Apheresis practice variation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare delivery across all specialties including apheresis. To describe the changes in apheresis service practices that occurred during the pandemic, the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Apheresis Medicine Attending Physician Subcommittee conducted a survey study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 32-question survey was designed and distributed to 400 ASFA physician members on September 7, 2022. Attending physicians responded to questions about whether and how apheresis service practices changed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the time period prior to the pandemic in terms of: (1) procedure types and volumes, (2) patient consultation workflow, and (3) the use of telemedicine. Descriptive analyses were reported as number and frequency of responses. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 13.8% (55/400). Of these respondents, 96.4% (53/55) were attending physicians. The majority of respondents (42/53, 79.2%) indicated that the types of procedures performed during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic did not change. Most frequently for apheresis procedure volume, respondents reported: no change in their monthly inpatient volume (21/47, 44.7%) and a decrease in their monthly outpatient volume (28/46, 60.9%). Prior to COVID-19, 75.0% (30/40) of respondents performed consultations at bedside for inpatients and 67.4% (29/43) performed consultations at bedside for outpatients. Bedside consultations decreased in both settings during the pandemic but were still most frequently performed by attending physicians. At the same time, the use of telemedicine increased for 15.4% of survey respondents during COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Some, but not all, respondents observed or made changes to their apheresis service during the COVID-19 pandemic. A subset of changes, such as increased utilization of telemedicine, may persist.

Gender-specific risk factors and outcomes of hyperkalemia in CKD patients: smoking as a driver of hyperkalemia in men.

Background: Hyperkalemia is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but there is scarce information on differential risk factors and outcomes for men and women. For instance, smoking has been suggested to be a risk factor for hyperkalemia, but specific analysis of the sex-specific impact of smoking on hyperkalemia in CKD is lacking. Methods: We studied serum potassium levels in 2891 participants from the NEFRONA cohort: 483 controls (47% women) and 2408 CKD patients (38% women) without prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), assessing whether smoking is a risk factor for hyperkalemia, and if hyperkalemia is associated with outcomes separately for men and women. Results: Median potassium levels and prevalence of hypo and hyperkalemia were higher in CKD participants than in controls. Serum potassium levels were higher and hyperkalemia and severe hyperkalemia more prevalent in men than in women with non-dialysis CKD (G3-G5). The highest prevalence of hyperkalemia for each gender was found in CKD G4-G5 and hemodialysis patients for men (46%) and in hemodialysis (54%) for women. Gender-specific etiological multivariate analysis identified current smoking as a risk factor for hyperkalemia only in men. Hyperkalemia was independently associated with stopping RAASi, an outcome which was more common in women. Hyperkalemia was also associated to higher risk of cardiovascular events within 4 years in men. In conclusion, hyperkalemia is common among men and women with CKD, but the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes may differ by gender. Specifically, current smoking is a driver of hyperkalemia in men.

Pelvic Recovery After Endometrial Cancer Treatment: Patient-Reported Outcomes and MRI Findings.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Most women with endometrial cancer (EC) have an excellent prognosis and may be cured. However, treatment-related pelvic functional impacts may affect long-term quality of life. To better understand these concerns, we explored correlations between patient-reported outcomes and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in women treated for EC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with histologic diagnosis of EC were consented preoperatively and completed the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Index (PFDI) questionnaires at preoperative, 6-week, and 6-month follow-up visits. Pelvic MRIs with dynamic pelvic floor sequences were performed at 6 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 33 women participated in this prospective pilot study. Only 53.7% had been asked about sexual function by providers while 92.4% thought they should have been. Sexual function became more important to women over time. Baseline FSFI was low, declined at 6 weeks, and climbed above baseline at 6 months. Hyperintense vaginal wall signal on T2-weighted images (10.9 vs. 4.8, p = .002) and intact Kegel function (9.8 vs. 4.8, p = .03) were associated with higher FSFI. PFDI scores trended toward improved pelvic floor function over time. Pelvic adhesions on MRI were associated with better pelvic floor function (23.0 vs. 54.9, p = .003). Urethral hypermobility (48.4 vs. 21.7, p = .01), cystocele (65.6 vs. 24.8, p < .0001), and rectocele (58.8 vs. 18.8, p < .0001) predicted worse pelvic floor function. CONCLUSION: Use of pelvic MRI to quantify anatomic and tissue changes may facilitate risk stratification and response assessment for pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction. Patients articulated the need for attention to these outcomes during EC treatment.

Serum Phosphate Levels Modify the Impact of FGF23 Levels on Hemoglobin in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Anemia is a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) have a close relationship, as both are related to the pathogenesis of anemia. However, the possible interplay between them regarding their effect on anemia has not been evaluated. This was a cross-sectional study of 896 participants from the NEFRONA study (273 CKD3, 246 CKD4-5, 282 dialysis and 95 controls). The levels of 25(OH) and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, intact FGF23 (iFGF23) and soluble Klotho were measured, together with standard blood biochemistries. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels < 13 g/dL in men and <12 g/dL in women. Patients with anemia (407, 45.4%) were younger, mostly men and diabetic; were in advanced CKD stages; had lower calcium, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D and albumin levels; and had higher ferritin, phosphate, intact PTH, and iFGF23. An inverse correlation was observed between hemoglobin and both iFGF23 and phosphate. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the adjusted risk of anemia was independently associated with higher serum phosphate and LogiFGF23 levels (ORs (95% CIs) of 4.33 (2.11−8.90) and 8.75 (3.17−24.2), respectively (p < 0.001)). A significant interaction between phosphate and iFGF23 (OR of 0.66 (0.53−0.83), p < 0.001) showed that the rise in the adjusted predicted risk of anemia with the increase in iFGF23 was steeper when phosphate levels were low. Phosphate levels acted as modifiers of the effect of iFGF23 concentration on anemia. Thus, the effect of the increase in iFGF23 levels was stronger when phosphate levels were low.

Features of burnout amongst pathologists: A reassessment.

There has been little rigorous assessment of burnout among pathologists and pathology trainees. Given this relative dearth of relevant literature on pathologist burnout, this report aims to raise awareness of the issue among those working in and around this specialty. Our results are based on a survey given in conjunction with the American Board of Pathology's (ABPath) biennial Continuing Certification (CC) reporting of activities required of diplomates to maintain certification. The survey was voluntary, open to all diplomates participating in CC, and conducted over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), with alternate years comprising different sets of diplomates. The data are based on 1256 respondents (820 from 2019 to 436 from 2020). The three highest aggregate reported rates of burnout (reported as experienced nearly all of the time, most of the time, or part of the time) occurred when respondents were in their first year of residency training (41.1%) and when they were in (47.6%) and beyond (46.6%) their first three years of practice. We considered this high-low-high, or U-shaped distribution in recollected burnout over time among pathologists a notable finding and investigated its distribution among respondents. Conversely at every point in their training and practice, from half to three-quarters of respondents reported never or infrequently experiencing burnout. This study represents the largest pathologist cohort survey to date about pathologists' burnout. Importantly, especially for those considering pathology as a career, these data are on the low end of the distribution of burnout among specialties for those in practice.

CD44-negative parietal-epithelial cell staining in minimal change disease: association with clinical features, response to corticosteroids and kidney outcome.

BACKGROUND: Activation of parietal-epithelial cells (PECs) with neo-expression of CD44 has been found to play a relevant role in the development of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The aim of this study was to analyse whether the expression of CD44 by PECs in biopsies of minimal change disease (MCD) is associated with the response to corticosteroids, with kidney outcomes and/or can be considered an early sign of FSGS. METHODS: This multicentric, retrospective study included paediatric and adult patients with MCD. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data were recorded, and biopsies were stained with anti-CD44 antibodies. The association between PECs, CD44 expression and the response to corticosteroids, and kidney outcomes were analysed using logistic, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included: 35 (65%) <18 years and 19 (35%) adults. Mean follow-up was 68.3 ± 37.9 months. A total of 19/54 patients (35.2%) showed CD44-positive staining. CD44-positive patients were younger (14.5 ± 5 versus 21.5 ± 13, P = 0.006), and showed a higher incidence of steroid-resistance [11/19 (57.8%) versus 7/35 (20%), P = 0.021; odds ratio: 5.5 (95% confidence interval 1.6-18), P = 0.007] and chronic kidney disease [9/19 (47.3%) versus 6/35 (17.1%), P = 0.021; relative risk: 3.01 (95% confidence interval 1.07-8.5), P = 0.037]. Follow-up re-biopsies of native kidneys (n = 18), identified FSGS lesions in 10/12 (83.3%) of first-biopsy CD44-positive patients versus 1/6 (16.7%) of first-biopsy CD44-negative patients (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a light microscopy pattern of MCD, CD44-positive staining of PECs is associated with a higher prevalence of steroid resistance and worse kidney outcomes, and can be considered an early sign of FSGS.

Compatibility of prolonged infusion antibiotics during Y-site administration.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to global public health. The use of prolonged infusions in the hospital setting for certain antimicrobials is widely increasing in order to improve their efficacy and safety, including resistance development. Due to limited vascular access, it is important to clarify whether they can be infused through the same line with other drugs during Y-site administration. AIM: The aim of this review is to update and summarize the evidence on Y-site compatibility of antibacterial agents administered as prolonged infusions in intensive care units (ICUs). STUDY DESIGN: A literature review of PubMed, EMBASE and Trissel's Handbook on Injectable Drugs databases was conducted on the compatibility of selected antimicrobials administered simultaneously at a Y-site connection with parenteral nutrition and other widely used drugs in ICUs. All articles published up to October 30, 2021, in English or Spanish were included, regardless of the type of publication (original articles, case reports, letters, etc.). Eligible antimicrobials were those that can be administered as prolonged infusions: ceftazidime, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftaroline, cloxacillin, ceftobiprole, vancomycin and fosfomycin. RESULTS: A total of 1302 drug-to-drug potential combinations were explored, 196 (15.05%) were found to be incompatible, and in 541 (41.55%), data were not available. The results were presented in a simple 2-dimensional consultation chart as a quick reference for health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides useful and reliable information on the compatibility of antimicrobials administered as Y-site infusion with other drugs commonly used in the critical setting. This review contributes to patient safety in nursing practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To our knowledge, this is the first review on Y-site compatibility of antimicrobials used as prolonged infusions with other commonly used drugs, including anti-emetics, analgesics and anti-epileptic and parenteral nutrition. The results of the current review need to be addressed to promote the knowledge sharing between health professionals and improve the quality and safety of patients. We believe that this review may serve as a simple and effective 2-dimensional updated drug-to-drug compatibility reference chart for critical care nurses.

Relationship between immunoglobulin A1 lectin-binding specificities, mesangial C4d deposits and clinical phenotypes in immunoglobulin A nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: The reason why mesangial C4d deposits are detected in only certain biopsies of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IGAN) remains unclear. We analyse the association between IgA glycosylation patterns, mesangial C4 deposition and clinical phenotypes in IgAN. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 145 patients with idiopathic IgAN. We measured the serum levels of three different IgA1 lectin-binding specificities using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with and without treatment with neuraminidase and we analysed the relationship between these glycoforms, C4d mesangial deposits and clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: C4d-positive versus Cd4-negative patients had higher proteinuria [median 3.1 g/g (0.9-4.2) versus 1.8 (1-2.2); P = 0.000], haematuria [223 cells/µL (32-278) versus 99 (25-186); P = 0.000] and higher levels of IgA binding to neuraminidase untreated Helix aspersa (HA IgA1 neu-; 150.6 ± 52 U versus 96.2 ± 64.1; P = 0.000), neuraminidase untreated Helix pomatia (HPA IgA1 neu-; 0.34 ± 0.15 U versus 0.27 ± 0.13; P = 0.04), Triticum vulgaris (TV IgA1; 85.1 ± 31.7 U versus 42.2 ± 26.9; P = 0.000) and Canavalia ensiformis (ConA IgA1; 32.5 ± 18 U versus 16.7 ± 9.38; P = 0.000). The levels of HA IgA1 neu-, HPA IgA1 neu-, TV IgA1 and ConA IgA1 were all associated with the mesangial deposition of C4d, extracapillary proliferation and acute kidney injury. In receiver operating characteristics curves, HA IgA1 neu-, HPA IgA1 neu-, TV IgA1 and ConA IgA1 significantly discriminated between C4d-positive ad C4d-negative biopsies. In logistics models, TV IgA1 and ConA IgA1 were the only independent predictors of mesangial C4d deposits. CONCLUSIONS: In IgAN, the severity of the disease is associated with the level of IgA exposing N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine or mannose, whereas C4d deposits are only associated with elevated levels of IgA1 glycoforms exhibiting glycan residues with specificity for mannose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine binding lectins.

Apheresis physician well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional stressors on physician lives. In this study, we report findings from a survey conducted among attending physician (AP) members of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) to elucidate the status of their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as resources provided or actions taken by their institutions and themselves personally to maintain or improve their well-being. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 17-question, voluntary, IRB-approved survey regarding well-being was distributed to the ASFA AP members between August 26, 2020 and September 16, 2020. The descriptive analyses were reported as number and frequency of respondents for each question. Non-parametric chi-square tests, ANOVA, and paired t-tests were performed to determine differences in categorical variables, changes in well-being scores, and compare time points, respectively. RESULTS: Based on the responses of 70 attending level physicians representing the United States (U.S., 53, 75.7%) and outside the U.S. (17, 24.3%), the following were observed: (1) COVID-19 negatively affects the well-being of a sub-population of APs, (2) neither institutional nor individual measures to improve well-being completely resolved the problem of decreased AP well-being during the pandemic, and (3) personal actions may be superior to institutional resources. CONCLUSION: There is a widespread decline in AP well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic that was not adequately improved by institutional or personal resources/actions taken. Institutions and physicians must work together to implement strategies including resources and actions that could further improve AP physician well-being during a public health crisis.

Association between urinary biomarkers and disease progression in adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) is considered as the best predictor of kidney function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), but its limited predictive capacity stresses the need to find new biomarkers of ADPKD progression. The aim of this study was to investigate urinary biomarkers of ADPKD progression. METHODS: This observational study included ADPKD patients, and two comparator groups of ischaemic and non-ischaemic kidney injury: benign nephroangiosclerosis patients and non-ischaemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Proteinuria, htTKV and urinary levels of molecules are associated with ischaemia and/or tubular injury. The slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used as a dependent variable in univariate and multivariate models of kidney function decline. RESULTS: The study included 130 patients with ADPKD, 55 with nephroangiosclerosis and 40 with non-ischaemic CKD. All patients had increased urinary concentrations of biomarkers associated with tubular lesions (liver fatty acid-binding protein, kidney injury molecule-1, ß2-microglobulin) and molecules overexpressed under ischaemic conditions [hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)]. These biomarkers correlated positively with htTKV and negatively with the eGFR slope. htTKV was the single best predictor of the eGFR slope variability in univariate analyses. However, a multivariate model including urinary levels of ß2-microglobulin, MCP-1 and VEGF improved the capacity to predict the decline of eGFR in ADPKD patients compared with htTKV alone. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary levels of molecules associated with either renal ischaemia (VEGF and MCP-1) or tubular damage (ß2-microglobulin) are associated with renal function deterioration in ADPKD patients, and are, therefore, candidates as biomarkers of ADPKD progression.

Analytical and Biological Variability of Urinary Epidermal Growth Factor-to-Creatinine Ratio in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Urinary levels of epidermal growth factor to creatinine ratio are considered as an early predictor of interstitial kidney fibrosis but so far no data are available on their biological variation (BV) and derived parameters. The aim of this study is to determine the BV of epidermal growth factor to creatinine ratio in patients with chronic kidney disease and in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 150 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 150 healthy volunteers (HV). In both groups, spot second-morning urine samples were collected once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Measurements of EGF were done by ELISA and expressed as EGF/creatinine ratio. The components of BV, individuality index (II), and reference change values (RCV) were calculated. RESULTS: The analytical coefficient of variation (CVa) of EGF/creatinine ratio was 3.8% in patients with CKD and 3.9% in HV. The within-patient variation coefficient (CVw) was 11.2% in CKD and 12.1% in HV. The between-patient coefficient of variation (CVg) was 34% in CKD and 22% in HV. In both groups, CVa met the optimum analytical quality specifications for imprecision, since it was lower than 25% of CVw. There were no significant differences between CKD and HV in the analytical or in the within-patient variances of the EGF/creatinine ratio. The between-patient EGF/creatinine ratio variance was significantly higher in patients with CKD than in HV (F: 48.3, p: 0.000). The EGF/creatinine ratio showed an individuality index (II) of 0.3 in CKD and 0.5 in HV. The reference change value (RCV) was 29.2% in CKD and 31.6% in HV. CONCLUSIONS: The CVa associated with the measurement techniques used in our study meets the optimal criteria of analytical imprecision. The urine EGF/creatinine ratio shows a high index of individuality both in patients with CKD and in HV, so the comparison of an isolated value with a reference interval is of little use. In the monitoring of repeated levels in the same individual or patient, the changes can only be considered significant when they are greater than 30% in relation to the previous values.

Complement Activation and Thrombotic Microangiopathies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy caused by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. There is evidence showing complement activation in other thrombotic microangiopathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate complement activation in different thrombotic microangiopathies and to monitor treatment response. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Complement activation was assessed by exposing endothelial cells to sera or activated-patient plasma-citrated plasma mixed with a control sera pool (1:1)-to analyze C5b-9 deposits by immunofluorescence. Patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (n=34) at different stages of the disease, HELLP syndrome (a pregnancy complication characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) or severe preeclampsia (n=10), and malignant hypertension (n=5) were included. RESULTS: Acute phase atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome-activated plasma induced an increased C5b-9 deposition on endothelial cells. Standard and lower doses of eculizumab inhibited C5b-9 deposition in all patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, except in two who showed partial remission and clinical relapse. Significant fibrin formation was observed together with C5b-9 deposition. Results obtained using activated-plasma samples were more marked and reproducible than those obtained with sera. C5b-9 deposition was also increased with samples from patients with HELLP (all cases) and preeclampsia (90%) at disease onset. This increase was sustained in those with HELLP after 40 days, and levels normalized in patients with both HELLP and preeclampsia after 6-9 months. Complement activation in those with malignant hypertension was at control levels. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methodology identifies complement overactivation in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome at acute phase and in other diseases such as HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia. Moreover, it is sensitive enough to individually assess the efficiency of the C5 inhibition treatment.

