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Journal of the American Academy of... Jan 2024Proliferating pilar tumors (PPTs) are rare cutaneous neoplasms arising from hair follicles that have both malignant and metastatic potential. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Proliferating pilar tumors (PPTs) are rare cutaneous neoplasms arising from hair follicles that have both malignant and metastatic potential.
OBJECTIVE
To present a systematic review of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment and outcome data on PPTs.
METHODS
Using the OVID platform, MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception until May 26, 2022. All studies that provided original data on PPTs in English were included. References of these studies were also cross-checked to identify any additional relevant articles. Oxford's Levels of Evidence-Based Medicine was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
A total of 114 articles, providing data on 361 cases of PPTs, were included in our synthesis. Every study included was either a case series or case report. The mean age at diagnosis was 61.7. Most patients in the synthesis were female (71%), and the majority of cases occurred on the scalp (73.1%). The presence or absence of cytological atypia was only reported in one-third of the cases; 36.8% of cases were classified as malignant and 7.5% metastasized. Although no lesions treated with Mohs micrographic surgery required adjuvant radiation and only one reported recurrence occurred after Mohs surgery, there is insufficient data to make conclusions on a superior treatment modality.
LIMITATIONS
All studies in this review were either case reports or case series.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Our study supports the notion that PPTs occur most commonly on the scalp of elderly female patients. Moreover, our findings confirm that PPT is capable of demonstrating aggressive biology and metastasis. Given the lack of uniformity in histologic description, pathologists should be encouraged to comment on the presence and degree of cytological atypia when reporting cases of rare neoplasms such as the PPT. Greater consensus on diagnosis and classification as well as more robust data is needed regarding optimal management.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Hair Diseases; Hair Follicle; Neoplasms, Adnexal and Skin Appendage; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 37364614
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.05.097 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Sep 2023To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology-College of American Pathologists (ASCO-CAP) recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)...
PURPOSE.—
To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology-College of American Pathologists (ASCO-CAP) recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing in breast cancer. An Update Panel is aware that a new generation of antibody-drug conjugates targeting the HER2 protein is active against breast cancers that lack protein overexpression or gene amplification.
METHODS.—
The Update Panel conducted a systematic literature review to identify signals for updating recommendations.
RESULTS.—
The search identified 173 abstracts. Of 5 potential publications reviewed, none constituted a signal for revising existing recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS.—
The 2018 ASCO-CAP recommendations for HER2 testing are affirmed.
DISCUSSION.—
HER2 testing guidelines have focused on identifying HER2 protein overexpression or gene amplification in breast cancer to identify patients for therapies that disrupt HER2 signaling. This update acknowledges a new indication for trastuzumab deruxtecan when HER2 is not overexpressed or amplified but is immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or 2+ without amplification by in situ hybridization. Clinical trial data on tumors that tested IHC 0 are limited (excluded from DESTINY-Breast04), and evidence is lacking that these cancers behave differently or do not respond similarly to newer HER2 antibody-drug conjugates. Although current data do not support a new IHC 0 versus 1+ prognostic or predictive threshold for response to trastuzumab deruxtecan, this threshold is now relevant because of the trial entry criteria that supported its new regulatory approval. Therefore, although it is premature to create new result categories of HER2 expression (eg, HER2-Low, HER2-Ultra-Low), best practices to distinguish IHC 0 from 1+ are now clinically relevant. This update affirms prior HER2 reporting recommendations and offers a new HER2 testing reporting comment to highlight the current relevance of IHC 0 versus 1+ results and best practice recommendations to distinguish these often subtle differences. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Receptor, ErbB-2; In Situ Hybridization; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37303228
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0950-SA -
American Journal of Clinical Pathology Oct 2023This study aims to determine what pathologic and clinical factors differentiate Brachyspira species that may be useful to clinicians and pathologists.
Clinical and Pathologic Factors Associated With Colonic Spirochete (Brachyspira pilosicoli and Brachyspira aalborgi) Infection: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to determine what pathologic and clinical factors differentiate Brachyspira species that may be useful to clinicians and pathologists.
METHODS
We identified 21 studies of Brachyspira infection with individual patient information (n = 113) and conducted a pooled analysis comparing each species.
RESULTS
There were differences in the pathologic and clinical profiles of each Brachyspira species. Patients infected with Brachyspira pilosicoli infection were more likely to have diarrhea, fever, HIV, and immunocompromised conditions. Those patients infected with Brachyspira aalborgi were more likely to have lamina propria inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our novel data provide potential insights into the pathogenic mechanism(s) and the specific risk factor profile of Brachyspira species. This may be clinically useful when assessing and managing patients.
