scholarly journals Dermoscopy of Small Diameter Melanomas with the Diagnostic Feasibility of Selected Algorithms—A Clinical Retrospective Multicenter Study

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 6095
Author(s):  
Monika Slowinska ◽  
Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek ◽  
Elzbieta Kowalska-Oledzka ◽  
Iwona Czarnecka ◽  
Robert Czarnecki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Pattern ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
P Values ◽  
Melanocytic Lesions ◽  
Vascular Structures ◽  
Retrospective Multicenter Study

Objective: The aim of the study was to verify two hypotheses. The first concerned the possibility of diagnostic dermoscopic differentiation between cutaneous melanomas of the histopathological category in situ (pTis) and thin melanomas (pT1a) in terms of their diameter. The second assessed the diagnostic feasibility of two dermoscopic algorithms aiming to detect ≤ 5.0 mm-sized melanomas histopathologically confirmed as pTis and pT1a. Methods: Dermoscopic images of consecutive cases of histopathologically confirmed melanomas were evaluated by three independent investigators for the presence of the predefined criteria. The melanomas were subdivided according to their diameter into small melanomas, so-called micromelanomas (microM)—sized ≤ 5.0 mm and >5.0 mm, according to published definitions of small melanocytic lesions. The Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm (TADA) and the revisited 7-point checklist of dermoscopy (7-point) algorithm were chosen for the diagnostic feasibility. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence limits (CL) were calculated using the logistic regression adjusted for age for the melanoma-specific dermoscopic structures, the dermoscopic patterns and the diagnostic feasibility of the 7-point checklist and TADA algorithms. The p-values of the results were corrected using the Bonferroni method. Results: In total, 106 patients with 109 melanomas, 50 sized ≤ 5.0 mm and 59 exceeding the diameter of 5.0 mm, were retrospectively analyzed. The prevalent general pattern of microM was the spitzoid one (48% vs. 11.86%, p = 0.0013). Furthermore, 40% of microM vs. 6.78% melanomas sized > 5.0 mm (p = 0.0023) did not present melanoma-specific patterns. The asymmetric multicomponent pattern was present in 64.41% melanomas sized > 5.0 mm and in 26.00% microM (p = 0.0034). The asymmetry of structures or colors was detected in 56% microM vs. 89.83% (p = 0.0020) and 56% microM and 94.92% (p = 0.000034) melanoma sized > 5.0 mm, respectively. The differences in frequency of the detected dermoscopic structures specific to melanomas revealed that microM are almost deprived of negative networks (p = 0.04), shiny white structures (p = 0.0027) and regression features (p = 0.00003). Neither prominent skin markings nor angulated lines were found in the entire study group. Out of the vascular structures, microM presented only dotted (32%) or polymorphous (28%) vessels, although more rarely than melanomas sized > 5.0 mm (66.1% p = 0.017 and 49% p > 0.05, respectively). The diagnostic feasibility revealed a score ≥ 3 of the 7-point algorithm (indicative for malignancy) in 60% microM and 98.31% melanomas sized > 5.0 mm (p = 0.000006). The TADA algorithm revealed melanoma-specific patterns in 64% microM and 96.61% > 5.0 mm-sized melanomas (p = 0.00006) and melanoma-specific structures in 72% and 91.53% (p > 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: In the dermoscopy, 40% of micromelanomas histopathologically staged as pTis and pT1a did not reveal melanoma-specific patterns. Among the general melanocytic patterns, the spitzoid one was the most frequently found in melanomas sized ≤ 5.0 mm. The 7-point checklist and TADA dermoscopic algorithms were helpful in the identification of the majority of melanomas sized ≤ 5.0 mm.

Comparative study of Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Mild and Severe Reflux Esophagitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-22
Author(s):  
Melania Macarie ◽  
Simona Maria Bataga ◽  
Monica Pantea ◽  
Razvan Opaschi ◽  
Simona Mocan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Hiatal Hernia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Erosive Esophagitis ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractObjective: This study aims to determine the correlation between risk factors and erosive esophagitis development.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on a consecutive series of 19.672 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between 01.01.2011-31.12.2017. A total of 3005 patients, diagnosed with erosive esophagitis, were included in the present study and stratified according to Los Angeles classification.Results: During the studied period we found 3005 patients with erosive esophagitis, sex ratio male to female was 1.3/1, the most common forms of esophagitis being grade A and B: 74.54% patients with esophagitis grade A, 14.80% patients with grade B; 5.29% patients were with grade C and 5.35% patients with esophagitis grade D. In severe esophagitis the male predominance was more prevalent (249 males, 71 female), with a sex ratio 3.50/1. The correlation of male gender with severe esophagitis was highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001, OR 2.97; 95% CI 2.25-3.91). Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 1171 patients, the presence of large hiatal hernias, being an important predictor, with statistical significance (p < 0.0001, OR 3.41; 95% CI 2.22-5.21), for severe esophagitis development. Incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 11.51%, in the entire study group, with no statistical significant difference between patients with mild or severe esophagitis (12.02% vs 7.18%).Conclusion: Erosive esophagitis is a frequent disease, the most common forms being grade A and B. Male gender and the presence of hiatal hernia are the most important risk factors for erosive esophagitis development, in our study group.

scholarly journals Absence of rDNA amplification in the uninucleolate oocyte of the cockroach Blattella germanica (Oorthoptera: Blattidae).

