetic features play a significant role in determining the clinical course and in predicting the treatment response and prognosis. In this context, 17p deletion is known to predict a poor prognosis, as these cases are refractory to conventional therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicohematological characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors among CLL patients with and without del 17p in Pakistan. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (Rawalpindi, Pakistan) between January 2013 and December 2017. Patients were diagnosed based on the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia IWCLL criteria, their clinicohematological parameters were recorded, and cytogenetic analyses were performed. The time from diagnosis to treatment and the 2-year overall survival rate were also evaluated. RESULTS: We evaluated 130 CLL cases, including 24 patients (18.5%) with del 17p, who included 18 men (75%) and 6 women (25%). The median age was 68 years. Binet stage C was detected at the presentation in 16 patients (67%). Treatment was administered to 14 patients (70%) at a median interval of 11 months (range, 0–28 mo) after diagnosis. The overall response rate was 64.3%, the median event-free survival was 9 months (range, 1–23 mo), and the 2-year overall survival rate was 65%. CONCLUSION: Del 17p is relatively common in Pakistan, and patients harboring this deletion had poor treatment response and survival outcomes.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection in early cases of mycoplasmal pneumonia in swine and evaluation of diagnostic assays / Infecção por Mycoplasma hyorhinis em casos precoces de pneumonia micoplásmica em suínos e comparação entre técnicas diagnósticas

Mycoplasmal pneumonia is an important disease in the pig industry. Due to the controversial role of Mycoplasma hyorhinis in this disease, confirmation of the presence of this bacterium and the identification of its roles in respiratory disease remain major challenges. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the presence of M. hyorhinis in early cases of mycoplasmal pneumonia and to determine the usefulness of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for the diagnosis of respiratory mycoplasmosis in naturally infected pigs. Ninety M. hyopneumoniae and/or M. hyorhinis-infected lung tissue samples based on diagnostic mosaic (DM) were used. The average age of the animals was 116 and 57 days (P<0.01) for groups 1 (positive-M. hyopneumoniae only) and 2 (positive-M. hyorhinis only), respectively. These findings suggest that development of lesions caused by M. hyorhinis occurs earlier than for M. hyopneumoniae. Using the DM as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of FISH for M. hyopneumoniae were 75 and 100%, respectively, and were 40 and 73.3% for the immunohistochemistry (IHC). The sensitivity and specificity of FISH for M. hyorhinis were 76.7 and 100%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that FISH can be a useful tool for diagnosing mycoplasmosis. Viral antigens (PCV2 or influenza A) were detected in 53.3% (16/30) of the samples in group 2 (M. hyorhinis-PCR positive) and 13.3% (4/30) of the samples in group 1 (M. hyopneumoniae-PCR positive). This finding indicates that the association of M. hyorhinis and viral infection in nursery pigs likely starts due to a viral immunosuppressive condition.(AU)

A pneumonia micoplásmica causada por bactérias do gênero Mycoplasma é uma enfermidade de grande importância para indústria suinícola, sendo ainda controverso o papel desempenhado por Mycoplasma hyorhinis nessa doença. A confirmação da presença dessas bactérias bem como a identificação de seus papéis em doenças respiratórias continua sendo um grande desafio. Os objetivos desse estudo foram comparar diferentes técnicas, em especial a de hibridização fluorescente in situ (FISH), para diagnóstico de micoplasmoses respiratória em suínos naturalmente infectados e avaliar a presença do M. hyorhinis em casos precoces de pneumonia micoplásmica. Foram utilizadas 90 amostras de tecido pulmonar infectado para cada um ou ambos os agentes (M. hyopneumoniae e M. hyorhinis) determinados pelo mosaico de diagnóstico (sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e microscópicas e pela PCR). No grupo de animais positivos pela PCR apenas para M. hyorhinis (Grupo 2) a média da idade foi de 57,32 dias e no grupo apenas positivo para M. hyopneumoniae (Grupo 1) a média foi de 116,31 dias (P<0,01). Estes achados sugerem que a colonização e o aparecimento de lesões causadas pelo M. hyorhinis seja mais precoce do que aquelas causadas pelo M. hyopneumoniae. As alterações microscópicas foram estatisticamente (P<0,01) mais intensas no grupo 1 do que no grupo 2. Usando o mosaico de diagnóstico como padrão ouro, a sensibilidade e especificidade na FISH para M. hyopneumoniae foi de 75 e 100%, respectivamente, e 40 e 73,3%, na imuno-histoquímica. A sensibilidade e especificidade da FISH para M. hyorhinis foi de 76,7 e 100%. Esses valores demonstram que a FISH pode ser uma ferramenta útil para diagnóstico de micoplasmoses. Foi detectada a presença de agentes virais (PCV2 ou influenza) em 53,3% das amostras do grupo 2 (M. hyorhinis) e em 13,3% das amostras do grupo 1 (M. hyopneumoniae).(AU)

