Targeting the genome

Genomic target selection using individually synthesised capture probes may translate cutting edge research in the laboratory into personalised medicine in the clinic

Genomic target selection enables faster development of clinical sequencing tests for disease diagnosis, stratification, and informed therapy selection by allowing smaller, specific regions of the genome to be sequenced and analysed at high depth in a cost-effective manner. Faster, targeted sequencing could also accelerate development of effective therapies for various diseases. Currently available commercial target capture reagents use biotinylated, array-synthesised oligonucleotides to generate DNA or RNA probes, often referred to as “baits.” However, baits that are generated by these methods often present performance challenges, such as failure to capture regions of high GC content.

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Targeting the genome 

Source: Laboratory News
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Nacho Molecule

I love chemistry <3

Source: We <3 it
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Aging tumor cells may be an effective cancer treatment

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have shown that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may be susceptible to treatment by re-activating the normal aging program in tumor cells so they can no longer divide. The study, published in Nature Communications, details a novel, tumor-suppressive role for the Smurf2 protein—which typically plays an "enforcer" role in cellular aging, also called senescence —in a subset of DLBCL. Identification of this novel function for Smurf2 provides a new therapeutic target for treating this cancer.

"Normally, this pathway is responsible for senescence and suppressing proliferation of B cells," said Hong Zhang, PhD, assistant professor of cell & developmental biology at UMMS and senior author of the study. "However, human DLBCL show low levels of Smurf2 expression; these low levels affect a pathway that encourages un-checked cell division and tumor growth. It's possible that restoration of Smurf2 expression may provide therapeutic benefits for patients and help encourage remission in difficult to treat cases."

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New evidence that aging tumor cells may be an effective cancer treatment

Source: MedicalXpress
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What causes fever of unknown origin?

That might sound like “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” or “When was the war of 1812?” but it’s actually a really good question.
First, a definition. Before you can officially “diagnose” someone with FUO, you have to meet a few criteria. The original criteria (back in 1961) were:

1. A fever of 101º F or more on several occasions
2. …persisting for over three weeks
3. …with no diagnosis despite a week-long, in-hospital investigation.

These days, we don’t keep people in the hospital for a week just to “investigate” things, unless they are really sick. Plus, things have changed a bit with the emergence of HIV, and with the development of new chemotherapeutic and immune-modulating drugs.

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What causes fever of unknown origin?

Source: Pathology Student
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Fun with Hematology

This is an actual photomicrograph of a peripheral blood smear I was reviewing. This is one of the most unusual blood cells I've ever seen!

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Fun with Hematology Stickers 

Source: Zazzle
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India battles dengue fever outbreak

An outbreak of dengue fever since February has killed more than 100 people, inundated hospitals with patients and triggered school closures, reports Atish Patel.

In India, many savour the moment when the skies turn grey and monsoon rains lash down to bring respite from the excruciating summer heat.
This year, the country saw the heaviest rains in nearly two decades, particularly pleasing farmers who rely on the monsoon for their living.
But the rains also bring challenges, including the appearance of Aedes aegypti, a species of mosquito that spreads dengue and yellow fever.


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India battles dengue fever outbreak

Source: BBC News
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Breathprint May Have Potential for Clinical Laboratory Testing

Pathologists may be interested to learn that everyone’s breath reveals a signature composition of metabolites that may reflect a lifetime of diet, state of health, illnesses, and exposure to chemicals.
New research shows that a person’s “breathprint” is as unique as a fingerprint and may be as effective as bodily fluids in diagnosing diseases. That same research effort is showing that it is feasible to combine breath specimens and mass spectrometry to accurately identify disease. That could give clinical laboratories a new methodology to use when creating diagnostic assays.
These findings are part of a new study conducted by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in Zurich.

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Researchers Determine That Individuals’ ‘Breathprint’ Are Unique; May Have Potential for Clinical Laboratory Testing When Coupled With Mass Spectrometry Technology

Source: Dark Daily
Image credits: TheScientist.com

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