1976 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Cave
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Blattella Germanica ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Extrachromosomal Dna ◽  
Total Dna ◽  
Cockroach Blattella Germanica ◽  
Rdna Amplification ◽  
Large Nucleolus

Amplification of the genes coding for ribosomal RNA oocurs in the oocytes of a wide variety of organisms. In oocytes of various species of crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) the amplified DNA is contained in a large extrachromosomal DNA body. Multiple nucleoli form about the periphery of the DNA body during the diplotene stage of meiosis I. In contrast to the general pattern of orthopteran oocytes, oocytes of the cockroach Blattella germanica demonstrate a single large nucleolus instead of many nucleoli. In order to determine whether the genes coding for rRNA are amplified in the oocytes of B. germanica, the relative amount of rDNA in oocytes was compared with the rDNA content of spermatocytes and somatic cells. An extrachromosomal DNA body similar to that present in crickets is not present in B. germanica. A satellite DNA band which contains nucleotide sequences complementary to rRNA accounts for approximately 3-5% of the total DNA in somatic and in male and female gametogenic tissues. Female cells contain approximately twice as much rDNA as do male cells. An XX-XO sex-determining mechanism is operative in B. germanica. In situ hybridization with rRNA indicates that the nucleolar organizer is located on one end of the X chromosome and that oocytes do not contain more than twice the amount of rDNA found in spermato cytes. The data indicate that rDNA is not amplified in the uninucleolate oocyte of B germanica.

Follow-up of the Isolated Medial Approach to Hallux Abducto Valgus Correction Without Interspace Release

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 555-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Boberg ◽  
Molly S. Judge
Keyword(s):  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Valgus Deformity ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Intermetatarsal Angle ◽  
Medial Approach ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
First Ray

A retrospective radiographic review was performed of 29 patients (37 feet) who underwent an isolated medial approach for correction of hallux abducto valgus deformity from March 1993 to November 1998. Only those patients who had a traditional Austin-type osteotomy with a reducible first metatarsophalangeal joint and flexible first ray were included in the study. The average follow-up period for the entire study group was 18.4 months, with 13 patients (44.83%; 17 feet) having a follow-up period of longer than 2 years. The average decrease in the intermetatarsal angle was 9.89°, and the average decrease in the hallux abductus angle was 14.0°, results that correlated well with those of other studies on correction of hallux abducto valgus. No clinical or radiographic recurrence of hallux abducto valgus was noted throughout the follow-up period. The authors believe that an isolated medial approach to hallux abducto valgus correction without a lateral interspace release yields predictable results when performed in appropriately selected patients. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(10): 555-562, 2002)

Letters to the Editor

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1033-1034
Author(s):  
M. De Swiet ◽  
E. A. Shinebourne ◽  
P. M. Fayers
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Letters To The Editor ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Blood Pressures

We agree with Dr Gillum that omission of some of the readings made at ages 6 months and 1 year could have produced bias in the results that we have quoted for blood pressure at these ages. However, the 5-cm cuff whose results were omitted was one of the middle sized cuffs and therefore the weights of the infants whose blood pressures were omitted were in the middle of the distribution at each age. As the Table shows, their blood pressures when measured on other occasions were also not significantly different from the blood pressures of the entire study group.

scholarly journals Hematopoiesis in 3 dimensions: human and murine bone marrow architecture visualized by confocal microscopy

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (15) ◽  
pp. e41-e55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoiku Takaku ◽  
Daniela Malide ◽  
Jichun Chen ◽  
Rodrigo T. Calado ◽  
Sachiko Kajigaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Bone Marrow Tissue ◽  
Murine Bone Marrow ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Vascular Structures ◽  
Bone Structures ◽  
Surrounding Bone

AbstractIn many animals, blood cell production occurs in the bone marrow. Hematopoiesis is complex, requiring self-renewing and pluripotent stem cells, differentiated progenitor and precursor cells, and supportive stroma, adipose tissue, vascular structures, and extracellular matrix. Although imaging is a vital tool in hematology research, the 3-dimensional architecture of the bone marrow tissue in situ remains largely uncharacterized. The major hindrance to imaging the intact marrow is the surrounding bone structures are almost impossible to cut/image through. We have overcome these obstacles and describe a method whereby whole-mounts of bone marrow tissue were immunostained and imaged in 3 dimensions by confocal fluorescence and reflection microscopy. We have successfully mapped by multicolor immunofluorescence the localization pattern of as many as 4 cell features simultaneously over large tiled views and to depths of approximately 150 μm. Three-dimensional images can be assessed qualitatively and quantitatively to appreciate the distribution of cell types and their interrelationships, with minimal perturbations of the tissue. We demonstrate its application to normal mouse and human marrow, to murine models of marrow failure, and to patients with aplastic anemia, myeloid, and lymphoid cell malignancies. The technique should be generally adaptable for basic laboratory investigation and for clinical diagnosis of hematologic diseases.

