Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from paraffin-embedded tissues by GeneXpert MTB/RIF.

GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay, a rapid and automated system based on real-time PCR and molecular beacon technology, proved to be a sensitive and specific tool capable of detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance in clinical specimens. In this study we provide a Xpert-dedicated successful protocol for processing paraffin-embedded tissue and assess the feasibility of the Xpert assay-based tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis on these specimens, thus proving the Xpert assay as a valuable TB diagnostic tool in supporting conventional histopathological methods.

Nuclear damage in peripheral lymphocytes of obese and overweight Italian children as evaluated by the gamma-H2AX focus assay and micronucleus test.

Childhood obesity, often characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation, has been associated with an increased risk of developing some types of cancer later in life. Nuclear γ-H2AX foci represent the first detectable response of cells to DNA tumorigenesis lesions, such as the double-strand breaks (DSBs). An excess of micronucleated peripheral lymphocytes was found in subjects with cancer or inflammation-based diseases.

No evidence of chromosome damage in children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma after receiving 131I radiometabolic therapy, as evaluated by micronucleus assay and microarray analysis.

Purpose: As (131)I therapy, used to achieve ablation of thyroid gland remnant, can cause chromosome damage in cultured peripheral lymphocytes especially, we investigated whether administration of radioiodine may induce early genome damage in peripheral T lymphocytes of adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Methods: We studied 11 patients, aged 14.8 +/- 3.