The isolation and analysis of circulating cell-free tumor DNA in plasma is a powerful tool with considerable potential to improve clinical outcomes across multiple cancer types, including NSCLC. ...Assays of this nature that use blood as opposed to tumor samples are frequently referred to as liquid biopsies. An increasing number of innovative platforms have been recently developed that improve not only the fidelity of the molecular analysis but also the number of tests performed on a single specimen. Circulating tumor DNA assays for detection of both EGFR sensitizing and resistance mutations have already entered clinical practice and many other molecular tests — such as detection of resistance mutations for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase rearrangements — are likely to do so in the near future. Due to an abundance of new evidence, an appraisal was warranted to review strengths and weaknesses, to describe what is already in clinical practice and what has yet to be implemented, and to highlight areas in need of further investigation. A multidisciplinary panel of experts in the field of thoracic oncology with interest and expertise in liquid biopsy and molecular pathology was convened by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer to evaluate current available evidence with the aim of producing a set of recommendations for the use of liquid biopsy for molecular analysis in guiding the clinical management of advanced NSCLC patients as well as identifying unmet needs. In summary, the panel concluded that liquid biopsy approaches have significant potential to improve patient care, and immediate implementation in the clinic is justified in a number of therapeutic settings relevant to NSCLC.
Pleural biopsy findings offer greater diagnostic sensitivity in malignant pleural effusions compared with pleural fluid. The adequacy of pleural biopsy techniques in achieving molecular marker status ...has not been studied, and such information (termed “actionable” histology) is critical in providing a rational, efficient, and evidence-based approach to diagnostic investigation.
What is the adequacy of various pleural biopsy techniques at providing adequate molecular diagnostic information to guide treatment in malignant pleural effusions?
This study analyzed anonymized data on 183 patients from four sites across three countries in whom pleural biopsy results had confirmed a malignant diagnosis and molecular profiling was relevant for the diagnosed cancer type. The primary outcome measure was adequacy of pleural biopsy for achieving molecular marker status. Secondary outcomes included clinical factors predictive of achieving a molecular diagnosis.
The median age of patients was 71 years (interquartile range, 63-78 years), with 92 of 183 (50%) male. Of the 183 procedures, 105 (57%) were local anesthetic thoracoscopies (LAT), 12 (7%) were CT scan guided, and 66 (36%) were ultrasound guided. Successful molecular marker analysis was associated with mode of biopsy, with LAT having the highest yield and ultrasound-guided biopsy the lowest (LAT vs CT scan guided vs ultrasound guided: LAT yield, 95%; CT scan guided, 86%; and ultrasound guided, 77% P = .004). Biopsy technique and size of biopsy sample were independently associated with successful molecular marker analysis. LAT had an adjusted OR for successful diagnosis of 30.16 (95% CI, 3.15-288.56; P = .003) and biopsy sample size an OR of 1.18 (95% CI, 1.02-1.37) per millimeter increase in tissue sample size (P < .03).
Although previous studies have shown comparable overall diagnostic yields, in the modern era of targeted therapies, this study found that LAT offers far superior results to image-guided techniques at achieving molecular profiling and remains the optimal diagnostic tool.
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Multi-species mushroom-based products (MPs) sold in Italy were authenticated by metabarcoding (MB). One degenerated primer pair was projected for the ITS-1 region amplification. The final data were ...interpreted using positive controls and extraction blanks. Sequences of macrofungi, microfungi and bacteria were detected in 100%, 90.9% and 77.3% of the MPs, respectively. Not edible and toxic macrofungi were also found, although in low sequence amount. The match between species declared on MPs label and species detected by MB was 59.1%. Cases of voluntary species substitution cannot be excluded. Methods to authenticate these products, still poorly investigated, should be further employed, and MB protocol should be standardized to be used in the context of both official control and companies’ self-control. Alternative approaches should be considered for canned and frozen MPs, in virtue of the observed DNA fragmentation.
•Multi-species mushroom-based products sold in Italy were authenticated by metabarcoding.•Primers were de novo projected and positive controls/extraction blanks were included.•Sequences of macrofungi, microfungi and bacteria were detected.•Not edible and toxic macrofungi were also found.•Protocols should be standardized to be used in the context of official control and self-control.
During June 2018, several symptomatic fig (Ficus carica) cuttings, showing twig blight, subcortical discolouration and apical dieback were collected from a nursery in Catania province, Sicily ...(Italy). Isolations from diseased tissue consistently showed the presence of the same fungal colony. Morphology of the fungal isolates together with sequence data of the nuclear rDNA internal transcriber spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene and partial beta-tubulin (tub2) gene of representatives isolates revealed the presence of the fungus Neofusicoccum parvum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating fig cuttings with mycelial plugs. After 10 days, the inoculated plants developed cankers similar to those observed in the greenhouse and after 26 days all inoculated plants were dead. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of N. parvum causing disease on this host.
