Timeliness of Multimodal Care for At-Risk Breast Cancer Patients at a Safety Net Institution.

INTRODUCTION: Because limited data exist, we sought to evaluate timeliness of multimodal treatments in a safety net breast cancer population. METHODS: Breast cancer patients treated at a safety net hospital from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Time intervals were defined as primary time (PT) from diagnosis to initiation of primary intervention, secondary time (ST) from completion of primary to initiation of secondary intervention, and tertiary time (TT) from completion of secondary to initiation of tertiary intervention. Variables included primary language, insurance type, and race. RESULTS: Of 223 patients, 99 (44.4%) primarily spoke Spanish, 29 (13.0%) were of Black race, and 184 (82.5%) had Medicaid or uninsured status. Median (IQR) age at diagnosis was 55 (48-62) years. Primary intervention was surgical in 127/216 (58.8%); secondary intervention was systemic in 38/169 (22.5%); and tertiary intervention was radiation in 67/80 (83.8%). Overall, median days (IQR) for PT were 69 (53, 98), ST were 65 (42, 95), and TT were 69 (43, 88). PT was significantly longer in Black [105 (76, 142) days] patients compared to non-Hispanic White patients [68 (51, 107) days, P = 0.031)] and White Hispanic patients [65 (53,91) days, P = 0.014]. There were no significant differences in PT, ST, or TT by spoken language or insurance type. CONCLUSIONS: Black patients remain at risk due to prolonged time to intervention. Spanish-speaking status was not associated with inferior timeliness or completion of multimodal care at a safety net hospital. Identifying safety net hospital barriers to achieving benchmarks for timely completion of all phases of multimodal care warrants further attention.

Role of Smad3 in platelet-derived growth factor-C-induced liver fibrosis.

Chronic liver injury leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, the end stage of chronic liver disease, is a leading cause of death worldwide and increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is a lack of effective antifibrotic therapies to treat fibrosis and cirrhosis. Development of antifibrotic therapies requires an in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation and fibrosis after hepatic injury. Two growth factor signaling pathways that regulate liver fibrosis are transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). However, their specific contributions to fibrogenesis are not well understood. Using a genetic model of liver fibrosis, we investigated whether the canonical TGFß signaling pathway was necessary for fibrogenesis. PDGF-C transgenic (PDGF-C Tg) mice were intercrossed with mice that lack Smad3, and molecular and histological fibrosis was analyzed. PDGF-C Tg mice that also lacked Smad3 had less fibrosis and improved liver lobule architecture. Loss of Smad3 also reduced expression of collagen genes, which were induced by PDGF-C, but not the expression of genes frequently associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. In vitro HSCs isolated from Smad3-null mice proliferated more slowly than cells from wild-type mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that PDGF-C activates TGFß/Smad3 signaling pathways to regulate HSC proliferation, collagen production and ultimately fibrosis. In summary, these results suggest that inhibition of both PDGF and TGFß signaling pathways may be required to effectively attenuate fibrogenesis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Angioglioma misdiagnosed as encephalomalacia on magnetic resonance imaging for over a decade.

We report a case of intractable seizures secondary to an angioglioma that was misdiagnosed as post-traumatic encephalomalacia for over a decade, with a discussion of the radiological findings and a review of the literature.

Navigating critical barriers for green bond markets using A fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model: Case study in Vietnam.

As potent financial instruments channeling capital into climate and environmental projects, green bonds' issuance is frustrated by myriad obstacles. Therefore, this study aims to explore the critical barriers to green bond issuance in Vietnam. This study elucidates the salient barriers by utilizing an integrated multi-criteria decision-making methodology synthesizing the Fuzzy set theory-based Delphi, Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP). An extensive literature review of green bonds delineates five key dimensions related to impediments: Policy, Market, Financial, Capacity, and Awareness, with 38 discrete indicators representing potential obstacles. Firstly, employing a Fuzzy Delphi survey of 16 experts, 32 indicators are distilled for further analysis. Then, Fuzzy DEMATEL modeling evaluates the interrelationships and interactions among barriers. Finally, DANP is applied to obtain the relative importance of key barriers. Results unveil the five most formidable barriers as a weak regulatory framework and infrastructure (PO1), Limited availability of green bond issuance guidelines and templates (PO2), Insufficient incentives or tax benefits for green bond issuers (PO3), Limited coordination and alignment with international green bond standards (PO5), Lack of investor confidence in the quality and credibility of green projects (AW4), and Capacity constraints among issuers, particularly in smaller organisations or government agencies (CA1). The research contributes to the broader literature on green finance and offers valuable insights for promoting sustainable finance practices in Vietnam and other developing economies.

