Novel method of image analysis that combines Radon and Fourier image transformations for the purpose of differentiating between malignant and benign colonic biopsies.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer. It develops slowly as a polyp that can turn into a cancerous tumor. This study aimed to develop a decision-making algorithm of microscopic images using texture analysis that is orientation free, to be used for automated classification of normal and neoplastic (malignant or premalignant) colonic biopsies. Forty-nine colonic adenocarcinomas, 41 adenomas and a control group of adjacent normal colonic mucosa were included in the texture analysis. Radon transform followed by the Fast Fourier transform were applied to the images. Subsequently, the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) transform was applied allowing the extraction of four textural variables (homogeneity, contrast, correlation, and entropy). For classification and prediction of the diagnosis, a statistical multivariate regression model and a neural network (NNET) model were used and compared. The statistical model provided a sensitivity of 71.3% and a specificity of 50% (Area under the ROC curve: 0.67) for classifying the neoplastic and the normal images, respectively. The NNET model was superior to the statistical model and produced a sensitivity of 97.9% and specificity of 88% (Area under the ROC curve: 0.92). To our knowledge, this is the first study that used a combination of Radon, FFT, and GLCM transformations in order to overcome the tissue orientation problem in texture analysis of microscopic images of colonic biopsies. The NNET classifier trained by the extracted textural features proved to be superior to the statistical classifier, thus predicting colonic neoplasia with high accuracy. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We propose a novel decision-making algorithm of orientation invariant image texture analysis, fast and easily implemented for automated differentiation between benign and neoplastic epithelial tumors of the colon. This method can reduce the turnaround time allowing to prioritize the biopsies during their examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.

Complete digital pathology transition: A large multi-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Transitioning from glass slide pathology to digital pathology for primary diagnostics requires an appropriate laboratory information system, an image management system, and slide scanners; it also reinforces the need for sophisticated pathology informatics including synoptic reporting. Previous reports have discussed the transition itself and relevant considerations for it, but not the selection criteria and considerations for the infrastructure. OBJECTIVE: To describe the process used to evaluate slide scanners, image management systems, and synoptic reporting systems for a large multisite institution. METHODS: Six network hospitals evaluated six slide scanners, three image management systems, and three synoptic reporting systems. Scanners were evaluated based on the quality of image, speed, ease of operation, and special capabilities (including z-stacking, fluorescence and others). Image management and synoptic reporting systems were evaluated for their ease of use and capacity. RESULTS: Among the scanners evaluated, the Leica GT450 produced the highest quality images, while the 3DHistech Pannoramic provided fluorescence and superior z-stacking. The newest generation of scanners, released relatively recently, performed better than slightly older scanners from major manufacturers Although the Olympus VS200 was not fully vetted due to not meeting all inclusion criteria, it is discussed herein due to its exceptional versatility. For Image Management Software, the authors believe that Sectra is, at the time of writing the best developed option, but this could change in the very near future as other systems improve their capabilities. All synoptic reporting systems performed impressively. CONCLUSIONS: Specifics regarding quality and abilities of different components will change rapidly with time, but large pathology practices considering such a transition should be aware of the issues discussed and evaluate the most current generation to arrive at appropriate conclusions.

The Association Between Clearance of Human Papillomavirus After Conization for Cervical Cancer and Absence of Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the relation between clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) and absence of residual disease, in women diagnosed with cervical cancer (CC) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). MATERIALS METHODS: Data were collected from 92 women diagnosed with CC and AIS who were positive to HR-HPV and had a repeat cervical HPV test 3-12 weeks after LLETZ (in which CC/AIS were diagnosed) and before final surgical treatment. We compared characteristics of women with negative and positive HR-HPV after LLETZ. RESULTS: The HR-HPV results after the LLETZ operation were negative in 40 women and positive in 52 women. The HR-HPV-negative group included a significantly higher incidence of AIS: 14 (35%) vs 5 (9.6%, p < .006).In the negative HR-HPV post-LLETZ group, 36 (90%) had normal histology and only 2 (5%) had cancer in the final histological specimen. Among 34 women who underwent radical hysterectomy/trachelectomy after LLETZ, a normal final histology was observed in 75% and 9% of those who were HR-HPV negative and HR-HPV positive, respectively (p < .0005). The positive predictive value for absence of residual cancer, with clearance of HR-HPV after LLETZ, was 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Clearance of HR-HPV from the cervix a short time after LLETZ has a high association with the absence of residual cancer in the final outcome, either in the pathology or the follow-up. Testing for HR-HPV a short time after LLETZ might serve as a parameter for risk assessment.