Eficacia de los inhibidores de ALK en dos casos con evaluación positiva por inmunohistoquímica y negativa por FISH / Efficacy of ALK inhibitors in two cases with positive evaluation by immunohistochemistry and negative by FISH

En el carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas (CPCNP), la activación de ALK se produce por la formación de genes de fusión. El perfil clínico donde ocurre con más frecuencia corresponde a pacientes jóvenes, mayormente mujeres, no fumadores, histología de adenocarcinoma y ausencia de mutaciones de EGFR y KRAS. Su presencia se describe en el 3-10% de los CPCNP. La importancia de la determinación de ALK radica en que identifica un subgrupo de pacientes con un comportamiento biológico diferente, en los cuales el tratamiento con inhibidores específicos, como el crizotinib, ceritinib o alectinib, es más eficaz que los convencionales. Las alteraciones moleculares de ALK pueden identificarse por hibridación in situ (ISH), por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) y por RT-PCR, aunque el FISH es el procedimiento diagnóstico de referencia a nivel clínico. Se examinaron 308 casos de CPCNP y se compararon los resultados por FISH e IHQ. De los 8 (3%) identificados con expresión positiva, sólo 6 presentaron el rearreglo de ALK. Se presentan dos casos clínicos con ALK positivo por IHC y FISH negativo, uno presentó respuesta al tratamiento dirigido y otro no. A pesar de que el FISH es el gold standard, se acepta el uso de IHQ ya sea para definir conducta como único test o para screening y ulterior confirmación por FISH en los casos positivos. Estos dos casos con distinta respuesta al tratamiento con IHQ positiva pero FISH negativo, indican la ausencia de pautas, requiriendo de más conocimiento en el futuro para optimizar las conductas médicas (AU)

In non-small cell lung cancer, ALK activation is produced by gene fusion. The clinical scenario where this type of tumor appears more frequently is in young, female patients, without smoking history, adenocarcinoma histology and with no EGFR or KRAS mutation. It is described as 3 to 10% of non- small cell lung cancer cases. The importance of ALK determinations lies in the identification of a subgroup of patients with a different biological behavior and sensible tumor to target therapy with ALK inhibitors. Molecular alterations of ALK can be determined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR, FISH is the reference diagnostic procedure in clinical applications. Were evaluated 308 cases of non-small cell lung cancer, and FISH and IHC results were compared. Eight (3%) cases presented positive expression, but only 6 of them presented ALK rearrangements. These two clinical cases of patients with IHC positive but FISH negative for ALK are presented, observing good clinical response in only one of them. Although FISH is considered the gold standard technique, IHC use is accepted for treatment decisions as a lone procedure or as screening with FISH confirmation in positive cases. These two particular cases express the absence of guidelines in this infrequent scenario, needing more knowledge in the future in order to take better medical decisions (AU)

