Development and inter-laboratory validation of the VISAGE enhanced tool for age estimation from semen using quantitative DNA methylation analysis

The analysis of DNA methylation has become an established method for chronological age estimation. This has triggered interest in the forensic community to develop new methods for age estimation from biological crime scene material. Various assays are available for age estimation from somatic tissues, the majority from blood. Age prediction from semen requires different DNA methylation markers and the only assays currently developed for forensic analysis are based on SNaPshot or pyrosequencing. Here, we describe a new assay using massively parallel sequencing to analyse 13 candidate CpG sites targeted in two multiplex PCRs. The assay has been validated by five consortium laboratories of the VISible Attributes through GEnomics (VISAGE) project within a collaborative exercise and was tested for reproducible quantification of DNA methylation levels and sensitivity with DNA methylation controls. Furthermore, DNA extracts and stains on Whatman FTA cards from two semen samples were used to evaluate concordance and mimic casework samples. Overall, the assay yielded high read depths (> 1000 reads) at all 13 marker positions. The methylation values obtained indicated robust quantification with an average standard deviation of 2.8% at the expected methylation level of 50% across the 13 markers and a good performance with 50 ng DNA input into bisulfite conversion. The absolute difference of quantifications from one participating laboratory to the mean quantifications of concordance and semen stains of remaining laboratories was approximately 1%. These results demonstrated the assay to be robust and suitable for age estimation from semen in forensic investigations. In addition to the 13-marker assay, a more streamlined protocol combining only five age markers in one multiplex PCR was developed. Preliminary results showed no substantial differences in DNA methylation quantification between the two assays, indicating its applicability with the VISAGE age model for semen developed with data from the complete 13-marker tool.

MiR-205-driven downregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis through SQLE-inhibition identifies therapeutic vulnerability in aggressive prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) shows strong dependence on the androgen receptor (AR) pathway. Here, we show that squalene epoxidase (SQLE), an enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, is overexpressed in advanced PCa and its expression correlates with poor survival. SQLE expression is controlled by micro-RNA 205 (miR-205), which is significantly downregulated in advanced PCa. Restoration of miR-205 expression or competitive inhibition of SQLE led to inhibition of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, SQLE was essential for proliferation of AR-positive PCa cell lines, including abiraterone or enzalutamide resistant derivatives, and blocked transactivation of the AR pathway. Inhibition of SQLE with the FDA approved antifungal drug terbinafine also efficiently blocked orthotopic tumour growth in mice. Finally, terbinafine reduced levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in three out of four late-stage PCa patients. These results highlight SQLE as a therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced PCa.

Galectin-3 is Persistently Increased in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Associates with Anti-CCP Seropositivity and MRI Bone Lesions, While Early Fibrosis Markers Correlate with Disease Activity

Galectin-3 has been suggested as a pro-inflammatory mediator in animal arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to study the serum level of galectin-3 in patients with newly diagnosed RA and associations with disease profile, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and seromarkers of synovial matrix inflammation. One hundred and sixty DMARD naïve patients newly diagnosed with RA were included (CIMESTRA study). Clinical, serological and imaging data were recorded before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months. Galectin-3 and hyaluronan (HYA) were measured by ELISA (R&D and Corgenix, USA), and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PIIINP) by radioimmunoassay (Orion Diagnostica, Finland). One hundred and nineteen, 87 and 60 blood donors served as controls for galectin-3, HYA and PIIINP, respectively. Baseline galectin-3 was significantly elevated in anti-CCP positive (4.2 μg/l IQR [3.6;6.1]) patients as compared with anti-CCP negatives (4.0 μg/l [2.6;4.9], P = 0.05) and controls (3.8 μg/l [3.0;4.8], P < 0.01). During treatment, galectin-3 remained elevated, but increased transiently with peak values at 6 weeks. Galectin-3 correlated with baseline smoking, anti-CCP, and with MRI erosion score after 1 year of follow-up. HYA and PIIINP were elevated (P < 0.001) irrespective of anti-CCP status and correlated positively with synovitis assessed clinically and by MRI. HYA and PIIINP did not correlate with galectin-3. These observations indicate that HYA and PIIINP mainly reflect expansive synovitis proliferation while galectin-3 is more closely linked to autoimmunity, smoking and joint destructive processes.

The Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Two Populations of Common Mole-Rats ( Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus)

The spread of parasites through a host population is based on the variation in behavior and immune function between individuals and is rarely uniform. We studied the gastrointestinal parasites of common mole-rats ( Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus, Lesson 1826) from 2 sites and assessed the levels of infection based on host sex, breeding status, and season. Only nematode species were found: Neoheligmonella sp. and Mammalakis macrospiculum (Ortlepp, 1939) and a single specimen of Trichuris sp., all of which have direct life cycles. Parasite burden and species richness was greater in the mesic habitat. The abundance of Neoheligmonella sp. differed significantly between seasons, and the season of peak abundance differed between sites, perhaps due to differences in host densities between sites. In addition, parasite burden did not differ between the sexes, but breeding animals had higher infections of Neoheligmonella sp. and M. macrospiculum than non-breeding animals. This and previous studies thus suggest that the subterranean environment is beneficial in reducing parasite diversity, although the restrictions on movement may lead to certain individuals suffering higher parasite burdens.

Can germ cell neoplasia in situ be diagnosed by measuring serum levels of microRNA371a-3p?

Purpose

Diagnosing germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNis) can detect germ cell tumours (GCTs) at the pre-invasive stage. To date, testicular biopsy with the potential of surgical complications is the only way of safely diagnosing GCNis. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) 371-3, and miR 367 were shown to be valuable serum biomarkers of GCTs. We explored the usefulness of these candidate miRs as a marker for GCNis.

Methods

27 patients with GCNis and no concomitant GCT were enrolled. All patients underwent measuring serum levels of miR-371a-3p and miR-367-3p before treatment, 11 had repeat measurement after treatment, 2 also had testicular vein blood examinations. Serum levels were measured by quantitative PCR. In addition, four orchiectomy specimens of patients with GCT were examined immunohistochemically and by in situ hybridization (ISH) with a probe specific for miR-371a-3p to look for the presence of this miR in GCNis cells.

Results

The median serum level of miR-371a-3p was significantly higher in patients with GCNis than in controls, miR-367 levels were not elevated. Overall, 14 patients (51.9%) had elevated serum levels of miR-371a-3p. The highest levels were found in patients with bilateral GCNis. Levels in testicular vein serum were elevated in both of the cases. After treatment, all elevated levels dropped to normal. In two orchiectomy specimens, miR-371a-3p was detected by ISH in GCNis cells.

Conclusions

Measuring miR-371a-3p serum levels can replace control biopsies after treatment of GCNis. In addition, the test can guide clinical decision making regarding the need of testicular biopsy in cases suspicious of GCNis.

[Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors in the new WHO 2015 classification: Start of breaking new grounds?]

CLASSIFICATION

In the recently published 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the lungs, pleura, thymus and heart, all neuroendocrine tumors of the lungs (pNET) are presented for the first time in one single chapter following adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and before large cell carcinoma. In this classification, high grade small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) are differentiated from intermediate grade atypical carcinoids (AC) and low grade typical carcinoids as well as from preinvasive lesions (DIPNECH). In the 3rd WHO classification from 2004, which dealt with resection specimens, SCLC and carcinoids each had a separate chapter and LCNEC was previously listed in the chapter on large cell carcinoma of the lungs. The new WHO classification is for the first time also applicable to lung biopsies.

DIAGNOSTICS

Normally, common features of all pNET are a neuroendocrine morphology (as far as detectable in small biopsies) and expression of the neuroendocrine (NE) markers (chromogranin A, synaptophysin and CD56/NCAM). An immunohistochemical positive staining of at least one NE marker was already recommended in the 3rd edition of the WHO classification (2004) only for LCNEC. Differentiating features are a small or large cell cytomorphology/histomorphology, nuclear criteria and the mitotic rate (for SCLC >10 with a median of 80, for LCNEC >10 median 70, for AC 2 - 10, for TC < 2 each per 2 mm(2)). Tumor cell necrosis usually occurs in SCLC and LCNEC, partially in AC and not in TC. The guideline Ki67 proliferation rates are given for the first time in the new WHO classification for SCLC as 50-100 %, for LCNEC 40-80 %, for AC up to 20 % and for TC up to 5 %.

MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY

Molecular alterations occur in SCLC and LCNEC in large numbers and are very variable in quality. In AC and TC they occur much less frequently and are relatively similar.

CONCLUSION

The direct comparison of all pNET in one chapter facilitates the differential diagnostics of these tumors, provides a better transparency especially of LCNEC and allows a further comprehensive development of the clinical practical and scientific evaluation of pNET. Although a separate terminology of pNET is maintained for the lungs, a careful approach towards the gastroentero-pancreatic NET (gepNET) can be observed.

Within-day variation and influence of physical exercise on circulating Galectin-3 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals

Galectin-3 has been suggested as a pro-inflammatory mediator in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have reported overexpression of Galectin-3 in RA synovitis and increased levels in synovial fluid and serum in long-standing RA compared with osteoarthritis and healthy controls. Our objectives were to study whether serum Galectin-3 (1) exhibits circadian variation and/or (2) responds to exercise in RA and controls. The study on circadian patterns (1) comprised eleven patients with newly diagnosed RA, disease duration less than 6 months (ERA), 10 patients with long-standing RA [5-15 years (LRA)] and 16 self-reportedly healthy control subjects. During 24 h, 7 blood samples were drawn at 3-h intervals starting at 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. and at 7 and 10 a.m. on the following day. The study on the effect of physical activity (2) included 10 patients with ERA, 10 with LRA and 14 controls. The participants underwent a standardized exercise programme and four blood samples were drawn before, during and after exercise. Serum Galectin-3 was quantified by ELISA (R&D systems). (1) Galectin-3 was increased at baseline in both RA subsets (P = 0.08). There were no diurnal oscillations (P = 0.85). Day-to-day variation amounted to 3%. (2) Baseline Galectin-3 was increased in LRA versus controls and ERA (P < 0.01 and 0.05). Physical exercise induced 10-15% Galectin-3 increments in RA and controls (P < 0.001) peaking after 1-3 h. To conclude, Galectin-3 did not exhibit circadian variation. Day-to-day variation was 3%. Exercise elicited comparable increments in patients with RA of short and long duration and controls, approaching normal after 1-3 h.

[Neuroendocrine tumors of the lungs. From small cell lung carcinoma to diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia]

The new World Health Organization (WHO) classification announced for 2015 will for the first time present all neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the lungs in one single section. In this classification high grade small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) will be discriminated from intermediate grade atypical carcinoid (AC) and low grade typical carcinoid as well as from the preinvasive lesion diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH). The LCNEC was previously listed under the section of large cell carcinomas. The LCNEC could previously be diagnosed according to the current WHO classification from 2004 which is designed for resection specimens. According to this the main diagnostic criteria are a neuroendocrine growth pattern which can be difficult or impossible to detect in biopsy material, non-small cell cytological features, more than 10 mitoses per 2 mm(2) (mean 70-80 per 2 mm(2)), tumor cell necrosis, and an immunohistochemical positivity for at least one neuroendocrine marker other than neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The presentation of all neuroendocrine tumors of the lungs in one section allows a more direct comparison and a better differential diagnostic discrimination of the different entities.

[Therapy-induced tumor regression and regression grading in lung cancer]

After neoadjuvant therapy of non-small cell lung cancer, the extent of therapy-induced tumor regression in corresponding resection specimens of primary tumors and lymph nodes represents an independent prognostic factor. In the former tumor area, different sized target-like foci with central necrosis, adjoining narrow foam cell rim, peripheral vascular granulation tissue and transition into a marked scarry fibrosis can be found after neoadjuvant therapy. Morphological changes indicating therapy-induced tumor regression can be graded according to the Bochum regression grading system. Therapy-induced cytomorphological changes do not allow reliable conclusions on the success of the applied neoadjuvant therapy and should not form the basis of cytopathological grading.

Reinfection with varicella-zoster virus in immunocompromised patients

A small epidemic of varicella/atypical generalized zoster among 6 immunocompromised patients and one previously healthy person is described. The 6 immunocompromised patients suffered from lymphoproliferative diseases in terminal stages treated with chemotherapy and reported varicella in their childhood. They developed a generalized maculopapular rash with hemorrhagic bullae and necroses. The infection passed from one patient to another during a 3-month period in the department. They were placed in adjacent rooms and nursed by the same staff. The most specific diagnostic tool was the detection of varicella-zoster virus antigen from vesicles by ELISA technique. The epidemic was supposed to be caused by exogenous reinfection with varicella-zoster virus, and illustrated that generalized zoster may be even so infectious as varicella and that immunocompromised patients should be protected against reinfection.

