Next-generation sequencing identifies recurrent copy number variations in invasive breast carcinomas from Ghana.

African and African-American (AA) women have higher incidence of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) with high histological grade and aggressive clinical behavior, but the reasons are not fully understood. We recently found that the oncogenic protein EZH2 is overexpressed in Ghanaian breast cancer patients, with 16% of the tumors expressing cytoplasmic EZH2. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of these aggressive tumors may lead to the identification of potential targetable oncogenic drivers. We characterized the copy number variations of 11 Ghanaian breast tumor patients by targeted multiplexed PCR-based DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) over 130 cancer-relevant genes. While the DNA quality was not optimal for mutation analysis, 90% of the tumors had frequent recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs) of 17 genes: SDHC, RECQL4, TFE3, BCL11A, BCL2L1, PDGFRA, DEK, SMUG1, AKT3, SMARCA4, VHL, KLF6, CCNE1, G6PD, FGF3, ABL1, and CCND1, with the top oncogenic functions being mitotic G1-G1/S-phase regulation, gene transcription, apoptosis, and PI3K/AKT pathway. The most common recurrent high-level CNAs were gains of RECQL4 and SDHC, in 50% and 60% of cases, respectively. Network analyses revealed a significant predicted interaction among 12 of the 17 (70.6%) genes with high-level CNAs (p = 5.7E-07), which was highly correlated with EZH2 expression (r = 0.4-0.75). By immunohistochemistry, RECQL4 and SDHC proteins were upregulated in 53 of 86 (61.6%) and 48 of 86 (56%) of Ghanaian invasive carcinoma tissue samples. In conclusion, our data show that invasive carcinomas from Ghana exhibit recurrent CNAs in 17 genes, with functions in oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT and G1-G1/S regulation, which may have implications for the biology and treatment of invasive carcinomas in African and AA women.

Estimation of hematocrit in filter paper dried bloodspots by potassium measurement: advantage of use of perimeter ring samples over circular center sub-punch samples.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative assays using dried filter paper bloodspots (DBS) may be adversely affected by hematocrit (HCT) as an unknown variable. Studies have demonstrated the utility of the measurement of potassium (K) from DBS punches to estimate HCT. Because there is significant accrual of RBCs at the DBS perimeter, we investigated whether K measurement from ring-shaped specimens inclusive of the perimeter might provide an advantage over conventional interior circular sub-punch samples to estimate HCT. METHODS: Primary samples were Li-heparin whole blood, with HCT as measured on concurrently-drawn K-EDTA specimens. DBS were formed by bolus addition of 40 µL whole blood to filter paper cards. Total bloodspot area was determined by image analysis. Removal of center sub-punch (P) samples of fixed area produced remainder ring (R) samples inclusive of the perimeter. Samples were extracted in K-EDTA (2.5 mmol/L) and measured for diluent-corrected K per area (α, µmol K/cm2). RESULTS: Forty-three patient samples were utilized. α was normally distributed: α(P)=1.23±0.26 µmol K/cm2; α(R)=1.86±0.41 µmol K/cm2; α(R)/α(P)=1.51±0.15. α was correlated with HCT: α(P)=0.030 HCT(%)+0.015 µmol K/cm2 (r2=0.795); α(R)=0.052 HCT(%)+0.010 µmol K/cm2 (r2 = 0.912), but with higher resolution and lesser error for α(R). CONCLUSIONS: K per area (α) was significantly higher in R samples vs. P samples, with higher resolution for α(R) vs. HCT. Use of ring samples inclusive of the perimeter to estimate HCT for DBS via K measurement can provide an advantage over use of center sub-punch samples.

Intraductal Papilloma with Benign Pathology on Breast Core Biopsy: To Excise or Not?