Rare Incidence of ROS1 Rearrangement in Cholangiocarcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The recent discovery and characterization of an oncogenic ROS1 gene rearrangement has raised significant interest because small molecule inhibitors are effective in these tumors. The aim of this study was to determine frequency and clinicopathological features associated with ROS1 rearrangement in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 261 patients who underwent surgery for CCA between October 1997 and August 2013 were identified from an international, multi-institutional database. ROS1 rearrangement was evaluated by break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization using tissue microarrays of these patients. RESULTS: Of 261 CCA evaluated, three cases (1.1%) showed ROS1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), all of which were derived from intrahepatic origin. ROS1 protein expression was observed in 38 samples (19.1%). Significantly larger tumor size was observed in ROS1 immunohistochemistry (IHC)–negative patients compared with ROS1 IHC–positive patients. ROS1 FISH–positive patients had a single tumor with a median size of 4 cm and well-to-moderate differentiation. Overall, there was no difference in terms of baseline characteristics, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival between ROS1-positive and -negative patients. CONCLUSION: ROS1 rearrangement was detected in 1.1% of CCA patients. Although rare, conduct of clinical trials using ROS1 inhibitors in these genetically unique patients is warranted.

Circulating Aneuploid Cells Detected in the Blood of Patients with Infectious Lung Diseases

The identification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is clinically important for diagnosing cancer. We have previously developed a size-based filtration platform followed by epithelial cell adhesion molecule immunofluorescence staining for detecting CTCs. To characterize CTCs independently of cell surface protein expression, we incorporated a chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to detect abnormal copy numbers of chromosomes in cells collected from peripheral blood samples by the size-based filtration platform. Aneuploid cells were detected in the peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer. Unexpectedly, aneuploid cells were also detected in the control group, which consisted of peripheral blood samples from patients with benign lung diseases, such as empyema necessitatis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. These findings suggest that chromosomal abnormalities are observed not only in tumor cells, but also in benign infectious diseases. Thus, our findings present new considerations and bring into light the possibility of false positives when using FISH for cancer diagnosis.

A quantitative PCR approach for determining the ribosomal DNA copy number in the genome of Agave tequila Weber

Background: Agave tequilana has a great economic importance in Mexico in order to produce alcoholic beverages and bioenergy. However, in this species the structure and organization of the rDNAs in the genome are limited, and it represents an obstacle both in their genetic research and improvement as well. rDNA copy number variations per eukaryotic genome have been considered as a source of genetic rearrangements. In this study, the copy number of 18S and 5S rDNAs in the A. tequilana genome was estimated, and an absolute quantitative qPCR assay and genome size was used. In addition, an association between the rDNAs copy number and physical mapping was performed to confirm our results. Results: The analysis were successfully applied to determine copy number of 18S and 5S rDNAs in A. tequilana genome, showing high reproducibility with coefficient of variation (CV) values of 0.014-0.0129%, respectively. A variation of 51 times in the copy number the 18s regarding 5s rDNA was found, thus contributing to genome size of 1.47 and 8.38 x 10-3%, respectively. Similarly, data show a linear relationship (R [2] = 0.992) between rDNA copy number and the detected signals for each of the loci by FISH. The comparison of the rDNA copy number of agave showed differential relationship with other organisms and it may be due to evolutionary ecology.Conclusions: Results show that the proposed method a) can correctly detect the rDNA copy number, b) could be used as species-specific markers and c) might help in understanding the genetic diversity, genome organization and evolution of this species.

Gene Mapping: Basics, Techniques and Significance.

