Risk factors for development of internal neoplasms in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio koi)

Fish, like mammals, can be affected by neoplastic proliferations. As yet, there are only a very small number of studies reporting on the occurrence of tumours in koi carp Cyprinus carpio koi and only sporadic reports on the nature of the tumours or on risk factors associated with their development. Between 2008 and 2012, koi with abdominal swelling were examined pathologically: neoplastic lesions were diagnosed and classified histologically. We evaluated possible risk factors for the development of these internal neoplasms in koi carp in Switzerland, using an online 2-part questionnaire sent to fish keepers with koi affected by internal tumours and to fish keepers who had not previously reported any affected koi. Part 1 addressed all participants and focused on general information about koi husbandry and pond technical data; Part 2 addressed participants that had one or several case(s) of koi with internal tumour(s) between 2008 and 2012, and consisted of specific questions about affected koi. A total of 112 internal tumours were reported by the 353 koi keepers participating in the survey. Analysis of the obtained data revealed that tumour occurrence was significantly associated with the location (indoors vs. outdoors) and volume of the pond, frequency of water changes, origin of the koi, number of koi kept in a Pond and the use of certain pond disinfectant/medication products. Our results contribute to the identification of possible risk factors, which in turn could help to establish prophylactic measures in order to reduce the occurrence of internal neoplasms in koi.

Molecular diagnostics of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Since the discovery of the JAK2 V617F mutation in the majority of the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) of polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis ten years ago, further MPN-specific mutational events, notably in JAK2 exon 12, MPL exon 10 and CALR exon 9 have been identified. These discoveries have been rapidly incorporated into evolving molecular diagnostic algorithms. Whilst many of these mutations appear to have prognostic implications, establishing MPN diagnosis is of immediate clinical importance with selection, implementation and the continual evaluation of the appropriate laboratory methodology to achieve this diagnosis similarly vital. The advantages and limitations of these approaches in identifying and quantitating the common MPN-associated mutations are considered herein with particular regard to their clinical utility. The evolution of molecular diagnostic applications and platforms has occurred in parallel with the discovery of MPN-associated mutations, and it therefore appears likely that emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing and digital PCR will in the future play an increasing role in the molecular diagnosis of MPN. Accepted for publication 30 April 2015 doi:10.1111/ejh.12578

Expression of p53, {\it * ras\/} and PCNA in human colonic neoplasms: Possible biomarkers of malignant potential

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality and early detection can significantly improve the clinical outcome. Most colorectal cancers arise from benign neoplastic lesions recognized as adenomas. Only a small percentage of all adenomas will become malignant. Thus, there is a need to identify specific markers of malignant potential. Studies at the molecular level have demonstrated an accumulation of genetic alterations, some hereditary but for the most occurring in somatic cells. The most common are the activation of ras, an oncogene involved in signal transduction, and the inactivation of p53, a tumor suppressor gene implicated in cell cycle regulation. In this study, 38 carcinomas, 95 adenomas and 20 benign polyps were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the abnormal expression of p53 and ras proteins. An index of cellular proliferation was also measured by labeling with PCNA. A general overexpression of p53 was immunodetected in 66% of the carcinomas, while 26% of adenomas displayed scattered individual positive cells or a focal high concentration of positive cells. This later was more associated with severe dysplasia. Ras protein was detected in 37% of carcinomas and 32% of adenomas mostly throughout the tissue. p53 immunodetection was more frequent in adenomas originating in colons with synchronous carcinomas, particularly in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and it may be a useful marker in these cases. Difference in the frequency of p53 and ras alterationbs was related to the location of the neoplasm. Immunodetection of p53 protein was correlated to the presence of a mutation in p53 gene at exon 7 and 5 in 4/6 carcinomas studied and 2 villous adenomas. Thus, we characterized in adenomas the abnormal expression of two proteins encoded by the most commonly altered genes in colorectal cancer. p53 alteration appears to be more specifically associated with transition to malignancy than ras. By using immunohistochemistry, a technique that keeps the architecture of the tissue intact, it was possible to correlate these alterations to histopathological characteristics that were associated with higher risks for transformation: villous content, dysplasia and size of adenoma. ^

Stomach content of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) obtained from the Northeast Greenland area

The diet of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from coastal and offshore areas of Northeast Greenland was determined by identifying, to the lowest taxonomic limit possible, all hard-part contents from the gastrointestinal tract of 51 seals sampled (2002-2004) in spring (April to June, N = 35) and autumn (September to October, N = 16). The autumn diet was characterized by high numbers of Parathemisto libellula, and the spring diet was comprised primarily of polar cod (Boreogadus saida), with few invertebrates consumed. The coastal seal diet samples had a diverse fish prey composition (during both the spring and autumn), whereas the open water seals had eaten mostly crustaceans with P. libellula being most abundant. The sample sizes from the various locations and seasons were not large enough to explore age-class effects on diet in addition. Similar to earlier studies, this study suggests that the ringed seal is a generalist that exploits prey based on availability, with a few key species dominating the diet in an area at least on a seasonal basis.