Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma of HIV-infected and non-infected patients

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma, hindering tumor destruction. The aim of this study was to assess PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) patients. A total of 166 SCC and SIL samples of HIV+ and HIV- patients were included and analyzed for PD-L1 expression through tumor proportion score (TPS), and results were stratified in five TPS groups using SP263 antibody and, combined positive score (CPS) using 22C3 antibody. In cohort 1 (SP263 clone), all HIV+ patients were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) scored < 1; and 87.5% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) adjacent to SCC, 19% of HSILs non-adjacent to SCC, and 69% of SCCs scored ≥ 1 (15.4% scored 5). In HIV- patients, all NILM, LSILs, HSILs adjacent to SCC, and two HSILs non-adjacent to SCC scored < 1. SCC: 88.2% scored ≥ 1 and 5.9% scored 5. In cohort 2 (SP263 and 22C3 clones), 16.7% of HIV+ patients with SCC were positive with both clones, CPS ≥ 1 (22C3) or score 5 (≥ 50%) (SP263), showing no significant differences in positivity between both clones. These results indicate that a relatively low percentage of SCCs (16.7%; both in HIV+ and in HIV- patients) express PD-L1 (TPS ≥ 50% and CPS > 1), which may be due to some samples being archival material, sample characteristics, or use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization of PD-L1 assessment in SCC of the cervix. The fact that PD-L1 is overexpressed in SILs of HIV+ patients suggests potential additional applications for immunotherapy in this disease.

Evaluation of PIK3CA mutations in advanced ER+/HER2-breast cancer in Portugal - U-PIK Project

Background: Around 40% of ER+/HER2-breast carcinomas (BC) present mutations in the PIK3CA gene. Assessment of PIK3CA mutational status is required to identify patients eligible for treatment with PI3Kα inhibitors, with alpelisib currently the only approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor in this setting. U-PIK project aimed to conduct a ring trial to validate and implement the PIK3CA mutation testing in several Portuguese centers, decentralizing it and optimizing its quality at national level. Methods: Eight Tester centers selected two samples of patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC and generated eight replicates of each (n = 16). PIK3CA mutational status was assessed in two rounds. Six centers used the cobas^® PIK3CA mutation test, and two used PCR and Sanger sequencing. In parallel, two reference centers (IPATIMUP and the Portuguese Institute of Oncology [IPO]-Porto) performed PIK3CA mutation testing by NGS in the two rounds. The quality of molecular reports describing the results was also assessed. Testing results and molecular reports were received and analyzed by U-PIK coordinators: IPATIMUP, IPO-Porto, and IPO-Lisboa. Results: Overall, five centers achieved a concordance rate with NGS results (allele frequency [AF] ≥5%) of 100%, one of 94%, one of 93%, and one of 87.5%, considering the overall performance in the two testing rounds. NGS reassessment of discrepancies in the results of the methods used by the Tester centers and the reference centers identified one probable false positive and two mutations with low AF (1-3%, at the analytical sensitivity threshold), interpreted as subclonal variants with heterogeneous representation in the tissue sections processed by the respective centers. The analysis of molecular reports revealed the need to implement the use of appropriate sequence variant nomenclature with the identification of reference sequences (HGVS-nomenclature) and to state the tumor cell content in each sample. Conclusion: The concordance rates between the method used by each tester center and NGS validate the use of the PIK3CA mutational status test performed at these centers in clinical practice in patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC.

Targeted Axillary Dissection after Chemotherapy: Feasibility Study with Clip and Carbon Dye Tattoo - Neotarget Trial

Background

Axillary staging in patients with complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still controversial. Our objective was to test tattoo alone and subsequentially tattoo plus clip as markers in the targeted axillary dissection of ycN0 patients.

Methods

Prospective cohort of cT1-T3, cN1 (proven histologically), M0 patients scheduled to receive NAC. Exclusion criteria were lobular histology, prior axillary surgery, and clinical N2/3. In cohort 1 this positive node (Neotarget node) was tattooed at diagnosis. If ycN0, a targeted axillary dissection was performed. After an interim analysis with negative results we changed the protocol in order to do a double marking procedure (Cohort 2): the positive node was clipped at diagnosis and after NAC a tattoo was done before surgery.

Results

Thirteen patients in Cohort 1 and 18 patients in Cohort 2. Failure to identify the Neotarget node with multiple nodes retrieved in 9/13 (69%) of Cohort 1 patients. Also in 5/13 (38%) of Cohort 1 patients and 3/18 (17%) of Cohort 2 there was a failure to clearly identify tattooed nodes. In Cohort 2, clip identification by surgical specimen radiography allowed the identification of the tagged node in 17/18 (94,4%) of cases. The concordance between the clipped node and sentinel nodes was 16/18 (89%).