BACKGROUND: The management of intraductal papillomas on core biopsy continues to be controversial. Papillomas with atypia are typically excised. However, it is unclear whether surgical excision is warranted for benign lesions. METHODS: A retrospective review of our institution's pathology and radiology databases from January 2009 through May 2014 identified 119 patients with a diagnosis of benign papilloma without atypia on core biopsy. We determined the rate of carcinoma identification on surgical excision. RESULTS: The average patient age was 52.8 years (range 24-84 years). Indication for core biopsy included: abnormal imaging (n = 106), nipple discharge (n = 21), or palpable mass (n = 24). Seventy-five patients underwent surgical excision after core biopsy. Sixteen patients (21.3 %) had atypia in the excision specimen (combination atypical ductal hyperplasia, n = 11; atypical lobular hyperplasia, n = 8; lobular carcinoma-in situ, n = 3), 15 (93.8 %) of which were in the surrounding breast tissue. Two patients (2.7 %) had malignancy (ductal carcinoma-in situ and micropapillary carcinoma-in situ). As a result of surgical findings, 12 % of patients had a change in management. In comparing those with benign findings on surgical pathology and those whose disease was upstaged, there was no statistically significant difference in family history of breast cancer, indication for core biopsy, mammographic findings, or location of papilloma. CONCLUSIONS: Benign papillomas diagnosed on core biopsy are rarely upstaged to malignancy on surgical excision. However, at least 21 % of patients may have atypical findings in the surrounding tissue, which could change clinical management. Surgical excision should be considered in patients with benign papillomas.

Comparison of Diagnostic Rates and Concordance with Subsequent Surgical Resections between Conventional Smear and ThinPrep Preparations versus ThinPrep Only in Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (T-FNA) Specimens.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid fine needle aspiration (T-FNA) is a mainstay in management of thyroid nodules. However, the preparation of T-FNA specimens varies across institutions. Prior studies have compared diagnostic rates between different specimen preparations of T-FNA specimens and their associated advantages and disadvantages. However, few have compared the rates of all diagnostic categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) between liquid-based preparations (LBPs) and a combination of LBP and conventional smear (CS) preparations. Our study compares TBSRTC diagnostic rates between these 2 cohorts and correlates cytologic diagnoses with subsequent thyroid resections to evaluate rates of neoplasia (RON) and malignancy (ROM). METHODS: 584 consecutive thyroid FNA specimens were collected and stratified by preparation type (ThinPrep [TP] vs. CS & TP). Diagnostic rates for each TBSRTC diagnostic category were calculated. The institution's electronic medical records database was searched for histologic diagnoses of previously sampled thyroid nodules to evaluate the RON and ROM. RESULTS: Of 584 thyroid FNA specimens, 73 (12.5%) and 511 (87.5%) were evaluated by TP only and CS & TP, respectively, reflecting the predominance of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) with CS for T-FNAs at our institution. Of the TP only and CS & TP cohorts, 29 (39.7%) and 98 (19.2%) had subsequent resections, respectively. The frequency of non-diagnostic cases was lower in the CS & TP cohort (12.7% vs. 26%). While the diagnostic rate of follicular lesion of undetermined significance was similar for both cohorts, SFN categorization was only utilized in the CS & TP cohort (1.5% vs. 0%). Although RON and ROM were similar between cohorts in many of the TBSRTC categories, there was a higher RON associated with non-diagnostic specimens in the TP only cohort when the denominator included all non-diagnostic cases. CONCLUSION: The combination of CS and LBP may potentially decrease the non-diagnostic rate of T-FNA specimens as well as the number of passes required for diagnosis, particularly with ROSE. Evaluation of morphologic features highlighted in conventional smears may facilitate diagnostic categorization in the "suspicious for follicular neoplasm" category.

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on Papanicolaou test: follow-up rates and stratification of risk for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

INTRODUCTION: Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) Papanicolaou test is associated with moderate risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) at colposcopic biopsy. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) cotesting risk stratifies patients with LSIL Papanicolaou test, with higher rates of HSIL for those hrHPV+. hrHPV genotyping is not considered in current LSIL management algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a 2-year retrospective review of LSIL Papanicolaou tests in patients 25 to 65 years old to assess rates of follow-up and HSIL at biopsy. Patient age, hrHPV cotest and genotype results, prior screening results, and follow-up testing for 3 years were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 71.5% (376 of 526) of patients had at least 1 follow-up colposcopic biopsy; 18% had HSIL on follow-up, including 20% of hrHPV+ and 12% of hrHPV-. HSIL at biopsy was most common when HPV16/18 was present (32%) and when multiple subtypes were detected (46%) versus when non-16, non-18 hrHPV alone was present (16%) or hrHPV was negative (12%). Of those hrHPV-, 5 of 22 (23%) with a prior screening abnormality had HSIL versus 1 of 27 (4%) for those without prior abnormalities. Follow-up occurred more commonly for hrHPV+ cotests (82%) than hrHPV- cotests (54%). No differences in follow-up rate based on hrHPV genotyping was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The highest HSIL rates were seen when HPV16/18 was present (32%). HSIL rates were similar for those hrHPV- (12%) and non-16, non-18 hrHPV+ (16%). Follow-up was more common for those hrHPV+, but genotype results did not impact follow-up rates. Past screening results may impact risk of HSIL for hrHPV- cases.

