Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter cuff placement is associated with a higher risk of postoperative urinary retention

INTRODUCTION

To explore the association of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff sizes and placement techniques with the development of postoperative urinary retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the outcomes of AUS cases performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral center from 2007-2010. Outcomes relating to urinary retention and suprapubic tube placement were analyzed in three groups: those with 3.5 cm cuff placement, ≥ 4 cm cuff placement, and transcorporal cuff (TC) placement of any size.

RESULTS

Among 139 patients who underwent AUS placement from 2007-2010, 117 cases met inclusion criteria - 42 men received a 3.5 cm cuff, 53 received a ≥ 4 cm cuff, and 22 received a TC cuff (all ≥ 4 cm). TC patients had a significantly higher rate of urinary retention compared to the ≥ 4 cm group [7/22 (32%) versus 4/53 (8%), p = 0.02] as well as a higher rate of SPT placement [6/22 (27%) versus 1/53 (2%), p = 0.007].

CONCLUSIONS

Transcorporal cuff placement is associated with a significantly higher rate of urinary retention and suprapubic tube placement compared to traditional 4 cm cuff placement.

Polysialyltransferase: a new target in metastatic cancer

Polysialic acid (polySia) is a carbohydrate polymer critical for neuronal cell migration and axon pathfinding in embryonic development. Besides brain regions requiring persistent neuronal plasticity, polySia is essentially absent from the adult body. However, polySia is aberrantly re-expressed on many tumours, where it decorates the surface of NCAM (neuronal cell adhesion molecule) and modulates cell adhesion, migration and invasion. PolySia-NCAM expression is strongly associated with poor clinical prognosis and correlates with aggressive and invasive disease in many cancers, including lung cancer, neuroblastoma and gliomas. The synthesis of polySia is mediated by two polysialyltransferases (polySTs), ST8SiaIV (PST) and particularly ST8SiaII (STX) in cancer cells. The demonstration that polyST knock-down negates events associated with tumour cell dissemination indicates that PST and STX are validated targets. Selective inhibition of polySTs therefore presents a therapeutic opportunity to inhibit tumour invasion and metastasis.

Time-lapse microscopy approaches to track cell cycle and lineage progression at the single-cell level

Time-lapse microscopy can be described as the repeated collection of an image (in n-dimensions; x, y, z, λ) or field of view from a microscope at discrete time intervals. The duration of the time interval defines the temporal resolution, which in turn characterizes the type of event detected. This unit describes the implementation of time-lapse microscopy to link initial cell cycle position during acute exposures to anti-cancer agents with anti-proliferative consequences for individual cells. The approach incorporates fundamental concepts arising from the ability to capture simple video sequences of cells from which it is possible to extract kinetic descriptors that reflect the interplay of mitosis and cell death in the growth of an unsynchronized tumor population. Utilizing a multi-well format enables the user to screen different drug derivatives, multiple dose ranges, or cell cultures with unique genetic backgrounds. The objective of this unit is to present the basic methodology for capturing time-lapse sequences and touch upon subsequent mining of the data for deriving event curves and possible cell lineage maps.

Multivariate analysis of apoptotic markers versus cell cycle phase in living human cancer cells by microfluidic cytometry

Measurement of apoptotic markers in tumors can be directly correlated with the cell cycle phase using flow cytometry (FCM). The conventional DNA content analysis requires cell permeabilization to stain nuclei with fluorescent probes such as propidium iodide or use of a costly UV-excitation line for Hoechst 33342 probe. The access to FCM is also still limited to centralized core facilities due to its inherent high costs and complex operation. This work describes development and proof-of-concept validation of a portable and user-friendly microfluidic flow cytometer (μFCM) that can perform multivariate real time analysis on live cells using sampling volumes as small as 10 microliters. The μFCM system employs disposable microfluidic cartridges fabricated using injection molding in poly(methylmethacrylate) transparent thermoplastic. Furthermore, the dedicated and miniaturized electronic hardware interface enables up to six parameter detection using a combination of spatially separated solid-state 473 (10 mW) and 640 nm (20 mW) lasers and x-y stage for rapid laser alignment adjustment. We provide new evidence that a simple 2D flow focusing on a chip is sufficient to measure cellular DNA content in live tumor cells using a far-red DNA probe DRAQ5. The feasibility of using the μFCM system for a dose-response profiling of investigational anti-cancer agents on human hematopoietic cancer cells is also demonstrated. The data show that μFCM can provide a viable novel alternative to conventional FCM for multiparameter detection of caspase activation and dissipation of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) in relation to DNA content (cell cycle phase) in live tumor cells.