Conclusions

The introduction of double marking by clipping the metastatic node and verifying their removal by surgical specimen radiography, using carbon ink as a tracer, allowed the identification of the metastatic node in 94% of cases, with a simple, reproducible, and easy-to-implement targeted axillary dissection procedure.

Treatment optimization of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (Review)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumor types, being the sixth leading cause of mortality worldwide and the fourth in Europe. Globally, it has a mortality/incidence ratio of 98%, and the 5‑year survival rate in Europe is only 3%. Although risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol consumption and genetic factors, have been identified, the causes of PDAC remain elusive. Additionally, the only curative treatment for PDAC is surgery with negative margins. However, upon diagnosis, ~30% of the patients already present with locally advanced disease. In these cases, a multidisciplinary approach is required to improve disease‑related symptoms and prolong patient survival. In the present article, a comprehensive review of PDAC epidemiology, physiology and treatment is provided. Moreover, guidelines on patient treatment are suggested. Among the different available therapeutic options for the treatment of advanced PDAC, results are modest, most likely due to the complexity of the disease, and so the prognostic remains poor. Molecular approaches based on multi‑omics research are promising and will contribute to groundbreaking personalized medicine. Thus, economic investment that promotes research of pancreatic cancer will be critical to the development of more efficient diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Detection of HIV mRNA in routine liquid-based cytology specimens of HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVE

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected women have a high incidence of HPV infection, and HIV and HPV coinfection is associated with high incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. This study investigated the ability to detect HIV mRNA in routine screening cervical liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples and its correlation with HPV coinfection and cervical intraepithelial lesions.

METHODS

Liquid-based cytology samples from 80 HIV-infected women under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) were studied for detection of HIV and HPV mRNA using Aptima^® tests and for cytology diagnosis according to the 2014 Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology. Peripheral blood (PB) HIV mRNAs were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact or Chi-square test to compare frequencies among groups and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare continuous variables.

RESULTS

Human immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in 21.3% of routine LBC samples in HIV-infected women, 12.5% of which had no detectable PB viral load. Among 10 patients diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50% had detectable HIV viral load. The occurrence of HSIL vs low-grade intraepithelial lesion/negative intraepithelial lesion or malignancy in LBC samples was significantly higher in women with detectable HIV viral load (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Human immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in routine LBC samples in HIV-positive women under cART. Detection of HIV viral load in LBC is significantly associated with cervical HSIL. This suggests the relevance of HIV mRNA viral load assessment in routine LBC, to evaluate patients' infectious potential and monitor efficacy of the cART scheme.

Methylation patterns in dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Background and aims: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with colonic involvement increases colorectal cancer risk. However, the distinction between IBD related and sporadic dysplasia in IBD patients is difficult. Some data favors the importance of abnormal DNA methylation in IBD-related carcinogenesis. We aimed to define methylation patterns in patients with colonic cancer or dysplasia diagnosis following an IBD diagnosis.Methods: Multicentric cross-sectional study-91 samples from colonic mucosa with/without dysplasia from 9 patients with IBD-related dysplasia/cancer and 26 patients with IBD and sporadic dysplasia/cancer were included. Methylation patterns of CpG islands in the promoter regions of 67 genes were studied by Methylation-specific Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification.Results: Mean age at IBD diagnosis: 42 ± 16 years;at dysplasia diagnosis: 56 ± 14 years. Twenty-ninepatients had ulcerative colitis. Twenty-five patients had at least 1 lesion endoscopically described as adenoma-like, 4 at least 1 non-adenoma like, 3 had cancer and 3 had dysplasia in flat mucosa. No patient had both adenoma-like and non-adenoma-like lesions. Patients with an IBD-related lesion were significantly younger at IBD diagnosis (p = .003) and at dysplasia/cancer diagnosis (p = .039). Promoter methylation of IGF2, RARB, ESR1, CHFR, CDH13, WT1, GATA5, WIF1genes was significantly associated to dysplasia/cancer; methylation of MSH6, TIMP3 was significantly associated to IBD-related dysplasia/cancer. Promoter methylation of MSH6, MSH3, RUNX3, CRABP1, TP73, RARB, CDH13, PAX5, WT1, THBS1, TP53, SFRP1, WIF1, APAF1, BCL2 genes was significantly associated to active IBD.Conclusions: Methylation analysis, namely of MSH6, may contribute to the classification of dysplastic lesions in IBD- to be further tested in prospective studies.