Graft-versus-host disease, a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a rare but fatal complication that poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Our case highlights the need for further studies to develop therapeutic modalities to improve outcomes in patients who develop GHVD following OLT.

C-reactive protein inhibits in vitro oxidation of low-density lipoprotein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is elevated in cardiovascular disease and binds to oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPtC) in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) surface. In the present study, we tested if CRP influences the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. At physiological concentrations of 1-7mug/ml, CRP strongly inhibited copper-mediated oxidation of LDL and phospholipid liposomes in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar concentrations of different monoclonal antibodies or albumin did not influence LDL oxidation. Antioxidant activity of CRP was inhibited by phosphocholine (PC), indicating that the observed activity involves binding of CRP to oxPtC. These results suggest that CRP may limit atherogenic oxidation of LDL in vivo.

Hepatoid Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Hepatoid carcinoma (HC) is a rare extrahepatic malignancy that shares many morphological and serological features with hepatocellular carcinoma. HC has been reported to arise from several organs that are derived from the foregut endoderm, including the stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas. We present a case of an elderly man with hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head with duodenal invasion, presenting with pancreatitis and a gastrointestinal bleed. With only 23 reported cases at the time of our literature search, we discuss the presentation, histopathology, and management of such a rare disease. Case presentation: A 71-year-old man presented initially with abdominal pain and was treated conservatively for pancreatitis. Four months later, he presented with melena and anemia. His examination was noncontributory. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a friable ampulla of Vater, and a CT scan of the abdomen showed a 4.5 cm pancreatic head mass. Fine needle aspirate revealed an epithelioid neoplasm with hepatoid morphology. Serum α-fetoprotein was normal. Surgical resection confirmed hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with positive lymphadenopathy and negative margins. There was no radiographical or gross evidence of distant spread. Observation and adjuvant gemcitabine were discussed as possible options. The patient elected to receive care closer to home and will continue surveillance imaging. Conclusion: With only 23 reported cases, pancreatic HC represents a rare entity within gastrointestinal oncology. There is no clear postoperative adjuvant standard therapy for this likely heterogeneous group of tumors. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of upfront treatment, metastatic disease to the lymph nodes or liver portends a poor prognosis and may warrant treatment such as transarterial embolization, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Altered lipoprotein subclass distribution and PAF-AH activity in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

In this study, we examined whether the documented increase of plasma triglycerides in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) is associated with changes in lipoprotein subclass distribution and/or LDL-associated platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity. Lipoprotein subclasses were analyzed in whole plasma samples using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. Compared with subjects without periodontitis (NP subjects; n = 12), GAgP subjects (n = 12) had higher plasma levels of large, medium, and small VLDL (35.0 +/- 6.7 vs. 63.1 +/- 9.6 nmol/l; P = 0.025), higher levels of intermediate density lipoprotein (24.8 +/- 11.6 vs. 87.2 +/- 16.6 nmol/l; P = 0.006), lower levels of large LDL (448.3 +/- 48.5 vs. 315.8 +/- 59.4 nmol/l; P = 0.098), and higher levels of small LDL (488.2 +/- 104.2 vs. 946.7 +/- 151.6 nmol/l; P = 0.021). The average size of LDL from NP and GAgP subjects was 21.4 +/- 0.2 and 20.6 +/- 0.3 nm, respectively (P = 0.031). Compared with NP subjects, GAgP subjects had a greater number of circulating LDL particles (961.3 +/- 105.3 vs. 1,349.0 +/- 133.2 nmol/l; P = 0.032). Differences in the plasma levels of large, medium, and small HDL were not statistically significant. NP and GAgP subjects had similar plasma levels of total LDL-associated PAF-AH activity; however, LDL of GAgP subjects contained less PAF-AH activity per microgram of LDL protein (1,458.0 +/- 171.0 and 865.2 +/- 134 pmol/min/microg; P = 0.014). These results indicate that, in general, GAgP subjects have a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile and lower LDL-associated PAF-AH activity than NP subjects. These differences may help explain the increased risk of GAgP subjects for cardiovascular disease.