Real-time cell viability assays using a new anthracycline derivative DRAQ7®

The exclusion of charged fluorescent dyes by intact cells has become a well-established assay for determining viability of cells. In search for a noninvasive fluorescent probe capable of long-term monitoring of cell death in real-time, we evaluated a new anthracycline derivative DRAQ7. The novel probe does not penetrate the plasma membrane of living cells but when the membrane integrity is compromised, it enters and binds readily to nuclear DNA to report cell death. It proved to be nontoxic to a panel of cancer cell lines grown continuously for up to 72 h and did not induce any detectable DNA damage signaling when analyzed using laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. The DRAQ7 provided a sensitive, real-time readout of cell death induced by a variety of stressors such as hypoxia, starvation, and drug-induced cytotoxicity. The overall responses to anticancer agents and resulting pharmacological dose-response profiles were not affected by the growth of tumor cells in the presence DRAQ7. Moreover, we for the first time introduced a near real-time microflow cytometric assay based on combination of DRAQ7 and mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨ(m) ) sensitive probe TMRM. We provide evidence that this low-dosage, real-time labeling procedure provides multiparameter and kinetic fingerprint of anticancer drug action.

Automated cell identification and tracking using nanoparticle moving-light-displays

An automated technique for the identification, tracking and analysis of biological cells is presented. It is based on the use of nanoparticles, enclosed within intra-cellular vesicles, to produce clusters of discrete, point-like fluorescent, light sources within the cells. Computational analysis of these light ensembles in successive time frames of a movie sequence, using k-means clustering and particle tracking algorithms, provides robust and automated discrimination of live cells and their motion and a quantitative measure of their proliferation. This approach is a cytometric version of the moving light display technique which is widely used for analyzing the biological motion of humans and animals. We use the endocytosis of CdTe/ZnS, core-shell quantum dots to produce the light displays within an A549, epithelial, lung cancer cell line, using time-lapse imaging with frame acquisition every 5 minutes over a 40 hour time period. The nanoparticle moving light displays provide simultaneous collection of cell motility data, resolution of mitotic traversal dynamics and identification of familial relationships allowing construction of multi-parameter lineage trees.

Mitochondrial DNA differentiation between the antitropical blue whiting species Micromesistius poutassou and Micromesistius australis

This study investigated the biogeography and genetic variation in the antitropically distributed Micromesistius genus. A 579 bp fragment of the mitochondrial coI gene was analysed in 279 individuals of Micromesistius poutassou and 163 of Micromesistius australis. The time since divergence was estimated to be c. 2 million years before present (Mb.p.) with an externally derived clock rate by Bayesian methods. Congruent estimates were obtained with an additional data set of cytochrome b sequences derived from GenBank utilizing a different clock rate. The divergence time of 2 Mb.p. was in disagreement with fossil findings in New Zealand and previous hypotheses which suggested the divergence to be much older. It, therefore, appears likely that Micromesistius has penetrated into the southern hemisphere at least two times. Paleoceanographic records indicate that conditions that would increase the likelihood for transequatorial dispersals were evident c. 2-1·6 Mb.p.. Haplotype frequency differences, along with pairwise F(ST) values, indicated that Mediterranean M. poutassou is a genetically isolated population.

Long-term donor site morbidity after free nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer

PURPOSE

Free nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer is an established surgical option for the reconstruction of hypoplastic digits. This study assessed long-term morbidity in the feet using this technique.

