Subtyping of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms – pitfalls of MUC1 immunohistochemistry

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Current edition of WHO Classification of Tumors of the Digestive System recognizes four different subtypes (gastric, intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and oncocytic) and recommends analysis of mucin expression (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6) as well as evaluation of architectural and cell differentiation patterns for correct classification. However, there is no consensus on MUC1 expression of IPMN‐lesions in the literature. Current recommendations are based on studies where antibodies against the core MUC1 protein or sialylated MUC1 (tumor associated MUC1), not the fully glycosylated MUC1 were used. We have recently reported that MUC1 is strongly expressed in both gastric and intestinal types IPMN specimens from the cystic wall, obtained by endoscopic ultrasound guided microbiopsy procedure. We have used a commercial MUC1 antibody, validated and recommended for diagnostic use, which recognizes fully glycosylated MUC1. Based on the above, we propose a revision of the WHO Classification, specifying that antibodies against tumor associated MUC1 should be used for IPMN subtyping.     

Intravascular Ultrasound for Evaluation of Left Gonadal Vein Anatomic Variations During Coil Embolization

We illustrate the intravascular ultrasound (US) findings in the evaluation of left gonadal vein anatomic variations. During a 2‐year period, 4 consecutive patients (mean age, 37 years; range, 28–45 years) with left‐sided varicocele underwent embolization. Intravascular US examinations and retrograde venography were performed to assess varicocele anatomy. Anatomic variants were recorded and categorized. A comparison between intravascular US and fluoroscopic findings was performed. The Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis (P < .05). Technical success was achieved in all cases. There was a statistically significant difference in the maximum gonadal vein diameter between venography and intravascular US (P = .0087). Intravascular US showed left gonadal vein anatomic variations and better ability in the evaluation of the vein diameter.     

Overweight/Obesity and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance

BackgroundObesity and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased incidence of multiple myeloma (MM). MM usually evolves from a precursor asymptomatic disease, namely monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS progresses to MM at a 1% annual rate; however, risk factors predisposing to MGUS are not completely understood. We conducted a systematic review to assess the relationship between obesity and high BMI with MGUS prevalence and progression to MM. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review evaluating the role of obesity in MGUS.Patients and MethodsWe searched the Medline database and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies investigating BMI and obesity association with MGUS incidence and progression. The algorithm consisted of a predefined combination of the words “obesity,” “obese,” “body mass index,” “overweight,” “diet,” “nutrition,” “food,” “dietary,” “adiponectin,” “monoclonal gammopathy,” and “MGUS”.ResultsOverall, 12 articles were retrieved, including 11 eligible articles and 1 clinical trial. More than 57,068 patients were evaluated in this systematic review. Discrepancies between the identified studies were noted. Multiple studies support the notion that obesity or high BMI are positively linked to MGUS prevalence and transition to MM. In contrast, other studies revealed no such association. Visceral adipose tissue metabolic activity and decreased adiponectin concentrations were identified as biomarkers of MGUS progression to MM.ConclusionObesity and increased BMI seem to be implicated both in MGUS development and progression to MM. Further studies should be designed to confirm this hypothesis.     

Surgical oncology during the post-COVID-19 era: What is next?

During first outburst of COVID-19, several strategies had been applied for surgical oncology patients to minimize COVID-19 transmission. COVID-19 infection seemed to compromise survival and major complication rates of surgical oncology patients. However, survival, tumor progression and recurrence rates of surgical oncology patients were associated to the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on their management. In addition, the severity of COVID-19 infections has been downgraded. Therefore, management of surgical oncology patients should be reconsidered.     

Uric acid and incident chronic kidney disease in dyslipidemic individuals

Background: Elevated uric acid (UA) is a recognized risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate whether this association exists in dyslipidemic patients receiving multifactorial treatment.

Methods: An observational study conducted in Greece including 1,269 dyslipidemic individuals followed-up in a lipid clinic for ≥3 years. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by CKD-EPI equation and CKD was defined as ≤60?mL/min/1.73 m². The correlation was assessed between UA levels and the CKD risk after adjusting for potential confounding factors, after defining the following UA quartiles: Q1: ?6?mg/dL.

