Application of the international system for reporting serous fluid cytopathology on pleural effusion cytology with paired pleural biopsy: A new insight and novel approach on risk of malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of malignancy (ROM) remains an area of interest for further evaluation in reporting systems including in International System for reporting serous fluid cytopathology (TIS), which is a standardized system for reporting effusion cytology. Herein, we report our findings in further investigation of ROM in TIS by studying on paired pleural effusion specimens and corresponding pleural biopsies with emphasis on negative for malignancy, and atypia of undetermined significance categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The  Johns Hopkins Hospital pathology database was retrospectively searched for patients with a pleural biopsy (PBX) and a paired pleural effusion (PF) cytology specimens over a 4-year period. We employed the TIS categories. The following statistical parameters were evaluated: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and ROM. RESULTS: A total of 223 patient cases were included. Effusions TIS reclassification and ROM were as follows: 1.8% non-diagnostic (ROM 75%), 75.8% negative for malignancy (ROM 23%), 4.9% atypical cells of undetermined significance (ROM 45%), 2.2% suspicious for malignancy (ROM 80%), and 15.2% malignant (ROM 100%). Overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were calculated and were 79.4%, 45%, 97.7%, 91.2% and 77%, respectively. Among, discordant cases diagnosed negative for malignancy on PF and positive for malignancy on PBX, there were significant number of lymphomas, mesotheliomas, and sarcomas. Lung cancer was the most common carcinoma; however, rare types of carcinomas were noted. Cells blocks and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies were utilized to confirm either malignant conditions or rule out malignancy in both cell blocks and histology biopsies. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the high specificity and ROM for 'malignant' and 'suspicious for malignancy' categories in the TIS reporting system and highlights the modest negative predictive value for the 'negative for malignancy' category. Although Tissue biopsies are usually considered as 'gold standard', any definitive diagnosis of malignancy of body fluid should be considered positive for malignancy in further clinical decision-making.

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology in the African American population: A tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The reported risk of malignancies (ROM) remains controversial for fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules in the African American (AA) population. Herein, the ROM along with frequency was assessed for each of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) diagnostic categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic pathology archive of a large academic hospital was retrospectively searched for cytopathology reports of thyroid nodules in AA patients (2010-2019) and Non-African American (NAA) control cases. The patients' demographic, thyroid nodule characteristics, FNA results using TBSRTC and surgical diagnoses were recorded, whenever available. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-one cases were identified, 317 females (81.1%) and 74 males (18.9%) with median age 50.0 (SD = 14.4). The mean size of the nodules was 2.1 cm (SD = 1.4). The Bethesda categories were: 5.4% (I), 35.0% (II), 35.3% (III), 7.7% (IV), 3.3% (V) and 13.3% (VI). The overall ROM of thyroid nodules was 43.8% (89/203) on surgical follow-up (203/391). The ROM in each Bethesda categories were: 33.3% (I), 11.6% (II), 35.2% (III), 15.8% (IV), 83.3% (V) and 100% (VI) on surgical follow-up. The frequency of thyroid nodules was higher in AA females; however, the ROM was higher in AA males (48.3%) compared with AA females (41.2%). CONCLUSION: The ROM in Categories I, II and III was higher than those reported in the TBSRTC while being similar in Categories IV, V and VI. The overall risk of thyroid malignancy in our AA patient population was higher than those in the literature. The overall ROM of thyroid nodules in AA males was higher than of AA females.

