A case of pure monocytic leukaemia in a child - characterization of cellular morphology, membrane markers, surface glycoproteins and karyotype

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum revealed its response mechanisms to the biological control agent, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Biological control mechanisms of plant diseases have been intensively studied. However, how plant pathogens respond to and resist or alleviate biocontrol agents remains largely unknown. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to elucidate how the pathogen of sclerotinia stem rot, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, responds and resists to the biocontrol agent, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Results revealed that a total of 2,373 genes were differentially expressed in S. sclerotiorum samples treated with B. amyloliquefaciens fermentation broth (TS) when compared to control samples (CS). Among these genes, 2,017 were upregulated and 356 were downregulated. Further analyses indicated that various genes related to fungal cell wall and cell membrane synthesis, antioxidants, and the autophagy pathway were significantly upregulated, including glucan synthesis, ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, fatty acid synthase, heme-binding peroxidase related to oxidative stress, glutathione S-transferase, ABC transporter, and autophagy-related genes. These results suggest that S. sclerotiorum recruits numerous genes to respond to or resist the biocontrol of B. amyloliquefaciens. Thus, this study serves as a valuable resource regarding the mechanisms of fungal pathogen resistance to biocontrol agents.

Cytogenetic findings in acute monocytic leukemia in a renal allograft recipient

Chromosome analysis of bone marrow cells from a patient with acute monocytic leukemia, who had had a renal transplant followed by immunosuppressive treatment 45 months prior to the onset of leukemia, showed an unusual karyotype: 48,XX,+8,+8, t(1q12----pter::11q12----qter), t(4p12----qter::6p11----pter),t(7p22----qter::12q23 ----qter?), t(1q11----qter::17p11----11qter).

Major karyotype aberrations, including t(3;12), in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow cells was performed twice on a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome, specifically, refractory anemia with excess blasts. The patient had a progressive course, with transformation toward acute leukemia and death within 3 months. Chromosome analysis showed major karyotype abnormalities, including dir dup (1p), t(3;12), and a unique breakage of a #15 resulting in t(15;18) and dic(15;21). Involvement of #3 and #12 in a translocation has been recently reported, and a comparison with these cases is made with a discussion of the significance.

Chromosome studies in a case of monoblastic leukemia

Chromosome analysis of a direct bone marrow preparation from a patient with acute, undifferentiated monoblastic leukemia showed a predominant clone of 51,XX,+6,+8,+4,+19,+21,11q+, along with a chromosomally normal clone. Studies with cytofluorometry confirmed the two populations of cells with different DNA content.

All patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia may have a chromosomal defect

Previous studies of banded marrow chromosomes suggest that half the patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) have normal karyotypes. To determine whether high-resolution chromosome analysis could detect additional abnormalities, we studied marrow from 26 patients with ANLL, using methotrexate cell synchronization as well as a direct technique. In 24 patients, including 18 who were untreated, adequate mitoses were obtained. All demonstrated clonal chromosomal abnormalities, which involved a balanced translocation in 11 cases, a complete or partial monosomy in 10, and a trisomy in six. Previously reported recurring defects in ANLL were identified, including t(15;17) in two cases, -7 in two cases, and +8 in three cases. In addition, a new specific abnormality involving band 11q23 was noted in one patient with acute monocytic leukemia and in two with myelomonocytic leukemia. Our results suggest that most, if not all, patients with ANLL have chromosomal changes, and that our new technique may allow more precise identification of subtypes of ANLL with characteristic clinical and hematologic features.

Classification of acute leukaemia by light and electron microscope cytochemistry

Blast cells in 33 cases of adult acute leukaemia were investigated for signs of myeloid differentiation by light (Sudan Black B) and electron (peroxidase activity) microscope cytochemistry. All cases which were strongly Sudan positive were also peroxidase positive and electron microscopy is of no further value in these cases. In 11 cases the blast cells were Sudan negative and in 8 cases they were weakly Sudan positive: the results of the electron microscopical analysis would have altered the classification in 9 of these 19 cases. It is concluded that ultrastructural demonstration of peroxidase activity in blast cells is of value in the classification of acute leukaemia in cases with blasts either negative or only weakly positive for Sudan.