Clinical Pathological Conditions Research Articles

Salmonella Gallinarum mgtC mutant shows a delayed fowl typhoid progression in chicken

Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) provokes fowl typhoid, an infectious disease of acute clinical course that affects gallinaceous of any age and leads to high mortality rates. During the typhoid-like systemic infection of S. Typhimurium (STM) in mice, the bacterium expresses the mgtC gene, which is encoded in the Salmonella Pathogenecity Island – 3 (SPI-3). In this serovar, the function is linked to bacterial replication within macrophages, and its absence attenuates the pathogen. We hypothesized that deleting mgtC from SG genome would alter the microorganism pathogenicity in susceptible commercial poultry in a similar manner. Thus, the present study sought to elucidate the importance of mgtC on SG pathogenicity. For this, a mgtC-mutant lacking S. Gallinarum mutant was constructed (SG ΔmgtC). Its ability to replicate in medium that mimicries the mgtC-related intracellular environment of macrophages as well as in primary macrophages from chicken was evaluated. Moreover, the infection of susceptible chickens was performed to elucidate its pathogenicity and the elicited immune responses by measuring key interleukins by qRT-PCR and the population of macrophages and lymphocytes T CD4+ and CD8+ by means of immunohistochemistry. It was observed that mgtC was required for S. Gallinarum replication in acidified low-Mg2+ media and survival within macrophages. However, unlike its requirement for initial phase of STM infection in mice, lower bacterial counts were only observed at the late stage of macrophage infection without affecting the citotoxicity. Experiments showed that knocking-out the mgtC gene neither altered bacterial uptake by macrophages nor affects bacterial counts in liver and spleen and total chicken mortality. However, plotting a survival curve and analyzing the clinical-pathologic conditions, it was observed a slower progression of the disease in chickens infected by SG ΔmgtC compared to those challenged by the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of IFN-γ and LITAF were similar between the infected chickens, but higher than in the uninfected group. The same was observed in macrophages and lymphocytes T CD4+ populations. On the other hand, the presence of lymphocytes T CD8+ was increased in the initial phase of the disease provoked by the wild-type strain over the mutant strain. We concluded that the role of mgtC in Fowl Typhoid in susceptible chickens differs from the role in typhoid-like infections in mammals. Thus, the deletion of mgtC gene from S. Gallinarum genome does not affect the overall pathogenicity, but slightly alters the pathogenesis.

Body painting, ultrasound, clinical examination, and peer-teaching: A student-centered approach to enhance musculoskeletal anatomy learning.

The presented course, established 2016 as a compulsory elective for 22nd-year bachelor medical students, aimed to enhance deep learning of upper and lower limb anatomy from a clinical perspective by a maximum of student-centered activities combining hands-on skills training with team-learning. Three cohorts (in total 60 students) participated in this study. Students rotated through body painting, ultrasound, and clinical investigation supervised by faculty or an experienced clinician. Teams of 3-4 students prepared presentations on clinical anatomy and pathological conditions, which by teacher- and peer assessments on average achieved >85% (mean 17.8/20 points ± 1.06). After each activity session, the students reported their learning experience through a reflective diary. Fifty students (83%) evaluated the course by a voluntary anonymous questionnaire combining Likert-type scale and free-text questions to assess, predominantly, perception of course activities and their perceived influence on learning anatomy. Journal reports and questionnaires revealed that the students highly valued the course, and 92% (29 females, 17 males) rated group work satisfying or well-perceived. The highest appreciation achieved ultrasound followed by clinical examination and body painting, which one third proposed to integrate into the regular dissection course. All students recommended the course to their younger peers. This course was feasible to integrate in the pre-existing curriculum. Limiting factors to offer this elective course to more students are availability of clinical teachers, technical equipment, and education rooms. Being student-directed tasks, body painting and reflective diary-writing would be feasible to implement without additional faculty, which we recommend to educators for student engagement activation.

