METHODS: Using as little as 20 ng of DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, we analysed 25 previously characterised gliomas for multi-locus copy number losses (CNLs) on 1p and 19q, including 11 oligodendrogliomas (ODG) and 14 non-oligodendroglial (non-ODG) controls. Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) was used as a reference standard.

RESULTS: The software confidently detected combined contiguous 1p/19q CNLs in 11/11 ODGs (100% sensitivity), using a copy number cut-off of ≤1.5 and a minimum of 10 amplicons covering the regions. Only partial non-specific losses were identified in non-ODGs (100% specificity). Copy number averages of ODG and non-ODG groups were significantly different (p<0.001). NGS was concordant with FISH and was superior to it in distinguishing partial from contiguous losses indicative of whole-arm chromosomal deletion.

METHODS: Data on demographics, comorbidities, and treatments received, as well as mortality for HD patients admitted to hospitals for COVID-19, from 1/March to 31/July 2020, prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 141 infected HD patients were admitted (Mean age 58 ± 16.1; Males 56%), representing 7% of the total HD population and 0.2% of all COVID-19 cases during the study period. Of those 141 infected HD patients, 27 (19%) died, and this represents 6% of total COVID-19-related mortality and 27% of the total HD mortality. In contrast, total covid-19-related mortality of all positive cases was only 0.7%, and total HD mortality during the study period was only 5%. COVID-19-positive HD patients who died were older and 59% were males. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Of the 61 infected HD patients who needed to be switched to continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), 34% died, and of the 29 infected HD patients who needed admission to intensive care, 65% died.