Navigating Practice Issues Related to the Unsatisfactory Cervicovaginal Papanicolaou Test: Survey Results of Laboratories Participating in the 2020 College of American Pathologists PAP Education Program.

CONTEXT.­: Unsatisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) tests pose a unique set of challenges to the laboratory with regard to their processing, review, reporting, and performance of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. There are no standardized guidelines for the review process and handling of unsatisfactory Pap tests. OBJECTIVE.­: To assess the current practice patterns regarding various aspects of the unsatisfactory Pap test, from processing to reporting, across laboratories worldwide. DESIGN.­: A supplemental questionnaire was mailed to laboratories participating in the 2020 College of American Pathologists (CAP) Gynecologic Cytopathology (PAP Education) Program, requesting data regarding the unsatisfactory Pap test. RESULTS.­: Of 1520 participating laboratories, 619 (40.7%) responded, and the responses of 577 laboratories were included for further analysis. Only 64.6% (373 of 577) laboratories used the unsatisfactory Pap test criteria as specified by the 2014 Bethesda System. About three-quarters of the respondents (433 of 576; 75.2%) routinely rescreened unsatisfactory Pap tests. Routine repreparation of such Pap tests was performed by 54.9% (316 of 576) of laboratories, and 52.0% (293 of 563) used glacial acetic acid for repreparing excessively bloody specimens. HPV test results were reported for unsatisfactory Pap tests, always or sometimes, by 62.4% (353 of 566) of respondents. CONCLUSIONS.­: This CAP survey reveals important information regarding the practice patterns pertaining to several aspects of the unsatisfactory Pap test. It also provides valuable insight into the quality assurance measures that can be implemented for such tests. Future studies can further aid in the standardization of all components of the handling of unsatisfactory Pap tests for overall quality improvement.

Z-number based fuzzy MCDM models for analyzing non-traditional security threats to finance supply chains: A case study from Vietnam.

Non-traditional security (NTS) threats have a vast and profound impact on many aspects of economic, political, social, and many other areas, especially supply chain finance (SCF), particularly in countries like Vietnam, which potentially affects the economic efficiency of businesses' supply chain financial, thereby affecting the general economy of the country and the world. In order to prevent and minimize the negative impacts caused by NTS threats to SCF, this study was conducted to identify NTS threats affecting SCF in Vietnam, at the same time calculate the weight of the impact level and find out the cause and effect relationship between them. Solution strategies are also proposed and ranked, thereby serving as a reference basis for relevant parties to choose appropriate response solutions. Due to the multi-criteria nature of NTS threats, the multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) method is used in combination with the Z-number concept and Fuzzy set theory to approach the problem of certainty and increase the accuracy of study. The NTS threats are first identified through a literature review and then validated for suitability using the DELPHI technique (DELPHI). Suitable threats will be determined by relationship, weighted by Decision Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Proposed strategies are ranked using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The results indicate that there are 19 NTS factors affecting SCF in Vietnam, and the global economic downturn, pandemic and health crisis, financial crisis and cybersecurity risk are the four root cause factors with the most decisive influence. Businesses and concerns need to prioritize addressing these four threats because they not only have a strong impact but also entail many other threats. The two strategies considered to be the most effective are a sustainable practice and a risk-hedging strategy. Businesses, governments, and stakeholders also should pay attention to the macroeconomic environment, technology, and environment and build sustainable businesses, regularly monitoring economic fluctuations and creating plans to prevent risks.

Identifying tumor type and cell type-specific gene expression alterations in pediatric central nervous system tumors.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of pediatric cancer death, and these patients have an increased risk for developing secondary neoplasms. Due to the low prevalence of pediatric CNS tumors, major advances in targeted therapies have been lagging compared to other adult tumors. We collect single nuclei RNA-seq data from 84,700 nuclei of 35 pediatric CNS tumors and three non-tumoral pediatric brain tissues and characterize tumor heterogeneity and transcriptomic alterations. We distinguish cell subpopulations associated with specific tumor types including radial glial cells in ependymomas and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in astrocytomas. In tumors, we observe pathways important in neural stem cell-like populations, a cell type previously associated with therapy resistance. Lastly, we identify transcriptomic alterations among pediatric CNS tumor types compared to non-tumor tissues, while accounting for cell type effects on gene expression. Our results suggest potential tumor type and cell type-specific targets for pediatric CNS tumor treatment. Here we address current gaps in understanding single nuclei gene expression profiles of previously under-investigated tumor types and enhance current knowledge of gene expression profiles of single cells of various pediatric CNS tumors.

