Spatial Survival Model for COVID-19 in México.

A spatial survival analysis was performed to identify some of the factors that influence the survival of patients with COVID-19 in the states of Guerrero, México, and Chihuahua. The data that we analyzed correspond to the period from 28 February 2020 to 24 November 2021. A Cox proportional hazards frailty model and a Cox proportional hazards model were fitted. For both models, the estimation of the parameters was carried out using the Bayesian approach. According to the DIC, WAIC, and LPML criteria, the spatial model was better. The analysis showed that the spatial effect influences the survival times of patients with COVID-19. The spatial survival analysis also revealed that age, gender, and the presence of comorbidities, which vary between states, and the development of pneumonia increase the risk of death from COVID-19.

The role and clinical significance of microRNA-29a-3p in the development of hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Objective MicroRNA-29a-3p has been reported in a variety of cancers, but its role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. This study was to determine the role of microRNA-29a-3p in the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2013 to November 2017 were selected for this study. The cancer tissue samples of the patients were collected, and the patients were followed up for three years. The expression of microRNA-29a-3p in tissue samples was detected by in situ hybridization with fluorescent probe, and the relationships among microRNA-29a-3p and clinicopathological factors, postoperative recurrent-metastasis, survival time were studied. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin in tissue samples. Results Combined with HE staining results showed that microRNA-29a-3p expression was relatively high in non-cancer tissue cells (red blood cells and fibroblasts in tumor interstitial vessels), but was relatively low in cancer tissue and cells. According to the follow-up data of 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, tumor size, T-stage, tumor differentiation, postoperative recurrent-metastasis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients were significantly negatively correlated with microRNA-29a-3p (p< 0.05). Immunohistochemica results further confirmed that microRNA-29a-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin. The survival time of patients positively related with microRNA-29a-3p expression (p< 0.05). Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the combined detection of miRNA-29a-3p+Ki67+E-cadherin was larger than that of the single detection of the three indexes. Conclusions The expression of microRNA-29a-3p is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, and it affects the proliferation and invasion. This indicates that microRNA-29a-3p serves as a therapeutic target for the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. The evidence of study designs of this study is IV using "Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence".

The role and clinical significance of microRNA-29a-3p in the development of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA-29a-3p has been reported in a variety of cancers, but its role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. This study was to determine the role of microRNA-29a-3p in the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2013 to November 2017 were selected for this study. The cancer tissue samples of the patients were collected, and the patients were followed up for three years. The expression of microRNA-29a-3p in tissue samples was detected by in situ hybridization with fluorescent probe, and the relationships among microRNA-29a-3p and clinicopathological factors, postoperative recurrent-metastasis, survival time were studied. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin in tissue samples. RESULTS: Combined with HE staining results showed that microRNA-29a-3p expression was relatively high in non-cancer tissue cells (red blood cells and fibroblasts in tumor interstitial vessels), but was relatively low in cancer tissue and cells. According to the follow-up data of 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, tumor size, T-stage, tumor differentiation, postoperative recurrent-metastasis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients were significantly negatively correlated with microRNA-29a-3p (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemica results further confirmed that microRNA-29a-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin. The survival time of patients positively related with microRNA-29a-3p expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the combined detection of miRNA-29a-3p+Ki67+E-cadherin was larger than that of the single detection of the three indexes. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of microRNA-29a-3p is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, and it affects the proliferation and invasion. This indicates that microRNA-29a-3p serves as a therapeutic target for the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. The evidence of study designs of this study is IV using "Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence".

Supervivencia en pacientes con fibrosis quística / Survival in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Introducción: La fibrosis quística ha dejado de ser una enfermedad pediátrica para ser una enfermedad crónica del adulto. Existen múltiples factores que condicionan la supervivencia de estos enfermos. Objetivo: Determinar la sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con fibrosis quística hospitalizados en un centro especializado. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de cohorte cuyo universo lo conformaron 27 pacientes incluidos en el Registro Provincial de Fibrosis Quística de Granma, 2003-2018. Se analizaron variables: edad actual y sexo, variante genética, presencia de gérmenes, formas clínicas, y supervivencia a partir del diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier y Log-Rank Test, para un nivel de significación de 95 por ciento. Resultados: El 40,7 por ciento de los pacientes declaró tener actualmente más de 15 años, predominó el sexo masculino (63 por ciento), y la mutación F508 del en su variante genética heterocigótica (44,4 por ciento). El promedio de supervivencia resultó en 21,4 años, no existieron diferencias significativas según sexo, formas clínicas y tipos de gérmenes. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con fibrosis quística en Granma, Cuba mostraron un promedio de supervivencia de 21,4 años, inferior a lo documentado en países desarrollados. El Estado cubano garantiza recursos para la atención de estos pacientes, a pesar de las dificultades económicas del país(AU)