Infestação natural por carrapatos como causa de morte em bovinos de corte

ABSTRACT: Although infestation by Rhipicephalus microplus is mentioned as the cause of death among cattle, there are only studies with artificial infestations in which intense parasitism led to the death of cattle due to severe anemia. This study seems to be the first to describe the epidemiology, clinical-pathological condition, and diagnostic conduct of infestation by R. microplus as the cause of death of European breed calves introduced in shady, enclosed pastures in regions with rainfall prior to the onset of the outbreak. The affected calves presented apathy, anorexia, and anemia and were severely infested by R. microplus. The lethality rate of the outbreak was 36.5%. After the rainy period, the dry season facilitated a decrease in the nutritional status of the affected cattle. The delay in the definitive diagnosis contributed to the economic loss of the farm due to the cost of erroneous treatments and the number of dead cattle. The main factors that contributed to the deaths were climatic, environmental, and individual. This study demonstrates that severe infestations by R. microplus in low-quality pasture-raised calves are fatal and emphasizes the importance of diagnostic tools to reduce the economic loss caused by death due to infestation by ticks.

Retrospective assessment of porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from pigs affected by different clinical-pathological conditions

BackgroundPorcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) is a recently discovered pathogen of swine that has been associated with several conditions. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding its infection, especially in terms of pathogenesis and disease impact. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively investigate the presence of PCV-3 genome by real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) on selected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of pigs affected by different clinical conditions and histological lesions.Materials and methodsConditions investigated included porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), periweaning failure-to-thrive syndrome (PFTS), congenital tremors type AII, reproductive disorders, and pigs affected by systemic periarteritis/arteritis, myocarditis, or encephalitis. Studied cases (n = 587) were investigated from a diagnostic database (n = 4162) that comprised samples collected within the period 1998–2021. From each condition/lesion, 10 to 12 cases were subsequently selected and tested by qPCR and ISH (72 cases total).ResultsA total of 587 cases fulfilled inclusion criteria of the different studied conditions and were distributed among the seven groups. For the further selected cases, PCV-3 genome was found by qPCR in 12/12 periarteritis, 5/10 reproductive disease, 5/10 PFTS, 3/10 myocarditis, 1/10 encephalitis and 1/10 congenital tremor cases. PCV-3 was not found in any of the PDNS cases assessed. In periarteritis cases, tissues more commonly affected were mesenteric arteries and kidney. Reproductive disease cases associated to PCV-3 genome consistently displayed myocarditis. The lesions and labelling distribution of PFTS cases with presence of PCV-3 genome were comparable to those of the periarteritis group. qPCR and ISH yielded similar results within each studied case and were statistically comparable.ConclusionOur results suggest that periarteritis is the hallmark lesion of PCV-3-SD, and that mesenteric lymph node and kidney appeared to be the most reliable organs to confirm the presence of PCV-3 genome in cases with periarteritis.

Association between chronic pain, depression, somatization and temporomandibular disorders in a southern brazilian population

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is defined as a set of pathological clinical conditions involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint, or both, and the associated structures. It is often associated with chronic headaches, cervical pain, otologic symptoms and may be accompanied by some degree of physical or psychological disability in patients. Objective: To investigate the association of chronic pain-related disability, depression, and somatization with temporomandibular disorders. Methods: It was a transversal study with 275 patients evaluated using the RDC/TMD (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders). The variables of Axis I (myofascial pain, disc displacement and other joint conditions) and Axis II (chronic pain-related disability, depression and somatization) were crossed using Fischer’s Exact Test (p <0.05). Results: Statistically significant association was found among factors of chronic pain-related disability, depression and somatization with myofascial pain diagnosis (p =0.000, p =0.001, p =0.000, respectively), as well as joint conditions (arthralgia, osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis) (p =0.000, p =0.008, p =0.003, respectively). Conclusion: There is a positive association between chronic pain, depression and somatization (Axis II variables) with and myofascial pain and other joint conditions (Axis I). Disc displacements were not associated to variables of Axis II.

Cardiovascular toxin-induced hyperglycemic and hypoarousal pathology-associated cognitive impairment: an in silico and in vivo validation