Molecular Staging of Patients with Colon Cancer. The C-Closer-II Study: A Multicentre Study in Portugal

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 20% - 30% of histological lymph node-negative patients with colorectal cancer relapse at five years after surgical treatment. This recurrence is likely due to occult nodal disease undetected by standard histopathological practice which has implications in terms of the clinical management of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lymph nodes were collected from colectomy specimens. A central section from each lymph node was histologically examined following haematoxylin-eosin staining and the remaining tissue was subjected to OSNA - one step nucleic acid amplification analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1046 lymph nodes from 59 pN0 patients were assessed. Of these, 753 lymph nodes were examined by both methods. The median number of lymph nodes assessed with OSNA - one step nucleic acid amplification was 12 (IQR: 7;16). Among pN0 patients, 17 had OSNA - one step nucleic acid amplification-positive lymph nodes, resulting in a positive molecular staging rate of 28.8% (95% CI: 17.8 - 42.1). Among these patients, 12 (70.59%) were molecular-staged as pN1 and 5 (29.41%) were molecular staged as pN2. The tumour burden of lymph nodes assessed with OSNA - one step nucleic acid amplification ranged from 270 to 17 000 cytokeratin 19 mRNA copies/μL. Most of these patients (88.2%) were found to have lymph nodes with micrometastases only (250 - 4999 copies/μL).

DISCUSSION

We provide the results from the first study of the use of the OSNA - one step nucleic acid amplification assay in colorectal cancer patients in Portugal. Our results are in-line with other international studies, showing the improvement on patients' staging by molecular examination of lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

In our study, 28.8% of patients with histologically negative lymph nodes were found to have metastatic lymph nodes using OSNA - one step nucleic acid molecular assessment. OSNA - one step nucleic acid assay allows a more accurate staging of patients with colorectal cancer and standardizes lymph node assessment.

The cancer registry as an ally in monitoring treatment effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the cancer registry database can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness using nivolumab treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an example.

METHOD

An observational inception cohort was used, where all registered cases of NSCLC with authorisation to initiate treatment with nivolumab were monitored retrospectively to evaluate disease characteristics and response to prior treatments. Current exposure to nivolumab was prospectively characterised and treatment outcomes classified based on the clinical information registered in the patient medical record. The main outcome measure used to assess treatment effectiveness was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes considered were progression free survival (PFS) as a measure of effectiveness and occurrence of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRs) as a measure of safety. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 24.

RESULTS

A total of 115 patients received treatment with nivolumab for NSCLC, between November 1st 2015 and July 31st 2016, and were registered in the database. The majority were non-squamous type (n=107). The median OS was 11.4 months {CI_95%: 11.1-11.7}, with a 1-year survival of 44%, in line with clinical trial data. Median PFS was 5.4 months {CI_95%: 2.8-7.9}. Treatment was discontinued in 82 cases, most frequently due to disease progression. There were 38 cases of ADRs documented in the patient medical chart, 21 of which led to treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

The analysed data suggest that the cancer registry is a powerful tool to monitor treatment effectiveness, although considerable investment is needed to improve the medical culture of recording treatment exposure, particularly documentation of ADRs.

Postinfectious Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Positive Optic Neuritis and Myelitis

We report the case of a 9-year-old girl admitted with fever, headache, and a cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for human herpes virus 6. She subsequently developed ataxia and bilateral loss of vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral optic nerve lesions with extension to optic chiasm and a short-segment myelitis. Serologic studies were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi IgM. Anti-aquaporin 4 antibody was negative and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG) positive. After intravenous methylprednisolone, ceftriaxone, and intravenous immunoglobulin, her vision slowly recovered. The patient was discharged with only mild visual acuity loss, 1 month after admission. Brain MRI was repeated later and was normal and MOG assay became negative. In our view, this patient suffered from a postinfectious, anti-MOG-mediated, spinal cord and optic nerve demyelination.

