An Aggressive Presentation of Mantle Cell Lymphoma With Unique Molecular Features

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with a dismal prognosis. The pathogenesis of MCL is complex and involves molecular alterations in various genes and pathways including the regulatory elements of the cell cycle machinery and senescence, DNA damage response pathways, and cell survival signals. Currently, Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI) score and proliferative gene markers. TP53 and CDKN2A alterations are being used for the prognosis of MCL patients. The molecular profiling performed with various expression studies has paved the way for the identification of novel molecular targets and novel biomarkers not only aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of MCL but also predict the clinical outcome and prognosis. Our patient is a 74-year-old male who came for urinary complaints and routine blood work and revealed leukocytosis and lymphocytosis with abdominal and pelvic lymphadenopathies. Further work-up confirmed the diagnosis of MCL involving peripheral blood, bone marrow, and colon. In our patient, due to aggressive presentation, next generation sequencing was performed to understand the genetic aberrations relevant for MCL. In addition to known markers, we identified genetic mutations in FAT1, IKZF3, and TRAF2. which have never been reported in MCL and could be pathogenic for the aggressive presentation of our patient and thus could be further investigated with in vitro and animal models.

Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds: More Than Just a Funky Smell?

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with industry cause adverse health effects, but less is known about the physiological effects of biologically produced volatiles. This review focuses on the VOCs emitted by fungi, which often have characteristic moldy or "mushroomy" odors. One of the most common fungal VOCs, 1-octen-3-ol, is a semiochemical for many arthropod species and also serves as a developmental hormone for several fungal groups. Other fungal VOCs are flavor components of foods and spirits or are assayed in indirect methods for detecting the presence of mold in stored agricultural produce and water-damaged buildings. Fungal VOCs function as antibiotics as well as defense and plant-growth-promoting agents and have been implicated in a controversial medical condition known as sick building syndrome. In this review, we draw attention to the ubiquity, diversity, and toxicological significance of fungal VOCs as well as some of their ecological roles.

Biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the era of precision medicine

Despite the great efforts for better treatment options for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL) to treat and prevent relapse, it continues to be a challenge. Here, we present an overview of DLBCL and address the diagnostic assays and molecular techniques used in its diagnosis, role of biomarkers in detection, treatment of early and advanced stage DLBCL, and novel drug regimens. We discuss the significant biomarkers that have emerged as essential tools for stratifying patients according to risk factors and for providing insights into the use of more targeted and individualized therapeutics. We discuss techniques such as gene expression studies, including next-generation sequencing, which have enabled a more understanding of the complex pathogenesis of DLBCL and have helped determine molecular targets for novel therapeutic agents. We examine current treatment approaches, outline the findings of completed clinical trials, and provide updates for ongoing clinical trials. We highlight clinical trials relevant to the significant fraction of DLBCL patients who present with complex cases marked by high relapse rates. Supported by an increased understanding of targetable pathways in DLBCL, clinical trials involving specialized combination therapies are bringing us within reach the promise of an effective cure to DLBCL using precision medicine. Optimization of therapy remains a crucial objective, with the end goal being a balance between high survival rates through targeted and personalized treatment while reducing adverse effects in DLBCL patients of all subsets.

Gender-Discordant Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twins Both With 45,X/46,X, Idic(Y) Mosaicism and a Novel Deletion Within the TBC1D5 Gene

The occurrence of monochorionic diamniotic twins with sex discordance is a very rare phenomenon. We present a case of spontaneously conceived gender-discordant monochorionic diamniotic twins born to a 23-year-old female, both twins demonstrating similar blood karyotype 45,X/46,X, idic(Y) and a novel 99 kb mutation at 3p24.3 involving exons 15-16 of transcript NM_001134381.1 of the Tre-2/Bub2/Cdc16 Domain Family Member 5 (TBC1D5) gene. The male twin showed no anatomic abnormalities and pelvic ultrasound revealed descended gonads. The female twin had a horseshoe-shaped kidney, normal uterus, and intra-abdominal gonads. The blood karyotype and microarray studies revealed similar distribution of X and isodicentric Y chromosome along with a novel genetic mutation which has not been previously reported. Our case findings not only report Turner syndrome mosaicism with a novel genetic mutation but also stress the importance of clinical follow-up of twins in order to evaluate the functional abnormalities associated with isodicentric Y chromosomes including germ cell tumors.