Background and purpose: Medication-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant factor in the attrition of drugs during preclinical and clinical development processes. Patients with diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemic) are more than twice as likely to experience cardiac failure. Additionally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients often display significant hyperarousal-related clinical anomalies such as fear, panic, nervousness, pain, and seizures. Consequently, hyperarousal in patients with inadequate metabolic outcomes (hyperglycemic conditions) is usually treated with drugs that block sodium/calcium channels, augment inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) neurotransmission, and reduce excitatory (glutamatergic) neurotransmission. These perilous combined clinical-pathological conditions of hyperglycemia and hypoarousal may result in severe learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, only a few studies have investigated the synergistic effects of hypoarousal and hyperglycemia on cognition. Methods: General behavioral assessment, plus maze, Y-maze spontaneous alternation, Hebb-Williams maze and Passive avoidance paradigm were evaluated in this study. The current study assessed the in silico structural properties attributed to its pharmacodynamic actions and interaction with Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and insulin receptors using Schrodinger and LigPrep software. Results: The administration of alloxan and phenytoin induced significant learning and cognitive deficiencies. Based on the in silico studies, alloxan is a better drug to induce hyperglycemia as compared to the well-established hyperglycemic agent, streptozotocin (STZ). Conclusions: The current study indicated that administering alloxan and phenytoin to rodents can serve as a valid animal model to understand the pathophysiology associated with hypoarousal and hyperglycemia-mediated cognitive impairment and to identify novel therapeutic interventions for hyperglycemic and hypoarousal-related learning and cognitive deficiency.

Conservative Management of Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and Early Endometrial Cancer in Childbearing Age Women.

Total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy is the standard treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial cancer. However, the recommended surgical treatment precludes future pregnancy when these conditions are diagnosed in women in their fertile age. In these patients, fertility-sparing treatment may be feasible if the desire for childbearing is consistent and specific conditions are present. This review summarizes the available evidence on fertility-sparing management for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial cancer. Historically, oral progestins have been the mainstay of conservative management for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and stage IA endometrioid endometrial cancer with no myometrial invasion, although there is no consensus on dosage and treatment length. Intrauterine progestin therapy has proved a valid alternative option when oral progestins are not tolerated. GnRH analogs, metformin, and hysteroscopic resection in combination with progestins appear to increase the overall efficacy of the treatment. After a complete response, conception is recommended; alternatively, maintenance therapy with strict follow-up has been proposed to decrease recurrence. The risk of disease progression is not negligible, and clinicians should not overlook the risk of hereditary forms of the disease in young patients, in particular, Lynch syndrome. Hysterectomy is performed once the desire for childbearing desire has been established. The conservative management of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial cancer is feasible, provided a strong desire for childbearing and permitting clinical–pathological conditions. However, patients must be aware of the need for a strict follow-up and the risk of progression with a possible consequent worsening of the prognosis. More homogenous and well-designed studies are necessary to standardize and identify the best treatment and follow-up protocols.

Whole-genome sequence and pathogenicity of a fowl adenovirus 5 isolated from ducks with egg drop syndrome in China

Recently, fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection has become widespread in poultry in China and may be asymptomatic or associated with clinical and other pathological conditions. In 2017, a severe egg drop syndrome outbreak in breeder ducks (45 weeks old) occurred in eastern Shandong province in China. The egg production rate declined from 93 to 41%, finally increasing to ~80% (did not reach complete recovery). The presence of the virus was confirmed by FAdV-5 specific PCR assay, and it was designated strain WHRS. Furthermore, next-generation and Sanger sequencing of genomic fragments yielded a 45,734 bp genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genomic sequence of the WHRS strain was most homologous-(99.95%) to that of the FAdV-5 17/25,702 and 14/24,408 strain, sharing 32.1~53.4% similarity with other FAdV strains in the genus Aviadenovirus. Infected duck embryos died within 3–5 dpi, but no deaths occurred in the infected ducks. Strain WHRS could cause egg drop syndrome in ducks, accompanied by clinical signs similar to those of natural infections. Overall, strain WHRS is lethal to duck embryos and causes egg drop syndrome in breeder ducks.

Bile acid-induced lung injury: update of reverse translational biology.

The presence of bile acids in lung tissue is associated with some clinical features observed in various medical specialties, but it took time to understand that these are due to a "bile acid-induced lung injury" since specific translational studies and cross-disciplinary awareness were lacking. We used a reverse translational approach to update and summarize the current knowledge about the mechanisms of bile acid-induced lung injury. This has been done in a cross-disciplinary fashion since these conditions may occur in patients of various ages and in different medical fields. We here define these clinical conditions, then we review the physiopathology of these conditions and the animal models used to mimic them, and, finally, their pathobiology. Mechanisms of bile acid-induced lung injury have been partially clarified over time and are represented by 1) the interaction with secretory phospholipase A2 pathway, 2) the effect on surfactant function and structure, 3) the biological effects on inflammation and local immunity, and 4) the direct cellular toxicity. These mechanisms are schematically illustrated and histological comparisons between acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by bile acids and other triggers are also provided. Based on these mechanisms, we propose possible direct therapeutic applications and, finally, we discuss further research steps to improve the understanding of processes that generate pathological clinical conditions.