Evaluating the causes of retinopathy of prematurity relapse following intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative disorder of the developing retina. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) is an emerging treatment for severe forms of ROP, which does not restrict the visual field in comparison to laser therapy. The present study aimed to determine and evaluate the risk factors for ROP recurrence following IVB injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 98 eyes of 49 infants with ROP who had received IVB injections as the primary treatment for type 1 ROP are included. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes (55.1%) had aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP), and forty-four (44.9%) had Stage III Plus ROP in Zone II. ROP recurred in 13 eyes (13.26%) of 8 infants. The mean period between IVB and the ROP recurrence was 8.08 (95% CI:5.32-10.83) weeks. The infants who had ROP recurrence had lower birth weight (P value = 0.002), lower postmenstrual age at IVB injection (P value = 0.001), lower IVB injection gap period from birth (P value = 0.044), higher oxygen therapy requirement rate after IVB injection (P value < 0.001, OR:19.0) and higher oxygen therapy duration (P value = 0.006). The ROP severity, gestational age at birth, and diet were not statistically different between the recurrence and complete regression groups. Out of 13 eyes treated with laser photocoagulation because of ROP relapse, macula dragging occurred in one eye, and all the cases met the complete regression. CONCLUSION: Low birth weight and oxygen therapy are the most important risk factors for ROP relapse, which requires meticulous oxygen treatment guidelines for premature infants.

Cytologic features of differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma: A multi-institutional study of 40 cases.

BACKGROUND: Differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma (DHGTC) is recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a subgroup of thyroid carcinomas with high-grade features while retaining the architectural and/or cytologic features of well-differentiated follicular-cell-derived tumors. The cytomorphology of DHGTC is not well documented despite potential implications for patient triage and management. METHODS: The pathology archives of six institutions were searched for cases diagnosed on resection as "high-grade thyroid carcinoma" using WHO criteria. The fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cohort represents a 10-year period (2013-2023); all were reviewed to confirm DHGTC classification. The corresponding FNAs were assessed for 32 cytomorphologic features. RESULTS: Forty cases of DHGTC with prior FNA were identified. The mean patient age was 64.2 years. The average lesion size was 4.9 cm, and the majority demonstrated a TI-RADS score of 4 or 5 (95.2%). Three main high-grade subsets of DHGTC based on corresponding histology included papillary thyroid carcinoma (65%), follicular carcinoma (22.5%), and oncocytic carcinoma (12.5%). Over 97% of FNA cases were classified as Bethesda category IV or above. Approximately 25% of DHGTC showed cytologic features that included marked cytologic atypia, increased anisonucleosis, large oval nuclei, mitotic activity, or necrosis (p < .05); 68% of DHGTC cases were associated with high-risk molecular alterations. TERT mutations occurred in 41%, of which 89% of these were associated with a second mutation, usually RAS or BRAF p.V600E. CONCLUSIONS: Cytology has a low sensitivity for DHGTC, although a subset of DHGTCs have cytologic features raising the possibility of a high-grade thyroid carcinoma. Other findings include high-risk molecular changes and clinicopathologic features such as older patient age and larger lesion size.

Correlation between socioeconomic indices and epidemiological indices of thyroid cancer from 1990 to 2019 year: a global ecologic study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thyroid cancer as the most common type of endocrine gland malignancy has risen more significantly than any malignancies in recent years. Estimated new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States in 2024 were 12,500 and 31,520 for men and women, respectively, and estimated deaths were 1,180 for women and 990 for men. Indices of socio-economic have been commonly used to measure the development of countries. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the correlation between indices of socioeconomic status and epidemiological indices of thyroid cancer throughout the world. In addition, this study has compared two indices of human development and a socio-demographic index. METHOD: This worldwide ecological study used data on thyroid cancer incidence, mortality, human development index (HDI), and sociodemographic index (SDI) between 1990 and 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). We evaluated the correlation between incidence and mortality rates with socioeconomic indices by using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Furthermore, for the first time, the generalized additive model (GAM) was employed for modeling. The statistical software R, version 4.2.2, was used to conduct all statistical analyses. RESULTS: The correlation between the incidence of thyroid cancer and the HDI was significant and positive (r = 0.47, p-value < 0.001). While the correlation between thyroid cancer mortality and HDI was not statistically significant (r = 0.01, p-value = 0.076). Besides, the incidence of thyroid cancer was significantly positively correlated with SDI (r = 0.48, p-value < 0.001). The multiple GAM showed that for one unit increase in HDI, the risk of thyroid cancer was increased by 2.1 times (RR = 2.1, 95%CI = 2.04 to 2.19), and for one unit increase in SDI, the risk of thyroid cancer was shown to increase by 2.2 times. (RR = 2.2, 95%CI = 2.19 to 2.35). CONCLUSION: It has been evident that countries with higher incidence of thyroid cancer display higher socioeconomic indices. While, countries with higher socioeconomic indices, report lower mortality rates. However, based on the modeling results, it can be concluded that the SDI is slightly more useful in this regard. Therefore, examining the epidemiological indices of thyroid cancer by socio-economic indices can be useful to reflect a clear image of the distribution of this cancer in each country, and can be used for planning cancer prevention strategies.

