Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Petr Starostik
University of Florida in Gainesville, USA
Keynote: KEYNOTE
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Biography: Dr. Petr Starostik is Associate Professor of Pathology and serves as Director of Molecular Pathology in the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine of the College of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Over the years, he directed several molecular diagnostics laboratories, both in the U.S. and abroad. Development of molecular diagnostic tests is his specialty as evidenced by his publications and the multitude of laboratory-developed tests performed in laboratories he directed. Besides clinical work, he also pursues basic research focusing on the role of FLT3 ITD in acute leukemia.
Abstract:
Personalized pharmacogenomics
GatorSeq Pharm is a pharmacogenomic gene assay we developed that predicts how patients will respond to a specific drug. The test determines the genotype/allelotype of each patient and correlates the results with the expected drug response based on published data and Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium recommendations. Personalized drug therapy can then be based on the individual’s genetic makeup which accounts for differences in drug absorption, metabolism, and efficiency. Such genetic differences may explain why one drug works well for one person, but the same drug causes severe adverse effects in other individuals. The test was validated in a clinical CLIA-approved laboratory to genotype 11 most significant pharmacogenomic genes. The test results provides the ordering physician with actionable relevant data and recommendations to individualize patient care allowing them to make insightful treatment decisions.
Biography:
Claudio Sorio has completed his MD from University of Verona, Italy and his Ph.D. and Postdoctoral studies from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. He specialized in Surgical Pathology at the same university. He is the Director of Cystic Fibrosis Translational Research Laboratory “D Lissandrini” at the University of Verona and Head of the Biomarker Laboratory at the same institution. He has published more than 74 original papers and several reviews and book chapters in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of reputed journals.
Abstract:
Role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type γ in chronic myeloid leukemia
Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor gamma (PTPRG) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family known to act as a tumor suppressor gene in many different neoplasms with mechanisms of inactivation including mutations and methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region. We identified a critical role in human hematopoiesis and describe a role as oncosuppressor in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We have described PTPRG expression in various tissues and recently developed a monoclonal antibody capable of recognizing the native antigen of this phosphatase by flow cytometry: we confirmed PTPRG protein downregulation in CML patients at diagnosis in the Philadelphia-positive myeloid lineage (including CD34+/CD38bright/dim cells). After effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, its expression recovered in tandem with the return of Philadelphia-negative hematopoiesis. Of note, PTPRG mRNA levels remain unchanged in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) non-responder patients, confirming that downregulation selectively occurs in primary CML cells. We have also identified a novel regulative loop involving CTNNB1 gene. The availability of this unique antibody permits its evaluation for clinical application including the support for diagnosis and follow-up of these disorders. Evaluation of the role of PTPRG in health and disease is facilitated by the availability of a specific reagent capable to specifically detect its target in various experimental conditions.
Keynote Forum
Omar Al Aufi
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Keynote: Oral Presentation
Time : 9
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Habtamu Asrat Alaba
Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia
Keynote: Oral Presentation
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Christoph Hiemenz
Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Keynote: Oral Presentation
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Abstract:
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Christoph Hiemenz
Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Keynote: Oral Presentation
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Polycarp Ndibangwi
Walter Sisulu University, South Africa
Keynote: Video Presentation
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Abstract:
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Prabhashankar Mishra
Utopia divine wanowrie pune, India
Keynote: Video Presentation
Time : 9
Biography:
Abstract:
- Laboratory Management | Cytogenetics | Clinical Microbiology | Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine | Microscopy | Transfusion Pathology and Medicine | Pediatric Laboratory Medicine | Clinical Pathology | Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine
Location: Berlin, Germany
Session Introduction
Omar Al Aufi
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Thymoquinone synergizes the anticancer properties of cisplatin against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and protects normal oral epithelial cells
Biography:
Omar Al Aufi has completed his Master’s Degree from the College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Clinical Biochemistry. He is the Head of the Department of Laboratory in Comprehensive Specialized Polyclinic for Security Forces in Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also works at King Fahad Research Center in KAU in Jeddah as a Researcher. He has many oral presentations in his field and has published a paper in Nature journal. His research interest includes clinical biochemistry, cancer research, and cell culture.
Abstract:
Cisplatin (CDDP) is a potent anticancer agent used for several tumor types. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a naturally occurring compound drawing great attention as anticancer and chemo-modulator for chemotherapies. Herein, we studied the
potential cytotoxicity of thymoquinone, CDDP and their combination against the human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell in contrast to normal oral epithelial cells. CDDP similarly killed both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (UMSCC-14C) and normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). TQ alone exerted considerable cytotoxicity against UMSCC-14C cells; while it induced weaker killing effect against normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). Equitoxic combination of TQ and CDDP showed additive to synergistic interaction against both UMSCC-14C and OEC cells. TQ alone increased apoptotic cell fraction in UMSCC-14C cells, as early as after 6 hours. In addition, prolonged exposure of UMSCC-14C to TQ alone resulted in 96.7±1.6% total apoptosis which was increased after combination with CDDP to 99.3±1.2% in UMSCC-14C cells. On the other hand, TQ induced the marginal increase in the apoptosis in OEC and even decreased the apoptosis induced by CDDP alone. Finally, apoptosis induction results were confirmed by the change in the expression levels of p53, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 proteins in both UMSCC-14c and OEC cells.