Exploratory radiomic analysis of stage III non-small cell lung cancer CT images: Correlation with clinical-pathological characteristics.

e20574 Background: Recent evidences have suggested potential applications of radiomics in early diagnosis, prognostic stratification and treatment outcome prediction of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of radiomic analysis to discriminate between different clinical-pathological conditions in patients with stage III NSCLC. Methods: Baseline CT studies from 59 patients with stage III NSCLC referred to our Institution from 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and the segmentation of the main lung lesion and the extraction of 517 radiomic features performed using a commercial software. The number of features was reduced to 46 by means of principal component analysis applied using the R package “RadAR” (Radiomics Analysis with R). The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to all the radiomic features in order to evaluate which of them can discriminate between 7 clinical dichotomous characteristics: tumor stage, type, presence of mutation, treatment response, relapse free survival (RFS), smoking habit, patient outcome. P < 0.05 means that there is a statistically significant difference between the two subgroups. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range 43-83). Most patients were males (40/59 = 67.8%) and heavy smokers (36/59 = 61.0%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histology (41/59 = 70.7%), while cases were almost equally splitted between stage IIIA (45.8%) and stage IIIB or IIIC (54.2%). Most selected radiomic features (29/46 = 63.0%) showed a statistically significant difference between patients with and without mutations. Ten (10/46 = 21.7%) radiomic features were associated with patient sex. Seven features (7/45 = 15.2%) were “sensitive” to the tumor clinical stage (stage IIIA vs. stage IIIB+IIIC), 4 (4/46 = 8.7%) to the histological type, and 2 (2/46 = 4.3%) to the patient outcome. None of the selected radiomic features was able to discriminate between responder and non-responder patients, current/previous smokers and never smokers, and patients with RFS lower than 12 months versus RFS equal or higher than 12 months. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis showed that radiomics has the potential of identifying mathematical features associated with clinical and histopathological characteristics in stage III NSCLC patients, which might feed multiparametric predictive models. Larger datasets and further analysis are necessary in order to confirm initial results.

The Use of Moringa Oleifera Powder to Prevent Pancreatic Organ Cell Damage in Pregnant Mice with Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diseases that accompany pregnancy, such as diabetes mellitus, affect preeclampsia. This disease is a hereditary disorder characterized by reduced circulating insulin, high blood sugar concentrations, and reduced glycogenesis. This study tried to determine the effect of giving Moringa leaf powder (Moringa oleifera) in preventing pancreatic organ cell damage in pregnant rats with diabetes mellitus. Method: A total of 30 pregnant white rats, which were divided into 6 groups, were examined for their sugar levels on day 4 after being induced by alloxan for 18 days to ensure that they were already in a hyperglycemic state. Result: The results showed that the administration of Moringa leaf powder at a dose of 800 mg/day/kg BW could reduce pancreatic cell apoptosis, approaching the negative control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the moringa leaf powder is able to improve the clinical pathological condition of pregnancy, due to inhibition of apoptosis and repair of pancreatic Langerhans cells.