METHODS

We reviewed 40 children treated between 1991 and 2007 by free nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer. The diagnosis was digital hypoplasia resulting from symbrachydactyly in 33 cases, constriction ring syndrome in 3 cases, thumb hypoplasia in 3 cases, and perinatal subclavian venous thrombosis in 1 case. The patients were followed up after surgery for a mean of 10 years (range, 3-19 y). The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire was administered to patients and families to assess patient symptoms and patient and parental satisfaction. We assessed toe length ratio, the presence of visible deformity, and distal hypoplasia of the donor toes clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

Emotional problems related to foot appearance were common. We also found functional problems with footwear in some patients. All patients had floppy unstable toes with visible deformity. Increasing foot deformity was seen with growth, which led to deterioration in foot aesthetics, particularly where multiple donor toes had been harvested. We identified distal and middle phalangeal and metatarsal hypoplasia in the donor toes.

CONCLUSIONS

Donor site morbidity for free toe phalangeal transfer is greater than previously documented. This should be considered during surgical decision making for reconstruction of hypoplastic digits. Preoperative counseling should include discussion regarding possible consequences of phalangeal harvest on donor toes and options for donor site reconstruction. Long-term follow-up of the donor site is essential to accurately assess results.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic III.

Kinetic modelling of the role of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme and the breast cancer resistance protein in drug resistance and transport

A compartmental model for the in vitro uptake kinetics of the anti-cancer agent topotecan (TPT) has been extended from a previously published model. The extended model describes the drug activity and delivery of the pharmacologically active form to the DNA target as well as the catalysis of the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme and the elimination of drug from the cytoplasm via the efflux pump. Verification of the proposed model is achieved using scanning-laser microscopy data from live human breast cancer cells. Before estimating the unknown model parameters from the experimental in vitro data it is essential to determine parameter uniqueness (or otherwise) from this imposed output structure. This is formally performed as a structural identifiability analysis, which demonstrates that all of the unknown model parameters are uniquely determined by the output structure corresponding to the experiment.

A quantifiable proliferative burst of tissue macrophages restores homeostatic macrophage populations after acute inflammation

Macrophage (MØ) biology is routinely modelled in the peritoneal cavity, a vascular tissue readily infiltrated by leukocytes during inflammation. After several decades of study, no consensus has emerged regarding the importance of in situ proliferation versus peripheral monocyte recruitment for the maintenance of tissue resident MØs. By applying specific measures of mitosis, we have monitored tissue MØ proliferation during newborn development, adulthood and acute resolving inflammation in young adult mice. Despite the vascular nature of the tissue and ease of peripheral leukocyte entry, tissue MØs in the newborn increase in number by local proliferation. On the contrary, in the adult, tissue MØ proliferation is considerably reduced and most likely provides homeostatic control of cell numbers. Importantly, during an acute inflammatory response, when substantial numbers of inflammatory MØs are recruited from the circulation, tissue-resident MØs survive and then undergo a transient and intense proliferative burst in situ to repopulate the tissue. Our data indicate that local proliferation is a general mechanism for the self-sufficient renewal of tissue MØs during development and acute inflammation and not one restricted to non-vascular tissues, which has implications for the therapeutic modulation of MØ activity during the resolution of inflammation.

Comparative analysis of nephrolithiasis in otherwise healthy versus medically complex gastrostomy fed children

PURPOSE

The purpose was to compare nephrolithiasis in healthy versus medically complex gastrostomy fed children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children with nephrolithiasis with and without gastrostomy were identified by database searches from 1999 to 2009. Gastrostomy fed stone formers (GSF) were compared to an age-matched cohort of non-gastrostomy-fed stone formers (NGSF) for demographic and clinical data.

RESULTS

16 neurologically impaired GSF (10M:6F), mean age 10.4 years (range 1.7-17.5 years), were compared to 32 matched neurologically intact NGSF. Compared to NGSF, GSF had significantly higher urine pH (6.93 vs 6.23, p = 0.001) and larger stones (14.5 vs 6.9 mm, p = 0.02) more commonly composed of calcium phosphate (7/11, 64% vs 3/28, 11%, p = 0.002). 15/16 (94%) of GSF were immobile while 0% of NGSF were immobile. GSF had lower l-spine bone density Z-scores (-3.02 vs -1, p = 0.002) but an equal rate of hypercalciuria (2/7, 29% vs 7/24, 29%, p = NS). Contributing lithogenic factors in 8/16 (50%) GSF included urinary tract infection (UTI) (5), lithogenic medications (2), and xanthinuria (1).