Habtamu Asrat
Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia
Title: Quality Control practices for Quantitative tests in Ethiopian Public Health Facility Laboratories
Biography:
Habtamu Asrat is currently associated with Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia. He has successfully produced his work on "Quality Control practices for quantitative tests in Ethiopian Public Health Facility Laboratories".
Abstract:
Background: Quality Control (QC) in the clinical laboratory is a system designed to increase the probability that each result reported by the laboratory is valid and can be used with confidence by the provider to make a diagnostic or therapeutic decision. It is a critical component of quality assurance in the laboratory and laboratory tests without quality control is not reliable. This study used as a baseline information for quality control usage in public health facility laboratories in Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1, 2017- December 31, 2017. Systematic random
sampling technique was used to select hospital laboratories. A standardized questionnaire was developed to collect data from selected 71 public health facility laboratories nationwide.
Results: A total of 71 public health facility laboratories participated in the study, of which 5 specialized, 6 referral, 20 general and 29 primary hospital laboratories and 11 were regional reference laboratories. Among the study participants 51 (71.8%) directly used manufacturer’s set mean and standard deviation to monitor their quality control performance while 20 (28.2%) calculated their own mean and standard deviation. Out of 71 participants, only 16 (22.5%) laboratories drew Levey-Jennings chart, of which 14 (19.7%) laboratories used Westgard Rules (3 labs used single rule and 14 laboratories used multi rules). Only 4 (5.6%) laboratories calculated their monthly sigma or SEC as a quality indicator. Forty-two (59.5%) laboratories perform quality control lot verification during receiving new batch to their laboratory while 29 (39.5%) don’t do lot verification. But 48 (67.6%) laboratories faced inconsistent or shortage of quality control supplies.
Results: A total of 71 public health facility laboratories participated in the study, of which 5 specialized, 6 referral, 20 general and 29 primary hospital laboratories and 11 were regional reference laboratories. Among the study participants 51 (71.8%) directly used manufacturer’s set mean and standard deviation to monitor their quality control performance while 20 (28.2%) calculated their own mean and standard deviation. Out of 71 participants, only 16 (22.5%) laboratories drew Levey-Jennings chart, of which 14 (19.7%) laboratories used Westgard Rules (3 labs used single rule and 14 laboratories used multi rules). Only 4 (5.6%) laboratories calculated their monthly sigma or SEC as a quality indicator. Forty-two (59.5%) laboratories perform quality control lot verification during receiving new batch to their laboratory while 29 (39.5%) don’t do lot verification. But 48 (67.6%) laboratories faced inconsistent or shortage of quality control supplies.
Conclusions: Although the laboratory quality management system is being implemented in Ethiopia for the last 10 years, quality control practice showed a poor performance. Therefore, the national laboratory program should give attention to improve the quality control practice in the laboratory nationwide.
Christoph Hiemenz
Ruprecht Karls-University Heielberg, Europe
Title: Application of modular chemoenzymatic conjugation strategies for the semi-rational engineering of biologicals
Biography:
Christoph Hiemenz has completed his MSc from Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg. He work as a bioinformatician at PEPperPRINT GmbH and is the scientific instructor of the iGEM Team Heidelberg 2019. He has worked on diverse research projects: -DKFZ Heidelberg, Prof. Jörg Hoheisel- Kinase activity profiling with peptide arrays -BioQuant Heidelberg, Prof. Roland Eils/Prof. Barbara Di Ventura- Optogenetic nuclear protein shutteling and ODE modeling -KTH Stockholm, Prof. Stefan Ståhl – Surface functionalization of E.coli cells via sortases and inteins - EMBL Heidelberg, Dr. Carsten Schultz- Bioactivity of trifunctional Sphingolipids -IPMB Heidelberg, Prof. Andres Jäschke- Multivalent fluorescent turn-on probes for RNA imaging.