Sea urchins are primary herbivores on coral reefs, regulating algal biomass and facilitating coral settlement and growth.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 Recurring mass mortality events (MMEs) of Diadema ...species Gray, 1825 have been recorded globally,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23 the most notorious and ecologically significant of which occurred in the Caribbean in 1983,14,17,19,20 contributing to the shift from coral to algal-dominated ecosystems.17,24,25 Recently, first evidence of Diadema setosum mass mortality was reported from the eastern Mediterranean Sea.23 Here, we report extensive mass mortalities of several diadematoid species inhabiting the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean (WIO)26,27,28 including first evidence of mortalities in the genus Echinothrix Peters, 1853. Mortalities initiated in the Gulf of Aqaba on December 2022 and span the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Western Indian Ocean (Réunion Island), with population declines reaching 100% at some sites. Infected individuals are characterized by spine loss and tissue necrosis, resulting in exposed skeletons (i.e., tests) and mortality. Molecular diagnostics of the 18S rRNA gene confirm the presence of a waterborne scuticociliate protozoan most closely related to Philaster apodigitiformis in infected specimens—identical to the pathogen found in the 2022 Caribbean mass mortality of Diadema antillarum.13,15,18 Collapse of these key benthic grazers in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean may lead to algal dominance over corals, threatening the stability of coral reefs on a regional scale.29,30,31,32 We issue a warning regarding the further expansion of mortalities and call for immediate monitoring and conservation efforts for these key ecological species.
•Mass mortalities of diadematoid sea urchins spread through the Red Sea and WIO•Species of both Diadema and Echinothrix are susceptible to mortalities•Population declines in D. setosum and E. calamaris in the Gulf of Aqaba reach 100%•Molecular analyses confirm the presence of a Philaster-like scutocilliate protozoan
Roth et al. report regional-scale mass mortalities of diadematoid sea urchins in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, driving population declines of up to 100% in Diadema and Echinothrix species since December 2022. Genetic analyses confirm the presence of the Caribbean D. antillarum pathogen, a Philaster-like scuticociliate, in infected specimens.
This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity and molecular relationships of different genotypes of locally cultivated Bengkulu Ambon bananas. The investigation involved the utilization of ...chloroplast SSR markers and PCR techniques with 12 primers to examine 29 samples of Ambon bananas. The findings revealed monomorphic (uniform pattern) and polymorphic (varying patterns) DNA bands within the samples. In almost all samples, the monomorphic band pattern was found to be dominant at around 450 base pairs. Meanwhile, in 500 base pairs (primer 4), two different monomorphs were found.Additionally, primers 8 and 11 demonstrated multiple fragment band patterns, indicating the presence of polymorphism among the samples. The results of the dendogram analysis show that the level of similarity of all samples is relatively high. However, there are groups that represent genetic diversity. At a similarity level of 0.82 there are three clusters, four clusters at 0.85, seven clusters at 0.9 and so on. Of the 29 accessions studied, it is known that there are 11 samples that are completely genetically similar. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and relationships among locally cultivated Bengkulu Ambon bananas. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge regarding the molecular characteristics of these bananas and hold significance for conservation and breeding initiatives.
This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity and molecular relationships of different genotypes of locally cultivated Bengkulu Ambon bananas. The investigation involved the utilization of ...chloroplast SSR markers and PCR techniques with 12 primers to examine 29 samples of Ambon bananas. The findings revealed monomorphic (uniform pattern) and polymorphic (varying patterns) DNA bands within the samples. In almost all samples, the monomorphic band pattern was found to be dominant at around 450 base pairs. Meanwhile, in 500 base pairs (primer 4), two different monomorphs were found.Additionally, primers 8 and 11 demonstrated multiple fragment band patterns, indicating the presence of polymorphism among the samples. The results of the dendogram analysis show that the level of similarity of all samples is relatively high. However, there are groups that represent genetic diversity. At a similarity level of 0.82 there are three clusters, four clusters at 0.85, seven clusters at 0.9 and so on. Of the 29 accessions studied, it is known that there are 11 samples that are completely genetically similar. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and relationships among locally cultivated Bengkulu Ambon bananas. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge regarding the molecular characteristics of these bananas and hold significance for conservation and breeding initiatives.