Nuclear localization of long-VEGF is associated with hypoxia and tumor angiogenesis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that has a pivotal role in normal and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF has a long 5' untranslated region harboring an open reading frame (ORF) initiated by a CUG codon that is in-frame with the VEGF coding region. The ORF translation leads to the expression of a long isoform termed L-VEGF that is extended by an additional 180 amino acids. In this communication, we provide evidence that L-VEGF is subjected to proteolytic cleavage leading to the detachment of the 180 aa extension from the VEGF moiety. Using immunofluorescence staining, we show that upon hypoxia this 180 aa extension translocates to the nuclei of expressing cells. Accordingly, immunohistochemical staining of both normal and tumor tissue samples demonstrated restricted nuclear localization of the ORF, which was correlated with cytoplasmic localization of VEGF. This suggests that the 180 aa ORF is involved in VEGF-mediated angiogenic processes.

Novel motifs in amino acid permease genes from Leishmania.

Eight amino acid permease genes from the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani (AAPLDs) were cloned, sequenced, and shown to be expressed in promastigotes. Seven of these belong to the amino acid transporter-1 and one to the amino acid polyamino-choline superfamilies. Using these sequences as well as known and characterized amino acid permease genes from all kingdoms, a training set was established and used to search for motifs, using the MEME motif discovery tool. This study revealed two motifs that are specific to the genus Leishmania, four to the family trypanosomatidae, and a single motif that is common between trypanosomatidae and mammalian systems A1 and N. Interestingly, most of these motifs are clustered in two regions of 50-60 amino acids. Blast search analyses indicated a close relationship between the L. donovani and Trypanosoma brucei amino acid permeases. The results of this work describe the cloning of the first amino acid permease genes in parasitic protozoa and contribute to the understanding of amino acid permease evolution in these organisms. Furthermore, the identification of genus-specific motifs in these proteins might be useful to better understand parasite physiology within its hosts.

Expression of the MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 cancer-testis antigens in serous ovarian neoplasms.

PURPOSE: The cancer-testis (CT) family of antigens is expressed in a variety of malignant neoplasms and is silent in normal tissues, except for the testis. Expression of two members of this family, MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1, has been described in melanomas, germ cell tumors, certain carcinomas and sarcomas, and more recently in uterine neoplasms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent and prognostic significance of CT antigen expression in ovarian serous neoplasms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seventy-four patients with ovarian neoplasms, including 10 with serous cystadenomas, 11 with serous tumors of borderline malignancy, and 53 with serous carcinomas, were studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed with the 57B monoclonal antibody, which recognizes predominantly the MAGE-A4 antigen and the D8.38 antibody that recognizes NY-ESO-1. RESULTS: MAGE-A4 expression was found to be present in 57% of the serous carcinomas and only in 9% of the serous tumors of borderline malignancy. No staining was detected in serous cystadenomas or in the normal ovary. In 8 of 30 positively stained serous carcinomas, >50% of the tumor cells expressed MAGE-A4. NY-ESO-1 expression was seen in 19% of the serous carcinomas, whereas serous tumors of borderline malignancy and cystadenomas were negative. A significant inverse correlation was found between MAGE-A4 expression and patient survival (P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis revealed that both tumor stage and MAGE-A4 expression were independent predictors of patient survival (P = 0.022 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-testis antigen expression in ovarian serous neoplasms correlates directly with their degree of malignancy. MAGE-A4 expression, and to a lesser degree NY-ESO-1 expression, is characteristic of the majority of serous carcinomas. Determining the degree of MAGE-A4 expression in these tumors may provide important prognostic information. Finally, MAGE-A4 may represent a novel target for immunotherapy in serous ovarian neoplasms.