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis is no longer a pediatric disease but a chronic adult disease. There are multiple factors that condition the survival of these patients. Objective: To determine the survival of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis hospitalized in a specialized center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study whose universe consisted of 27 patients included in the Granma provincial cystic fibrosis registry, 2003-2018. Variables were analyzed: current age and gender, genetic variant, presence of germs, clinical forms and survival after diagnosis and treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank Test were used, for a significance level of 95 percent. Results: 40.7 percent of patients are currently over 15 years of age, male sex predominates (63 percent) and the F508del mutation in its heterozygous genetic variant (44.4 percent). The average survival is 21.4 years, there were no significant differences according to gender, clinical forms and types of germs. Conclusions: The average survival rate of patients with cystic fibrosis in Granma, Cuba, is 21.4 years, lower than that documented in developed countries. The Cuban State guarantees resources for the care of these patients, despite the country's economic difficulties(AU)

Is there utility for fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography scan before surgery in breast cancer? A 15-year overall survival analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of preoperative fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) scan for determining overall survival (OS) in breast cancer (BC) patients is controversial. AIM: To evaluate the OS predictive value of preoperative PET positivity after 15 years. METHODS: We performed a retrospective search of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel patient database for nonmetastatic patients who underwent preoperative PET between 2002-2008. PET positivity was determined by anatomical region of interest (AROI) findings for breast and axillary, sternal, and distant sites. The prognostic role of PET was examined as a qualitative binary factor (positive vs negative status) and as a continuous variable [maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax)] in multivariate survival analyses using Cox proportional hazards models. Among the 104 identified patients who received PET, 36 were further analyzed for the SUVmax in the AROI. RESULTS: Poor OS within the 15-year study period was predicted by PET-positive status for axillary (P = 0.033), sternal (P = 0.033), and combined PET-axillary/sternal (P = 0.008) nodes. Poor disease-free survival was associated with PET-positive axillary status (P = 0.040) and combined axillary/sternal status (P = 0.023). Cox models confirmed the long-term prognostic value of combined PET-axillary/sternal status [hazard ratio (HR): 3.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.42-6.69]. SUVmax of ipsilateral breast and axilla as continuous covariates were significant predictors of long-term OS with HRs of 1.25 (P = 0.048) and 1.54 (P = 0.029), corresponding to relative increase in the risk of death of 25% and 54% per SUVmax unit, respectively. In addition, the ratio of the ipsilateral axillary SUVmax over the contralateral axillary SUVmax was the most significant OS predictor (P = 0.027), with 1.94 HR, indicating a two-fold relative increase of mortality risk. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PET is valuable for prediction of long-term survival. Ipsilateral axillary SUVmax ratio over the uninvolved side represents a new prognostic finding that warrants further investigation.

Selective radical resection for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate safety and value of radical resection for unresectable pancreatic cancer (UPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. In unresectable group, 360° resection of the involved artery sheath, resection and reconstruction of the involved artery, resection and reconstruction of the involved vein as well as resection and reconstruction of combined organs were, respectively, performed. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intensive care unit (ICU) transitional treatment, pancreatic fistula, bleeding, reoperation, and survival time were analyzed for two groups. RESULTS: Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were greatly increased in the unresectable group. The incidence of intractable diarrhea and abdominal hemorrhage in the unresectable group was higher. However, the rate of ICU transitional therapy, delayed gastric emptying, and reoperation was lower. Grade C pancreatic fistula occurred in neither group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment through strict selection for patient with UPC is safe and their median survival time is similar to patient with resectable pancreatic cancer.

OBJETIVO: evaluar la seguridad y el valor de la resección radical para el cáncer de páncreas irresecable (CPU). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Los datos clínicos se analizaron de forma retrospectiva. En el grupo irresecable, se realizó resección de 360° de la vaina de la arteria afectada, resección y reconstrucción de la arteria afectada, resección y reconstrucción de la vena afectada, así como resección y reconstrucción de órganos combinados, respectivamente. Se analizaron el tiempo operatorio, la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria, el tratamiento transitorio en la UCI, la fístula pancreática, el sangrado, la reintervención y el tiempo de supervivencia para dos grupos. RESULTADOS: El tiempo de operación y la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria aumentaron considerablemente en el grupo irresecable. La incidencia de diarrea intratable y hemorragia abdominal en el grupo irresecable fue mayor. Sin embargo, la tasa de terapia de transición en la UCI, el retraso del vaciamiento gástrico y la reintervención fueron menores. La fístula pancreática de grado C ocurrió en ninguno de los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: el tratamiento quirúrgico mediante selección estricta del paciente con CP irresecable es seguro y su mediana de supervivencia es similar a la del paciente con CPR.