Abstract:
Binder drug conjugates such as antibody-drug conjugates have led to major improvements of personalized therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and pathogenic virulence. The underlying methods which enable the position specific functionalization or semi-rational mutagenesis of bioactive proteins have been the key innovations. While academic research groups are already managing to computationally design small bioactive peptides, the majority of protein engineering projects are still relying on semi-rational directed evolution to identify the protein with desirable properties. Here a main leap forward has been the site-directed post-translational mutagenesis of proteins by means of state-of-the-art bioconjugation methods including enzymatic sortase A transpeptidation and chemical indium catalyzed the mild radical addition of diverse iodoalkanes to sp2-hybridized amino acids. Above all, a multitude of chemoenzymatic functionalization methods are continuously being improved and are fully compatible with directed evolution via cell surface display library screenings
Ghazi Zafar
Chughtai Lab, Pakistan
Title: Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma; Potential Target For Anti-Her Therapy
Biography:
Ghazi Zafar completed his MBBS from University of Health Sciences in 2013. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduation Residency in Histopathology from
Chughtai Lab, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Her-2 (ErbB-2) is an oncogene frequently overexpressed in breast and gastric adenocarcinomas and anti Her-2 targeted therapy can be given to such patients. Her-2 overexpression and role of anti Her-2 targeted therapy in cases of gallbladder adenocarcinomas (GBAC) is still debatable. Scoring protocols for Her-2 expression in breast and gastric carcinomas are standardized, however not for carcinomas arising in other body organs like gallbladder. This study is conducted to evaluate the expression of Her-2 in patients with GBAC which may benefit from targeted therapy. It is a cross-sectional study conducted on patients with GBAC (n=43; 34 women and 9 men). An automated immunohistochemical technique was used with an anti-ErbB2 antibody. Scoring was conducted according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) criteria for breast cancer, as well as for gastric and gastroesophageal junction carcinomas. When the scoring protocol for breast carcinomas was used, positive Her-2 staining was observed in 11/43 (25.6%). Out of 11 positive cases, 5 cases (11.6%) were unequivocally positive (3+) and 6 (13.9%) showed equivocal staining. According to the gastric and gastroesophageal junction carcinomas protocol, positive Her-2 staining was observed in 16/43 (37.2%). Out of 16 positive cases, 11 (25.5%) were unequivocally positive (3+) and 5 (11.6%) showed equivocal staining. This study indicates that a significant number of GBAC cases show Her-2 overexpression when either of the two documented protocols is used. This subgroup may benefit from inhibitors of the Her-2 pathway. Standardization of scoring protocol for Her-2 expression in GBAC is needed to better evaluate predictive potential of Her-2 for treatment of these tumors.
Christoph Hiemenz
PEPperPRINT GmbH, Germany.
Title: Welcome to a labolution-The application of data mining and systems biology for personalized medicine
Biography:
Christoph Hiemenz has completed his MSc from Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg. He work as a bioinformatician at PEPperPRINT GmbH and is the scientific instructor of the iGEM Team Heidelberg 2019. He has worked on diverse research projects:
-DKFZ Heidelberg, Prof. Jörg Hoheisel- Kinase activity profiling with peptide arrays
-BioQuant Heidelberg, Prof. Roland Eils/Prof. Barbara Di Ventura- Optogenetic nuclear protein shutteling and ODE modeling
-KTH Stockholm, Prof. Stefan Ståhl – Surface functionalization of E.coli cells via sortases and inteins
- EMBL Heidelberg, Dr. Carsten Schultz- Bioactivity of trifunctional Sphingolipids
-IPMB Heidelberg, Prof. Andres Jäschke- Multivalent fluorescent turn-on probes for RNA imaging.
Abstract:
High-throughput technologies ranging from high-content microscopy screening to automated mass spectrometry pipelines and peptide microarray assays enable the generation of big medical data sets in a brief period of time with the requirement of very small analyte volumes. As a result, extremely large multiomics data sets can be generated which are ideally suited for statistical learning procedures using well established classifiers such as random forests or multivariate logistic regression models. To extract meaningful information from the data, a major challenge comprises the dimensionality reduction and
unsupervised pattern recognition via machine learning algorithms including Fisher discriminant analysis, shrunken centroid analysis or clustering. Another problem to be tackled is represented by multivariate feature collinearities and ways have to be identified to remove this ambiguity. Yet, the reward for this mathematical rigor is the generation of reliable classifiers which can quickly stratify individual patients into disease/treatment subpopulations with acceptable sensitivity and specificity from multiomics data sets. Above all, technology suppliers such as opentrons and Oxford Nanopore Technologies promise the automated generation of multiomics data sets for a reasonable price.
Biography:
Prabhashankar Mishra, Working as an Assistant Professor,at utopia divine wanowrie Pune, India. He was successful achiever producing his work on "Association between expressions of a panel of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers including Ki 67, Cyclin D1, p53, bcl2, C-KIT, and Her2/neu and metastatic disease in oral squamous cell
carcinoma (OSCC)".