How the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology works in cytopathology practice: Meta-analysis of prospective studies and comparison with retrospective studies.

BACKGROUND: The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is widely accepted and endorsed by professional societies. Although several studies focusing on the MSRSGC have been published, few have been prospective studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSRSGC in cytopathology practice. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all prospective studies on the MSRSGC. The risk of malignancy (ROM), risk of neoplasm, and diagnostic accuracy for each diagnostic category were calculated. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel, and analyses were performed with the Open Meta-Analyst program. RESULTS: Seven prospective and seven retrospective studies were identified. The total number of fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) was 1587 in the prospective studies and 1764 in the retrospective studies. The ROM values for the nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance, benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant categories in prospective versus retrospective studies were 21.0% versus 26.6%, 9.4% versus 8.1%, 34.9% versus 39.6%, 2.4% versus 2.1%, 36.6% versus 31.2%, 86.0% versus 66.0%, and 97.0% versus 96.7%, respectively. Sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic odds ratios were 83.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.1%-90.8%) versus 89.1% (95% CI, 83.6%-92.9%), 98.4% (95% CI, 96.6%-99.3%) versus 94.9% (95% CI, 91.9%-96.9%), and 310.7 (95% CI, 121.2-796.6) versus 218.8 (95% CI, 107.3-438.1). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that the MSRSGC works well in FNA cytopathology practice and improves diagnostic accuracy in all diagnostic categories. The ROMs of prospective studies were in concordance with the MSRSGC reference values.

Electrical facies of the Asmari Formation in the Mansouri oilfield, an application of multi-resolution graph-based and artificial neural network clustering methods.

Electrofacies analysis conducted the distribution effects throughout the reservoir despite the difficulty of characterizing stratigraphic relationships. Clustering methods quantitatively define the reservoir zone from non-reservoir considering electrofacies. Asmari Formation is the most significant reservoir of the Mansouri oilfield in SW Iran, generally composed of carbonate and sandstone layers. The stratigraphical study is determined by employing 250 core samples from one exploratory well in the studied field. Five zones with the best reservoir quality in zones 3 and 5 containing sandstone/shale are determined. Moreover, multi-resolution graph-based and artificial neural network clustering involving six logs are employed. Utilizing Geolog software, an optimal model with eight clusters with better rock separation is obtained. Eventually, five electrofacies with different lithological compositions and reservoir conditions are identified and based on lithofacies describing thin sections, sandstone, and shale in zones 3 and 5 show high reservoir quality. According to the depth related to these zones, most of the facies that exist in these depths include sandstone and dolomite facies, and this is affected by the two factors of the primary sedimentary texture and the effect of the diagenesis process on them. Results can compared to the clustering zone determination in other nearby sandstone reservoirs without cores.

Serum adropin level in wet-type age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to compare the serum Adropin levels between patients with wet-type Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and otherwise healthy individuals. METHOD: The study included 45 patients with wet-type AMD and 45 individuals without age-related macular degeneration. Patients with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and a previous history of visual impairment; were excluded. FBS, Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), lipid profile, and serum Adropin level were checked. RESULTS: The mean serum Adropin level of patients with wet-type AMD was significantly lower than the control group (P-value < 0.001). Also, the mean High-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hsCRP) level and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly higher in wet-type AMD patients (P-value = 0.031 and < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, wet-type AMD was associated with a lower level of serum Adropin. Because of Adropin involvement in glucose metabolism and age-related changes, it may have a role in the pathogenesis of AMD, but it requires more investigations at the molecular level to elucidate its function.