CONCLUSIONS

Stone disease in GSF is multifactorial, and half of our study group had an identifiable risk factor for nephrolithiasis. A recurring pattern of alkaline urine and calcium phosphate stone formation was evident. GSF did not have higher rates of hypercalciuria despite chronic immobilization and markedly lower bone density. An awareness of the potential risk factors identified is mandatory for this vulnerable population.

Nephrectomy for hypertension in pediatric patients with a unilateral poorly functioning kidney: a contemporary cohort

PURPOSE

A unilateral poorly or non-functioning kidney is a cause of hypertension in children. We report the outcomes of pediatric patients with unilateral renal parenchymal disease who underwent nephrectomy for hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive hypertensive children undergoing nephrectomy with a unilateral poorly or non-functioning kidney were retrospectively reviewed; preoperative and postoperative clinical variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

From July 2002 to August 2009, 21 patients (8M:13F) with average age 3.5 years and average follow-up 17.8 months were studied. Eleven patients had multicystic dysplastic kidney, 8 had reflux nephropathy, and 2 had ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Fourteen of 21 (67%) had blood pressure normalization after nephrectomy. Seven of 11 with MCDK were normotensive postoperatively compared to 6/8 patients with reflux nephropathy, and 1/2 patients with UPJ obstruction. Of the 14 patients normotensive postoperatively, 7 were on antihypertensives prior to surgery. Four of 7 patients stopped their anti-hypertensive medications postoperatively, 2 decreased from 3 and 4 medications to 1, and 1 remained on an ACE inhibitor. There were 2 patients with contralateral renal scarring, both of which remained hypertensive postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephrectomy in hypertensive pediatric patients with a unilateral poorly functioning or non-functioning kidney yielded hypertension resolution in 67% (14/21), permitting cessation or diminution of antihypertensives in many patients. Given the alternative of lifelong antihypertensives with the risk of medication non-compliance and side-effects, nephrectomy is a logical option of care which can be offered to patients and families with informed knowledge of the potential for cure.

Abstract 503: Instability of ABCG2-associated side population expression in human A549 lung cancer cells and its contribution to drug resistance

Dynamic changes in tumour subpopulations may contribute to post-therapeutic repopulation and treatment failure. Human tumours and established cell lines can maintain ‘side’ populations (SPs) – identified by a reduced accumulation of Hoechst dye 33342 attributable to ABCG2-mediated efflux. Progenitors in SP fractions present a challenge for therapies that attempt to target active S phase if they also comprise agents subject to active cellular efflux. The current study addresses the impact of the SP phenotype on drug resistance characteristics with a focus on a predicted resistance to the S-phase targeting anticancer drug DNA topoisomerase I poison topotecan (TPT).

The human lung cancer A549 cell line system was used to isolate subclones that initially presented a range of SP expression (< 0.5 – >30 %) and a positive correlation was found between the size of the SP fraction and reduced TPT accumulation associated with ABCG2 expression. Representative clones were established with an initially low SP fraction (<1% SP; A549LowSP) or an initially high SP fraction (>30% SP; A549HighSP) compared with the A549parent (∼7% SP). Using RT-PCR, cells were compared for the expression of drug resistance-associated ATP binding cassette transporters (ABCG2, ABCB1). Increased ABCG2, but not ABCB1, expression, correlated with the degree of SP expression. A database survey of 59 human tumor NCI60 panel cell lines suggested that expression of the cancer stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) may augment TPT resistance in cells with low-level expression of ABCG2. However, parental, A549LowSP and A549HighSP cells showed similar co-expression patterns for ALDH genes (ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and ALDH3A1). A549LowSP increased its SP fraction during continued culture while A549HighSP maintained the SP fraction. The extent of the SP fraction reflected the degree of TPT efflux that was sensitive to the iABCG2-inhibitor Fumitremorgin C. To address whether innate SP expression provided an initial advantage for recovery from TPT exposure we studied the dynamic changes in the SP under in vitro selection of A549parent cells. We found that human SPs have a selective advantage, with enrichment of >20-fold, in cell populations recovering from multiple rounds of TPT treatment. Clonal analysis of TPT recovering populations found no evidence of long-term enrichment of SP fraction suggesting innate instability in SP expression.

