Amplified and Homozygously Deleted Genes in Glioblastoma: Impact on Gene Expression Levels

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.-- et al.[Background]: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) displays multiple amplicons and homozygous deletions that involve relevant pathogenic genes and other genes whose role remains unknown. [Methodology]: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-arrays were used to determine the frequency of recurrent amplicons and homozygous deletions in GBM (n = 46), and to evaluate the impact of copy number alterations (CNA) on mRNA levels of the genes involved. [Principal Findings]: Recurrent amplicons were detected for chromosomes 7 (50%), 12 (22%), 1 (11%), 4 (9%), 11 (4%), and 17 (4%), whereas homozygous deletions involved chromosomes 9p21 (52%) and 10q (22%). Most genes that displayed a high correlation between DNA CNA and mRNA levels were coded in the amplified chromosomes. For some amplicons the impact of DNA CNA on mRNA expression was restricted to a single gene (e.g., EGFR at 7p11.2), while for others it involved multiple genes (e.g., 11 and 5 genes at 12q14.1-q15 and 4q12, respectively). Despite homozygous del(9p21) and del(10q23.31) included multiple genes, association between these DNA CNA and RNA expression was restricted to the MTAP gene. [Conclusions]: Overall, our results showed a high frequency of amplicons and homozygous deletions in GBM with variable impact on the expression of the genes involved, and they contributed to the identification of other potentially relevant genes.This work was partially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal [FCT PIC/IC/83108/2007]; PhD fellowships from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal [SFRH/BD/23086/2005, SFRH/BD/11820/2003]; Fundación Mutua Madrileña, Madrid, Spain [AP87692011]; and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Madrid, Spain [RTICC RD06/0020/0035].Peer Reviewe

Human saliva as a source of anti-malarial antibodies to examine population exposure to Plasmodium falciparum

BACKGROUND: Antibody responses to malaria antigens reflect exposure to parasites, and seroprevalence correlates with malaria transmission intensity. Antibodies are routinely measured in sera or on dried blood spots but a non-invasive method would provide extra utility in sampling general populations. Saliva is already in use in the detection of plasma-derived IgM and IgG to viral infections. In this study, antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens were compared between blood and saliva samples from the same individuals in unlinked surveys conducted in Tanzania and The Gambia. METHODS: In Tanzania, 53 individuals provided paired fingerprick blood and saliva sample using two commercially available sampling devices. In the Gambia, archived plasma and saliva samples collected from 200 children in the Farafenni area in a cross-sectional survey were analyzed.IgG antibodies against P. falciparum antigens, Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (MSP-119) and Apical membrane Antigen (AMA-1) were measured by ELISA in paired saliva and blood samples from both sites. Antibody levels were compared as continuous optical density (OD) values and by sero-positivity. RESULTS: Significant correlations between saliva and plasma antibody levels were seen in Tanzania for both antigens, AMA-1(r2 range 0.93 to 0.89, p < 0.001) and MSP-119 (r2 range 0.93 to 0.75, p < 0.001), with a weaker correlation for results from The Gambia (r2range 0.64 to 0.63, p < 0.01). When assessed as seropositivity and compared with plasma, sensitivity and specificity were good with saliva antibody levels to both AMA-1 and MSP-1(19) (sensitivity range 64-77% and specificity range 91-100% & 47-67% and 90-97% respectively) over the different sample sets. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate anti-malarial antibodies can be detected in saliva and correlate strongly with levels in plasma. This non-invasive relatively simple collection method will be potentially useful for general population surveys, and particularly in migratory populations or those with infrequent contact with health services or opposed to blood withdrawal. Further studies will be needed to optimize collection methods, standardize volumes and content and develop controls

Genetic/molecular alterations of meningiomas and the signaling pathways targeted

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.-- et al.Meningiomas are usually considered to be benign central nervous system tumors; however, they show heterogenous clinical, histolopathological and cytogenetic features associated with a variable outcome. In recent years important advances have been achieved in the identification of the genetic/molecular alterations of meningiomas and the signaling pathways involved. Thus, monosomy 22, which is often associated with mutations of the NF2 gene, has emerged as the most frequent alteration of meningiomas; in addition, several other genes (e.g. AKT1, KLF4, TRAF7, SMO) and chromosomes have been found to be recurrently altered often in association with more complex karyotypes and involvement of multiple signaling pathways. Here we review the current knowledge about the most relevant genes involved and the signaling pathways targeted by such alterations. In addition, we summarize those proposals that have been made so far for classification and prognostic stratification of meningiomas based on their genetic/genomic features.This work was partially supported by grants from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (PIC/IC/83108/2007, FCT, Portugal), Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (RD12/0036/0048, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII/FEDER), Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Madrid, Spain), and Consejeria Sanidad Junta de Castilla y León, Gerencia Regional de Salud: GRS689/A/11, and Proyecto Intramural-IBSAL IB14-05. Patrícia Domingues is partially supported by a grant (SFRH/BD/64799/2009) from FCT. Maria Dolores Tabernero is supported by IECSCYL (Soria, Spain).Peer Reviewe

Ethical challenges in designing and conducting medicine quality surveys.