Pitfalls in Salivary Gland Cytology.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland lesions possess diagnostic challenges on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material. They are relatively uncommon, yet present with a wide spectrum of cytomorphology. Herein, we review common salivary gland neoplasms, their cytomorphologic features, their diagnostic pitfalls, and ancillary studies helpful in achieving an accurate diagnosis. SUMMARY: There are many cytomorphologic overlaps between benign and malignant salivary gland entities. Moreover, metaplasia, cystic changes, and degenerative changes are common findings adding to diagnostic dilemmas. These complicating factors contribute to a minute risk of malignancy in salivary gland lesions that are interpreted as benign on FNA. In rare cases, even malignant salivary gland neoplasms are misinterpreted as benign on aspirated material due to the many cytomorphologic overlaps. For example, benign and malignant neoplasms containing stroma such as myoepithelioma and adenoid cystic carcinoma may be misinterpreted as pleomorphic adenoma. Moreover, diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms with basal cell features can be confusing on FNA materials; for example, basal cell adenoma can be misinterpreted as adenoid cystic carcinoma. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas have many different appearances on aspirated material due to variable amounts of mucin, degree of nuclear atypia, cellular content, and squamous metaplasia. Acinic cell carcinoma exhibits large cells with abundant cytoplasm on FNA, which can be mistaken for oncocytic cells in oncocytoma or Warthin tumor. Salivary duct carcinoma shows distinct features of malignancy and thus can be mistaken for secondary tumors involving the salivary glands or other malignant salivary gland tumors. The presence of tumor-associated lymphocytes is another underlying cause of misdiagnosis, especially when considering the differential diagnosis of an intraparotid lymph node. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are gaining more attention to be utilized on FNA cases. PLAG1 immunostaining, CD117, DOG1, mammaglobin, and androgen receptor (AR) are examples of commonly used immunostains in diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. MYB gene fusion, rearrangements of the MAML2 gene, and ERBB2/HER2 are examples of molecular alterations useful in diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms. In conclusion, the aim of salivary gland cytology is to differentiate benign entities from the malignant ones and to prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments. KEY MESSAGES: The diagnostic pitfalls are enormous in salivary gland cytology. Familiarity with cytomorphology of different entities and their cytomorphologic overlaps, and application of ancillary studies improves the diagnostic yield, patient management and prevents unnecessary aggressive procedures.

Hydraulic flow unit and rock types of the Asmari Formation, an application of flow zone index and fuzzy C-means clustering methods.

Rock types are the reservoir's most essential properties for special facies modeling in a defined range of porosity and permeability. This study used clustering techniques to identify rock types in 280 core samples from one of the wells drilled in the Asmari reservoir in the Mansouri field, SW Iran. Four hydraulic flow units (HFUs) were determined for studied data utilizing histogram analysis, normal probability analysis, and the sum of squared errors (SSE) statistical methods. Then, two flow zone index (FZI) and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering methods were used to determine the rock types in the given well according to the results obtained from the HFU continuity index acts in-depth. The FCM method, with a continuity number of 3.12, compared to the FZI, with a continuity number of 2.77, shows more continuity in depth. The relationship between permeability and porosity improved considerably by utilizing HFU techniques. This improvement is achieved using the FZI method study. Generally, all samples increased from 0.55 to 0.81 in the first HFU and finally to 0.94 in the fourth HFU. Similar flow properties in an HFU characterized the samples. In comparison, the correlation coefficients obtained in the FCM method are less than those in the general case of all HFUs. This study aims to determine the flowing fluid in the porous medium of the Asmari reservoir employing the c-mean fuzzy logic. Also, by determining the facies of the rock units, especially the siliceous-clastic facies and log data in the Asmari Formation, the third and fourth flow units have the highest reservoir quality and permeability. Results can be compared to determining HFU in nearby wellbores without cores.

