MhcVizPipe: A Quality Control Software for Rapid Assessment of Small- to Large-Scale Immunopeptidome Datasets.

MS-based immunopeptidomics is maturing into an automatized and high-throughput technology, producing small- to large-scale datasets of clinically relevant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-associated and class II-associated peptides. Consequently, the development of quality control (QC) and quality assurance systems capable of detecting sample and/or measurement issues is important for instrument operators and scientists in charge of downstream data interpretation. Here, we created MhcVizPipe (MVP), a semiautomated QC software tool that enables rapid and simultaneous assessment of multiple MHC class I and II immunopeptidomic datasets generated by MS, including datasets generated from large sample cohorts. In essence, MVP provides a rapid and consolidated view of sample quality, composition, and MHC specificity to greatly accelerate the "pass-fail" QC decision-making process toward data interpretation. MVP parallelizes the use of well-established immunopeptidomic algorithms (NetMHCpan, NetMHCIIpan, and GibbsCluster) and rapidly generates organized and easy-to-understand reports in HTML format. The reports are fully portable and can be viewed on any computer with a modern web browser. MVP is intuitive to use and will find utility in any specialized immunopeptidomic laboratory and proteomics core facility that provides immunopeptidomic services to the community.

Prospective randomized study using EBRA-FCA to compare bone fixation between cementless SL-PLUS Zweymüller versus SL-PLUS MIA femoral implants in primary total hip arthroplasty with clinical assessment at a minimum 5years' follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Sometimes the slightest changes in implant design can lead to failure, even for a validated prosthesis. A minimally invasive cementless model, the SL-PLUS MIA™, in which the lateral shoulder is eliminated, was developed from the Zweymüller SL-PLUS™ implant. After satisfactory in-vitro tests, it required in-vivo assessment to ensure that bone fixation is good. We therefore conducted a prospective randomized study comparing the two versions of the Zweymüller femoral stem, with the aim of (1) comparing bone fixation up to 2 years' follow-up on EBRA-FCA radiography; and (2) assessing any difference in clinical or radiographic performance. HYPOTHESIS: Primary stability assessed on EBRA-FCA does not significantly differ between the SL-PLUS MIA™ and SL-PLUS™ implants. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A single-center multi-surgeon prospective randomized study included 80 patients (79 were operated on) between April 2009 and October 2012, with a mean 6 years' follow-up. Radiographic assessment used the EBRA-FCA application up to 2 years' follow-up; clinical assessment, with a minimum 5 years' follow-up, was performed by a single observer, using the Harris and Oxford-12 scores. The two groups, SL-PLUS™ (n=38) and SL-PLUS MIA™ (n=41), were comparable in gender, age, indications, body-mass index and preoperative functional status. RESULTS: At a minimum 2 years' follow-up, 24 SL-PLUS™ and 27 SL-PLUS MIA™ implants were analyzed on EBRA-FCA. Mean migration was respectively -0.3mm±0.8 [range, -1.6 to 1.3] and -0.5mm±0.7 [range, -2.2 to 0.5] (p=0.21). There was likewise no significant difference in varus tilt. The number of ectopic ossifications did not differ, despite the absence of shoulder: 7 with SL-PLUS™ (23%), and 10 with SL-PLUS MIA™ (32%), without clinical impact. Oxford score improved from 43±6.8 to 19±7 at 5 years' follow-up with SL-PLUS ™ and from 44±8.8 to 20±7.4 with SL-PLUS MIA™: i.e., no significant inter-group difference. Likewise, Harris score at 2 years' follow-up did not differ: 91.6±8.7 and 89.7±10.2, respectively. Implant survival did not differ: SL-PLUS MIA™, 41/41 (100%); SL-PLUS™, 36/38 (94.7%) (p=0.13). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in fixation quality between the SL-PLUS™ and SL-PLUS MIA™ implants. Elimination of the shoulder did not jeopardize primary or secondary fixation, but neither did it reduce the rate of ossification. The modified Zweymüller implant appeared risk-free at 6 years' follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, low-power prospective randomized study.