Results: After excluding patients with baseline eGFR <60?mL/min/1.73 m², gout and those taking UA-lowering drugs, 1,095 individuals were eligible; of those, 91% and 69% were treated with statins and anti-hypertensive drugs, respectively. During their follow-up (6 years; IQR?=?4–10), 11.9% of the subjects developed CKD, whereas the median annual eGFR decline was 0.69?mL/min/1.73 m² (IQR?=?0.45–2.33). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline UA levels (HR?=?1.26; 95% CI?=?1.09–1.45, p?=?.001), female gender (HR?=?1.74; 95% CI?=?1.14–2.65, p?=?.01), age (HR?=?1.10; 95% CI?=?1.07–1.12, p?p?=?.03), cardiovascular disease (HR?=?1.62; 95% CI?=?1.02–2.58, p?=?.04), decreased baseline renal function (eGFR <90?mL/min/1.73 m²) (HR?=?2.38; 95% CI?=?1.14–4.81, p?=?.02), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction (HR?=?0.995; 95% CI?=?0.991–0.998, p?=?.01) were associated with incident CKD. Additionally, patients with UA ≥6?mg/dL exhibited a higher risk of incident CKD compared with those in the lowest UA quartile (HR?=?2.01; 95% CI?=?1.11–3.65, p?=?.02).

Conclusion: Higher UA levels are correlated with a higher risk of incident CKD in dyslipidemic individuals taking multifactorial treatment.     

Sealing ability of thermoplasticized gutta-percha in root canal obturation using a sectional vs. a single-phase technique

Abstract Properly prepared straight root canals of freshly extracted maxillary canines and central incisors were used to evaluate the sealing ability of the sectional thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturation technique, with or without sealer and the single-phase thermoplasticized gutta-percha filling technique. The teeth were divided into 3 groups (A, B, C) of 20 teeth and were obturated using the 3 thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques. Group A: single phase with sealer; group B: sectional technique without sealer; and group C: sectional technique with sealer. The obturated teeth were immersed in India ink for 3 days followed by clearing procedures. The teeth were then examined under a stereo microscope and the linear leakage was recorded. Statistical unpaired Student's t-tests showed significantly less dye penetration in teeth obturated using the sectional technique with sealer (group C) than in teeth obturated with the single-phase technique with sealer (group A) or the sectional technique without sealer (group B).     

Comparison of Gastrojejunal Anastomosis Techniques in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Gastrojejunal Stricture Rate and Effect on Subsequent Weight Loss

Background

Different gastrojejunal anastomotic (GJA) techniques have been described in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). There is conflicting data on whether one technique is superior to the other. We aimed to compare hand-sewn (HSA), circular-stapled (CSA) and linear-stapled (LSA) anastomotic techniques in terms of stricture rates and their impact on subsequent weight loss.

Methods

A prospectively collected database was used to identify patients undergoing LRYGB surgery between March 2005 and May 2012. Anastomotic technique (HSA, CSA, LSA) was performed according to individual surgeon preference. The database recorded patient demographics, relevant comorbidities and the type of GJA performed. Serial weight measurements and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) were available at defined follow-up intervals.

Results

Included in the data were 426 patients, divided between HSA (n?=?174, 40.8 %), CSA (n?=?110, 25.8 %) and LSA (n?=?142, 33.3 %). There was no significant difference in the stricture rates (HSA n?=?17, 9.72 %; CSA n?=?9, 8.18 %; LSA n?=?8, 5.63 %; p?=?0.4006). Weight loss was similar between the three techniques (HSA, CSA and LSA) at 3 months (40.6 %?±?16.2 % vs 35.92 %?±?21.42 % vs 48.21 %?±?14.79 %; p?=?0.0821), 6 months (61.48 %?±?23.94 % vs 58.16 %?±?27.31 % vs 60.18 %?±?22.26 %; p?=?0.2296), 12 months (72.94 %?±?19.93 % vs 69.72?±?21.42 % vs 66.05 %?±?17.75 %; p?=?0.0617) and 24 months (73.29 %?±?22.31 % vs 68.75 %?±?24.71 % vs 69.40 %?±?23.10 %; p?=?0.7242), respectively. The stricture group lost significantly greater weight (%EWL) within the first 3 months compared to the non-stricture group (45.39 %?±?16.82 % vs 39.22 %?±?21.93 %; p?=?0.0340); however, this difference had resolved at 6 months (61.29 %?±?18.50 % vs 59.79 %?±?23.03 %; p?=?0.8802) and 12 months (71.59 %?±?18.67 % vs 68.69 %?±?22.19 %; p?=?0.5970).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the rate of strictures between the three techniques, although the linear technique appears to have the lowest requirement for post-operative dilatation. The re-intervention rate will, in part, be dictated by the threshold for endoscopy, which will vary between units. Weight loss was similar between the three anastomotic techniques. Surgeons should use techniques that they are most familiar with, as stricture and weight loss rates are not significantly different.