A diffusely enlarged pancreas: the (un)usual suspect

An 81-years-old female presented with obstructive jaundice and a non-specific clinical picture of nausea and appetite loss. Labs demonstrated a conjugated hyperbilirrubinemia (7.7 mg/dL), increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (10xULN and 8xULN, respectively), increased lactate dehydrogenase (10xULN) and serum lipase (3xULN). CA 19.9 was 342 U/mL (Ref value < 37 U/mL). There was no evidence of peripheral lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Imaging (Figure 1A and 1B) revealed a marked homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas (without any well-defined mass), dilation of the extra and intra-hepatic bile ducts and ascites. Endoscopic ultrasound (Figure 1C and 1D) identified an enlarged homogeneous hypoechoic pancreas, without any well-defined lesion, no dilation of the main pancreatic duct, no peripancreatic or celiac enlarged lymph nodes. A fine-needle biopsy was performed yielding, on cytological examination and cell-block technique (Figure 2A and 2B), numerous medium/large sized atypical lymphoid cells that displayed a B-cell lineage immunophenotype (Figure 2A-2F). Even though, further characterization (by flow cytometric immunophenotyping) could not be obtained, a final diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) was assumed. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a remarkably rare tumor of the pancreas, representing approximately 0.5% of all pancreatic neoplasms and <2% of all lymphomas (1,2). A correct diagnosis is crucial because therapeutic management differs from other pancreatic malignancies (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor and metastases) (2,3). Two morphologic patterns of PPL are recognized: a focal form (occurring in the pancreatic head in 80% of cases) and a rarer diffuse/infiltrative pattern, as depicted herein, emulating an acute/autoimmune pancreatitis (1).

Low frequency of TERT promoter mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

Somatic mutations in the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, mainly at positions c.-124 and c.-146 bp, are frequent in several human cancers; yet its presence in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has not been reported to date. Herein, we searched for the presence and clinicopathological association of TERT promoter mutations in genomic DNA from 130 bona fide GISTs. We found TERT promoter mutations in 3.8% (5/130) of GISTs. The c.-124C>T mutation was the most common event, present in 2.3% (3/130), and the c.-146C>T mutation in 1.5% (2/130) of GISTs. No significant association was observed between TERT promoter mutation and patient's clinicopathological features. The present study establishes the low frequency (4%) of TERT promoter mutations in GISTs. Further studies are required to confirm our findings and to elucidate the hypothetical biological and clinical impact of TERT promoter mutation in GIST pathogenesis.

Decreasing incidence and changes in serotype distribution of invasive pneumococcal disease in persons aged under 18 years since introduction of 10-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines in Portugal, July 2008 to June 2012

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[Protracted Febrile Myalgia Syndrome with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: an atypical presentation of Familial Mediterranean Fever]

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an hereditary autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, arthritis and serositis: peritonitis, pleurisy and/or pericarditis. Its main complication is systemic AA amyloidosis. The authors present a case of a 8-years-old female child with african ancestry, who was admitted three times since 5 years-old with abdominal pain, fever and high acute phase reactants. At the first admission appendectomy was made and at the third hospital admission the clinical picture was accompanied by myalgia, purpuric lesions and non nephrotic proteinuria. A renal biopsy was performed and was compatible with Henoch-Schönlein nephritis. Serum Amyloid A protein had high levels - 92 mg/L (> 6.8) and a diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever was confirmed by genetic test (homozygote for M694V in MEFV gene). She started colchicine and is doing well, without any further complaints. FMF must be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent attacks of fever and abdominal pain in children, even with an atypical presentation (p.e. Protracted Febrile Myalgia Syndrome). Genetic study allows the confirmation of the diagnosis and has prognostic implications.

High prevalence of ST121 in community-associated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus lineages responsible for skin and soft tissue infections in Portuguese children

In order to evaluate the incidence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in Portugal, we analyzed a collection of 38 S. aureus isolates recovered from 30 children attending the pediatric emergency department of a central hospital in Lisbon due to skin and soft tissue infections. Molecular characterization identified seven clonal lineages among the 35 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, of which the major lineage PFGE A/t159/ST121 included 63% of the isolates. The three MRSA isolates belonged to the Pediatric clone PFGE D/t535/ST5-IV (n = 2) and to the European CA-MRSA clone PFGE G/t044/ST80-IVc (n = 1). All isolates harbored several virulence factors, namely, leukocidins. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) was produced by isolates from five MSSA lineages and by the ST80 MRSA. Of interest, this is the first reported isolation of CA-MRSA ST80 in Portugal.

Estimation of hormone receptor status in fine-needle aspirates and paraffin-embedded sections from breast cancer using the novel rabbit monoclonal antibodies SP1 and SP2