Associations in cell type-specific hydroxymethylation and transcriptional alterations of pediatric central nervous system tumors.

Although intratumoral heterogeneity has been established in pediatric central nervous system tumors, epigenomic alterations at the cell type level have largely remained unresolved. To identify cell type-specific alterations to cytosine modifications in pediatric central nervous system tumors, we utilize a multi-omic approach that integrated bulk DNA cytosine modification data (methylation and hydroxymethylation) with both bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We demonstrate a large reduction in the scope of significantly differentially modified cytosines in tumors when accounting for tumor cell type composition. In the progenitor-like cell types of tumors, we identify a preponderance differential Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine site hydroxymethylation rather than methylation. Genes with differential hydroxymethylation, like histone deacetylase 4 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, are associated with cell type-specific changes in gene expression in tumors. Our results highlight the importance of epigenomic alterations in the progenitor-like cell types and its role in cell type-specific transcriptional regulation in pediatric central nervous system tumors.

Novel FOXF1 mutations in sporadic and familial cases of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misaligned pulmonary veins imply a role for its DNA binding domain.

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare and lethal developmental disorder of the lung defined by a constellation of characteristic histopathological features. Nonpulmonary anomalies involving organs of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and genitourinary systems have been identified in approximately 80% of patients with ACD/MPV. We have collected DNA and pathological samples from more than 90 infants with ACD/MPV and their family members. Since the publication of our initial report of four point mutations and 10 deletions, we have identified an additional 38 novel nonsynonymous mutations of FOXF1 (nine nonsense, seven frameshift, one inframe deletion, 20 missense, and one no stop). This report represents an up to date list of all known FOXF1 mutations to the best of our knowledge. Majority of the cases are sporadic. We report four familial cases of which three show maternal inheritance, consistent with paternal imprinting of the gene. Twenty five mutations (60%) are located within the putative DNA-binding domain, indicating its plausible role in FOXF1 function. Five mutations map to the second exon. We identified two additional genic and eight genomic deletions upstream to FOXF1. These results corroborate and extend our previous observations and further establish involvement of FOXF1 in ACD/MPV and lung organogenesis.

Retrocorneal fibrous membrane after phacoemulsification in an eye with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a retrocorneal fibrous membrane and corneal decompensation following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in an eye with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. METHOD: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A monocular 83-year-old female developed corneal decompensation 1 year after uncomplicated cataract extraction via phacoemulsification. She had a history of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and had undergone 3 rounds of selective laser trabeculoplasty in the same eye 3 years prior. Given the resulting corneal edema, the patient underwent Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty, at which time a retrocorneal fibrous membrane was identified. Peeling of the membrane was surgically challenging and resulted in an intraocular hemorrhage intraoperatively and a small iridodialysis because the membrane had extended over the angle and iris. Postoperatively, the cornea cleared well, and vision improved significantly. However, vision was ultimately limited by macular pathology. Pathologic examination demonstrated Descemet's membrane with an attached fibrocellular membrane. Immunostaining for smooth muscle actin was positive within the membrane compatible with a retrocorneal membrane. We also present a review of the literature on modern causes of retrocorneal fibrous membranes. CONCLUSIONS: Retrocorneal fibrous membranes are encountered most commonly following corneal transplantation and may be surgically challenging to remove. We present the first case of a pathologically proven retrocorneal fibrous membrane following uncomplicated cataract surgery via phacoemulsification and selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Thermal degradation and flame retardancy of nylon 6/aluminum methylmethoxy phosphonate composites.

An aluminum methylmethoxyphosphonate (AlPo)-based flame retardant (FR) was synthesized. Thermal degradation and flame retardancy of nylon 6 (PA6)/AlPo composites were examined and compared with PA6/commercial aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) composites. The PA6/AlPo composite achieved a V-0 rating at 20 wt% loading during the UL-94 test, and it exhibited the formation of a charred layer that protected the polymer from burning and reduced the release of gases during the combustion of PA6. AlPo demonstrated exceptional performance in gaseous and condensed phases in the PA6 matrix, whereas AlPi only worked in the gaseous phase. The differences between the thermal degradation mechanisms and flame retardancies of AlPi and AlPo were investigated via Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cone calorimetry. A suitable degradation mechanism was proposed to aid the development of flame retardants in the future.