Watson says, "Like the system of interstate highways spanning our country, the map of the human genome will be completed stretch by stretch". It may be possible to use genetic information to diagnose the disease accurately and to predict a patient's likely response to a particular medicine or treatment. For whole genome mapping development and application of mapping, sequencing and computational tools are very essential and also linkage, physical and sequence maps are required to put the information together. For most genome mapping projects involve markers consisting of a unique site in the genome and should be independent of any particular experimental resource. For mapping purpose the DNA and RNA identification is essential. These genes are identified by hybridizing DNA clones against Northern blot, cDNA libraries, Zoo blot, Western blot and Southern blot of genomic DNA digested with rare cutter restriction endonuclease. The various experimental studies of gene mapping have extended our understanding of the genetics. This has allowed the investigators to detect a particular gene, which is responsible for the disease. Recent studies have shown the various effective and scientific gene mapping techniques and gene identification methods, which are helpful to diagnose a particular disease. It is easy for the doctor to give right medicine to the right patient to cure the disease when he can identify the defective gene responsible for disease. This article reviews the details of identification techniques of genes, gene mapping with broad applications.

ERG rearrangement prevalence in Chinese prostatic carcinoma biopsy cohort / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To study the prevalence and feature of EGR gene rearrangement in prostatic carcinoma. Methods 242 consecu-tive core biopsies of prostatic carcinoma were evaluated. All biopsy specimens contained 6-14 cores from left and right sides separately delivered. The patient age ranged 58 to 91 years, and PSA value 5 ng/ml to more than 5 000 ng/ml. Immunohistochemistry ( IHC) for ERG protein overexpression and fluorescent in situ hybridization ( FISH) for ERG gene rearrangement were performed. Results 42 cases were detected positive for ERG by IHC ( positive rate 17. 4%) , and positive for ERG rearrangement by FISH either, with 19 ca-ses showing fusion through deletion and 23 through insertion, while no negative cases by IHC demonstrated positive by FISH. 5 cases revealed positive and negative staining in different carcinoma foci of ERG. No ERG positive staining and rearrangement were found in adjacent benign glands. Of positive cases, 12 cases were graded as Gleason score 6, 23 Gleason score 7, and 7 Gleason score 8 or more. Positive rate was 19. 6% in the group of PSA value less than 100 ng/ml, and 10% of more than 100 ng/ml, whereas 17. 2% in the group of clinical T3 stage or less, and 19% of clinical T4 and lymph node or remote metastasis. ERG rearrangement was associated with lower Gleason score, but not with PSA value, clinical stage and progression using theχ2 test analysis. Conclusions IHC is relia-ble for detection ERG rearrangement and helpful for interpretation of prostatic carcinoma. Multiple foci are common in prostatic carcino-ma. There is no significance between ERG rearrangement and disease prognosis.

Large scale distribution of bacterial communities in the upper Paraná River floodplain

A bacterial community has a central role in nutrient cycle in aquatic habitats. Therefore, it is important to analyze how this community is distributed throughout different locations. Thirty-six different sites in the upper Paraná River floodplain were surveyed to determine the influence of environmental variable in bacterial community composition. The sites are classified as rivers, channels, and floodplain lakes connected or unconnected to the main river channel. The bacterial community structure was analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, based on frequency of the main domains Bacteria and Archaea, and subdivisions of the phylum Proteobacteria (Alpha-proteobacteria, Beta-proteobacteria, Gamma-proteobacteria) and the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium cluster. It has been demonstrated that the bacterial community differed in density and frequency of the studied groups. And these differences responded to distinct characteristics of the three main rivers of the floodplain as well as to the classification of the environments found in this floodplain. We conclude that dissimilarities in the bacterial community structure are related to environmental heterogeneity, and the limnological variables that most predicted bacterial communities in the upper Paraná River floodplain was total and ammoniacal nitrogen, orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a.

Cytogenetics of Leukemias: Identifying Genetic Abnormalities with Clinical and Prognostic Significance.

