Absence of Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus infection in neuroblastoma cells by standard detection methodologies.

Indications exist in the scientific literature that infection with human herpes family viruses may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB). However, systematic investigations regarding viral presence in NB cells have been scarcely reported. Here, the presence of DNA from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was assessed by PCR in 12 NBs, supplemented with RNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical detection, and high-throughput DNA sequencing.

Single-tube multiplex PCR using type-specific E6/E7 primers and capillary electrophoresis genotypes 21 human papillomaviruses in neoplasia.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 type-specific oncogenes are required for cervical carcinogenesis. Current PCR protocols for genotyping high-risk HPV in cervical screening are not standardized and usually use consensus primers targeting HPV capsid genes, which are often deleted in neoplasia. PCR fragments are detected using specialized equipment and extra steps, including probe hybridization or primer extension.

Strong lymphoid nuclear expression of SOX11 transcription factor defines lymphoblastic neoplasms, mantle cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma.

Background: We surveyed lymphomas to determine the range of expression of the mantle cell lymphoma-associated SOX11 transcription factor and its relation to cyclin D1.

Design And Methods: On hundred and seventy-two specimens were immunostained for the SOX11 N and C termini. Cyclin D1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; in situ hybridization for t(11;14) was applied when needed.

The value of the UroVysion assay for surveillance of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objective: Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer are traditionally followed by repeat cystoscopy and urine cytology. A fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique called UroVysion (UV) is now available for clinical diagnosis of urothelial cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to compare UV analysis with routine follow-up methods.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction on FTA cards vs. flow cytometry for B-lymphocyte clonality.

Background: Two-colour flow cytometry was compared with multiplex PCR with capillary electrophoresis for clonality determination in specific categories of B-cell lymphoma. FTA cards were evaluated for preserving DNA from node imprints and expediting molecular analysis.

Methods: A single-tube multiplex PCR targeted IGH and lymphoma-specific translocations in DNA extracted from 180 frozen lymphoid tissues and DNA bound to FTA cards from 192 fresh tissues and 137 aspirates.

Resolving T-cell receptor clonality in two and genotype in four multiplex polymerase chain reactions.

Background And Objectives: The diagnosis of T-cell neoplasia requires the use of immunohistochemistry on tumor sections or molecular genetic analysis of T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) offer a sensitive and expeditious approach to determining clonality early in the diagnostic work-up. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of four multiple PCR for genotyping lymphoid neoplasms at the TCR loci gamma (TCRG), delta (TCRD) and beta (TCRB, including complete [Vbeta-Jbeta] and incomplete [Dbeta-Jbeta] rearrangements).

Effects of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF K1 on differentiating endothelium in murine embryoid bodies and teratomas.

Infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a prerequisite for Kaposi's sarcoma, a multicentric endothelial tumor of mixed blood vessel-lymphatic phenotype with a marked production of endothelial basement membrane proteins. The viral K1 gene encodes a unique transmembrane protein capable of transforming T lymphocytes experimentally. We studied the effects of K1 regulated by the endothelium-specific tie-1 promoter in the embryonic stem cell (ES)-derived endothelium of subcutaneous murine teratomas and in embryoid body cultures with and without supplemental basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.