Tumor type and cell type-specific gene expression alterations in diverse pediatric central nervous system tumors identified using single nuclei RNA-seq.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of pediatric cancer death, and these patients have an increased risk for developing secondary neoplasms. Due to the low prevalence of pediatric CNS tumors, major advances in targeted therapies have been lagging compared to other adult tumors. We collected single nuclei RNA-seq data from 35 pediatric CNS tumors and three non-tumoral pediatric brain tissues (84,700 nuclei) and characterized tumor heterogeneity and transcriptomic alterations. We distinguished cell subpopulations associated with specific tumor types including radial glial cells in ependymomas and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in astrocytomas. In tumors, we observed pathways important in neural stem cell-like populations, a cell type previously associated with therapy resistance. Lastly, we identified transcriptomic alterations among pediatric CNS tumor types compared to non-tumor tissues, while accounting for cell type effects on gene expression. Our results suggest potential tumor type and cell type-specific targets for pediatric CNS tumor treatment. In this study, we address current gaps in understanding single nuclei gene expression profiles of previously uninvestigated tumor types and enhance current knowledge of gene expression profiles of single cells of various pediatric CNS tumors.

Hydroxymethylation alterations in progenitor-like cell types of pediatric central nervous system tumors are associated with cell type-specific transcriptional changes.

Although intratumoral heterogeneity has been established in pediatric central nervous system tumors, epigenomic alterations at the cell type level have largely remained unresolved. To identify cell type-specific alterations to cytosine modifications in pediatric central nervous system tumors we utilized a multi-omic approach that integrated bulk DNA cytosine modification data (methylation and hydroxymethylation) with both bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We demonstrate a large reduction in the scope of significantly differentially modified cytosines in tumors when accounting for tumor cell type composition. In the progenitor-like cell types of tumors, we identified a preponderance differential CpG hydroxymethylation rather than methylation. Genes with differential hydroxymethylation, like HDAC4 and IGF1R, were associated with cell type-specific changes in gene expression in tumors. Our results highlight the importance of epigenomic alterations in the progenitor-like cell types and its role in cell type-specific transcriptional regulation in pediatric CNS tumors.

Pancreaticobiliary Cytology Practice in 2021: Results of a College of American Pathologists Survey.

CONTEXT.­: The College of American Pathologists (CAP) surveys provide national benchmarks of pathology practice. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate pancreaticobiliary cytology practice in domestic and international laboratories in 2021. DESIGN.­: We analyzed data from the CAP Pancreaticobiliary Cytology Practice Supplemental Questionnaire that was distributed to laboratories participating in the 2021 CAP Nongynecologic Cytopathology Education Program. RESULTS.­: Ninety-three percent (567 of 612) of respondent laboratories routinely evaluated pancreaticobiliary cytology specimens. Biliary brushing (85%) was the most common pancreaticobiliary cytology specimen evaluated, followed by pancreatic fine-needle aspiration (79%). The most used sampling methods reported by 235 laboratories were 22-gauge needle for fine-needle aspiration (62%) and SharkCore needle for fine-needle biopsy (27%). Cell block was the most used slide preparation method (76%), followed by liquid-based cytology (59%) for pancreatic cystic lesions. Up to 95% (303 of 320) of laboratories performed rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) on pancreatic solid lesions, while 56% (180 of 320) performed ROSE for cystic lesions. Thirty-six percent (193 of 530) of laboratories used the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytology in 2021. Among all institution types, significant differences in specimen volume, specimen type, ROSE practice, and case sign-out were identified. Additionally, significant differences in specimen type, slide preparation, and ROSE practice were found. CONCLUSIONS.­: This is the first survey from the CAP to investigate pancreaticobiliary cytology practice. The findings reveal significant differences among institution types and between domestic and international laboratories. These data provide a baseline for future studies in a variety of practice settings.

Streamlining apartment provider evaluation: A spherical fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model.