Secondary Plasma Cell Leukemia in a Recurrent Multiple Myeloma: Rare Case Scenario

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive hematological condition characterized by the presence of plasma cells in the peripheral smear. It presents as de novo or may arise from multiple myeloma (MM), and hence is diagnosed as primary or secondary PCL, respectively. We report a case of 79-year-old patient diagnosed with MM two years prior to the admission to our institution with prior treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) and daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Morphologic examination and flow cytometry studies performed on the peripheral smear demonstrated 45%-55% small to medium atypical plasma cells showing a kappa restriction and dim CD138 expression on flow cytometry analysis. The patient was started on brentuximab vedotin, etoposide, cytoxan and dexamethasone, which resulted in near complete elimination of the atypical plasma cells from the peripheral smear one week after the completion of two cycles. He received three cycles of brentuximab vedotin with a gradual decrease in serum free light chain. However, he eventually developed lethargy, weakness and seizures. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by MM was confirmed with MRI, flow cytometry and cytology of cerebrospinal fluid. The treatment with whole brain radiation and ibrutinib was initiated. Our case report highlights the rare case of aggressive clinical course of MM leading to the development of plasmacytoma of kidney, secondary PCL and eventually spreading to the CNS.

Malignant transformation of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of urinary bladder: A rare case scenario

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) previously known as inflammatory pseudotumor, plasma cell granuloma, pseudosarcoma, myxoid hamartoma or inflammatory myofibrohistiocytic proliferation is recently recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) as “IMT” and is considered as a rare benign tumor of soft tissues occurring commonly in lung, liver and mesentry and omentum. IMT is mainly identified as a lesion of children and young population. In this report, we describe a rare case of IMT occurring in a 93-year-old female in urinary bladder with initial benign presentation but demonstrating rapid malignant transformation as confirmed with morphology and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. Our report highlights the importance of close follow for IMT showing malignant transformation along with utility of IHC stains to evaluate the degree of malignant transformation in such cases.

Metastatic Pulmonary Calcification with Coexisting Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Patients with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormones due to compromised kidney function. We present a case of a 63-year-old female non-smoker with a surgical history of three renal transplants (at age 47, 51, and 58) along with thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy, who came to the emergency department with complaints of a persistent dry cough and shortness of breath for the last two months. The patient had been on immunosuppressive drugs-tacrolimus, prednisolone, and mycophenolic acid-since her first renal transplant as well as on cinacalcet after parathyroidectomy (at age 54). An initial computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated ground glass opacities in the bilateral upper lobes while bronchoscopy revealed few inflammatory cells without any fungi or bacteria. A repeat CT scan performed five days later due to rapid progression of her clinical symptoms showed worsening of ground glass opacities in the bilateral upper lobes and new nodules in the right middle and lower lung lobes. A wedge lung biopsy revealed metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) in the right upper lobe and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in the right lower lobe, confirming the co-existence of two different pathological processes most likely complicating the patient's clinical symptoms. Despite comprehensive medical therapy, the patient's symptoms progressively worsened and she is currently undergoing evaluation for both renal and lung transplants. Our case report not only presents a rare case of MPC coexisting with NSIP but also sheds light on the associated morbidity due to pulmonary symptoms in CKD patients.

Mantle cell lymphoma in the era of precision medicine-diagnosis, biomarkers and therapeutic agents

Despite advances in the development of clinical agents for treating Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), treatment of MCL remains a challenge due to complexity and frequent relapse associated with MCL. The incorporation of conventional and novel diagnostic approaches such as genomic sequencing have helped improve understanding of the pathogenesis of MCL, and have led to development of specific agents targeting signaling pathways that have recently been shown to be involved in MCL. In this review, we first provide a general overview of MCL and then discuss about the role of biomarkers in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for MCL. We attempt to discuss major biomarkers for MCL and highlight published and ongoing clinical trials in an effort to evaluate the dominant signaling pathways as drugable targets for treating MCL so as to determine the potential combination of drugs for both untreated and relapse/refractory cases. Our analysis indicates that incorporation of biomarkers is crucial for patient stratification and improve diagnosis and predictability of disease outcome thus help us in designing future precision therapies. The evidence indicates that a combination of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and novel drugs designed to target specific dysregulated signaling pathways can provide the effective therapeutic options for both untreated and relapse/refractory MCL.

Atta (whole wheat flour) with multi-wholegrains: flour characterization, nutritional profiling and evaluation of chapati making quality

Non-wheat grains, complementing the nutritional profile of wheat were utilized for the development of atta with multi-whole grains. Based on the dimensions, selected grains were segregated and the grinding techniques were applied for the production of multi whole grains flour. Multi whole grains flour was replaced with whole wheat flour to obtain five different formulations and further compared with control atta. With the increase in incorporation of the multi whole grain flours reduction in brightness (L*) from 79.73 to 78.47 and redness (a*) from 2.47 to 12.12 while the increase in yellowness (b*) was observed (12.10-12.70). Protein content increased from 13.44 to 14.83% while dietary fibre content was also found to be increased in all the formulations compared to control atta. Ash content, an indicator of mineral content showed an increasing trend with the increase in the level of non-wheat grains. Shear force required for tearing the chapatis at 0 h was observed to be in the range of 15.6 and 10.1 N and moisture content between 32.6 and 30.4%. Mineral analysis carried out for the 10% replacement showed an increase in the level of the estimated minerals. An overall eating quality of the chapatis was found to be acceptable up to 10% replacement compared to control atta chapati.