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of image-guided FNA specimens improves subsequent core biopsy adequacy in clinical trial patients: The impact of preanalytical factors and its correlation with survival.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient tumor collection has become of utmost importance in therapeutic experimental protocols. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) ensures adequate sampling for quantification of biomarkers, molecular analyses, and other ancillary studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of ROSE in trial-associated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and to analyze predictors of adequacy and cumulative survival from in-house FNA cases used in clinical trials. METHODS: Clinical trial FNA biopsies performed at a large academic institution were analyzed over 10 months using a comprehensive chart review of the electronic medical records. SPSS version 28 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-five FNAs were collected for 57 clinical trials. In total, 225 individual patients had an average of 1.4 FNA procedures each as a result of a multidepartmental collaborative effort. ROSE was performed for all patients, and adequacy was evaluated by cytotechnologists. Seventy-eight percent of samples were considered adequate, 14% were considered less than optimal, and 8% were considered inadequate, with the latter two categories designated together as less than adequate. The imaging modalities were mainly ultrasound-guided (n = 267; 82%) and computed tomography-guided (n = 58; 18%). There was a statistically significant association between adequate sampling and ultrasound-guided biopsies (83%) compared with computed tomography-guided biopsies (59%; p < .01). The effect of body mass index (BMI) on mortality was also a significant finding. The authors observed a survival benefit in patients who had elevated BMIs (range, 25.0-34.9 kg/m2 ) compared with those who were underweight (BMI, <18.5 kg/m2 ) or class III obese (BMI, >35.0 kg/m2 ; p < .01). Therefore, the best predictors of adequacy and mortality were imaging modality and BMI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided modalities are recommended for obtaining adequate FNA sampling for clinical trials. In addition, patients with cancer who had slightly elevated BMIs (25.0-34.0 kg/m2 ) had increased overall survival in this cohort.

The Efficacy of "Care for Child Development" Intervention on the Improvement of the Development Skills of Orphanage Children.

Objectives: Development refers to the progressive enhancement of skills and functional capacity, i.e., qualitative changes in the child's functions. The process of development begins before birth and continues throughout life. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Care for Child Development (CCD)" program on 4-42 months children's developmental skills in orphanages. Materials and Methods: In this study, two orphanages in the capitals of East and West Azerbaijan provinces were selected using the convenience sampling technique, and thirty children were included. Then, they were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups (each group, N=15). Next, after obtaining consent from the head of the orphanages, a group of volunteers from the healthcare center performed the CCD program, considering children's chronological ages (4 to 42 months), for three sessions a week, with each session lasting two hours and it lasted for three months. At the end of the intervention process, the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd version (BSID-III) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-II (ASQ) were completed for the two intervention and control groups to compare them in the cognitive, motor, communication, and personal-social domains. Results: Comparing the two control and intervention groups using the T-test (difference in mean) indicates that except for the domain of cognitive skills (Bayley: P-value = 0.176), there was statistically a significant difference between the two groups in communication (ASQ: P-value = 0.001; Bayley: P-value = 0.003), motor (ASQ: P-value = 0.000; Bayley: P-value = 0.009), and personal-social (ASQ: P-value <0.000) skills. conclusion: In the present study, it was concluded that it is required to apply interventions, including standard ones such as the CCD program in environments like orphanages, to enhance the developmental skills of those children living in them.