In the context of the thriving real estate market in developing countries like Vietnam, understanding consumer preferences and effectively addressing them through a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework is paramount for real estate providers. This study presents a two-stage MCDM model that integrates the Delphi technique and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) based on Spherical Fuzzy Sets (SFSs). Initially, the SF-Delphi technique validates critical criteria influencing customers' apartment selection in Vietnam. Secondly, the SF-TOPSIS method evaluates the top ten apartment providers. To ensure robustness and validity, a comparative analysis compares the results with those from the Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IF-TOPSIS) and Fuzzy TOPSIS (F-TOPSIS) methods. Subsequently, five rank correlation coefficients (Spearman, Kendall, Goodman-Kruskal, Weighted rank measure of correlation, Weighted Similarity) are used to assess the relationships between various TOPSIS techniques applied to apartment suppliers in Vietnam. The correlation coefficients demonstrate strong agreement among the TOPSIS methods, with the smallest coefficient being 0.7778, surpassing the threshold of 0.7. This high level of consistency confirms the efficacy of the proposed TOPSIS approach with different Fuzzy Sets in reliably evaluating customers' preferences for apartment suppliers. Notably, the legal aspect's prominence underscores its critical role in shaping customer choices, emphasizing the significance of considering legal factors in the context of apartment supply and demand in Vietnam. Furthermore, using SFSs makes this approach particularly suited to capture consumer perceptions within the dynamic and uncertain business environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).

Current State of Cytologic-Histologic Correlation Implementation for North American and International Laboratories: Results of the College of American Pathologists Cytopathology Committee Laboratory Practices in Gynecologic Cytology Survey.

CONTEXT.­: The College of American Pathologists (CAP) updated the Laboratory Accreditation Program Cytopathology Checklist to assist laboratories in meeting and exceeding the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments standards for gynecologic cytologic-histologic correlation (CHC). OBJECTIVE.­: To survey the current CHC practices. DESIGN.­: Data were analyzed from a survey developed by the committee and distributed to participants in the CAP Gynecologic Cytopathology PAP Education Program mailing. RESULTS.­: Worldwide, CHC practice is nearly universally adopted, with an overall rate of 87.0% (568 of 653). CHC material was highly accessible. CHC was commonly performed real time/concurrently at the time the corresponding surgical pathology was reviewed. Investigation of CHC discordances varied with North American laboratories usually having a single pathologist review all discrepant histology and cytology slides to determine the reason for discordance, while international laboratories have a second pathologist review histology slides to determine the reason for discordance. The cause of CHC discordance was primarily sampling issues. The more common statistical metrics for CHC monitoring were the total percentage of cases that correlated with subsequent biopsies, screening error rate by cytotechnologist, and interpretative error rate by cytotechnologist. CONCLUSIONS.­: Many laboratories have adopted and implemented the CHC guidelines with identifiable differences in practices between North American and international laboratories. We identify the commonalities and differences between North American and international institutional practices including where CHC is performed, how CHC cases are identified and their accessibility, when CHC is performed, who investigates discordances, what discordances are identified, and how the findings affect quality improvement.

Cytologic-Histologic Correlation Practices for Nongynecologic Cytology Specimens: A Survey by the College of American Pathologists Cytopathology Committee.

CONTEXT.­: Cytologic-histologic correlation (CHC) is a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-mandated requirement for gynecologic cytology, but no similar requirement exists for nongynecologic cytology. This study presents the findings from a College of American Pathologists' survey of nongynecologic cytology practice patterns. OBJECTIVE.­: To survey the current CHC practices for nongynecologic cytology. DESIGN.­: Data were analyzed from a survey developed by the committee and distributed to participants in the Nongynecologic Cytopathology Education Program mailing. RESULTS.­: Adoption of CHC for nongynecologic cytology cases is worldwide, with 88.5% of institutions performing CHC on these specimens, a substantial increase from previous years. Performance of CHC varied by institution type, with clinic or regional/local independent laboratories and national/corporate laboratories performing CHC significantly less frequently than hospitals, university hospitals/academic medical centers, and Veterans Administration/Department of Defense hospital institutions. Most CHC was performed concurrently in real time, when the corresponding surgical specimen was reviewed. Selection for real-time concurrent CHC was by the interpreting pathologist, the pathologist diagnosing the surgical biopsy sample or cytopathology case, or both. Sampling was by far the most common reason for discordance. A 2-step difference was the most frequent threshold for discordance between cytology and surgical specimens, but this criterion varied among institutions, with no majority definition. The positive predictive value of a positive cytology finding was calculated rarely in North American institutions but was calculated more frequently in international institutions. CONCLUSIONS.­: CHC practices for nongynecologic cytopathology mirror those found for CHC of gynecologic cytopathology.

