Genome-wide screening of DNA copy number alterations in cervical carcinoma patients with CGH+SNP microarrays and HPV-FISH

Alterations in the genome that lead to changes in DNA sequence copy number are characteristic features of solid tumors. We used CGH+SNP microarray and HPV-FISH techniques for detailed screening of copy number alterations (CNAs) in a cohort of 26 patients with cervical carcinoma (CC). This approach identified CNAs in 96.2% (25/26) of tumors. Array-CGH discovered CNAs in 73.1% (19/26) of samples, HPV-FISH experiments revealed CNAs in additional 23.1% (6/26) of samples. Common gains of genetic sequences were observed in 3q (50.0%), 1q (42.4%), 19q (23.1%), while losses were frequently found in 11q (30.8%), 4q (23.1%) and 13q (19.2%). Chromosomal regions involved in loss of heterozygosity were observed in 15.4% of samples in 8q21, 11q23, 14q21 and 18q12.2. Incidence of gain 3q was associated with HPV 16 and HPV 18 positive samples and simultaneous presence of gain 1q (P = 0.033). We did not found a correlation between incidence of CNAs identified by array-CGH and HPV strain infection and incidence of lymph node metastases. Subsequently, HPV-FISH was used for validation of array-CGH results in 23 patients for incidence of hTERC (3q26) and MYC (8q24) amplification. Using HPV-FISH, we found chromosomal lesions of hTERC in 87.0% and MYC in 65.2% of specimens. Our findings confirmed the important role of HPV infection and specific genomic alterations in the development of invasive cervical cancer. This study also indicates that CGH+SNP microarrays allow detecting genome-wide CNAs and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity more precisely, however, it may be less sensitive than FISH in samples with low level clonal CNAs.     

Validation of an Image Analysis Method for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Glass Fibers to Alkaline Environments

This article is focused on the comparison of the reliability of the results obtained by image analysis (newly proposed evaluation method) with well-known methods of evaluation of long-term corrosion resistance of glass fibers in an alkaline environment (pH > 12). The developed method is based on the analysis of scanning electron microscopy images (diameter and structures on the fiber surface). An experiment (52 weeks) was performed to evaluate two types of glass fibers: anticorrosive glass fibers (ARGFs) and E-glass fibers (EGFs). Three media were used to treat the fibers (23 ± 2 °C): H₂O, Ca(OH)₂, and K₂SiO₃. The ARGFs’ tensile strength did not reduce; a decrease by 68% was observed for EGFs in H₂O. Tensile strength decreased by 32% and 85–95% in K₂SiO₃; by 50% and 64% in Ca(OH)₂ for the ARGF and EGF, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed to validate the reliability and plausibility of the developed method. ARGFs and EGFs did not show any relationship between the fiber diameter and weight in H₂O; however, the linear trends may predict this relationship in Ca(OH)₂ and K₂SiO₃. For the ARGF and EGF, the cubic trend was suitable for predicting the change in fiber weight and diameter over time in Ca(OH)₂ and K₂SiO₃.     

High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing of Human Milk Increases Apelin and GLP-1 Contents to Modulate Gut Contraction and Glucose Metabolism in Mice Compared to Holder Pasteurization

Background: High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing is a non-thermal method proposed as an alternative to Holder pasteurization (HoP) for the sterilization of human breast milk (BM). HHP preserves numerous milk bioactive factors that are degraded by HoP, but no data are available for milk apelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), two hormones implicated in the control of glucose metabolism directly and via the gut–brain axis. This study aims to determine the effects of HoP and HHP processing on apelin and GLP-1 concentrations in BM and to test the effect of oral treatments with HoP- and HHP-BM on intestinal contractions and glucose metabolism in adult mice. Methods: Mice were treated by daily oral gavages with HoP- or HHP-BM during one week before intestinal contractions, and glucose tolerance was assessed. mRNA expression of enteric neuronal enzymes known to control intestinal contraction was measured. Results: HoP-BM displayed a reduced concentration of apelin and GLP-1, whereas HHP processing preserved these hormones close to their initial levels in raw milk. Chronic HHP-BM administration to mice increased ileal mRNA nNos expression level leading to a decrease in gut contraction associated with improved glucose tolerance. Conclusion: In comparison to HoP, HPP processing of BM preserves both apelin and GLP-1 and improves glucose tolerance by acting on gut contractions. This study reinforces previous findings demonstrating that HHP processing provides BM with a higher biological value than BM treated by HoP.     