Scenario simulations of future salinity and ecological consequences in the Baltic Sea and adjacent North Sea areas-implications for environmental monitoring

Substantial ecological changes occurred in the 1970s in the Northern Baltic during a temporary period of low salinity (S). This period was preceded by an episodic increase in the rainfall over the Baltic Sea watershed area. Several climate models, both global and regional, project an increase in the runoff of the Northern latitudes due to proceeding climate change. The aim of this study is to model, firstly, the effects on Baltic Sea salinity of increased runoff due to projected global change and, secondly, the effects of salinity change on the distribution of marine species. The results suggest a critical shift in the S range 5-7, which is a threshold for both freshwater and marine species distributions and diversity. We discuss several topics emphasizing future monitoring, modelling, and fisheries research. Environmental monitoring and modelling are investigated because the developing alternative ecosystems do not necessarily show the same relations to environment quality factors as the retiring ones. An important corollary is that the observed and modelled S changes considered together with species' ranges indicate what may appear under a future climate. Consequences could include a shift in distribution areas of marine benthic foundation species and some 40-50 other species, affiliated to these. This change would extend over hundreds of kilometres, in the Baltic Sea and the adjacent North Sea areas. Potential cascading effects, in coastal ecology, fish ecology and fisheries would be extensive, and point out the necessity to develop further the "ecosystem approach in the environmental monitoring".

Ovine and Bovine Congenital Abnormalities Associated With Intrauterine Infection With Schmallenberg Virus

In December 2011, a previously unknown congenital syndrome of arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly in sheep and cattle appeared in the Netherlands as an emerging epizootic due to Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Gross lesions in 102 lambs and 204 calves included porencephaly, hydranencephaly, cerebellar dysplasia and dysplasia of the brainstem and spinal cord, a flattened skull with brachygnathia inferior, arthrogryposis, and vertebral column malformations. Microscopic lesions in the central nervous system showed rarefaction and cavitation in the white matter, as well as degeneration, necrosis, and loss of neurons in the gray matter. Brain and spinal cord lesions were more severe in lambs than in calves. Ovine and bovine cases examined early in the outbreak showed encephalomyelitis. SBV infection was confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in brain samples in 46 of 102 lambs (45%) and in 32 of 204 calves (16%). Immunohistochemistry, performed on tissue samples from 18 RT-qPCR-positive lambs, confirmed the presence of bunyaviral antigen in neurons of the brain in 16 cases. SBV antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in fetal blood in 56 of 61 sampled ovine cases (92%). In a virus neutralization test, all tested dams of affected newborns, 46 ewes and 190 cows, were seropositive. Compared with other teratogenic viral infections, the pathogenesis and lesions of SBV in sheep and cattle fetuses are similar to those of other ruminant orthobunyaviruses. However, the loss of spinal ventral motor neurons and their tracts, resulting in micromyelia, distinguishes SBV infection from other viral central nervous system lesions in newborn ruminants.

[Morphological diagnostics of malignant pleural mesothelioma]

The World Health Organization (WHO) classification differentiates between pleural tumors of mesothelial and mesenchymal origin as well as lymphoproliferative disorders, with malignant mesotheliomas forming the most common pleural primary tumor. Histologically, epithelioid (40-60 %), sarcomatoid (20-40 %), and biphasic mesotheliomas (20-40 %) are distinguished. The certain morphological diagnosis of a malignant pleural mesothelioma requires the establishment of mesothelial differentiation by means of an appropriate panel of antibodies to exclude pleural dissemination of a pulmonary or extrapulmonary epithelial malignancy and also requires the establishment of at least focal invasive growth to distinguish from reactive mesothelial proliferation. The exclusion of a malignant pleural mesothelioma may induce further differential diagnostic considerations, e. g. concerning the assignment to a certain primary tumor after the establishment of carcinomatous pleuritis.