Topics: Humans; Spirochaetales; Spirochaetales Infections; Brachyspira
PubMed: 37289435
DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad063 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Aug 2023To update ASCO-College of American Pathologists (CAP) recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing in breast cancer. The Panel is aware...
PURPOSE
To update ASCO-College of American Pathologists (CAP) recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing in breast cancer. The Panel is aware that a new generation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting the HER2 protein is active against breast cancers that lack protein overexpression or gene amplification.
METHODS
An Update Panel conducted a systematic literature review to identify signals for updating recommendations.
RESULTS
The search identified 173 abstracts. Of five potential publications reviewed, none constituted a signal for revising existing recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The 2018 ASCO-CAP recommendations for HER2 testing are affirmed.
DISCUSSION
HER2 testing guidelines have focused on identifying HER2 protein overexpression or gene amplification in breast cancer to identify patients for therapies that disrupt HER2 signaling. This update acknowledges a new indication for trastuzumab deruxtecan when HER2 is not overexpressed or amplified but is immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or 2+ without amplification by in situ hybridization. Clinical trial data on tumors that tested IHC 0 are limited (excluded from DESTINY-Breast04), and evidence is lacking that these cancers behave differently or do not respond similarly to newer HER2 ADCs. Although current data do not support a new IHC 0 versus 1+ prognostic or predictive threshold for response to trastuzumab deruxtecan, this threshold is now relevant because of the trial entry criteria that supported its new regulatory approval. Therefore, while it is premature to create new result categories of HER2 expression (eg, HER2-Low, HER2-Ultra-Low), best practices to distinguish IHC 0 from 1+ are now clinically relevant. This Update affirms prior HER2 reporting recommendations and offers a new HER2 testing reporting comment to highlight the current relevance of IHC 0 versus 1+ results and best practice recommendations to distinguish these often subtle differences.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Pathologists; Receptor, ErbB-2; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37284804
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.22.02864 -
Transplant Immunology Aug 2023COVID-19 vaccines exhibit high levels of immunogenicity in the overall population. Data on the effects of immunomodulators on the consequences of COVID-19 in patients... (Review)
Review
The effects of methotrexate on the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in the patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease: A systematic review of clinical evidence.
COVID-19 vaccines exhibit high levels of immunogenicity in the overall population. Data on the effects of immunomodulators on the consequences of COVID-19 in patients with Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in IMID patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) compared to healthy individuals. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase up to August 2022 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating the effect of MTX on immune responses in patients with COVID-19. The PRISMA checklist protocol was applied for the quality assessment of the selected trials. Our findings demonstrated that MTX lowered the responses of T cells and antibodies in IMID patients compared to healthy controls. We also discovered that young age (<60 years) was the main parameter influencing the antibody response after vaccination, while MTX had little effect. Following vaccination, MTX-hold and age were considered the main factors influencing the antibody response. In patients older than 60 years of age, the time point of 10 days of MTX discontinuation was critical to boosting the humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Because many IMID patients did not have adequate humoral and cellular responses, our findings highlighted the importance of second or booster doses of vaccine and temporary MTX discontinuation. As a result, it implies that individuals with IMIDs should be subjected to more research, particularly humoral and cellular immunity efficiency trials after COVID-19 vaccination, until credible information is achieved.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Methotrexate; Immunomodulating Agents; Immunoglobulin G; Antibodies, Viral; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 37236514
DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101858 -
International Journal of Language &... 2023Individuals with affective-prosodic deficits have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions and attitudes through prosody. Affective prosody disorders can occur in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Individuals with affective-prosodic deficits have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions and attitudes through prosody. Affective prosody disorders can occur in multiple neurological conditions, but the limited knowledge about the clinical groups prone to deficits complicates their identification in clinical settings. Additionally, the nature of the disturbance underlying affective prosody disorder observed in different neurological conditions remains poorly understood.
AIMS
To bridge these knowledge gaps and provide relevant information to speech-language pathologists for the management of affective prosody disorders, this study provides an overview of research findings on affective-prosodic deficits in adults with neurological conditions by answering two questions: (1) Which clinical groups present with acquired affective prosodic impairments following brain damage? (2) Which aspects of affective prosody comprehension and production are negatively affected in these neurological conditions?