Volatile organic compounds emitted by filamentous fungi isolated from flooded homes after Hurricane Sandy show toxicity in a Drosophila bioassay

Superstorm Sandy provided an opportunity to study filamentous fungi (molds) associated with winter storm damage. We collected 36 morphologically distinct fungal isolates from flooded buildings. By combining traditional morphological and cultural characters with an analysis of ITS sequences (the fungal DNA barcode), we identified 24 fungal species that belong to eight genera: Penicillium (11 species), Fusarium (four species), Aspergillus (three species), Trichoderma (two species), and one species each of Metarhizium, Mucor, Pestalotiopsis, and Umbelopsis. Then, we used a Drosophila larval assay to assess possible toxicity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by these molds. When cultured in a shared atmosphere with growing cultures of molds isolated after Hurricane Sandy, larval toxicity ranged from 15 to 80%. VOCs from Aspergillus niger 129B were the most toxic yielding 80% mortality to Drosophila after 12 days. The VOCs from Trichoderma longibrachiatum 117, Mucor racemosus 138a, and Metarhizium anisopliae 124 were relatively non-toxigenic. A preliminary analysis of VOCs was conducted using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from two of the most toxic, two of the least toxic, and two species of intermediate toxicity. The more toxic molds produced higher concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone, 3-octanol, 2-octen-1-ol, and 2-nonanone; while the less toxic molds produced more 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol, or an overall lower amount of volatiles. Our data support the hypothesis that at certain concentrations, some VOCs emitted by indoor molds are toxigenic.

Heart Failure: Diagnosis, Management and Utilization

Despite the advancement in medicine, management of heart failure (HF), which usually presents as a disease syndrome, has been a challenge to healthcare providers. This is reflected by the relatively higher rate of readmissions along with increased mortality and morbidity associated with HF. In this review article, we first provide a general overview of types of HF pathogenesis and diagnostic features of HF including the crucial role of exercise in determining the severity of heart failure, the efficacy of therapeutic strategies and the morbidity/mortality of HF. We then discuss the quality control measures to prevent the growing readmission rates for HF. We also attempt to elucidate published and ongoing clinical trials for HF in an effort to evaluate the standard and novel therapeutic approaches, including stem cell and gene therapies, to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Finally, we discuss the appropriate utilization/documentation and medical coding based on the severity of the HF alone and with minor and major co-morbidities. We consider that this review provides an extensive overview of the HF in terms of disease pathophysiology, management and documentation for the general readers, as well as for the clinicians/physicians/hospitalists.

Volatile organic compounds from fungi isolated after hurricane katrina induce developmental defects and apoptosis in a Drosophila melanogaster model

In previous work, our laboratory developed a Drosophila model for studying the adverse effects of fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by growing cultures of molds. In this report, we have extended these studies and compared the toxic effects of fungal VOCs emitted from living cultures of four molds isolated after Hurricane Katrina from a flooded home in New Orleans. Strains of Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, and Trichoderma were grown with wild-type larvae and the toxic effects of volatile products on the developmental stages of Drosophila larvae were evaluated. Furthermore, heterozygous mutants of Drosophila carrying the apoptotic genes, reaper and dronc, were used to assess the role of apoptosis in fungal VOCs mediated toxicity. Third-instar larvae of Drosophila carrying these apoptotic genes were exposed to fungal VOCs emitted from growing mold cultures for 10 days. The larval strains carrying apoptopic genes survived longer than the control wild type larvae; moreover, of those that survived, heterozygous reaper and dronc strains progressed to pupae and adult phases more rapidly, suggesting that fungal VOCs may induce apoptotic changes in flies. These data lend support to the use of Drosophila as an inexpensive and genetically versatile toxicological model to investigate the mechanistic basis for some of the human illnesses/symptoms associated with exposure to mold-contaminated indoor air, especially after hurricanes.