We describe a method of immunocytochemical assessment of estrogen receptor (ER) status on alcohol-fixed smears obtained by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) from breast cancer patients, using a commercially available rabbit monoclonal antibody anti-ER (SP1) without any antigen retrieval. A series of 40 aspirates were analyzed and the results of ER status were compared with the respective formalin-fixed tissue using the same procedure and with assessment by the classical method using the mouse monoclonal antibody 6F11 (anti-ER) with antigen retrieval on paraffin sections. Twenty-four out of the 40 cases examined were positive at least by two methods and 16 were negative for all three determinations. The results obtained in the ER immunocytochemical assay on aspirates and paraffin sections using the antibody SP1 and those obtained on paraffin sections using the antibody 6F11 were quite similar. In one case the material was insufficient to interpret the reaction in the cytological specimen and only one case, with focal positivity reaction on paraffin sections, was negative in the cytological specimen. The intensity of nuclei staining in cytological smears of breast cancer cells was stronger than that observed by traditional methods. We also assessed progesterone receptor (PR) status on 40 paraffin-sections from breast cancer patients, using a commercially available rabbit monoclonal antibody anti-PR (SP2), with the same characteristics described for anti-ER (SP1). The results were compared with assessment by the classic method with mouse monoclonal antibody 1A6 (PR) on paraffin sections and total agreement was observed. Of the 40 cases examined, 18 were positive and 22 were negative for the two determinations. We conclude that the application of the ER method on alcohol-fixed smears/paraffin sections with the rabbit monoclonal antibody SP1, and the PR method on paraffin sections with the rabbit monoclonal antibody SP2, provide several advantages, such as high sensitivity and specificity of the reaction, stronger immunostaining, shorter procedures times, and avoidance of antigenic retrieval methods.

Shift work at a modern offshore drilling rig

The oil and gas exploration and production offshore units are classified as hazardous installations. Work in these facilities is complex, confined and associated with a wide range of risks. The continuous operation is secured by various shift work patterns. The objective of this study was to evaluate how offshore drilling workers perceived shift work at high seas and its impacts on their life and working conditions. The main features of the studied offshore shift work schedules are: long time on board (14 to 28 days), extended shifts (12 hours or more per day), slow rotation (7 to 14 days in the same shift), long sequence of days on the night shift (7 to 14 days in a row) and the extra-long extended journey (18 hours) on shift change and landing days. Interviews revealed a wide range of stressors caused by the offshore shift work, as well as difficulties to conciliate work with family life. It was observed that changes of the family model, leading to role conflicts and social isolation, work in a hazardous environment, perceiving poor sleep when working at night shifts and the imbalance between the expected and actual rewards are the major stressors for the offshore drilling workers.

Duodenal-content reflux esophagitis induces the development of glandular metaplasia and adenosquamous carcinoma in rats

Recent studies have demonstrated that refluxed duodenal contents cause esophageal carcinoma in rats without exposure to carcinogens. The histopathological spectrum of these carcinomas includes squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. Pure adenocarcinomas are thought to arise in areas of columnar metaplasia adjacent to the anastomosis, similar to Barrett's esophagus in humans. In contrast, the histogenesis of adenosquamous carcinomas is unclear. The purpose here was to investigate the pathogenesis of esophageal adenosquamous carcinomas in a time-course experiment of chronic duodenal-content reflux without carcinogen. Forty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups and exposed to duodenal-content esophageal reflux during 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 weeks, respectively. All animals underwent an esophagojejunostomy with gastric preservation in order to produce chronic esophagitis. The rats received a standard diet without addition of carcinogens. An increasing incidence of glandular metaplasia and carcinoma was observed over the time course, starting at 20 weeks. After 40 weeks of reflux, multiple foci of glandular metaplasia and adenosquamous carcinoma were found in 83 and 50% of the animals, respectively. Most of the carcinomas occurred in the middle and proximal esophagus and had a dual pattern of differentiation, glandular and squamous. These findings confirm that duodenal content reflux alone has a carcinogenic effect. We propose that chronic duodenal reflux induces the development of metaplastic cells with glandular differentiation from the stem cells of squamous epithelium, and that glandular metaplastic foci are the morphological element from which tumors with a dual pattern of differentiation arise.

Eleven novel APC mutations identified in Portuguese FAP families

Germline mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant predisposition to colorectal cancer. In the present study we screened all of the exons of the APC gene in individuals belonging to 85 Portuguese FAP families. We here report eleven novel mutations which are predominantly frameshifts or single base substitutions, resulting in premature stop codons. Hum Mutat 16:178, 2000.

Cytokine levels (IL-6 and IFN-gamma), acute phase response and nutritional status as prognostic factors in lung cancer

Raised serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been described in cancer patients. This cytokine mediates the acute phase response and has been also involved in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine the relationships of IL-6 and other cytokines with neoplasia extension, acute phase response and nutritional status, in lung cancer patients; and (2) to establish the prognostic value of serum cytokine levels. A prospective study in which IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) have been determined in 66 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Nutritional status was assessed objectively. Serum levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and acute phase reactants as C Reactive Protein, alpha1 antitrypsin and ferritine, were determined. Increased IL-6 levels were related to extensive disease, impaired performance status, enhanced acute phase response and malnutrition. Raised serum IL-6 levels, extensive disease, low Karnofsky index, malnutrition, acute phase response and low IFN-gamma were all related to a shorter survival. When assessed by a multivariate analysis, IL-6 kept its independent prognostic value together with age, disease extension, and decreased IFN-gamma serum levels.IL-6 is increased in lung cancer patients, enhances the acute phase response in them, and is correlated with poor nutritional status, impaired performance status and shorter survival.

