Association Of BCR-ABL Alternative Splice Variants with Disease Progression, Treatment Response and Survival in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated with Firstline imatinib Monotherapy

Background: Alternative RNA splicing has diverse biological effects in heath as well as disease. It also contributes to cancer onset and progression. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) results due to BCR-ABL fusion oncogene that is created due to chromosomal translocation t [9; 22] [q34; q11]). BCR-ABL is target of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). BCR-ABL through alternative splicing can generate b2a2, b3a2 and some other rare splicing variants. BCR-ABL variants may vary in their response to TKI treatment and disease progression potential, which is a major factor contributing to dismal treatment outcome in CML. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate correlation of BCR-ABL splice variants with TKI treatment outcome and survival in three phases of CML that has rarely been studied previously.Methods: BCR-ABL splice variants were studied using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). in 70 CML patients from three phases of CML who were receiving imatinib (TKI) treatment.Results: Frequencies of different BCR/ABL splice variants like b3a2, b2a2 and b3a2+b2a2 were 49 (70%), 15 (21.4%) and 6 (8.6%), respectively. Splice variant b2a2 were more common (53.3%) in chronic phase CML (CP-CML) while b3a2 had higher frequency in advanced phases of CML (44.9%). CML patients with b2a2 transcript had better complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response to TKI treatment overall (100% vs. 24.5%) as well as in CP-CML (100% vs. 85.7%) and superior survival when compared to patients with b3a2 splice variant. All patients who died had male gender, less than 33 years age, b3a2 transcript, advanced phases of CML and imatinib resistance.Conclusions: Splice variant b3a2 was associated with CML progression, poorer survival and inferior treatment outcome as compared to b2a2. Further investigations on BCR-ABL splice variants and their roles in CML pathogenesis can provide deeper insights into CML biology and new targets for BCR-ABL positive leukemia treatment.          Keywords: CML; BCR-ABL splice variants; Progression; Survival; Treatment outcome 

The Hungry Games

The Hungry Games was an entry in Myrin Library\u27s 8th Annual Edible Books Festival at Ursinus College.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/ebf/1068/thumbnail.jp

Calcium sulfate alone or associated with chorion membrane in deep narrow periodontal defect? A clinical and radiographic study

Background: Soft-tissue intervention over bony defects may impede periodontal regeneration, the sole purpose of periodontal therapy. Human chorion membrane (CM) enhances guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and restores lost tissue. Consequently, calcium sulfate may represent a promising class of bone graft substitutes that helps in significant attachment gain without GTR membrane in deep narrow defects. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of calcium sulfate graft in periodontal regeneration and to weigh the rationale of using CM for GTR in deep narrow defects. Methods: Thirteen patients with bilateral deep narrow defects clinically and radiographically (26 sites, ≥7 mm pocket depth [PD]) were selected and randomly allocated to Group I (open flap debridement and calcium sulfate placement) and Group II (open flap debridement and calcium sulfate with CM placement). Clinical parameters such as PD, clinical attachment level, and radiographical intrabony defect were recorded at baseline and 6 months postsurgery. Results: Significant attachment gain was found in both groups with nonsignificant intergroup differences. Conclusion: Calcium sulfate with or without CM is able to restore deep narrow bony defects efficiently. Deep narrow defects itself able to prevent soft-tissue collapse and ascertain excellent periodontal regeneration

The People's Plan for Overcoming the Hurricane Katrina Blues

The Peoples' Plan is a strategic action plan for the recovery of the 9th Ward. It was created based on conversations with residents-some struggling to return home, others intent on remaining in a neighborhood that has always been their own. The Peoples' Plan provides a thorough assessment of what must be done to provide recovery in one of the hardest hit areas of the City, and provides a recovery model for all badly flooded areas. The Plan seeks to transform the 9th Ward as it is rebuilt. The proposed transformation will be resident-driven and will provide improved employment opportunities, better education programs as well as greater access to healthcare, childcare and numerous other community services.U of I OnlyPermission not grante