Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Frequent Somatic Mutations in Cell-Cell Adhesion Genes in Chinese Patients with Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) accounts for about 30% of all lung cancer cases. Understanding of mutational landscape for this subtype of lung cancer in Chinese patients is currently limited. We performed whole exome sequencing in samples from 100 patients with lung SQCCs to search for somatic mutations and the subsequent target capture sequencing in another 98 samples for validation. We identified 20 significantly mutated genes, including TP53, CDH10, NFE2L2 and PTEN. Pathways with frequently mutated genes included those of cell-cell adhesion/Wnt/Hippo in 76%, oxidative stress response in 21%, and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase in 36% of the tested tumor samples. Mutations of Chromatin regulatory factor genes were identified at a lower frequency. In functional assays, we observed that knockdown of CDH10 promoted cell proliferation, soft-agar colony formation, cell migration and cell invasion, and overexpression of CDH10 inhibited cell proliferation. This mutational landscape of lung SQCC in Chinese patients improves our current understanding of lung carcinogenesis, early diagnosis and personalized therapy.

Evaluation of tularaemia courses: a multicentre study from Turkey

In this multicentre study, which is the largest case series ever reported, we aimed to describe the features of tularaemia to provide detailed information. We retrospectively included 1034 patients from 41 medical centres. Before the definite diagnosis of tularaemia, tonsillitis (n = 653, 63%) and/or pharyngitis (n = 146, 14%) were the most frequent preliminary diagnoses. The most frequent clinical presentations were oropharyngeal (n = 832, 85.3%), glandular (n = 136, 13.1%) and oculoglandular (n = 105, 10.1%) forms. In 987 patients (95.5%), the lymph nodes were reported to be enlarged, most frequently at the cervical chain jugular (n = 599, 58%), submandibular (n = 401, 39%), and periauricular (n = 55, 5%). Ultrasound imaging showed hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns (59% and 25%, respectively). Granulomatous inflammation was the most frequent histological finding (56%). The patients were previously given antibiotics for 1176 episodes, mostly with β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (n = 793, 76%). Antituberculosis medications were provided in seven (2%) cases. The patients were given rational antibiotics for tularaemia after the start of symptoms, with a mean of 26.8 ± 37.5 days. Treatment failure was considered to have occurred in 495 patients (48%). The most frequent reasons for failure were the production of suppuration in the lymph nodes after the start of treatment (n = 426, 86.1%), the formation of new lymphadenomegalies under treatment (n = 146, 29.5%), and persisting complaints despite 2 weeks of treatment (n = 77, 15.6%). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 521 patients (50%) as the most frequent drainage method. In conclusion, tularaemia is a long-lasting but curable disease in this part of the world. However, the treatment strategy still needs optimization.

Successful treatment of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis

BACKGROUND

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infections in many hospitals and appears to have a propensity for developing multiple antimicrobial resistance rapidly.

CASES

We report two cases with post-surgical meningitis due to multidrug resistant A. baumannii which were successfully treated with high-dose intravenous meropenem therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp. in intensive care units are a growing concern. High-dose meropenem is used in the treatment of these infections.

Successful treatment of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infections in many hospitals and appears to have a propensity for developing multiple antimicrobial resistance rapidly. Cases: We report two cases with post-surgical meningitis due to multidrug resistant A. baumannii which were successfully treated with high-dose intravenous meropenem therapy. Conclusions: Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp. in intensive care units are a growing concern. High-dose meropenem is used in the treatment of these infections.

Indoor airborne fungal spores and home characteristics in asthmatic children from Edirne region of Turkey

BACKGROUND

The contribution of indoor fungal exposure to childhood asthma is not completely clear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate airborne fungal flora within the homes of asthmatic and control children, and to assess the influence of housing characteristics regarding indoor fungi.

METHODS

Forty-seven atopic asthmatic and 23 nonatopic control children were studied. Allergen sensitivity was determined by skin prick tests. A thorough assessment, using a questionnaire and inspection surveys, was carried out. Home visits were made between October 2000 and February 2001. Samples of airborne fungal spores were collected from four rooms by the "open Petri dish" method. Indoor temperature and humidity were measured.

RESULTS

The total indoor fungal colony counts from the living rooms and bedrooms were significantly higher in the asthma group than in controls (p = .012 and p = .003, respectively). The most commonly isolated genus was Cladosporium. Twelve of the asthmatic patients (25.53 %) were found to be sensitive to fungal allergens. The factors found to be associated with indoor fungal growth in logistic regression were visible fungal patches in the bathrooms [(odds ratio (OR) = 5.75; 95 % CI 1.19 to 27.70)], and the age of the house [OR = 4.24; 95 % CI 1.34 to 13.45]. Total fungal colony numbers did not correlate with indoor temperature or humidity.

CONCLUSION

Fungal colony numbers were higher in the homes of asthmatic children than in those of controls. Therefore, indoor fungal exposure may contribute to childhood asthma. Bathrooms were the main source of fungal propagules. Old houses were more prone to fungal growth.

[The colors produced by Fusarium Link ex Fr. 1821 (Deuteromycetes) species in various carbohydrate cultures. I. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. 1886]

In this study, Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. 1886 fungus was inoculated in cultures containing glucose, maltose, galactose, mannitol, sucrose, fructose, lactose and starch and control media cultures and were observed at intervals of five days. In most of the cultures various tones of brown were observed. Our results showed a correlation when compared with literature in general no different results were observed. Three color catalogs were used for the identification of these colors.

[Bacterial classification]

In this paper, the essential points in classification of bacteria were given. In addition, a short history of the classification and the medical importance of the bacteria were listed.