Emperipolesis and S100 expression may be seen in cutaneous xanthogranulomas: A multi‐institutional observation

Cutaneous Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD) can be difficult to distinguish from other non‐Langerhans cell histiocytoses, particularly xanthogranuloma (XG). Pathologists use S100 immunoreactivity, abundant plasma cells, and the presence of emperipolesis to distinguish RDD from XG. However, S100 expression has been reported in XG and, in practice, we have occasionally observed emperipolesis in cases that were otherwise clinically and pathologically consistent with XG. We present 10 cases of XG with emperipolesis and variable S100 immunoreactivity. Histologically, 7 cases were most in keeping with XG, and a histologic differential of XG versus RDD was raised in the remaining 3 cases. All 10 cases were clinically consistent with XG. Notably, none of these cases showed abundant plasma cells. Nine cases showed variable S100 immunostaining, ranging from focal/weak expression, to focal/strong, diffuse/moderate, and diffuse/strong expression. Histiocytes in all cases were CD68 positive and CD1a negative. We conclude that emperipolesis and S100 expression in a skin biopsy cannot reliably distinguish XG from cutaneous manifestations of RDD. Clinical correlations are essential, as are histologic clues to a diagnosis of classic XG that include an abundance of foamy mononuclear cells, Touton giant cells, and an absence of pale‐stained histiocytes, abundant plasma cells, fibrosis, or vascular proliferation.     

3DTEE imaging of a descending aorta floating thrombus in a patient with calciphylaxis

We present a case of a 68‐year‐old man with calciphylaxis, who was found to have a floating thrombus in the descending aorta on a transesophageal echocardiogram. The use of 3D echocardiography demonstrated nicely the free motion of the thrombus, emerging from an atherosclerotic plaque in the descending aorta. Anticoagulation was started for thromboembolism prevention.     

Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin in patients with two or more unsuccessful IVF/ICSI cycles: a multicenter cohort study

To compare the effects of the administration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in subfertile patients with two or more unsuccessful IVF/ICSI cycles. In this six-center two-arm retrospective cohort study, the study population (230 women) underwent a GnRH-antagonist protocol and was classified into two groups, according to the couse of LMWH or not. Groups were compared regarding the clinical and IVF/ICSI cycle characteristics and reproductive outcomes, whereas clinical pregnancy and miscarriage constituted the primary endpoints. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the potential predictors of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates using the Enter method. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups with regard neither to clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates (33/133 vs. 20/97, p?=?.456 and 15/133 vs. 9/97, p?=?.624, respectively), nor to the secondary outcomes preset for this study (all p values?>.05). Logistic regression revealed that age of the woman and ICSI and dose of gonadotrophins used were predictors of clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively. In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the standard addition of LMWH in patients with two or more unsuccessful IVF/ICSI cycles.     

Are computational applications the “crystal ball” in the IVF laboratory? The evolution from mathematics to artificial intelligence

Mathematics rules the world of science. Innovative technologies based on mathematics have paved the way for implementation of novel strategies in assisted reproduction. Ascertaining efficient embryo selection in order to secure optimal pregnancy rates remains the focus of the in vitro fertilization scientific community and the strongest driver behind innovative approaches. This scoping review aims to describe and analyze complex models based on mathematics for embryo selection, devices, and software most widely employed in the IVF laboratory and algorithms in the service of the cutting-edge technology of artificial intelligence. Despite their promising nature, the practicing embryologist is the one ultimately responsible for the success of the IVF laboratory and thus the one to approve embracing pioneering technologies in routine practice. Applied mathematics and computational biology have already provided significant insight into the selection of the most competent preimplantation embryo. This review describes the leap of evolution from basic mathematics to bioinformatics and investigates the possibility that computational applications may be the means to foretell a promising future for the IVF clinical practice.     

Ulnar nerve entrapment in Guyon’s canal caused by a ganglion cyst: two case reports and review of the literature

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - In this article, two cases of ulnar nerve neuropathy in Guyon’s canal caused by a ganglion cyst are reported. A review of the...     

Association of rs1568885, rs1813443 and rs4411591 polymorphisms with anti-TNF medication response in Greek patients with Crohn’s disease

AIM:To investigate the correlation between rs1568885,rs1813443 and rs4411591 polymorphisms and response to infliximab in a cohort of Greek patients with Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:One hundred and twenty-six patients diagnosed with CD based on standard clinical,endoscopic,radiological,and pathological criteria were enrolled in this study at the Gastroenterology Unit of the 2nd Department of Surgery and at the Colorectal Unit of the1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery.Infliximab at a dose of 5 mg/kg was administered intravenously at weeks 0,2,6 and then every 8 wk.Clinical and serological responses were assessed using the HarveyBradshaw Index and serum C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,respectively,and the endoscopic response was evaluated by ileocolonoscopy performed at baseline and after 12-20 wk of therapy.The changes in endoscopic appearance compared to baseline were classified into four categories,and patients were classified as responders and non-responders.Genomic DNA from whole peripheral blood was extracted and genotyping was performed by allele-specific polymerase chain reactions.χ2test with Yate’s correction based on the S-Plus was used to compare the genotype frequencies.RESULTS:Eighty patients(63.49%)were classified as complete and 32(25.39%)as partial responders to infliximab,while 14(11.11%)were primary non-responders.No correlation was found between response to infliximab and patients’characteristics such as age,gender and disease duration.There was consistency between Harvey-Bradshaw index scores and serum CRP levels.The TT genotype of the rs1568885 polymorphism was significantly related to partial response(P=0.024)and resistance to infliximab(P=0.007)while the AT genotype was more frequent in partial responders(P=0.035)and in primary non-responders(P=0.032).Regarding rs1813443,the CC genotype was found to be associated with partial response(P=0.005)and primary resistance(P=0.002)to infliximab while no association was found between the rs4411591 polymorphism and the clinical response to infliximab.CONCLUSION:Based on our results,the rs1568885and rs1813443 polymorphisms are associated with clinical and biochemical response to infliximab in Greek patients with Crohn’s disease.     

Lung Function in Gypsies in Greece

The relationship between lung function and smoking and dietary habits was examined in 121 Gypsies (62 males, 59 females) who were 14-70 y of age and who lived in Greece. All were examined clinically, after which they all participated in spirometry tests. Half of the study group had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced vital capacity, 36.4% had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, and 5% had serious lung function disturbances (forced vital capacity < 50% of predicted). Approximately 70% of subjects were smokers, and their diets were rich in alcohol and meat; they ate very few salads and oranges. Consequently, decreased lung function might be a major health problem in Gypsies in Greece. Organization of preventive health strategies should improve the overall health of this study group.