OBJECTIVES: In this paper we discuss the main ethical challenges related to the conduct of medicine quality surveys and make suggestions on how to address them. METHOD: Most evidence-based information regarding medicine quality derives from surveys. However, existing research ethical guidelines do not provide specific guidance for medicine quality surveys. Hence, those conducting surveys are often left wondering how to judge what counts as best practice. A list of the main ethical challenges in the design and conduct of surveys is presented. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It is vital that the design and conduct of medicine quality surveys uphold moral and ethical obligations and analyse the ethical implications and consequences of such work. These aspects include the impact on the local availability of and access to medicines; the confidentiality and privacy of the surveyors and the surveyed; questions as to whether outlet staff personnel should be told they are part of a survey; the need of ethical and regulatory approvals; and how the findings should be disseminated. Medicine quality surveys should ideally be conducted in partnership with the relevant national Medicine Regulatory Authorities. An international, but contextually sensitive, model of good ethical practice for such surveys is needed

Hepatic Rupture as the Initial Presentation of an EGFR-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Metastatic hepatic rupture; Non-small cell lung carcinoma; Tyrosine kinase inhibitorRuptura hepática metastásica; Carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas; Inhibidor de la tirosina quinasaRuptura hepàtica metastàtica; Carcinoma de pulmó de cèl·lules no petites; Inhibidor de la tirosina quinasaHepatic rupture is a rare complication of solid tumor malignancies, notably in lung adenocarcinomas, and carries an extremely poor overall prognosis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma predict benefit with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This case report describes a female patient who presented with a metastatic hepatic rupture and was subsequently diagnosed with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. The tumor had an impressive response to TKI inhibitor treatment, reversing her extremely poor, short-term prognosis. We believe this unique case sheds light on the treatment management of hepatic ruptures and supports the high response rate seen with TKIs in EGFR-mutated lung cancers, regardless of the patient’s performance status

Phase II randomized study of Plitidepsin (Aplidin), alone or in association with L-carnitine, in patients with unresectable advanced renal cell carcinoma

This randomized phase II study evaluated two schedules of the marine compound Plitidepsin with or without co-administration of L-carnitine in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Patients had adequate performance status and organ function.The primary endpoint was the rate of disease control (no progression) at 12 weeks (RECIST).Other endpoints included the response rate and time dependent efficacy measures.The trial also assessed the efficacy of L-carnitine to prevent Plitidepsin-related toxicity. The two regimes given as 24 hour infusion every two weeks showed hints of antitumoral activity. Disease control at 12 weeks was 15.8% in Arm A (5mg/m2, no L-carnitine) and 11,1% in Arm B (7mg/m2 with L-carnitine). Two partial responses were observed in Arm A (19 patients), none in Arm B (20 patients). Both schedules had the same progression-free interval (2.1 months).The median overall survival was 7.0 and 7.6 months.The safety profile was similar in both arms of the trial and adverse events were mainly mild to moderate (NCI CTC version 2.0). Increasing the dose to 7mg/m2 did not increase the treatment efficacy but the incidence of transaminase and CPK elevations and serious AEs. Coadministration of L-carnitine did not prevent muscular toxicity or CPK-elevation associated with Plitidepsin

Development of a thermosensitive hydrogel based on Polaxamer 407 and gellan gum with inclusion complexes (Sulfobutylated-β-cyclodextrin-Farnesol) as a local drug delivery system