Introduction: The importance of cytogenetics in neoplastic processes such as leukemia is known. In 1914, Theodor Boveri suggested that chromosomal abnormalities were cellular alterations that cause the transition from normal to malignant proliferation. Over the course of several decades, different cytogenetic techniques were developed which led to the discovery of an increasingly broad spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities, resulting in a dramatic increase in the knowledge of human cancer. Aim: This article aims to review the role of cytogenetics in leukemia, highlighting its importance for the clinical definition, treatment and prognosis of these neoplasms. Methodology: For this, we carried out a search for scientific articles present in the electronic database PubMed, using the descriptors "Leukemia", "Cytogenetics", "Karyotype", "Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization’’, "Prognosis", "Leukemia, Lymphoid ", “Leukemia, Myeloid" and "Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic”. Books and specialized sites were also surveyed. Discussion: Cytogenetic analysis not only helps to confirm a diagnosis but it also aids in obtaining data on prognosis, response to treatment and possibility of relapse. The analysis provides a better understanding of the pathways involved in leukemogenesis processes and the development of new types of therapy. This information is essential for the proper management of patients, underscoring the importance of joint work between the medical oncologist/hematologist and the cytogeneticist.

Adenocarcinoma gástrico difuso positivo por HER-2 en inmunohistoquímica e hibridación fluorescente / HER-2-positive diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma through immunohistochemistry and fluorescent hybridization

HER-2 is a biomarker participating in tumor cell’s biology that has been thoroughly studied in breast cancer, but it can also be overexpressed in other neoplasms like gastric cancer. In this setting there are more reported cases about HER-2 positive immunohistochemistry in intestinal subtype than in diffuse subtype; in those cases, staining is limited to basolateral membrane. Positivity may be verified through fluorescent hybridization. This case is about a 30-year-old man diagnosed with diffuse gastric carcinoma from a total gastrectomy surgical specimen, in which 3+ HER-2 immunohistochemistry is confirmed in the totality of the plasma membrane of mucosa cells and is sustained using fluorescent hybridization for HER-2.

HER-2 es un biomarcador que colabora con la biología de la célula tumoral y ha sido ampliamente estudiado en cáncer de mama, pero también puedesobreexpresarse en otras neoplasias como el cáncer gástrico. En este escenario se reportan más casos deinmunohistoquímica positiva por HER-2 en el subtipo intestinal con respecto al subtipo difuso; en dichos casos, la tinción se limita a la membrana basolateral. Los casos positivos pueden ser verificados a través de hibridación fluorescente in situ. Se presenta el casode un sujeto masculino de 30 años con diagnóstico de carcinoma gástrico difuso a través de un espécimenquirúrgico de gastrectomía total, a la cual se le confirma mediante inmunohistoquímica 3+ para HER-2 enla totalidad de la membrana celular de las células de la mucosa y corroborado utilizando la técnica hibridaciónfluorescente in situ para HER-2.

Variety of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spectrum of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease in a Korean population with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and to provide guidelines for screening 22q11.2 deletion prenatally. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 1,137 consecutive fetuses that had prenatal genetic testing for 22q11.2 deletion because of suspected congenital heart disease between September 2002 and December 2012, at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. RESULTS: Main cardiovascular diseases in the 53 fetuses with confirmed 22q11.2 deletions were tetralogy of Fallot (n = 24, 45%), interrupted aortic arch (n = 10, 19%), ventricular septal defect (n = 5, 9%), double outlet right ventricle (n = 4, 8%), and coarctation of the aorta (n = 4, 8%). Other cardiac defects were rarely associated with 22q11.2 deletion. One fetus had persistent truncus arteriosus, one had aortic stenosis, and one had hypoplastic right heart syndrome. Two fetuses had normal intracardiac anatomy with an isolated right aortic arch, and one had an isolated bilateral superior vena cava. CONCLUSION: A variety of congenital heart diseases were seen during the prenatal period. Conotruncal cardiac defects except transposition of great arteries were strongly associated with 22q11.2 deletion. When such anomalies are diagnosed by fetal echocardiography, genetic testing for 22q11.2 deletion should be offered. Even if less frequent deletion-related cardiac defects are detected, other related anomalies, such as thymic hypoplasia or aplasia, should be evaluated to rule out a 22q11.2 deletion.