Acute colitis caused by caustic products

We report two cases of acute proctocolitis caused by rectal application of caustic products of domestic use. One 61-yr-old woman applied an ammonia solution enema; the other patient, a 63-yr-old woman, accidentally applied an enema containing lye. Both patients presented with intense anal pain, but the first patient also had abdominal pain with guarding, hematochezia, and leucocytosis. An acute proctocolitis was found at sigmoidoscopy in both patients. Only conservative and symptomatic measures were prescribed in both cases, and a clinical and endoscopic recovery was seen. In spite of persistent fibrosis in the lamina propria, no signs of stenosis were found.

[Nephrotic syndrome. What is new since the 1988 study?]

The authors make a retrospective review of 53 new cases of Nephrotic Syndrome followed up in the Nephrology Unit from November 1988 to March 1994, bearing in mind the evaluation of casual changes of the disease standard regarding a previous study of 1988. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutical and evolutional aspects were studied. Forty-four cases of primary Nephrotic Syndrome (83%) were identified, 61.4% of which behaved as cortico-sensitive, 25% as cortico-dependent, and 13.6% as cortico-resistant; 8 cases (15%) of Nephrotic Syndrome secondary to infection, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Amyloidosis, and 1 case of congenital Nephrotic Syndrome (2%). The theory that the high number of cortico-dependent is, probably, related with a higher severity in the relapse diagnosis and/or changes in the children's standard of living is admissible. It was also observed that at present there is a lower number of hospital discharges, related to more careful attitudes adopted regarding the evolution of the disease.

Charcoal deposits in the esophageal and gastric mucosa

We report the case of a 75-yr-old woman referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy to investigate severe iron deficiency anemia. Black linear lesions were observed in the distal esophagus and stomach. Biopsies revealed aggregates of coarse black foreign material, which was later identified as charcoal. The patient's previous medical history included an antidepressant overdose 5 yr before the current admission. The patient had a gastric lavage, using a large bore orogastric tube, followed by the administration of activated charcoal. The patient had no other history of charcoal ingestion. We propose that the charcoal became entrapped in mucosal tears caused by the traumatic intubation 5 yr previously, causing the incidental mucosal tattooing seen at endoscopy.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis in a 5-year-old girl

We report a 5-year-old girl with anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis. Her outcome was excellent with clearance of antibody and recovery of renal function 5 weeks after the start of immunosuppression and plasmaphaeresis.

[A resurgence of rheumatic fever. New causes or old attitudes?]

Bearing in mind that in the last years there has been an increase in rheumatic fever episodes, the authors evaluate the cases recently observed in the department. The data of 3 children born and living in Portugal, the first known outbreak of rheumatic fever observed between June 93 and March 94, were examined. One case presented polyarthritis, another polyarthritis and carditis and the third chorea and carditis. In just one case was the diagnosis of rheumatic fever considered in the beginning, and over-all, failures in the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillitis, and in echocardiographic diagnosis were detected. In view of these examples, the authors conclude that the increasing incidence and morbidity of rheumatic fever is more probably due to forgetfulness of old attitudes than to new causes. Delay in the diagnosis and errors in secondary prophylaxis may influence long term results.

Association of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) and its precursors with malignant change in Barrett's epithelium: biological and clinical variables

Adenocarcinomas of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) and those arising in Barrett's esophagus (BE) are increasing in the West and have a poorer prognosis than distal stomach cancers. This has been attributed mainly to anatomical location, but biological factors such as growth-regulatory molecules have been implicated. We have investigated the expression of one of these factors, TGF alpha, and its precursor prepro TGF alpha in 82 adenocarcinomas of GEJ (32 resected specimens and 50 biopsies) as well as in 48 BE biopsies without tumor, by immunohistochemistry and by Western-blot analysis. TGF alpha staining was shown in the cytoplasm and membrane of cells. Western blot confirmed that most immunoreactivity was against mature TGF alpha (5.6 kDa), but higher-molecular-weight bands were also identifiable, suggesting some reactivity with prepro protein. TGF alpha expression was more extense and intense in intestinal metaplasia and cancer. The tubular histological type of adenocarcinoma was more often positive than the signet-ring type. Primary tumors with lymph-node metastases also had increased TGF alpha expression. We conclude, therefore, that there is differential regulation of the expression of TGF alpha and its precursors during esophageal tumorigenesis.