METHODS & PROCEDURES
We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A literature search was undertaken in five electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and Linguistics, and Language Behavior Abstracts) to identify primary studies reporting affective prosody disorders in adults with neurological impairments. We extracted data on clinical groups and characterised their deficits based on the assessment task used.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS
The review of 98 studies identified affective-prosodic deficits in 17 neurological conditions. The task paradigms typically used in affective prosody research (discrimination, recognition, cross-modal integration, production on request, imitation and spontaneous production) do not target the processes underlying affective prosody comprehension and production. Therefore, based on the current state of knowledge, it is not possible to establish the level of processing at which impairment occurs in clinical groups. Nevertheless, deficits in the comprehension of affective prosody are observed in 14 clinical groups (mainly recognition deficits) and deficits in the production of affective prosody (either on request or spontaneously) in 10 clinical groups. Neurological conditions and types of deficits that have not been investigated in many studies are highlighted.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview on acquired affective prosody disorders and to identify gaps in knowledge that warrant further investigation. Deficits in the comprehension or production of affective prosody are common to numerous clinical groups with various neurological conditions. However, the underlying cause of affective prosody disorders across them is still unknown. Future studies should implement standardised assessment methods with specific tasks based on a cognitive model to identify the underlying deficits of affective prosody disorders.
WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS
What is already known on the subject What is already known on the subjectAffective prosody is used to share emotions and attitudes through speech and plays a fundamental role in communication and social interactions. Affective prosody disorders can occur in various neurological conditions, but the limited knowledge about the clinical groups prone to affective-prosodic deficits and about the characteristics of different phenotypes of affective prosody disorders complicates their identification in clinical settings. Distinct abilities underlying the comprehension and production of affective prosody can be selectively impaired by brain damage, but the nature of the disturbance underlying affective prosody disorders in different neurological conditions remains unclear. What this study adds Affective-prosodic deficits are reported in 17 neurological conditions, despite being recognised as a core feature of the clinical profile in only a few of them. The assessment tasks typically used in affective prosody research do not provide accurate information about the specific neurocognitive processes impaired in the comprehension or production of affective prosody. Future studies should implement assessment methods based on a cognitive approach to identify underlying deficits. The assessment of cognitive/executive dysfunctions, motor speech impairment and aphasia might be important for distinguishing primary affective prosodic dysfunctions from those secondarily impacting affective prosody. What are the potential clinical implications of this study? Raising awareness about the possible presence of affective-prosodic disorders in numerous clinical groups will facilitate their recognition by speech-language pathologists and, consequently, their management in clinical settings. A comprehensive assessment covering multiple affective-prosodic skills could highlight specific aspects of affective prosody that warrant clinical intervention.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Emotions; Speech Disorders; Aphasia; Linguistics; Language; Communication Disorders
PubMed: 37212522
DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12909 -
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases Dec 2023Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool in pathology, including cancer diagnosis, subtyping, grading, and prognostic prediction. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool in pathology, including cancer diagnosis, subtyping, grading, and prognostic prediction.
METHODS
The aim of the study is to assess AI application in prostate cancer (PCa) histology. We carried out a systematic literature search in 3 databases. Primary outcome was AI accuracy in differentiating between PCa and benign hyperplasia. Secondary outcomes were AI accuracy in determining Gleason grade and agreement among AI and pathologists.
RESULTS
Our final sample consists of 24 studies conducted from 2007 to 2021. They aggregate data from roughly 8000 cases of prostate biopsy and 458 cases of radical prostatectomy (RP). Sensitivity for PCa diagnostic exceeded 90% and ranged from 87% to 100%, and specificity varied from 68% to 99%. Overall accuracy ranged from 83.7% to 98.3% with AUC reaching 0.99. The meta-analysis using the Mantel-Haenszel method showed pooled sensitivity of 0.96 with I = 80.7% and pooled specificity of 0.95 with I = 86.1%. Pooled positive likehood ratio was 15.3 with I = 87.3% and negative - was 0.04 with I = 78.6%. SROC (symmetric receiver operating characteristics) curve represents AUC = 0.99. For grading the accuracy of AI was lower: sensitivity for Gleason grading ranged from 77% to 87%, and specificity from 82% to 90%.
CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of AI for PCa identification and grading is comparable to expert pathologists. This is a promising approach which has several possible clinical applications resulting in expedite and optimize pathology reports. AI introduction into common practice may be limited by difficult and time-consuming convolutional neural network training and tuning.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Artificial Intelligence; Prostatectomy; Prognosis; Neoplasm Grading
PubMed: 37185992
DOI: 10.1038/s41391-023-00673-3 -
International Journal of Language &... 2023Contemporary clinical and empirical perspectives indicate that management of the psychosocial features of stuttering is fundamental for effective treatment.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Contemporary clinical and empirical perspectives indicate that management of the psychosocial features of stuttering is fundamental for effective treatment. Interventions that improve psychosocial outcomes for school-age children who stutter are, therefore, needed.