This work proposes the development of a thermosensitive local drug release system based on Polaxamer 407, also known as Pluronic® F-127 (PF-127), Gellan Gum (GG) and the inclusion complex Sulfobutylated-β-cyclodextrin (CD) with Farnesol (FOH). Rheological properties of the hydrogels and their degradation were studied. According to the rheological results, a solution of 20% w/v of PF-127 forms a strong gel with a gelling temperature of about 25 °C (storage modulus of 15,000 Pa). The addition of the GG increased the storage modulus (optimal concentration of 0.5 % w/v) twofold without modifying the gelling temperature. Moreover, including 0.5% w/v of GG also increased 6 times the degradation time of the hydrogel. Regarding the inclusion complex, the addition of free CD decreased the viscosity and the gel strength since polymer chains were included in CD cavity without affecting the gelling temperature. Contrarily, the inclusion complex CD-FOH did not significantly modify any property of the formulation because the FOH was hosted in the CD. Furthermore, a mathematical model was developed to adjust the degradation time. This model highlights that the addition of the GG decreases the number of released chains from the polymeric network (which coincides with an increase in the storage modulus) and that the free CD reduces the degradation rate, protecting the polymeric chains. Finally, FOH release was quantified with a specific device, that was designed and printed for this type of system, observing a sustainable drug release (similar to FOH aqueous solubility, 8 μM) dependent on polymer degradation

A Repeat Random Survey of the Prevalence of Falsified and Substandard Antimalarials in the Lao PDR: A Change for the Better.

In 2003, a stratified random sample survey was conducted in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) to study the availability and quality of antimalarials in the private sector. In 2012, this survey was repeated to allow a statistically valid analysis of change through time. The counterfeit detection device 3 (CD-3) was used to assess packaging quality in the field and HPLC and mass spectroscopy analysis chemical analysis performed. The availability of oral artesunate monotherapies had significantly decreased from 22.9% (22) of 96 outlets in southern Laos in 2003 to 4.8% (7) of 144 outlets in 2012 (P < 0.0001). All the samples collected in the 2012 survey contained the correct active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in contrast to the 21 (84%) falsified artesunate samples found in the 2003 survey. Although none of the medicines found in 2012 survey had evidence for falsification, 25.4% (37) of the samples were outside the 90-110% pharmacopeial limits of the label claim, suggesting that they were substandard or degraded. Results obtained from this survey show that patients are still exposed to poorly manufactured drugs or to ineffective medicines such as chloroquine. The quality of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) used in Laos needs to be monitored, since falsified ACTs would have devastating consequences in public health

Genomic Analyses across Six Cancer Types Identify Basal-like Breast Cancer as a Unique Molecular Entity

To improve our understanding of the biological relationships among different types of cancer, we have characterized variation in gene expression patterns in a set of 1,707 samples representing 6 human cancer types (breast, ovarian, brain, colorectal, lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer). In the unified dataset, breast tumors of the Basal-like subtype were found to represent a unique molecular entity as any other cancer type, including the rest of breast tumors, while showing striking similarities with squamous cell lung cancers. Moreover, gene signatures tracking various cancer- and stromal-related biological processes such as proliferation, hypoxia and immune activation were found expressed similarly in different proportions of tumors across the various cancer types. These data suggest that clinical trials focusing on tumors with common profiles and/or biomarker expression rather than their tissue of origin are warranted with a special focus on Basal-like breast cancer and squamous cell lung carcinoma

Bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: differences and similarities

OBJECTIVE: To analyse differences in clinical presentation and outcome between bacteraemic pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (B-PCAP) and sSvere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia. METHODS: This observational multi-centre study was conducted on patients hospitalized with B-PCAP between 2000 and 2020 and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in 2020. Thirty-day survival, predictors of mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were compared. RESULTS: In total, 663 patients with B-PCAP and 1561 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were included in this study. Patients with B-PCAP had more severe disease, a higher ICU admission rate and more complications. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia had higher in-hospital mortality (10.8% vs 6.8%; P=0.004). Among patients admitted to the ICU, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (69.7% vs 36.2%; P<0.001) and mortality were higher in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. In patients with B-PCAP, the predictive model found associations between mortality and systemic complications (hyponatraemia, septic shock and neurological complications), lower respiratory reserve and tachypnoea; chest pain and purulent sputum were protective factors in these patients. In patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, mortality was associated with previous liver and cardiac disease, advanced age, altered mental status, tachypnoea, hypoxaemia, bilateral involvement, pleural effusion, septic shock, neutrophilia and high blood urea nitrogen; in contrast, ≥7 days of symptoms was a protective factor in these patients. In-hospital mortality occurred earlier in patients with B-PCAP. CONCLUSIONS: Although B-PCAP was associated with more severe disease and a higher ICU admission rate, the mortality rate was higher for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and deaths occurred later. New prognostic scales and more effective treatments are needed for patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia