Prognostic value of cytology, nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) test, and urinary bladder cancer II (UBC II) test in early recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

This study addresses the diagnostic value of the Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 (NMP22) test and the Urinary Bladder Cancer (UBC II) test, in comparison to bladder wash cytology for the detection of early recurrence of bladder cancer. Patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC, n = 60) and patients with benign urological diseases (n = 30) were included in this study. Voided urine samples were divided into 2 aliquots: aliquot 1 was assayed for NMP22 and aliquot 2 was tested for UBC II. Saline bladder washings were used for cytologic examination. Urine samples from TCC patients were collected before transurethral resection and on postoperative day 10. On day 10, 15 NMP22 results and 7 UBC II results exceeded the normal ranges; 4 of the cytology samples were positive for malignancy. Based on cystoscopic findings at 3 mo post-resection, 21 of the cases were classified as early recurrence; 11 of the early recurrences had been in the elevated NMP22 group, 4 in the elevated UBC II group, and 3 in the positive cytology group at 10 days post-resection. The NMP22 test gave the highest sensitivity for detecting early recurrent tumors (11 of 21, 52%). Such high sensitivity did not occur with the UBC II test (4 of 21, 19%) or cytology (3 of 21, 14%). These differences were significant (p = 0.024 and 0.009, respectively). Thus, the NMP22 test showed superiority over the other tests for detection of early recurrence of bladder cancer.     

Generation of normative pediatric skull models for use in cranial vault remodeling procedures

Purpose  

While the goal of craniofacial reconstruction surgery is to restore the cranial head shape as much towards normal as possible, for the individual patient, there is, in fact, no normal three-dimensional (3D) model to act as a guide. In this project, we generated a library of normative pediatric skulls from which a guiding template could be fabricated for a more standardized, objective and precise correction of craniosynostosis.     

A plague passing over: Clinical features of the 2022 mpox outbreak in patients of color living with HIV

Introduction

Compared with previous geographically localized outbreaks of monkeypox (MPOX), the scale of the 2022 global mpox outbreak has been unprecedented, yet the clinical features of this outbreak remain incompletely characterized.

Methods

We identified patients diagnosed with mpox by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; n = 36) from July to September 2022 at a single, tertiary care institution in the USA. Demographics, clinical presentation, infection course, and histopathologic features were reviewed.

Results and Conclusion

Men who have sex with men (89%) and people living with HIV (97%) were disproportionately affected. While fever and chills (56%) were common, some patients (23%) denied any prodromal symptoms. Skin lesions showed a wide range of morphologies, including papules and pustules, and lesions showed localized, not generalized, spread. Erythema was also less appreciable in skin of colour patients (74%). Atypical clinical features and intercurrent skin diseases masked the clinical recognition of several cases, which were ultimately diagnosed by PCR. Biopsies showed viral cytopathic changes consistent with Orthopoxvirus infections. All patients in this case series recovered without complications, although six patients (17%) with severe symptoms were treated with tecovirimat without complication.     

Erythrodermic flare‐up of psoriasis with COVID‐19 infection: A report of two cases and a comprehensive review of literature focusing on the mutual effect of psoriasis and COVID‐19 on each other along with the special challenges of the pandemic

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been extra challenging for patients with chronic diseases. Psoriasis is one of the chronic conditions that its treatment mostly relies on immunosuppressants. In this study, we report two cases with a long history of psoriasis that COVID‐19 infection caused them to undergo erythrodermic psoriasis.