Number needed to treat analysis applied to pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for first-line treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

AIMS: Considering that healthcare systems' financial resources are limited, we aimed to analyze the number needed to treat (NNT) and cost of preventing an event (COPE) related to drug use from Supplementary Health System (SSS) perspective. METHODS: Data from KEYNOTE-189 (NCT02578680) were considered, comparing pembrolizumab + chemotherapy to chemotherapy alone. A cost-per-responder model was developed considering the 24- and 12-month time horizons for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) endpoints, respectively. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) and restricted mean time-on-treatment (ToT) were determined for NNT and COPE calculation. Costs were reported in American dollars (USD) and reflect those related to drug use. The analysis was conducted for the total indicated population, and an exploratory assessment was carried out for subgroups with different programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression levels. RESULTS: Considering PFS data, the overall population NNTRMST to prevent a progression event with pembrolizumab + chemotherapy versus chemotherapy was 2.63 (95%CI: 1.90-4.02) with an estimated COPE of 251,038 USD (95%CI: 181,359-383,717) in the 12-months follow-up. Regarding OS endpoint, overall NNTRMST and COPE were 3.18 (95%CI: 2.20-5.31) and 414,163 (95%CI: 286,528-691,573) USD respectively, in the 24 months follow-up. The PFS NNT was lower with higher levels of PD-L1 expression (1.71, 3.22 and 5.53 for PD-L1 ≥ 50%, PD-L1 1%-49%, and PD-L1 < 1% groups, respectively), while there was no such apparent relationship for OS (3.23, 4.37 and 2.80 for PD-L1 ≥ 50%, PD-L1 1%-49%, and PD-L1 < 1% groups, respectively). The 95%CIs overlapped for PFS and OS NNT across the PD-L1 subgroups. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of benefit of the pembrolizumab combination used for first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment to improve survival compared to chemotherapy alone was confirmed. The exploratory analysis from the SSS perspective suggests no differences among the PDL-1 subgroups in terms of clinical benefit or economic impact.

Survival of thermotolerant coliforms in municipal biosolids after application in tropical soil cultivated with Eucalyptus.

The increasing production of biosolids in urban areas has been led to a search for alternative disposal avenues of this residue, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Agricultural land application of biosolids, motivated by its fertilizing power, is a widespread practice in many countries, but there are safety and regulatory concerns regarding the presence of pathogens in Class B biosolids. In addition, the scarcity of studies under tropical climate conditions raises questions that impede the agricultural use of this residue in some regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of thermotolerant coliforms over 12 months (52 weeks) after biosolids application on the surface of a Quartzipsamment neosol cultivated with Eucalyptus. Two different biosolids were studied: those generated by a biological treatment system with complete mixing aeration ponds followed by decantation ponds (Treatment A) and biosolids from a biological treatment system with conventional activated biosolids reactors (Treatment B), both delineated in randomized blocks with four replicates. After application on the forest soil, we estimated an average survival time of 54 weeks for thermotolerant coliforms present in Treatment A biosolids and 93 weeks in Treatment B biosolids. Thermotolerant coliforms persist much longer under tropical climate conditions in Brazil than in comparable studies under temperate climate conditions. This reaffirms the need to carry out studies covering the full range of moisture and temperature regimes in which biosolids are applied as fertilizer.

The costs of living in a thermal fluctuating environment for the tropical haematophagous bug, Rhodnius prolixus.