AIMS
This systematic review identifies what psychosocial outcomes have been explored in existing school-age clinical research, the measures used and the potential treatment effects. This will provide guidance for developing interventions that reflect contemporary perspectives of stuttering management.
METHODS & PROCEDURES
A total of 14 databases and three conference proceedings were searched for clinical reports of psychosocial outcomes of children aged 6-12 years. The review did not include pharmacological interventions. Psychosocial measures and outcomes were analysed in each study based on data recorded pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment and for any follow-up assessments.
MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS
Of the 4051 studies identified from the databases, a total of 22 studies met criteria for inclusion in the review. From these 22 studies, the review identified four prominent psychosocial domains that have been explored in school-age clinical research to date: Impact of stuttering, communication attitude, anxiety and speech satisfaction. These domains vary in measurement and effect sizes. Two behavioural treatments were associated with anxiety reduction, even though they did not contain anxiolytic procedures. No evidence of potential treatment effects emerged for communication attitudes. Quality of life-an important psychosocial domain pertinent to health economics-did not feature in school-age clinical reports.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
The psychosocial features of stuttering need to be managed during the school years. Three psychosocial domains-impact of stuttering, anxiety and speech satisfaction-show evidence of potential treatment effects. This review provides direction for future clinical research so that speech-language pathologists can effectively and holistically manage school-age children who stutter.
WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS
What is already known on the subject Elevated levels of anxiety are apparent for children and adolescents who stutter. Therefore, the need to assess and manage psychosocial features of stuttering are expertly regarded as clinical priorities. Clinical trials of such psychosocial features of stuttering for children aged 6-12 years are not well advanced and, therefore, do not reflect current best practice management of this disorder. What this study adds to existing knowledge This systematic review identifies four different psychosocial domains measured and reported in the literature for school-age stuttering management. For three psychosocial domains, some evidence of potential treatment effects emerged with participant numbers greater than 10: Impact of stuttering, anxiety and speech satisfaction. Though treatment effect sizes varied, there is a suggestion that cognitive behaviour therapy can improve anxiety of school-age children who stutter. There is also suggestion that two other behavioural treatments can improve anxiety of school-age children who stutter. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Given the essential need for school-age children who stutter to receive management of any speech-related anxiety they may experience, it would be productive to discover in future clinical research what interventions could contribute to that goal-behavioural or psychosocial, or both. This review reveals that cognitive behaviour therapy, and other behavioural treatments, are associated with anxiety reductions. Such approaches should be considered for future clinical trial research to help advance the evidence base for managing school-age stuttering.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Stuttering; Quality of Life; Speech; Anxiety; Communication
PubMed: 37132231
DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12887 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Jan 2024Pathologists have produced a substantial body of literature on graduate medical education (GME). However, this body of literature is diverse and has not yet been...
CONTEXT.—
Pathologists have produced a substantial body of literature on graduate medical education (GME). However, this body of literature is diverse and has not yet been characterized.
OBJECTIVE.—
To chart the concepts, research methods, and publication patterns of studies on GME in pathology.
DATA SOURCES.—
This was a systematic scoping review covering all literature produced since 1980 in the PubMed and Embase databases.
CONCLUSIONS.—
Research on GME in pathology is evenly dispersed across educational topics. This body of literature would benefit from research based on theory, stronger study designs, and studies that can provide evidence to support decisions on educational policies.
Topics: Humans; Education, Medical, Graduate; Pathologists; Research Design; Internship and Residency
PubMed: 37014974
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0365-RA -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Oct 2023After performing laparoscopic unilateral adnexectomy in a 53-year-old woman for a rapidly grown unilateral adnexal mass, pathologists reported a primary ovarian...
After performing laparoscopic unilateral adnexectomy in a 53-year-old woman for a rapidly grown unilateral adnexal mass, pathologists reported a primary ovarian leiomyoma with no genuine ovarian tissue. This rare diagnosis is found in less than 100 reports after systematic literature review, a greater number of asymptomatic ovarian leiomyomas can be expected. Thorough preoperative diagnostic measures are essential as rare cases of malignancy have been described.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Leiomyoma; Ovarian Neoplasms; Adnexal Diseases; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36539622
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06842-4