Diagnostic pitfalls in needle core biopsy of the breast

Breast core biopsies are a standard component of the triple approach that includes clinical examination, imaging and tissue sampling. Conventional cores, diagnostic vacuum assisted biopsy and vacuum assisted excisions are established methods for sampling and managing breast lesions. It is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls in the technical handling and interpretation of the limited core biopsy samples. Here, we present a clinically oriented, well illustrated overview of the common diagnostic pitfalls based on the author's diagnostic and second opinion practice, emphasize the value of clinicopathological correlation and provide histological tips and clues with useful immunohistochemistry to aid the reporting pathologists in their daily interpretation of breast core biopsies.     

液质联用技术联合网络药理学探讨白鲜皮治疗湿疹的作用机制＊

目的 采用液质联用技术分析白鲜皮中的主要化学成分；基于网络药理学技术研究白鲜皮治疗皮肤湿疹的活性成分、作用靶点及作用机制。方法 利用液质联用技术（LC-MS）对白鲜皮主要成分进行分析，通过质谱数据结合文献资料，对各主要成分进行快速识别；通过利用SwissADME数据库对白鲜皮潜在活性成分进行预测，筛选主要作用靶点。进行KEGG通路富集分析，最终得到白鲜皮成分-靶点-疾病-通路网络图。采用分子对接技术对主要成分和作用靶点进行验证。结果 从白鲜皮中共分析鉴定了12种成分，进一步筛选得到4种潜在活性成分，可作用于48个关键靶点和14条主要通路。结论 采用LC-MS技术结合网络药理学方法，可以快速分析白鲜皮的潜在活性成分，并初步揭示了成分-靶点-通路之间的关系。通过分子对接技术可以做作用靶点进行验证。     

“保胆”理念正误

胆囊切除术是公认的胆囊良性疾病的治愈手段，国内外学术界对于手术适应证和手术时机已有明确共识。近年来，“保胆手术”治疗胆囊良性疾病颇受热议，一些医生将“保护胆囊”的学术观点等同于“保留胆囊”的手术技术，这种误解可能导致病人出现差异性的预后。因此，临床医师应明晰“保护胆囊”理念与“保胆手术”的差别，对胆囊良性疾病的诊疗原则有正确的理解和应用。     

Thyroid Embolization for Nonsurgical Treatment of Nodular Goiter: A Single-Center Experience in 56 Consecutive Patients

PurposeTo investigate the safety and efficacy of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in the treatment of nodular goiter (NG).MethodsDuring a 5.5-year period, 56 consecutive patients with a NG underwent TAE. In Group A, there were 20 patients with a solitary/dominant 5–11-cm nodule, and in Group B, there were 36 patients with numerous nodules. Of the 56 patients, 47 (84%) had a retrosternal goiter and 25 had hyperthyroidism. In all patients, clinical and radiological evaluations were made at baseline and 6 months after TAE, and these parameters were statistically compared.ResultsIn 56 patients, 145 of the 146 thyroid arteries were successfully embolized. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8%. Minor and major complications occurred in 25 and 2 patients, respectively. Six months after the TAE, the mean nodule volume was reduced from 80.2 mL to 25.0 mL, the mean thyroid volume was reduced from 147.0 mL to 62.6 mL, and the mean intrathoracic extension was reduced from 31.7 mm to 15.9 mm (P < .001). Of the 22 patients with non–Graves hyperthyroidism, 19 (86%) became euthyroid. The mean thyroid-related patient-reported outcome scores improved from 155.4 to 70.4 (P < .001). Of the 51 patients, 50 (98%) declared that they would recommend TAE to other patients with NG.ConclusionsTAE is safe and effective for the treatment of NG, with a significant volume reduction of the nodule(s) and thyroid gland.