Survival rate of cervical cancer in Asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is one of the main causes of death, and cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of death from malignancy among women. Knowing the survival rate is used to evaluate the success of current treatments and care. This study was conducted to assess the survival rate of cervical cancer in Asia. METHODS: This systematic survey was conducted on four international databases, including Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge, and includes manuscripts that were published until the end of August 2021. Selected keywords were searched for international databases including cervical neoplasms [mesh], survival analysis or survival or survival rate, Asian countries (name of countries). The Newcastle-Ottawa Qualitative Evaluation Form was used for cohort studies to evaluate the quality of the articles. The analysis process was performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the studies using the Cochran test and I2 statistics. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis was performed based on the year of the study. RESULTS: A total of 1956 articles were selected and reviewed based on their title. The results showed that 110 articles met the inclusion criteria. According to the randomized model, the 1, 3, 5, and 10-year survival rates of cervical cancer were 76.62% (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 72.91_80.34), 68.77% (95% CI, 64.32_73.21), 62.34% (95% CI, 58.10_66.59), and 61.60% (95% CI, 52.31_70.89), respectively. Additionally, based on the results of meta-regression analysis, there was an association between the year of the study and the survival rate, elucidating that the survival rate of cervical cancer has increased over the years. CONCLUSIONS: Results can provide the basic information needed for effective policy making, and development of public health programs for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer.

Survival rate of vaginal cancer in Asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Vaginal cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in women, which mostly takes place in low- and middle-income countries. Assessing the survival rate of vaginal cancer is essential to investigate the success rate of current treatments and screening tools. This study aims to determine the survival rate of vaginal cancer in Asia. Methods: This systematic review was carried out using four international databases, including Medline/Pubmed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and also Google Scholar. Articles were investigated up to the end of August 2021. The authors utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of the articles. Evaluating the papers for heterogeneity was performed using the Cochrane test and I² statistic. Meta-regression analysis was also applied based on the year of the study. Results: Three articles (13 records) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Based on the random model, the overall 5-year survival rate was 74.63%. Also, the rates of survival in relation to the type of treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other modalities, were 78.53, 78.44, and 68.54%, respectively. According to meta-regression analysis, no correlation was found between the survival rate and the year of the study. Conclusion: The vaginal cancer survival rate is lower in Asian countries compared to that of developed countries. Increasing patient survival rates in such countries is crucial by implementing newer diagnostic tools, advanced surgical techniques, and goal-oriented treatments. Early diagnosis in lower stages and educating the populations about risk factors and preventative measures are also necessary for raising the rate of survival.

Environmental factors and incidence of thyroid cancer in the world (1990-2019): an ecological study.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Environmental risk factors such as presence of pollutants in air as well as the combustion of fossil fuels or carbon as a cooking habit in closed environments inside houses affect thyroid hormonal homeostasis and diseases. This study aimed to estimate the association between environmental risk factors and the incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide from 1990 to 2019 including particulate pollutants coming from fossil fuels employed in closed environments. Data on the incidence of thyroid cancer and some environmental risk factors were extracted from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between the thyroid cancer incidence and environmental risk factors. Finally, a generalized additive model was fitted for modeling. R 3.5.0 was used for analysis of the data. The most relevant results showed that the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of thyroid cancer has a positive and significant correlation with environmental air pollution by O3 (r=0.63, P value<0.001), by particulate matter pollution (r=0.23, P value<0.001), and by household PM2.5 air pollution (r=0.52, P value≤0.001). In contrast, the correlation between ASIR and high temperature (T>25.6°C) (r=-0.27, P value<0.001) is negative and significant. The modeling results showed that particulate matter pollution and O3 pollution and household PM2.5 air pollution which originated from solid fuels are risk factors for thyroid cancer. Therefore, more research in this field is necessary in areas with high levels of air pollution at the national and international levels.

Cytology and Histology of Thyroid Nodules: Exploring Novel Insights in the Molecular Era for Enhanced Patient Management.

Significant advancements have been made over the past decade in our understanding of thyroid cancers, encompassing histomorphology, cytology, and ancillary techniques, particularly molecular tests. As a result, it is now feasible to put forth a comprehensive histo/cytomolecular approach to treating these tumors, thereby offering patients treatments that are precisely tailored to their unique circumstances.

Supraclavicular lymph nodes: An easily accessible site for diagnosis and molecular profiling of malignancies in the era of precision medicine.