Expression of transforming growth factor alpha, epidermal growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor in precursor lesions to gastric carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), its related peptide transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha) and their common receptor (EGFR) have been implicated in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation in the gastrointestinal epithelium and may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. We compared the immunohistochemical expression and topographic distribution of these peptides using Western blot analysis in gastric carcinoma precursor lesions and in non-cancer tissue. We observed: (i) increased and extended expression of TGF-alpha in normal mucosa and hyperplasia in carcinoma fields compared with non-cancer controls; (ii) increased expression of EGFR in intestinal metaplasia (IM) from carcinoma fields compared with controls; (iii) EGF expression was not detected in normal mucosa and only weakly in IM; (iv) coexpression of TGF-alpha/EGFR and EGF/EGFR was higher in intestinal metaplasia in carcinoma fields than in non-cancer controls. We conclude that altered expression of TGF-alpha/EGFR is associated with morphological changes during gastric carcinogenesis. In this regard increased expression of TGF-alpha is a very early event which is subsequently followed by up-regulation of EGFR and this has important biological and clinical implications.

Expression of p53 in early (T1) gastric carcinoma and precancerous adjacent mucosa

Abnormalities of the tumour suppressor gene p53 have been shown in approximately 60% of advanced gastric adenocarcinomas and it has been suggested that the immunohistochemical finding of increased p53 expression is a prognostic marker in gastric cancer. No studies of early (T1) tumours have been reported. Over expression of p53 protein in 95 early gastric carcinomas and in adjacent mucosa was investigated using immunohistochemistry with antibody CM1. Thirty five per cent of the tumours were positive. The frequency of p53 positivity in tumours of tubular histological type (46%) was significantly higher than that in signet ring tumours (10%) (p = 0.006), and neoplasms that invaded deeply into the submucosa were more frequently positive (45%) than others (30%). Five of eight (62%) T1 tumours with lymph node metastases showed immunoreactive p53. In signet ring tumours, immunopositivity correlated with the frequency of DNA aneuploidy. p53 Over expression was also found in 15% of 26 examples of high grade dysplasia in mucosa adjacent to invasive tumours. No positivity was found in intestinal metaplasia or in normal mucosa. The findings show that immunocytochemically demonstrable over expression of p53 correlates with other morphological markers of aggressiveness in T1 gastric adenocarcinoma. The increasing frequency of p53 immunoreactivity in the sequence of high grade dysplasia-->early gastric cancer-->advanced gastric cancer supports the view that abnormalities of p53 are related to tumour progression in gastric carcinogenesis.

p53 expression in Barrett's oesophagus, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma using antibody DO-7

Barrett's oesophagus has a well-recognized association with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, with phenotypic progression through dysplasia to malignancy. The nuclear phosphoprotein p53 is a putative tumour suppressor with mutations resulting in both loss of negative growth regulatory function and possible gain of oncogene function. Many mutant forms have a prolonged half-life and are demonstrable with immunohistochemical techniques. We examined 62 endoscopic oesophageal biopsies and 36 oesophageal resections for p53 overexpression using the monoclonal antibody DO-7 on paraffin-embedded tissue. The series included 40 cases of Barrett's metaplasia, 13 cases of dysplasia, and 81 cases of adenocarcinoma. None of the cases of metaplasia was p53-positive, compared with 4/13 cases of dysplasia and 52/81 cases of adenocarcinoma. There was no association between the degree of dysplasia and p53 expression, although a trend emerged of increasing p53 expression with higher tumour grade. We conclude that p53 overexpression is frequent in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and may be related to tumour grade. p53 overexpression is not restricted to neoplastic lesions and mutation of this tumour suppressor may occur early in the malignant progression of Barrett's oesophagus.

Quantitative measurement of DNA content in gastric carcinoma; flow cytometry and video image analysis

The DNA content of 48 gastric carcinomas from archival material was analysed by static and flow cytometry. By image analysis 81.3% of the tumours were aneuploid and ploidy was related to stage (P = 0.024) and lymph node metastasis. A trend for better survival (> 12 months) was observed in patients with diploid tumours (P = 0.058). The mean 5c exceeding rate (5cER) was significantly related to tumour stage (P < 0.05) and patient's survival (P = 0.018). In contrast, by flow cytometry only 43.7% of these tumours were aneuploid and these were more often associated with lymph node metastasis (59.3%) but no relationship was observed with any other parameters or patient's survival. In this series, image analysis appears to be more sensitive than flow cytometry in detecting small aneuploid populations. It may give additional prognostic information. It is, however, a time-consuming technique.