New biomaterials for Ni biosorption turned into catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling of aryl iodides in green conditions

In parallel with increasing Ni production and utilisation, Ni pollution in the soil–water continuum has become an alarming and global problem. Solutions for removing Ni from industrial effluents have been widely investigated and biosorption has emerged as an efficient, cost-effective, scalable and sustainable alternative for water treatment. However, the biosorption capacity is limited by the chemical composition of the biomaterial and the Ni-enriched biomaterials are rarely valorised. In this work, the biosorption capacity of three abundant biomaterials with different chemical properties – water hyacinth, coffee grounds and pinecones – was studied before and after functionalization, and reached a maximum biosorption capacity of 51 mg g⁻¹ of Ni(ii). A bioinspired functionalization approach was investigated introducing carboxylate moieties and was conducted in green conditions. The Ni-enriched biomaterials were valorised by transformation into catalysts, which were characterised by MP-AES and XRPD. Their characterisation revealed a structure similar to nickel formate, and hence the Eco-Ni(HCOO)₂ catalysts were tested in Suzuki–Miyaura reactions. Several aryl iodides were successfully cross-coupled to phenylboronic acids using Eco-Ni(HCOO)₂ without any ligand, a mild and green base in a mixture of green solvents.

New biomaterials were functionalised for biosorption of Ni from aqueous solutions and valorised as ecocatalysts in Suzuki–Miyaura green reactions.     

Investigation of outbreak cases infected with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.640 variant in a fully vaccinated elderly population,Normandy, France,November to December 2021

Three confirmed infections with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.640 variant under monitoring were reported in Normandy, north-western France in late November 2021. Investigations led to the identification of two events linked to the same cluster. A total of 75 confirmed and probable B.1.640 cases were reported. All had completed the primary vaccination series. Sixty-two cases were older than 65 years. Fifty-six cases had symptoms and four were hospitalised. This investigation provides preliminary results concerning a variant with limited information currently available.     

Side effect management during immune checkpoint blockade using CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 antibodies for metastatic melanoma – an update

CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 play a key role in tumor‐induced downregulation of lymphocytic immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to alter the immune response to various cancer types. Anti‐CTLA‐4 and anti‐PD‐1 antibodies affect the interaction between tumor, antigen‐presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Clinical studies of the anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody ipilimumab and the anti‐PD‐1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab have provided evidence of their positive effects on overall survival in melanoma patients. Combined treatment using ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown to achieve five‐year survival rates of 52 %. Such enhancement of the immune response is inevitably associated with adverse events. Knowledge of the spectrum of side effects is essential, both in terms of prevention and management. Adverse events include colitis, dermatitis, hypophysitis, thyroiditis, hepatitis and other, less common autoimmune phenomena. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the detection and treatment of the aforementioned immune‐related adverse events. However, early diagnosis of rare neurological or cardiac side effects, which may be associated with increased mortality, frequently pose a challenge. The present update highlights our current understanding as well as new insights into the spectrum of side effects associated with checkpoint inhibitors and their management.     

The perineal midsagittal view in male fetuses — pivotal for assessing genitourinary disorders

A wide range of genitourinary pathologies can be diagnosed in utero, from a simple vesicoureteral reflux to a more complex disorder of sexual differentiation. The prognosis and neonatal management of these conditions differ significantly. Evaluation of the fetal perineal anatomy is paramount to making the right diagnosis. The aim of this pictorial essay is to show sonographers how to acquire a perineal midsagittal view in a male fetus, and to demonstrate how this specific view allows assessment of the urethra and penis, to differentiate various genitourinary pathologies.