Drosophila melanogaster as a model to characterize fungal volatile organic compounds

Fungi are implicated in poor indoor air quality and may pose a potential risk factor for building/mold related illnesses. Fungi emit numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, terpenoids, thiols, and their derivatives. The toxicity profile of these VOCs has never been explored in a model organism, which could enable the performance of high throughput toxicological assays and lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of toxicity. We have established a reductionist Drosophila melanogaster model to evaluate the toxicity of fungal VOCs. In this report, we assessed the toxicity of fungal VOCs emitted from living cultures of species in the genera, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Penicillium and observed a detrimental effect on larval survival. We then used chemical standards of selected fungal VOCs to assess their toxicity on larval and adult Drosophila. We compared the survival of adult flies exposed to these fungal VOCs with known industrial toxic chemicals (formaldehyde [37%], xylene, benzene, and toluene). Among the tested fungal VOC standards, the compounds with eight carbons (C8) caused greater truncation of fly lifespan than tested non-C8 fungal VOCs and industrial toxins. Our data validate the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a model with the potential to elucidate the mechanistic attributes of different toxic VOCs emitted by fungi and also to explore the potential link between reported human illnesses/symptoms and exposure to water damaged and mold contaminated buildings.

A common fungal volatile organic compound induces a nitric oxide mediated inflammatory response in Drosophila melanogaster

Using a Drosophila model, we previously demonstrated truncated life span and neurotoxicity with exposure to 1-octen-3-ol, the volatile organic compound (VOC) responsible for much of the musty odor found in mold-contaminated indoor spaces. In this report, using biochemical and immunological assays, we show that exposure to 0.5 ppm 1-octen-3-ol induces a nitric oxide (NO) mediated inflammatory response in hemocytes, Drosophila innate immune cells. Moreover, exposed Drosophila brains show increased peroxynitrite expression. An increase in nitrite levels is observed with toluene and 1-octen-3-ol but not with 1-butanol. Pharmacological inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) namely, L-NAME, D-NAME and minocycline, and NOS mutants show improvements of life span among 1-octen-3-ol exposed flies. Exposure to 1-octen-3-ol also induces NOS expression in larval tracheal tissues and remodels tracheal epithelial lining. These findings suggest a possible mechanistic basis for some of the reported adverse health effects attributed to mold exposure and demonstrates the utility of this in vivo Drosophila model to complement existing model systems for understanding the role of inflammation in VOC-mediated toxicity.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in lung disorders: pathogenesis of lung diseases and mechanism of action of mesenchymal stem cell

Lung disorders such as asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease (ILD) show a few common threads of pathogenic mechanisms: inflammation, aberrant immune activity, infection, and fibrosis. Currently no modes of effective treatment are available for ILD or emphysema. Being anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative in nature, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown the capacity to control immune dysfunction and inflammation in the lung. The intravenous infusion of MSCs, the common mode of delivery, is followed by their entrapment in lung vasculature before MSCs reach to other organ systems thus indicating the feasible and promising approach of MSCs therapy for lung diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic basis for MSCs therapy for asthma, ARDS, COPD, and ILD.

A model to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the fungal volatile organic compound 1-octen-3-ol in human embryonic stem cells

Microbial growth in damp indoor environments has been correlated with risks to human health. This study was aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of 1-octen-3-ol ("mushroom alcohol"), a major fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) associated with mushroom and mold odors. Using an airborne exposure technique, human embryonic stem cells were exposed for 1 h to different concentrations (0-1,000 ppm) of racemic 1-octen-3-ol and its enantiomers, (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol. Cytotoxicity was assayed using both the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay and the fluorescently tagged Calcein AM-mediated "live and dead" assay. Racemic 1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol exhibited greater cytotoxicity to the undifferentiated human cell line H1 than did (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol. The inhibition concentration 50 (IC(50)) values assessed by the MTS assay for racemic 1-octen-3-ol, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol and (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol were, respectively, 109, 98, and 258 ppm. These IC(50) values were 40-80-fold lower than that of vapor phase toluene, an industrial chemical used as a positive control in this study. Our report pioneers the modeling of human embryonic stem cells as an in vitro approach to screen the potential toxicity of fungal VOCs. Human embryonic stem cells exposed to 1-octen-3-ol, and its enantiomers in the vapor phase showed more cytotoxicity than those exposed to toluene.

Neurotoxicity of fungal volatile organic compounds in Drosophila melanogaster

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in indoor environment as products of microbial metabolism. In damp indoor environments, fungi are associated with poor air quality. Some epidemiological studies have suggested that microbial VOCs have a negative impact on human health. Our study was designed to provide a reductionist approach toward studying fungal VOC-mediated toxicity using the inexpensive model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, and pure chemical standards of several important fungal VOCs. Low concentrations of the following known fungal VOCs, 0.1% of 1-octen-3-ol and 0.5% of 2-octanone; 2,5 dimethylfuran; 3-octanol; and trans-2-octenal, caused locomotory defects and changes in green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and antigen-labeled dopaminergic neurons in adult D. melanogaster. Locomotory defects could be partially rescued with L-DOPA. Ingestion of the antioxidant, vitamin E, improved the survival span and delayed the VOC-mediated changes in dopaminergic neurons, indicating that the VOC-mediated toxicity was due, in part, to generation of reactive oxygen species.