Patterns of immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p53 in benign and neoplastic human endometrium

Immunohistochemical staining was carried out on a spectrum of normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrial curettings, for proliferating cell nuclear antigen--PCNA (using the monoclonal antibody PC10) and for abnormally stabilized p53 (using the polyclonal antibody CM-1). The mean proportion of glandular epithelial cells showing PCNA immunoreactivity was significantly lower in atypical hyperplasia/intra-endometrial adenocarcinoma than in invasive adenocarcinoma, but the degree of overlap between the cases was such that this was not considered to be of diagnostic value. p53 immunoreactivity was detected in 47% of invasive adenocarcinomas and in a much smaller proportion of endometria showing simple hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia, but staining was only focal in the last two conditions. The majority of p53-positive invasive adenocarcinomas had a large proportion of glandular epithelial cells expressing PCNA, but a significant number of p53-negative cases also had a high PC10 index. This suggests that, in endometrial neoplasia, there is not a simple relationship between abnormally stabilized p53 and PCNA expression.

DNA ploidy in early gastric carcinoma (T1): a flow cytometric study of 100 European cases

DNA ploidy of 100 early gastric carcinomas (T1) was analysed by flow cytometry on archival material from five European centres and was correlated to morphological features and clinical behaviour. Tumours were classified according to the macroscopic appearance, histological type, and growth pattern. Aneuploidy was observed in 39% of tumours. Aneuploidy was more frequent in submucosal than in mucosal tumours (p = 0.04), in raised than in flat or ulcerated lesions (p = 0.001), and in the intestinal histological than in the diffuse types (p = 0.016). The presence of lymph node metastasis in 10 cases had no obvious relation to DNA ploidy. Five related deaths occurred during the follow up (6 months--16 years) of 84 patients. These results are similar to those reported in a large Japanese series suggesting no major differences between the two populations. Although follow up data were insufficient to relate DNA ploidy to tumour behaviour in this study, the Japanese experience shows that particular attention should be paid to early direction and complete surgical excision of raised intestinal type T1 carcinomas that have a Pen A growth pattern and are aneuploid.

Cell proliferation study on gastric carcinoma and non-involved gastric mucosa using a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling technique

Previous reports using [3H]thymidine have shown altered patterns of cell proliferation in gastric carcinogenesis. In this study we applied in vitro bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake and immunohistochemistry to tissue from carcinoma, its adjacent mucosa and distant mucosa (n = 16) cases and 10 normal control cases. The labelling index (LI) was calculated for the upper, neck/isthmus and lower gland compartments and in 10 random fields/carcinoma. The LI was greater in the carcinoma than in either the adjacent or far mucosa or the controls (p < 0.001). No difference was observed between the non-carcinoma areas. However, the LI varied significantly between the gland compartments within each area (p < 0.001). In the normal control cases, the location of the proliferating cells was limited to the neck/isthmus region and perhaps the most significant observation was the change of location and expansion of the proliferative zone towards the surface in the normal mucosa adjacent to carcinoma compared with distant mucosa and controls (p < 0.001). These altered patterns of cell proliferation may be an important aspect of the precancerous potential of field changes in gastric carcinoma patients and could help patient follow-up and serve as a marker in monitoring intervention studies.

[Structural changes in pulmonary vessels and coronary arteries in hypoplastic left heart syndrome]

In order to correlate gross morphological features with pulmonary and coronary vasculature changes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) 15 heart-lung necropsy specimens from neonates were analysed. Histology of left atrium wall, lung vessels with pulmonary arteriolar disease morphometric grading, study of intra and extra pulmonary wall veins and coronary arteries were recorded. Classic HLHS was observed in 11, and DORV with mitral atresia in 4, the foramen ovale (FO) being the only left atrium outflow tract in all. All specimens had increased % of thickness and muscular extension of arterioles and increased wall thickness of pulmonary veins, but severer arteriolar and venous changes with left atrium fibrosis were noticed in 8 specimens with either closed FO (3 cases) or mean FO diameter (d) of 5 mm when compared with specimens with mean FOd of 9 mm. Coronary arteries histology disclosed in 4 of 8 specimens with opened but hypoplastic mitral valve, intima proliferative changes with lumen narrowing, not observed in 7 specimens with mitral valve atresia. We concluded that in HLHS closed or restrictive FO and permeable mitral valve may predispose neonates to respiratory complications, right ventricle abnormal function and arrhythmias, specially after cardiac surgery.