Accuracy of Urinary Epidermal Growth Factor to Creatinine Ratio to Predict 24-Hour Urine Epidermal Growth Factor and Interstitial Kidney Fibrosis in Patients with IgA Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Urinary levels of EGF may be a noninvasive biomarker of the degree of interstitial fibrosis. However, all the available data are based on studies that examined the EGF/creatinine ratio in spot urine samples. The agreement between EGF/creatinine ratio and 24-hours EGF excretion has not been analyzed, neither has it been established which of these two measurements is a better predictor of the degree of interstitial fibrosis. To investigate whether the EGF/creatinine ratio can predict 24-hours EGF, and which of these two measures is a better predictor of interstitial fibrosis in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 80 patients with IgAN. EGF levels were measured by ELISA in spot second-morning and 24-hours urine samples. We analyzed the concordance between these two measures and their respective ability to predict interstitial kidney fibrosis. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient between 24-hours and spot EGF/creatinine was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.54 - 0.70), bias was 2.7 µg/mL (95% CI: 2.1 - 7.5). Passing-Bablok regression did not show a significant deviation from linearity (p = 0.72). Bland-Altman showed a systematic and proportional error between both EGF measures. Spot EGF/creatinine ratios overestimated the 24-hours EGF at low excretion values and underestimated it at high excretion values. In univariate analyses, 24-hours excretion of EGF was a better predictor of interstitial fibrosis than spot EGF/creatinine ratio (R2: 0.43 vs. 0.30, p = 0.000). In multivariate analyses, the 24-hours excretion of EGF plus GFR, significantly improved the prediction of interstitial fibrosis when compared with GFR alone (R2: 0.52 vs. 0.39, p = 0.000). When spot-urine EGF was introduced instead of the 24-hours excretion, the model was statistically significant but had a lower predictive capacity (R2: 0.46 spot EGF/creatinine vs. R2: 0.52 24-hours EGF excretion, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The 24-hours excretion of EGF should be considered as the first-choice measure to estimate the interstitial fibrosis. The EGF/creatinine ratio cannot accurately estimate the total EGF excretion of but it also improves the estimation of the fibrosis surface, and, consequently, could be an alternative whenever 24-hours urine samples cannot be obtained.

A Strategy for Wellness in a Pathology Residency Program: Enhancing Chances of Success During an Epidemic of Burnout.

Physician burnout is a national crisis with medicine among occupations with higher suicide risk, at 1.8 times the national average. Few pathology departments address this issue, and even fewer residency programs offer formal resiliency training. We implemented a high-stress environment resiliency strategy and an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-compliant curriculum to our residency program. Its purpose was to apply initiatives employed in the finance industry, then to measure their effectiveness. Utilizing methods from financial companies such as Goldman Sachs, we adopted the following initiatives in our residency program: (1) approach burnout as a dilemma requiring a tridimensional strategy: providing wellness training for the individual, programmatic group strategies, and an institutional wellness plan; (2) formalize a wellness curriculum, implementing wellness talks focused on stress prevention, management, and treatment; (3) offer free sessions with resilience coaches, psychological help, Employee Assistance Program, and chaplain services; (4) modify our mentorship program, pairing first-year residents with senior residents; (5) implement mindfulness practices; (6) provide easy access to volunteer opportunities and networking; (7) offer fitness center discounts. Effectiveness was measured through 2 surveys of 13 residents representing day 0 (before wellness initiatives were implemented) and at 1 year. Results indicate a significant improvement in utilization of wellness tools. This study demonstrates that wellness and resilience can be taught. Our ultimate goals are to increase wellness among pathology residents, to prepare them for a high-stress environment before entering the workforce, and to prepare them to incorporate the tools they have learned into their new workplaces.

Environmental Impacts of Abdominal Imaging: A Pilot Investigation.

PURPOSE: Clinical decision making regarding the use of imaging is appropriately centered on diagnostic efficacy and individual patient factors. However, health policy and imaging guidelines may incorporate other inputs, such as cost-effectiveness and patient preference. In the context of climate change and resource scarcity, the environmental impacts of imaging modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI will also become relevant. The purpose of this study was to estimate the environmental impacts of various abdominal imaging examinations. METHODS: Using commercially available software (SimaPro) and data from user manuals and field experts, a streamlined life cycle assessment was performed to estimate multifactorial environmental impacts of the production and use of ultrasound, CT, and MRI per abdominal imaging examination. RESULTS: Ultrasound consumed less energy in both production and use phases (7.8 and 10.3 MJ/examination, respectively) than CT (58.9 and 41.1 MJ/examination) or MRI (93.2 and 216 MJ/examination). Ultrasound emitted fewer CO2 equivalents in production and use phases (0.5 and 0.65 kg/examination) than CT (4.0 and 2.61 kg/examination) or MRI (6.0 and 13.72 kg/examination). Potential human health effects from pollutant emissions were found to be smallest with ultrasound in both production and use phases. CONCLUSIONS: Among the three imaging modalities, ultrasound was found to have the least environmental impact, by one or more orders of magnitude in various domains. This analysis provides an initial framework for comparing environmental impacts across imaging modalities, which may provide useful inputs for cost-effectiveness analyses and policymaking.

Complete and Durable Responses in Primary Central Nervous System Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder with Zidovudine, Ganciclovir, Rituximab, and Dexamethasone.

Purpose: Primary central nervous system posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) is a complication of solid organ transplantation with a poor prognosis and typically associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We hypothesized EBV lytic-phase protein expression would allow successful treatment with antiviral therapy.Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients were treated with zidovudine (AZT), ganciclovir (GCV), dexamethasone, and rituximab in EBV+ PCNS-PTLD. Twice-daily, intravenous AZT 1,500 mg, GCV 5 mg/kg, and dexamethasone 10 mg were given for 14 days. Weekly rituximab 375 mg/m2 was delivered for the first 4 weeks. Twice-daily valganciclovir 450 mg and AZT 300 mg started day 15. Lytic and latent protein expression was assessed using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblot assay assessed lytic gene activation. Cells transfected with lytic kinase vectors were assessed for sensitivity to our therapy using MTS tetrazolium and flow cytometry.Results: The median time to response was 2 months. Median therapy duration was 26.5 months. Median follow-up was 52 months. The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) was 76.9% (95% CI, 44.2%-91.9%). Overall response rate (ORR) was 92% (95% CI, 64%-100%). BXLF1/vTK and BGLF4 expression was found in the seven tumor biopsies evaluated. Lytic gene expression was induced in vitro using the four-drug regimen. Transfection with viral kinase cDNA increased cellular sensitivity to antiviral therapy.Conclusions: EBV+ PCNS-PTLD expressed lytic kinases and therapy with AZT, GCV, rituximab and dexamethasone provided durable responses. Induction of the lytic protein expression and increased cellular sensitivity to antiviral therapy after transfection with viral kinase cDNA provides a mechanistic rationale for our approach. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3273-81. ©2018 AACR.

High Levels of Hemoglobin Promote Carotid Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Neoangiogenesis in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, characterized by traditional and nontraditional risk factors, are prone to develop atheromatosis and thus cardiovascular events and mortality. The angiogenesis of the adventitial vasa vasorum (aVV) surrounding the carotid has been described as the atheromatosis initiator. Therefore, the aim of the study was to (1) evaluate if the carotid aVV in CKD patients increases in comparison to its physiological value of healthy patients; (2) explore which traditional or nontraditional risk factor including inflammation, bone and mineral metabolism, and anemia could be related to the aVV angiogenesis. CKD patients without previous cardiovascular events (44, stages 3-4; 37, stage 5D) and 65 healthy subjects were compared. The carotid aVV and the intima-media thickness (cIMT) were evaluated by ultrasound. CKD patients at stages 3-4 showed higher aVV of the right carotid artery even after adjusting for age. Importantly, a multiple linear regression model showed hemoglobin levels > 12.5 g/dL as the factor for an estimated higher aVV of the right carotid artery. In conclusion, the association of hemoglobin with higher aVV could suggest the role of high hemoglobin in the higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients.

Community management of lactational mastitis and/or breast abscess: a retrospective audit.

Lactational mastitis has an incidence of around 10 per cent in postpartum women, with breast abscess complicating some of these.The key principles of treatment include: supportive counselling, warm or cold compresses, effective milk removal, oral antibiotic therapy and symptomatic treatment. Patients can be managed in the community setting; however many present to hospital. The aim of this research was to establish which areas of clinical practice can be improved to reduce hospital admission rates. Sequential cases of lactation mastitis or breast abscess admitted to hospital over two years were reviewed, and it was found that the majority of patients attending the emergency department for management self-presented. There were low rates of utilisation of available community resources. There was poor patient knowledge of the natural history and simple management strategies for the condition. Midwives can play a vital role in educating new mothers and providing advice and support for non-pharmacological therapies.