About Special Kids

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is characterized by the PML::RARA fusion or, more rarely, a variant RARA translocation. While APL can be clinically suspected, diagnosis of APL requires genetic confirmation. Targeted therapy such as all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) has dramatically improved the prognosis of APL patients, but this is dependent on timely genetic testing as different fusions and/or mutations can affect therapeutic outcomes. Here we report three APL cases with various genetic aberrations: cryptic PML::RARA fusion, variant RARA rearrangement, and typical PML::RARA fusion with co-existing FLT3-ITD mutation. They serve to illustrate the utility of integrating genetic testing, using chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in providing a detailed understanding of the genetic alterations underlying each patient’s disease.

Abstract The most valuable workers now and in the future will be those who can combine technical knowledge with human skills and adapt to the changing needs of the workplace.

Various 16mm production techniques are compared with 35mm by the “Format/Emulsion System” which uses a specified camera format with a calculable frame area and a specified film stock emulsion with a calculable information density. Films evaluated include the new Eastman color negative II film 5247/7247. Besides emphasizing the need for a full set of professional-quality 16mm anamorphic lenses, it is concluded that on a small budget high-quality motion pictures may be produced using Eastman Ektachrome Commercial film 7252 and shooting with a 16mm full-aperture for anamorphic wide-screen productions.