Environmental temperature is an abiotic factor with great influence on biological processes of living beings. Jensen's inequality states that for non-lineal processes, such as most biological phenomena, the effects of thermal fluctuations cannot be predicted from mean constant temperatures. We studied the effect of daily temperature fluctuation (DTF) on Rhodnius prolixus, a model organism in insect physiology, and an important vector of Chagas disease. We measured development time from egg to adult, fecundity, fertility, body mass reduction rate (indirect measurement of nutrient consumption rates) and survival after a single blood meal. Insects were reared at constant temperature (24 °C), or with a DTF (17-32 °C; mean = 24 °C). Taking into account Jensen's inequality as well as the species tropical distribution, we predict that living in a variable thermal environment will have higher costs than inhabiting a stable one. Development time and fertility were not affected by DTF. However, fecundity was lower in females reared at DTF than at constant temperature, and males had higher body mass reduction rate and lower survival in the DTF regime, suggesting higher costs associated to fluctuating thermal environments. At a population and epidemiological level, higher energetic costs would imply an increase in nutrient consumption rate, biting frequency, and, consequently increasing disease transmission from infected insects. On the contrary, lower fecundity could be associated with a decrease in population growth. This knowledge will not only provide basic information to the field of insect ecophysiology, but also could be a useful background to develop population and disease transmission models.

Persistence of the red ring nematode in the roots and in the rhizosphere of recently eradicated coconut palms / Persistência do nematoide do anel vermelho nas raízes e na rizosfera de coqueiros recém-erradicados

Red ring disease is one of the primary diseases that attacks the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) inBrazil. This lethal disease is caused by a nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus) and can spread viacontaminated tools or by the South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum). The goal of thisresearch was to determine the persistence of nematodes within the roots and the rhizosphere of recentlyeradicated coconut palms, cultivated in the coastal region of the state of Alagoas. Soil and root samplesfrom coconut palms with advanced symptoms of red ring disease were collected up to 6 months afterthe eradication of the plants. Sample processing was conducted at the Ecology and Insect BehaviorLaboratory of the Federal University of Alagoas. Sample collection was ended when B. cocophilus wereno longer found in the laboratory tests. B. cocophilus were able to survive in the coconut palm roots forat least 118 and 133 days after felling (DAF), in Coruripe and São Miguel dos Milagres, respectively.B. cocophilus could migrated from the roots to the soil, where they were found until 76 and 88 DAF, inCoruripe and São Miguel dos Milagres, respectively.

Dentre as principais moléstias que atacam o coqueiro encontra-se o anel vermelho, doença letal causadapelo nematoide Bursaphelenchus cocophilus, o qual pode ser disseminada por ferramentas contaminadasou através da broca-do-olho-do-coqueiro, Rhynchophorus palmarum. Neste contexto, o presente trabalhode pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a persistência de nematoides associados à rizosfera decoqueiros recém-erradicados, cultivados na região da Baixada Litorânea do Estado de Alagoas. Foramcoletadas amostras de solo e de raízes de coqueiros com sintomas avançados da doença do anel vermelhoaté seis meses após a erradicação das plantas. O processamento das amostras foi realizado no Laboratóriode Ecologia e Comportamento dos Insetos da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. A coleta de amostras sófoi suspensa a partir do momento em que não foram mais encontrados indivíduos (B. cocophilus) nasavaliações em laboratório. B. cocophilus foi capaz de sobreviver nas raízes dos coqueiros por pelo menos118 e 133 dias após o corte (DAC), em Coruripe e São Miguel dos Milagres, respectivamente. Pode terocorrido a migração do B. cocophilus das raízes para o solo, visto que ele foi encontrado até 76 e 88 DACno solo coletado em Coruripe e de São Miguel dos Milagres, respectivamente.

Persistence of the red ring nematode in the roots and in the rhizosphere of recently eradicated coconut palms / Persistência do nematoide do anel vermelho nas raízes e na rizosfera de coqueiros recém-erradicados

Red ring disease is one of the primary diseases that attacks the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) inBrazil. This lethal disease is caused by a nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus) and can spread viacontaminated tools or by the South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum). The goal of thisresearch was to determine the persistence of nematodes within the roots and the rhizosphere of recentlyeradicated coconut palms, cultivated in the coastal region of the state of Alagoas. Soil and root samplesfrom coconut palms with advanced symptoms of red ring disease were collected up to 6 months afterthe eradication of the plants. Sample processing was conducted at the Ecology and Insect BehaviorLaboratory of the Federal University of Alagoas. Sample collection was ended when B. cocophilus wereno longer found in the laboratory tests. B. cocophilus were able to survive in the coconut palm roots forat least 118 and 133 days after felling (DAF), in Coruripe and São Miguel dos Milagres, respectively.B. cocophilus could migrated from the roots to the soil, where they were found until 76 and 88 DAF, inCoruripe and São Miguel dos Milagres, respectively.(AU)