scholarly journals Patterns in melanocytic lesions: impact of the geometry on growth and transport inside the epidermis

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (97) ◽  
pp. 20140339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibaut Balois ◽  
Clément Chatelain ◽  
Martine Ben Amar
Keyword(s):  
Tumour Growth ◽  
Basal Layer ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Cell Aggregation ◽  
Periodic Distribution ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Melanocytic Lesions ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Specific Geometry

In glabrous skin, nevi and melanomas exhibit pigmented stripes during clinical dermoscopic examination. They find their origin in the basal layer geometry which periodically exhibits ridges, alternatively large (limiting ridges) and thin (intermediate ridges). However, nevus and melanoma lesions differ by the localization of the pigmented stripes along furrows or ridges of the epidermis surface. Here, we propose a biomechanical model of avascular tumour growth which takes into account this specific geometry in the epidermis where both kinds of lesions first appear. Simulations show a periodic distribution of tumour cells inside the lesion, with a global contour stretched out along the ridges. In order to be as close as possible to clinical observations, we also consider the melanin transport by the keratinocytes. Our simulations show that reasonable assumptions on melanocytic cell repartition in the ridges favour the limiting ridges of the basal compared with the intermediate ones in agreement with nevus observations but not really with melanomas. It raises the question of cell aggregation and repartition of melanocytic cells in acral melanomas and requires further biological studies of these cells in situ .

scholarly journals Demonstration of an off-axis parabolic receiver for near-range retrieval of lidar ozone profiles

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betsy M. Farris ◽  
Guillaume P. Gronoff ◽  
William Carrion ◽  
Travis Knepp ◽  
Margaret Pippin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Ozone ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Lidar System ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Multiple Wavelengths ◽  
High Bias ◽  
Measurement Channels ◽  
Transition Study

Abstract. During the 2017 Ozone Water Land Environmental Transition Study (OWLETS), the Langley mobile ozone lidar system utilized a new small diameter receiver to improve the retrieval of near-surface signals from 0.1 to 1 km in altitude. This new receiver utilizes a single 90 ∘ fiber-coupled, off-axis parabolic mirror resulting in a compact form that is easy to align. The single reflective surface offers the opportunity to easily expand its use to multiple wavelengths for additional measurement channels such as visible wavelength aerosol measurements. Detailed results compare the performance of the receiver to both ozonesonde and in situ measurements from a UAV platform, validating the performance of the near-surface ozone retrievals. Absolute O3 differences averaged 7 % between lidar and ozonesonde data from 0.1 to 1.0 km and yielded a 2.3 % high bias in the lidar data, well within the uncertainty of the sonde measurements. Conversely, lidar O3 measurements from 0.1 to 0.2 km averaged 10.5 % lower than coincident UAV O3. A more detailed study under more stable atmospheric conditions would be necessary to resolve the residual instrument differences reported in this work. Nevertheless, this unique added capability is a significant improvement allowing for near-surface observation of ozone.

scholarly journals An Approach for Downscaling SMAP Soil Moisture by Combining Sentinel-1 SAR and MODIS Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 2736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jueying Bai ◽  
Qian Cui ◽  
Wen Zhang ◽  
Lingkui Meng
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Feature Space ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Vegetation Indexes ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
Entire Study Area ◽  
Infrared Data

A method is proposed for the production of downscaled soil moisture active passive (SMAP) soil moisture (SM) data by combining optical/infrared data with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data based on the random forest (RF) model. The method leverages the sensitivity of active microwaves to surface SM and the triangle/trapezium feature space among vegetation indexes (VIs), land surface temperature (LST), and SM. First, five RF architectures (RF1–RF5) were trained and tested at 9 km. Second, a comparison was performed for RF1–RF5, and were evaluated against in situ SM measurements. Third, two SMAP-Sentinel active–passive SM products were compared at 3 km and 1 km using in situ SM measurements. Fourth, the RF5 model simulations were compared with the SMAP L2_SM_SP product based on the optional algorithm at 3 km and 1 km resolutions. The results showed that the downscaled SM based on the synergistic use of optical/infrared data and the backscatter at vertical–vertical (VV) polarization was feasible in semi-arid areas with relatively low vegetation cover. The RF5 model with backscatter and more parameters from optical/infrared data performed best among the five RF models and was satisfactory at both 3 km and 1 km. Compared with L2_SM_SP, RF5 was more superior at 1 km. The input variables in decreasing order of importance were backscatter, LST, VIs, and topographic factors over the entire study area. The low vegetation cover conditions probably amplified the importance of the backscatter and LST. A sufficient number of VIs can enhance the adaptability of RF models to different vegetation conditions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document