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We compiled all available sighting, stranding and bycatch data for the Family Molidae (molas) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) to assess spatial and temporal distribution. Overall, 483 records were collected from shipboard and aerial surveys, fisheries bycatch, and strandings. Molas were recorded year-round, with a ubiquitous distribution in both nearshore and offshore waters. Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) were sighted with greatest frequency during the winter (December thru April) in sea surface temperature < 24° C. Potential reasons for increased sightings during winter may be related to the lack of a well-defined thermocline in the NGOM; the species’ “basking” behavior associated with thermoregulation; and oxygen replenishment after long, deep dives to oxygen-deficient depths. RESUMEN Para determinar la distribucion espacio temporal de la familia Molidae (molas) en la parte norte del Golfo de Mexico (NGOM) se realizo una compilacion de todos los datos de avistamientos (desde embarcaciones y censos aereos), capturas pesqueras y varamientos disponibles. En total 483 registros fueron colectados. Los molas fueron registrados a lo largo de todo el ano con una distribucion universal en aguas tanto costeras como oceanicas. El pez sol (Mola mola) fue avistado con mayor frecuencia durante el invierno (de Diciembre a Abril) en donde la temperatura superficial del mar fue menor a 24° C. Una de las posibles razones del incremento de avistamientos durante el invierno puede estar relacionada a la bien definida termoclina en la NGOM; la especie muestra un comportamiento de reposo (“basking”) asociado a la termorregulacion y reabastecimiento de oxigeno despues de un buceo prolongado en aguas profundas con deficiencia de oxigeno.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is charecterized by great clinical heterogeneity. Among known prognostic factors the cytogenetic abnormalities are thought to be of major importance. The aim of this study was to correlate certain chromosomal abnormalities with immunoglobulin isotype and survival in MM patients.Forty-nine Greek MM patients, homogeneously treated with conventional-dose chemotherapy, were cytogenetically studied by direct culture of bone marrow cells and G-banding technique.Twenty-four patients had a normal karyotype while the remaining 25 patients presented numerical and structural abnormalities. Recurrent structural abnormalities were observed. Translocations involving the 14q32 region were observed in 8 cases, while 6 cases exhibited a del(1)(p12). We confirmed the negative impact of chromosomal abnormalities on the overall survival of MM patients and we also showed that t(11;14) had a worse impact on disease outcome as compared to t(14q32) with an unidentified partner chromosome. The presence of del(1) (p12) significantly worsened the prognosis in MM patients. No correlations existed between the association of immunoglobulin isotype with survival or certain chromosomal changes.Further studies are indicated at the molecular level to clarify the exact role and the prognostic value of 1p12 involvement in MM patients.

Limited data are available on the genetic events underlying gastric cancer. Studying a few cases by conventional cytogenetic techniques, we previously reported that chromosome 8 might be frequently involved. The aim of our study was to evaluate the numerical aberrations of chromosome 8 in gastric cancer using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).FISH, with an a-satellite DNA probe specific for chromosome 8, was applied to 37 primary gastric tumors directly processed for cytogenetic study.Numerical aberrations of chromosome 8 were observed in 23 out of 37 tumors (62.16%). Trisomy was detected in 16 cases (43.24%), tetrasomy in 4 cases (10.81%) and monosomy in 3 cases (8.10%). No correlation was found between polysomy 8 and the histopathologic characteristics of the tumors.An increase in the number of chromosome 8 may frequently occur in gastric cancer. Advanced and more aggressive gastric tumors did not harbor polysomy 8. Further studies at molecular and clinical level must be carried out to identify the gene alterations reflected by polysomy 8 and possibly to facilitate the detection of specific tumors subtypes.