The data suggest that A549 non-SP cell populations can re-create SP fractions indicating that they are likely to arise by variations that provide a proliferative advantage rather than a unique stem-like progenitor. Innate SP fractions provide the tumor population with a short term selective advantage following TPT exposure related to their enhanced ABCG2 expression, and become enriched under dose fractionation.

(LC is funded by UK-EPSRC and KP, LHP by Yorkshire Cancer Research)

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 503. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-503

Helminths: an unrecognised disease burden prevalent among migrants in the gastroenterology clinic

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of, and implement a diagnostic strategy for, imported helminth infection in the gastroenterology clinic.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of eosinophil count and probable tropical exposure (phase I) followed by a prospective study of parasitological investigation (phase II).

SETTING

Gastroenterology service of an inner London hospital.

PATIENTS

Adult patients newly attending general gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease clinics.

INTERVENTIONS

In phase I, evidence of undiagnosed helminth infection was sought by analysing patient records for associations between eosinophil count and ethnicity. In phase II, a UK guideline for investigation of eosinophilia in migrants was implemented and diagnostic yield determined.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In phase I, prevalence of eosinophilia was determined; in phase II, helminth prevalence and degree of eosinophilia before and after treatment were reported. Information on symptomatic response to treatment was recorded. Ethnicity was used as a proxy measure for tropical exposure.

RESULTS

426 new patients attended in a 12 month period. Eosinophilia was present in 27 (6.3%). 10/27 (37.0%) patients with eosinophilia were of African or Asian ethnicity whereas only 20% (85/426) of patients overall were from these ethnic groups (χ²=5.27, p=0.02). Following implementation of the protocol, 25/36 migrants with eosinophilia attended for parasitological investigations. Helminth infection was diagnosed in 10/25 (40%). Strongyloidiasis (six patients) and schistosomiasis (three patients) were the most common diagnoses. Median eosinophil count was 1.06×10⁹/l in those with helminths and 0.58×10⁹/l in those without (p=0.004). Eosinophil counts normalised in, and symptomatic improvement was reported by, most patients after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Eosinophilia is associated with African or Asian ethnicity in an inner city gastroenterology service. This association is probably explained by imported helminths, which are prevalent in this setting, may be a cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and is easily diagnosed and treated by standard protocols.

Adrenalectomy to treat reactivated chronic hepatitis B infection in a patient with a steroid-secreting adrenal tumour

We present a case of reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by a steroid-producing adrenal tumour. The tumour caused a reactivation and subsequent flare of the patients' HBV. The adrenal tumour was treated with an adrenalectomy and as a consequence the patients' transaminitis and viral load fell rapidly without the need for any additional hepatitis B treatment. The role of hepatitis B and steroid priming is discussed and the possible immunological mechanisms that underpin this phenomenon.

Statistical analysis of nanoparticle dosing in a dynamic cellular system

The delivery of nanoparticles into cells is important in therapeutic applications and in nanotoxicology. Nanoparticles are generally targeted to receptors on the surfaces of cells and internalized into endosomes by endocytosis, but the kinetics of the process and the way in which cell division redistributes the particles remain unclear. Here we show that the chance of success or failure of nanoparticle uptake and inheritance is random. Statistical analysis of nanoparticle-loaded endosomes indicates that particle capture is described by an over-dispersed Poisson probability distribution that is consistent with heterogeneous adsorption and internalization. Partitioning of nanoparticles in cell division is random and asymmetric, following a binomial distribution with mean probability of 0.52-0.72. These results show that cellular targeting of nanoparticles is inherently imprecise due to the randomness of nature at the molecular scale, and the statistical framework offers a way to predict nanoparticle dosage for therapy and for the study of nanotoxins.

