Evaluation of ALK gene rearrangement in central nervous system metastases of non-small-cell lung cancer using two-step RT-PCR technique.

PURPOSE: RT-PCR technique has showed a promising value as pre-screening method for detection of mRNA containing abnormal ALK sequences, but its sensitivity and specificity is still discussable. Previously, we determined the incidence of ALK rearrangement in CNS metastases of NSCLC using IHC and FISH methods. MATERIALS: We evaluated ALK gene rearrangement using two-step RT-PCR method with EML4-ALK Fusion Gene Detection Kit (Entrogen, USA). The studied group included 145 patients (45 females, 100 males) with CNS metastases of NSCLC and was heterogeneous in terms of histology and smoking status. RESULTS: 21% of CNS metastases of NSCLC (30/145) showed presence of mRNA containing abnormal ALK sequences. FISH and IHC tests confirmed the presence of ALK gene rearrangement and expression of ALK abnormal protein in seven patients with positive result of RT-PCR analysis (4.8% of all patients, 20% of RT-PCR positive patients). RT-PCR method compared to FISH analysis achieved 100% of sensitivity and only 82.7% of specificity. IHC method compared to FISH method indicated 100% of sensitivity and 97.8% of specificity. In comparison to IHC, RT-PCR showed identical sensitivity with high number of false positive results. CONCLUSION: Utility of RT-PCR technique in screening of ALK abnormalities and in qualification patients for molecularly targeted therapies needs further validation.

[Enzymatic tests for alkaline and acid phosphatase in gingival tissues in workers of the Chelm Cement Plant]. / Odczyny enzymatyczne na fosfataze zasadowa i fosfataze kwasna w tkankach dziasel pracowników cementowni "Chelm".

Using histochemical methods the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase was determined in the gingivae of 38 workers aged from 26 to 59 years employed in work with greatest exposure to dust. The control group comprised 11 men aged 23 to 49 years living in Chelm or in its vicinity, not exposed to cement dust. The activity of alkaline phosphatase in the group with exposure and with deep gingivitis of lower intensity was very high, while it was lower in the group with highest intensity of the inflammatory process. The activity of acid phosphatase increased with increasing intensity of pathological changes.

[Incidence of parodontal diseases in workers of the Chelm Cement Plant exposed to cement dust]. / Wystepowanie schorzen przyzebia u pracowników cementowni "Chelm" narazonych na pyl cementowy.

The purpose of the study was evaluation of the incidence of parodontal diseases in workers exposed in their occupation to cement dust. Stomatological examinations were carried out in 127 workers of the plant (98 men and 29 women) aged 18 to 64 years. The control group comprised 117 persons (58 men and 59 women) aged 22 to 66 years. The condition of the parodontium was assessed and classified according to a 3-grade scoring system used for parodontal disease assessment. The obtained data were subjected to statistical and lysis. The intensity of the parodontal disease was greater in workers exposed to cement dust than in controls, and a very high incidence of deep parodontitis was noted in young workers in the plant.

[Condition of the oral mucosa in cement plant workers]. / Stan blony sluzowej jamy ustnej u pracowników cementowni.

The condition of oral mucosa was evaluated in the workers of the cement plant in Chelm. Clinical examination demonstrated in all workers exposed to cement dust features of mechanical trauma and oral mucosa inflammation.