Dentre as principais moléstias que atacam o coqueiro encontra-se o anel vermelho, doença letal causadapelo nematoide Bursaphelenchus cocophilus, o qual pode ser disseminada por ferramentas contaminadasou através da broca-do-olho-do-coqueiro, Rhynchophorus palmarum. Neste contexto, o presente trabalhode pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a persistência de nematoides associados à rizosfera decoqueiros recém-erradicados, cultivados na região da Baixada Litorânea do Estado de Alagoas. Foramcoletadas amostras de solo e de raízes de coqueiros com sintomas avançados da doença do anel vermelhoaté seis meses após a erradicação das plantas. O processamento das amostras foi realizado no Laboratóriode Ecologia e Comportamento dos Insetos da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. A coleta de amostras sófoi suspensa a partir do momento em que não foram mais encontrados indivíduos (B. cocophilus) nasavaliações em laboratório. B. cocophilus foi capaz de sobreviver nas raízes dos coqueiros por pelo menos118 e 133 dias após o corte (DAC), em Coruripe e São Miguel dos Milagres, respectivamente. Pode terocorrido a migração do B. cocophilus das raízes para o solo, visto que ele foi encontrado até 76 e 88 DACno solo coletado em Coruripe e de São Miguel dos Milagres, respectivamente.(AU)

Partial caries removal increases the survival of permanent tooth: a 14-year case report.

BACKGROUND: Since cases of deep caries lesions may result in dental extraction due to any absence of endodontic services, and considering the advantages of conservative treatment, partial caries removal can be a viable alternative to the treatment of these lesions. CASE REPORT: During the clinical examination, generalised caries lesions were observed in a 6-year-old boy. In the maxillary right first permanent molar (tooth 16), without sensitivity to percussion and/or spontaneous pain, partial caries removal of deep caries was performed being careful to avoid pulpal exposure, followed by capping with calcium hydroxide cement and restoration using glass ionomer cement. FOLLOW-UP: After 14 years, the success of the treatment was observed by the tooth being symptom-free, the caries arrested and healthy on periapical radiograph examination even though the restoration had been lost. Endodontic treatment was not considered necessary and the dental survival time was increased, keeping the pulp vitality and absence of apical pathologies. Therefore, a restoration with Z350 resin composite was performed to return masticatory function to the tooth. CONCLUSION: Partial caries removal increased the dental survival time, avoiding the necessity of endodontic treatment and early dental loss.

Risk factors for the prognosis of pediatric medulloblastoma: a retrospective analysis of 40 cases

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the association of molecular subtypes, clinical characteristics and pathological types with the prognosis of patients with medulloblastoma. METHODS: We analyzed forty patients with medulloblastoma who underwent surgical resection at our center between January 2004 and June 2014. Risk factors associated with survival, disease progression and recurrence were analyzed with a univariate Cox regression analysis, and the identified significant risk factors were further analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Factors associated with overall survival included M stage (p=0.014), calcification (p=0.012), postoperative treatment, postoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (p=0.015), and molecular subtype (p=0.005 for WNT and p=0.008 for SHH). Number of symptoms (p=0.029), M stage (p<0.001), and postoperative radiotherapy (p=0.033) were associated with disease progression. Patients with the WNT or SHH subtype had better survival outcomes than patients with non-WNT/SHH subtypes. Risk factors for disease progression-free survival were symptoms >2 and ≥M1 stage without postoperative radiotherapy. The risk of recurrence increased with advanced M stage. Protective factors for recurrence included M0 stage and a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: We identified the risk factors associated with survival, disease progression and recurrence of medulloblastoma patients. This information is helpful for understanding the prognostic factors related to medulloblastoma.

The value of molecular expression of KIT and KIT ligand analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry as a prognostic indicator for canine cutaneous mast cell tumours.

This study investigated the correlation between KIT gene expression determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the rate of tumour recurrence and tumour-related deaths in dogs affected with mast cell tumour (MCT). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare tumour recurrence and tumour-related death between patients. The log-rank test was used to check for significant differences between curves. KIT-I, KIT-II and KIT-III staining patterns were observed in 9 (11.11%), 50 (61.73%) and 22 (27.16%) tumours, respectively. Tumour recurrence rates and tumour-related deaths were not associated with KIT staining patterns (P = 0278, P > 0.05), KIT (P = 0.289, P > 0.05) or KIT ligand (P = 0.106, P > 0.05) gene expression. Despite the lack of association between KIT staining pattern and patient survival time, the results suggest a correlation between aberrant KIT localization and increased proliferative activity of MCTs. RT-PCR seems to be a sensible method for quantitative detection of KIT gene expression in canine MCT, although expressions levels are not correlated with prognosis.