The impact of targeted molecular therapies on the level of renal cell carcinoma vena caval tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

Targeted molecular therapies (TMTs) previously have demonstrated oncologic activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by reducing the size of primary tumors and metastases.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cytoreductive effect of TMTs on inferior vena cava tumor thrombi.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A multi-institutional database of patients treated with TMTs for RCC was reviewed. The subset with in situ level II or higher caval thrombi (above renal vein) was assessed for radiographic response in thrombus size and level. Pre- and posttreatment characteristics of this population were assessed for predictors of response in height, diameter, and level of the tumor thrombi.

MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome measured was a change in the clinical level of tumor thrombus following TMT. We also measured radiographic responses in thrombus size and location before and after TMT.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Twenty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Before TMT, thrombus level was II in 18 patients (72%), III in 5 patients (20%), and IV in 2 patients (8%). The first-line therapy was sunitinib in 12 cases; alternative TMTs were administered in 13. The median duration of therapy was two cycles (range: one to six cycles). Following TMT, 7 patients (28%) had a measurable increase in thrombus height, 7 (28%) had no change, and 11 (44%) had a decrease. One patient (4%) had an increase in thrombus-level classification, 21 (84%) had stable thrombi, and in 3 (12%) the thrombus level decreased. There was only one case (4%) where the surgical approach was potentially affected by tumor thrombus regression (level IV to III). No statistically significant predictors of tumor thrombus response to TMTs were found. Limitations include the descriptive and retrospective study design. Because TMTs were initiated according to physician and/or patient preferences, and not all patients were treated in anticipation of surgery, no conclusions could be drawn regarding selection and duration of therapy. Thus it may not be appropriate to extrapolate our experience to all patients with locally advanced RCC. Although this is the largest reported experience with in situ caval tumor thrombi treated with TMT, this series lacks sufficient statistical power to assess the usefulness of TMTs adequately in tumor thrombus cytoreduction.

CONCLUSIONS

TMT had a minimal clinical effect on RCC tumor thrombi. Only patients treated with sunitinib had clinical thrombus regression; however, the clinical magnitude and relevance of this effect is not clear and should be investigated prospectively.

Interoperability of time series cytometric data: a cross platform approach for modeling tumor heterogeneity

The cell cycle, with its highly conserved features, is a fundamental driver for the temporal control of cell proliferation-while abnormal control and modulation of the cell cycle are characteristic of tumor cells. The principal aim in cancer biology is to seek an understanding of the origin and nature of innate and acquired heterogeneity at the cellular level, driven principally by temporal and functional asynchrony. A major bottleneck when mathematically modeling these biological systems is the lack of interlinked structured experimental data. This often results in the in silico models failing to translate the specific hypothesis into parameterized terms that enable robust validation and hence would produce suitable prediction tools rather than just simulation tools. The focus has been on linking data originating from different cytometric platforms and cell-based event analysis to inform and constrain the input parameters of a compartmental cell cycle model, hence partly measuring and deconvolving cell cycle heterogeneity within a tumor population. Our work has addressed the concept that the interoperability of cytometric data, derived from different cytometry platforms, can complement as well as enhance cellular parameters space, thus providing a more broader and in-depth view of the cellular systems. The initial aim was to enable the cell cycle model to deliver an improved integrated simulation of the well-defined and constrained biological system. From a modeling perspective, such a cross platform approach has provided a paradigm shift from conventional cross-validation approaches, and from a bioinformatics perspective, novel computational methodology has been introduced for integrating and mapping continuous data with cross-sectional data. This establishes the foundation for developing predictive models and in silico tracking and prediction of tumor progression

DNA barcoding highlights a cryptic species of grenadier Macrourus in the Southern Ocean

Although three species of the genus Macrourus are recognized in the Southern Ocean, DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene revealed four well-supported clades. These barcode data suggest the presence of an undescribed species, a conclusion supported by meristic and morphometric examination of specimens.