BACKGROUND: The supraclavicular lymph node (SCN) is a common metastatic site for malignancies of supra and infra-diaphragmatic origin and is easily accessible for small biopsy and fine needle aspiration (FNA). In this study, the utility of SCN biopsies was analyzed for diagnosis and ancillary studies. METHODS: The electronic pathology archive was searched for cases of FNA of SCNs accompanied by small core biopsies (1/2016-12/2018). The patients' demographics, diagnosis, and ancillary studies were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-eight cases were reviewed (49 females and 39 males), with patients' ages ranging from 23 to 84 years (mean = 52.85 years). Fifty-four (61.4%) specimens were from the left SCN and thirty-four (38.6%) from the right. All FNA cases were performed by a radiologist under ultrasound guidance and rapid on-site evaltion (ROSE) was performed by a cytologist. Nineteen cases (21.6%) were benign and sixty-nine cases were malignant (78.4%). Carcinoma was the most common malignant neoplasm (52.3%) including 38.2% (13/34) of the right SCN and 61.1% (33/54) of the left SCN cases. Metastatic lung and breast adenocarcinomas (9.1% each) were the most common carcinomas overall. Lymphoma was the second most common malignancy (17.0%) including 17.6% (6/34) of the right SCN and 16.7% (9/54) of the left SCN cases. The majority of cases were accomponied by ancillary studies for diagnosis and prognostic markers. Ancillary studies included immunostains (63 cases, 71.6%), PD-L1 testing (21 cases, 23.9%), FISH testing (7 cases, 8.0%), flow cytometry (20 cases, 22.7%) and NGS studies (8 cases, 9.1%). CONCLUSION: Supraclavicular lymph nodes are easily accessible and diagnostically useful sites for detection of malignancies and molecular alterations responsive to targeted or immune therapy.

Metastatic melanoma presenting as rapidly enlarging hepatic cysts.

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive disease with a propensity for metastatic spread. Although recent advances in targeted therapies have improved outcomes, effective screening for metastasis remains an important area of further research. We present a case of a man in his 70s who was recently diagnosed with recurrent, locally advanced melanoma. He presented with abdominal fullness, jaundice, and poor appetite. MR imaging of the abdomen revealed innumerable hepatic cysts with internal fluid-fluid levels which were markedly increased in size and number from recent imaging. These findings necessitated a broad differential that included parasitic or bacterial infection, metastases, or drug-induced polycystic liver disease. Subsequent biopsy revealed metastatic melanoma consistent with the patient's primary tumor. The patient was ultimately transitioned to comfort care measures due to the burden of the liver metastases and passed away shortly after presentation.

Survival rate of ovarian cancer in Asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is amongst one of the most commonly occurring cancers affecting women, and the leading cause of gynecologic related cancer death. Its poor prognosis and high mortality rates can be attributed to the absence of specific signs and symptoms until advance stages, which frequently leads to late diagnosis. Survival rate of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer can be used in order to better assess current standard of care; the aim of this study is to evaluate the survival rate of ovarian cancer patients in Asia. METHODS: Systematic review was performed on articles that were published by the end of August 2021 in five international databases, including Medline / PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality evaluation form was used for cohort studies to evaluate the quality of the articles. The Cochran-Q and I2 tests were used to calculate the heterogeneity of the studies. The Meta-regression analysis was also done according to when the study was published. RESULTS: A total of 667 articles were reviewed, from which 108 were included in this study because they passed the criteria. Based on a randomized model, the survival rates of ovarian cancer after 1, 3 and 5 years were respectively 73.65% (95% CI, 68.66-78.64), 61.31% (95% CI, 55.39-67.23) and 59.60% (95% CI, 56.06-63.13). Additionally, based on meta-regression analysis, there was no relationship between the year of study and survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-year survival rate was higher than that of 3- and 5-year for ovarian cancer. This study provides invaluable information that can not only help establish better standard of care for treatment of ovarian cancer, but also assist in development of superior health interventions for prevention and treatment of the disease.