The Implementation of Nongynecologic Reporting Systems in Cytopathology Laboratories Is Highly Variable: Analysis of Data From a 2020 Supplemental Survey of Participants in the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Nongynecologic Cytology.

CONTEXT­: In recent years, several reporting systems have been developed by national and international cytopathology organizations to standardize the evaluation of specific cytopathology specimen types. OBJECTIVE­: To assess the current implementation rates, implementation methods, and barriers to implementation of commonly used nongynecologic reporting systems in cytopathology laboratories. DESIGN­: Data were analyzed from a survey developed by the committee and distributed to participants in the College of American Pathologists Nongynecologic Cytopathology Education Program mailing. RESULTS­: Nongynecologic reporting systems with the highest rate of adoption were the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, 2nd edition (74.1%; 552 of 745); the Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (53.9%; 397 of 736); and the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (29.1%; 200 of 688). The most common reason given for not adopting a reporting system was satisfaction with a laboratory's current system. Implementation varied among laboratories with regard to which stakeholders were involved in deciding to implement a system and the amount of education provided during the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS­: The implementation of nongynecologic reporting systems in cytopathology laboratories was highly variable.

Aortic Stiffness Measured from Either 2D/4D Flow and Cine MRI or Applanation Tonometry in Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aortic stiffness can be evaluated by aortic distensibility or pulse wave velocity (PWV) using applanation tonometry, 2D phase contrast (PC) MRI and the emerging 4D flow MRI. However, such MRI tools may reach their technical limitations in populations with cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, this work focuses on the diagnostic value of aortic stiffness evaluated either by applanation tonometry or MRI in high-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: 35 patients with a multivessel CAD and a myocardial infarction treated 1 year before were prospectively recruited and compared with 18 controls with equivalent age and sex distribution. Ascending aorta distensibility and aortic arch 2D PWV were estimated along with 4D PWV. Furthermore, applanation tonometry carotid-to-femoral PWV (cf PWV) was recorded immediately after MRI. RESULTS: While no significant changes were found for aortic distensibility; cf PWV, 2D PWV and 4D PWV were significantly higher in CAD patients than controls (12.7 ± 2.9 vs. 9.6 ± 1.1; 11.0 ± 3.4 vs. 8.0 ± 2.05 and 17.3 ± 4.0 vs. 8.7 ± 2.5 m·s-1 respectively, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis performed to assess the ability of stiffness indices to separate CAD subjects from controls revealed the highest area under the curve (AUC) for 4D PWV (0.97) with an optimal threshold of 12.9 m·s-1 (sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 94.4%). CONCLUSIONS: PWV estimated from 4D flow MRI showed the best diagnostic performances in identifying severe stable CAD patients from age and sex-matched controls, as compared to 2D flow MRI PWV, cf PWV and aortic distensibility.

Using American Type Culture Collection Cell Lines to Evaluate Interlaboratory Variables for Estrogen Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Immunostaining.

CONTEXT.­: Most laboratories currently use patient tissues for validating immunohistochemical stains. OBJECTIVE.­: To explore advantages of using cell lines with known antigenicity as a validation method. DESIGN.­: Five American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) cell lines with known negative, low positive, and moderate to strong estrogen receptor (ER) expression as well as negative, equivocal, and positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression were cultured and made into cell blocks. One block from each cell line was fixed in formalin and another in ethanol before cell block preparation. Two sets of paired unstained slides from each block were sent to 10 different laboratories for HER2 and ER staining to be stained on runs from different days according to each laboratory's defined protocol. RESULTS.­: The 10 study participants evaluated 40 slides in a blinded fashion. For ER expression, all 80 interpretations for the ER strong and moderate positive cell lines had the target ER-positive result, and 74 of 80 ER-negative cell lines (92.5%) had agreement with the intended negative result. The ER low positive cell line showed varied but positive expression among all observers. The HER2 (3+)-positive cell lines yielded a target interpretation of 3+ in 65 of 80 interpretations (81.2%). For the HER2-negative cell line 69 of 78 interpretations (88.5%) were consistent with the target response (0 or 1+). No significant variation was observed between the ethanol- and non-ethanol-exposed cell lines, or between runs by the same laboratory. Variation from target results clustered within laboratories. CONCLUSIONS.­: This study indicates that variability between laboratories can be identified by using cell lines for quantitative or semiquantitative immunohistochemistry when using cultured cell lines of known antigenicity. These cell lines could potentially play a role in aiding anatomic pathology laboratories in validating immunohistochemistry tests for formalin- and ethanol-fixed tissues.