Abstract:
Aim: This study aims to find out any association between expressions of a panel of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers
including Ki 67, Cyclin D1, p53, bcl2, C-KIT, and Her2/neu and metastatic disease in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Materials and methods: A total of 236 cases of OSCC presenting to our centre between Jan 2013-Dec 2016 with available clinical details were included in the study. Forty cases each of non metastatic disease and metastatic disease at presentation were selected randomly for evaluation of IHC marker’s expression as enumerated above.IHC expression of the markers were interpreted as positive ,negative or indeterminate or non-contributory based on standard practice in clinical use. Other important clinical and pathological features were also noted for further evaluation and analysis.
Results: MIB 1(Ki 67) index as a percentage value, and diffuse p53 expression were found to be independently associated with metastatic OSCC at presentation (p values <0.001, confidence interval 95%).Cyclin D1,bcl2, C-KIT, and Her2/neu expressions did not show any association with metastatic/ non-metastatic disease at presentation.
Conclusion: MIB 1 mitotic index and p53 positivity are significantly associated with metastatic OSCC. Further studies on this subject are needed to substantiate this important finding which may be used to analyze the role of these IHC markers in possible prediction of metastatic potential and therefore prognosis in the cases of OSCC.
- Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology | Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine | Laboratory Toxicology Molecular Pathology | Hematology | Automation in Laboratory Analysis | Quantitative Techniques Blotting Techniques | Tissue Engneering | Animal Biotechnology
Location: Berlin, Germany
Session Introduction
Ana Lazaro Carrillo
University of Madrid, Spain
Title: Dual chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy: A synergistic strategy to improve cancer treatment
Biography:
Ana Lazaro Carrillo has completed her PhD from Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain) with mention of best thesis in 2017 granted by SEBC (Spanish Society of Cell Biology). She is a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Biology, a premier research organization. She has participated in more than 30 international congresses and more than 70 meetings, workshops and courses. She has published 7 papers in journals of high recognition and has been serving as Reviewer of repute journals. In addition, she has participated in research and dissemination activities related to Multifun project, funded by the European Union and has been a Research Member of two projects funded by Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness. Her research interest include: cell biology; photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for cancer treatment; internalization, biocompatibility and efficient delivery of nanostructures in vitro (cell cultures); cell death mechanisms and cellular inactivation; activity of cancer stem cells (established cell lines and patient samples).
Abstract:
Nowadays different strategies are being introduced in order to enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectiveness, such as combination of PDT with chemotherapy or improvement of photosensitizer (PS) features. A new combined PDTchemotherapy treatment comprising two drugs widespread in clinical research - the hydrophobic zinc(II)-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as PS and the common chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) - were tested. Cytotoxicity assay showed that this combination remarkably increases the effectiveness of the treatment by inducing a synergistic cell death effect (lower than 10%) when compared to DOX or ZnPc monotherapy (cell surviving around 80%). In addition, annexin-V detection by flow cytometry, analysis of active caspase-3 and cytochrome c by immunofluorescence and time-lapse videomicroscopy corroborated a fine-tunable effect depending on light dose, leading to apoptotic or necrotic mechanism of cell death. Using DCFH-DA (dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) probe, we demonstrate that a significant higher reactive oxygen species generation into cells was the main cause of the synergistic effect of this combined treatment. Further, mammosphere formation efficiency assay showed a reduced breast cancer stem cell activity in established cell line and primary cells obtained from patients, even using DOX at much lower concentration than clinical level. Finally, studies in human breast cancer xenografts indicated a high efficiency also in vivo. All these results provide novel and valuable information that contribute to consider chemophototherapy as a promising tool in current antitumoral treatments, potentially overcoming resistance to cancer chemotherapy and targeting cancer stem cells
Aparna Jha Ahuja
BD Life Sciences - Preanalytical Systems, NJ, USA
Title: Using Data Analytics To Target Preanalytical Errors And Achieve Higher Value-Added Outcomes
Biography:
Data analytics is evolving into a promising method to provide insight from large amounts of data into improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Since most of the information used by healthcare providers for medical decisions is derived from laboratory testing, better use of the critical information within the laboratory’s data system can help to improve efficiency as well. One application for data analytics is to target the errors encountered in the preanalytical phase. These errors include patient/sample misidentification, hemolyzed/clotted specimens, insufficient specimen quantity, and improper test ordering, all of which may increase costs and negatively impact patient care. Reducing these errors can contribute to higher value-added patient outcomes (e.g., enhanced patient safety, fewer repeat blood draws). Additionally, incorporating data analytics can also assess laboratory competency and identify opportunities for overall quality improvement.
Abstract:
Aparna Jha Ahuja, MD, is currently the Worldwide Vice President, Medical Affairs, BD Life Sciences - Preanalytical Systems, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA. She has more than two decades of laboratory experience, with hands-on experience in Biochemistry, Specialized Chemistry and Molecular Biology. She is a recognized speaker, having presented at many laboratory medicine conferences. Her current focus is on the improvement of quality laboratory testing and increasing awareness of the impact of the preanalytical phase on clinical diagnostic results.