Identification of 33 candidate oncogenes by screening for base-specific mutations.

BACKGROUND: Genes with recurrent codon-specific somatic mutations are likely drivers of tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Hypermutable cancers may represent a sensitive system for generation and selection of oncogenic mutations. METHODS: We utilised exome-sequencing data on 25 sporadic microsatellite-instable (MSI) colorectal cancers (CRCs) and searched for base-specific somatic mutation hotspots. RESULTS: We identified novel mutation hotspots in 33 genes. Fourteen genes displayed mutations in the validation set of 254 MSI CRCs: ANTXR1, MORC2, CEP135, CRYBB1, GALNT9, KRT82, PI15, SLC36A1, CNTF, GLDC, MBTPS1, OR9Q2, R3HDM1 and TTPAL. A database search found examples of the hotspot mutations in multiple cancer types. CONCLUSIONS: This work reveals a variety of new recurrent candidate oncogene mutations to be further scrutinised as potential therapeutic targets.

Safe use of mobile phones in hospitals.

This research evaluated possibilities to use different types of mobile telephones in the hospital environment by testing the disturbances in medical equipment caused by radiofrequency fields emitted by the phones. The research was carried out by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) in cooperation with the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), and focused mainly on equipment situated within the Maria Hospital of the City of Helsinki. The Helsinki Hospital District and tile Medical Engineering Centre of the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) also participated in this project.

Magnetic fields of video display terminals and spontaneous abortion.

The aim of this study was to examine whether work with a video display terminal and exposure to the magnetic fields of video display terminals are related to spontaneous abortion. The study was conducted among women employed as bank clerks and clerical workers in three companies in Finland. The cases (191 spontaneous abortions) and controls (394 births) were identified from Finnish medical registers for the years 1975-1985. Use of video display terminals was defined using the workers' own reports and information provided by the companies. The assessment of exposure to the magnetic fields was based on measurements of the fields of video display terminals. The odds ratio for spontaneous abortion for working with video display terminals was not increased (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.6). However, the odds ratio for workers who had used a video display terminal with a high level of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (> 0.9 microT) was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.4-8.6) compared with workers using a terminal with a low level of these magnetic fields (< 0.4 microT). Adjustment for ergonomic factors and mental work load factors changed the odds ratio for magnetic field exposure only very slightly. The findings suggest the need for future studies with assessment of exposure to the magnetic fields in the actual working environment to confirm the possible risk.

Evaluation of hazards in CO2 laser welding and related processes.

High-power CO2 lasers are used extensively in various industrial applications. In most cases they form part of open-beam equipment and have a power of several kilowatts, and are thus designated as Safety Class 4 systems. In addition to the invisible i.r. laser beam (10.6 microns), u.v. radiation and visible light may be emitted. In the present work a power meter controlled by microprocessor and a spectroradiometer measured the scattered or reflected laser radiation. In addition, concentration levels of welding and cutting fumes and of pyrolysis products of plastics were determined during various laser processes. Finally, a safety analysis was performed to compare the hazards of laser welding with those of conventional welding methods: this showed that the use of laser systems can eliminate many traditional risks, but the worker must be protected not only against the coherent laser beam, but also from incoherent blue light and u.v. radiation.