Mycovirus-Containing Alters Transcription Factors in Normal and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells.

Transcription factors control genes to maintain normal hemopoiesis, and dysregulation of some factors can lead to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Mycoviruses are known to alter the genetics of their fungal host. The present study evaluates the effects of the products of a mycovirus-containing (MCAF), isolated from the home of a patient with ALL, on certain transcription factors of normal and ALL cell lines.

Mycoviruses in Fungi: Carcinogenesis of Fungal Agents May Not Always Be Mycotoxin Related.

Certain viruses have been found to induce diverse biological pathways to carcinogenesis, evidenced by the presence of viral gene products in some tumors. Despite the fact that many fungal agents contain mycoviruses, until recently, their possible direct effects on human health, including carcinogenesis and leukemogenesis, had not been explored. In this regard, most studies of fungal agents have rightly concentrated on their mycotoxin formation and effects.

Etiology of Acute Leukemia: A Review.

Acute leukemias constitute some of the most common malignant disorders. Despite significant progress made in the treatment of these disorders, their etiology remains unknown. A large and diverse group of genetic and environmental variables have been proposed.

Effect of Poloxamer 188 vs Placebo on Painful Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Children and Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Although effective agents are available to prevent painful vaso-occlusive episodes of sickle cell disease (SCD), there are no disease-modifying therapies for ongoing painful vaso-occlusive episodes; treatment remains supportive. A previous phase 3 trial of poloxamer 188 reported shortened duration of painful vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD, particularly in children and participants treated with hydroxyurea.

Objective: To reassess the efficacy of poloxamer 188 for vaso-occlusive episodes.

Exposure to a mycovirus containing Aspergillus Flavus reproduces acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell surface and genetic markers in cells from patients in remission and not controls.

The etiology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains unknown. A recent "two-hit" model for the occurrence of precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia propose that this disease arises through a two-step process, including predisposing genetic mutation and exposure to infections. While several genetic mutations are proposed, no infection category has been suggested.

Plasma of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients React to the Culture of a Mycovirus Containing Aspergillus flavus.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and is also seen in adults. Currently, no plasma-based test for the detection of ALL is available. We have cultured the home of a patient with ALL and isolated a mycovirus containing Aspergillus flavus.

Response-dependent and reduced treatment in lower risk Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents, results of P9426: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma is highly curable but associated with significant late effects. Reduction of total treatment would be anticipated to reduce late effects. This aim of this study was to demonstrate that a reduction in treatment was possible without compromising survival outcomes.

Sudden death after exercise in an adolescent with hemoglobin SE.

Hemoglobin (Hb) S and Hb E are the most common variant hemoglobins, but because of the geographical separation of the areas where they are prevalent, the combination of the 2 is uncommon. Approximately 46 cases of hemoglobin SE compound heterozygosity have been reported. No deaths from the condition have been reported previously, whereas death after vigorous physical activity in individuals with sickle cell trait (hemoglobin AS) has been described in a few case reports.

Clinicopathologic conference: multiple fetal demises, lactic acidosis and hepatic iron accumulation.

A case of a premature infant with lactic acidosis and hepatic iron accumulation, born to a mother with multiple fetal demises, is presented and discussed by both clinician and pathologist, in this traditional clinico-pathologic conference. The discussion includes the differential diagnoses of lactic acidosis and hepatic iron accumulation in infants.

Dexrazoxane-associated risk for acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome and other secondary malignancies in pediatric Hodgkin's disease.

Purpose: Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) studies 9426 and 9425 evaluated dexrazoxane (DRZ) as a cardiopulmonary protectant during treatment for Hodgkin's disease (HD). We evaluated incidence and risk factors of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and second malignant neoplasms (SMNs).

Patients And Methods: Treatment for low- and high-risk HD with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and etoposide (ABVE) or dose-intensified ABVE with prednisone and cyclophosphamide (ABVE-PC), respectively, was followed by low-dose radiation.