Acral and mucosal melanomas are often driven by sequence variants in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, with nearly 40% harboring alterations in the KIT locus. Despite advances in the knowledge of ...KIT-mutated melanomas, little is known about the molecular reprogramming that occurs during KIT-mediated melanoma progression owing to the rarity of acral and mucosal melanomas and the lack of comprehensive biological tools and models. To this end, we used a murine model that allows us to ascertain the molecular underpinnings of the stages of cancer progression—transformation, tumorigenesis, immune engagement, and tumor escalation. We found dramatic increases in biosynthetic demands associated with the transformation stage, including DNA and RNA metabolism, leading to replication stress. Tumorigenesis was closely linked to neuronal and axonal development, likely necessary for invasion into the host. Immune engagement highlighted early immune excitation and rejection pathways, possibly triggered by abrupt neoantigen exposure. Finally, tumor escalation pathways proved consistent with immune evasion, with immune-related pathways becoming significantly downregulated. To our knowledge, it is previously unreported that these critical milestones needed for KIT-driven melanoma tumor formation have been studied at the molecular level using isogenically matched and phenotypically defined cells.
Esophageal and gastric pythiosis in a dog Silva, Emanoelly Machado Sousa da; Martins, Kamila Peruchi Fernandes; Pereira, Asheley Henrique Barbosa ...
Ciência rural,
2024, Letnik:
54, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Pythiosis is the disease caused by aquatic oomycetes of the genus Pythium. In dogs the typical course of the disease involves the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by transmural thickening of the ...stomach or intestines. However, infection by Pythium spp. has only rarely been recognized as a cause of esophagitis in dogs. Thus, the present reports a case of esophageal and gastric pythiosis in an eight-month-old female pit bull dog. The dog was attended at the hospital after two months presenting regurgitation and dyspnea. It was reported that the dog lived in an urban area and had no previous sanitary issues. At clinical examination it was noted that the dog presented crackling sounds at pulmonary auscultation. A support therapy accompanied by antibiotics has been employed; however, 22 days after hospitalization the clinical condition worsened, and the dog died. At necropsy, the wall of the distal segment of the esophagus and the cardia and part of the fundus of the stomach were expanded by a focal extensive irregular intramural annular mass. Additionally, there was a transmural esophageal fistula. At histology, the walls of the esophagus and stomach were extensively expanded by multifocal extensive areas of necrosis, associated with a pyogranulomatous infiltrate and abundant granulation tissue containing multiple negative images of hyphae that were highlighted by silver impregnation (Grocott). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and PCR for P. insidiosum were both positive in samples of paraffin-embedded esophageal tissue.
RESUMO: A Pitiose é uma doença causada por oomicetos aquáticos do gênero Pythium. Em cães o curso típico da doença envolve o trato gastrointestinal, caracterizado por espessamento transmural do estômago ou intestinos. No entanto, a infecção por Pythium spp. raramente foi reconhecida como causa de esofagite em caninos. Assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de pitiose esofágica e gástrica em um canino Pit Bull fêmea de oito meses de idade. O cão foi recebido no hospital com histórico de regurgitação e dispneia durante dois meses. Foi relatado que o animal era de um domicílio de área urbana e não possuía histórico pregresso de enfermidades. No exame clínico contatou-se ainda crepitações à ausculta pulmonar. Foi instituído tratamento de suporte e antibioticoterapia, porém após 22 dias de internação, o cão evoluiu para o óbito. Na necropsia, as paredes do segmento distal do esôfago e o cárdia e parte do fundo do estômago estavam expandidos por uma massa anular intramural focalmente extensiva e irregular. Além disso, havia uma fístula esofágica transmural. À histologia, as paredes do esôfago e do estômago apresentavam-se difusamente expandidas por áreas multifocais extensas de necrose, associadas a infiltrado piogranulomatoso, abundante proliferação de fibroblastos imaturos, neovascularização e contendo múltiplas imagens negativas de hifas realçadas pela impregnação por prata (Grocott). Além disso, tanto a imuno-histoquímica como PCR para P. insidiosum foram positivas em amostras de esôfago embebidas em parafina.
One of the key challenges for nuclear physics today is to understand from first principles the effective interaction between hadrons with different quark content. First successes have been achieved ...using techniques that solve the dynamics of quarks and gluons on discrete space-time lattices
. Experimentally, the dynamics of the strong interaction have been studied by scattering hadrons off each other. Such scattering experiments are difficult or impossible for unstable hadrons
and so high-quality measurements exist only for hadrons containing up and down quarks
. Here we demonstrate that measuring correlations in the momentum space between hadron pairs
produced in ultrarelativistic proton-proton collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) provides a precise method with which to obtain the missing information on the interaction dynamics between any pair of unstable hadrons. Specifically, we discuss the case of the interaction of baryons containing strange quarks (hyperons). We demonstrate how, using precision measurements of proton-omega baryon correlations, the effect of the strong interaction for this hadron-hadron pair can be studied with precision similar to, and compared with, predictions from lattice calculations
. The large number of hyperons identified in proton-proton collisions at the LHC, together with accurate modelling
of the small (approximately one femtometre) inter-particle distance and exact predictions for the correlation functions, enables a detailed determination of the short-range part of the nucleon-hyperon interaction.
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