An Integrative in silico Study to Discover Key Drivers in Pathogenicity of Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Background: Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a clinical-pathologic condition marked by segmental and localized glomerular damages. Despite investigations, the molecular mechanisms behind FSGS development remain to be more clarified. By a comprehensive analysis of an FSGS-related array set, the aim of this study was to unravel the top pathways and molecules involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Methods: FSGS-related microarray dataset (GSE129973) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was quality checked, analyzed, and its differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (log2 fold change > 1) were used for the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network (STRING). The degree of centrality was considered to select the hub molecules in the network. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to construct co-expression modules. Hub molecules were selected based on module membership and gene significance values in the disease’s most correlated module. After spotting the key molecules considering both strategies, their expression pattern was checked in other FSGS microarray datasets. Gene ontology and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs of the related module. Results: After quality checking, normalization, and analysis of the dataset, 5,296 significant DEGs, including 2,469 upregulated and 2,827 downregulated DEGs were identified. The WGCNA algorithm clustered the DEGs into nine independent co-expression modules. The disease most correlated module (black module) was recognized and considered for further enrichment analysis. The immune system, cell cycle, and vesicle-mediated transports were among the top enriched terms for the identified module’s DEGs. The immune system, cell cycle, and vesicle-mediated transports were among the top enriched terms for the black module’s DEGs. The key molecules (BMP-2 and COL4A1) were identified as common hub molecules extracted from the two methods of PPI and the co-expressed networks. The two identified key molecules were validated in other FSGS datasets, where a similar pattern of expression was observed for both the genes. Conclusions: Two hub molecules (BMP-2 and COL4A) and some pathways (vesicle-mediated transport) were recognized as potential players in the pathogenesis of FSGS.

Skeletal alterations in lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of congenital or acquired pathological clinical conditions that share, as a common feature, a generalized or partial lack of adipose tissue. Recent data in the literature suggest a correlation between adipose and skeletal tissues. Indeed, since both adipocytes and osteoblasts derive from a common mesenchymal cell, it has been hypothesized that alteration of one of the above two tissue types might involve cross-alteration in the other. This brief review analyzes data in the literature illustrating the potential presence of skeletal alterations in patients affected by lipodystrophic syndromes.

Rupture of the left rectus abdominis muscle due to COVID-19 related cough

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients using oral anticoagulants for mechanical valve replacement and/or another clinical-pathological condition might have faced various clinical scenarios. Rectus sheath hematoma is one of the acute abdominal pain syndromes. This study presented a patient with developed anticoagulation-induced rectus sheath hematoma after mitral valve replacement.

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) as a causal agent of disease in swine and a proposal of PCV-3 associated disease case definition.

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) was discovered in 2015 using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Since then, the virus has been detected worldwide in pigs displaying several clinical–pathological outcomes as well as in healthy animals. The objective of this review is to critically discuss the evidence existing so far regarding PCV‐3 as a swine pathogen. In fact, a significant number of publications claim PCV‐3 as a disease causal infectious agent, but very few of them have shown strong evidence of such potential causality. The most convincing proofs of disease association are those that demonstrate a clinical picture linked to multisystemic lymphoplasmacytic to lymphohistiocytic perivascular inflammation and presence of viral nucleic acid within these lesions. Based on these evidence, individual case definitions for PCV‐3‐reproductive disease and PCV‐3‐systemic disease are proposed to standardize diagnostic criteria for PCV‐3‐associated diseases. However, the real frequency of these clinical–pathological conditions linked to the novel virus is unknown, and the most frequent outcome of PCV‐3 infection is likely subclinical based on its worlwide distribution.

To the Question of the Role of the Maternal Factor in Neonatal Dacryocystitis

Purpose. To study the characteristics of neonatal dacryocystitis, taking into account the state of health of their mothers and its possible impact on the development of neonatal dacryocystitis. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 724 outpatient medical records and case histories of children with neonatal dacryocystitis (868 eyes) and an assessment of the health status of their mothers were carried out. Results. It was found that children with neonatal dacryocystitis had concomitant somatic pathology in 11.6% of cases and congenital eye pathology in 2.3%. Among the somatic pathology, there were diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, disorders of the musculoskeletal system and lesions of the central nervous system, as well as other unexplained diseases. The burdened heredity according to neonatal dacryocystitis was found in 23.5% of children. Mothers of children with neonatal dacryocystitis suffered from somatic diseases in 14.4% of cases and gynecological pathology in 8.5% of cases. Sexually transmitted diseases were in 19.5% of mothers. Influenza or acute respiratory viral infection in the first trimester of pregnancy was suffered by 65.9% of mothers of children with DN. The pathological course of the first trimester of pregnancy was observed in 74.7% of mothers. Conclusion. The frequency of somatic, gynecological diseases, genital infections, influenza or acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy, the pathological course of pregnancy in mothers of children with neonatal dacryocystitis, and somatic diseases in newborns, in addition to inflammation of the lacrimal sac, suggest the presence of the so-called, “maternal factor” – maternal health, contributing to the development, along with neonatal dacryocystitis, pathological clinical conditions due to possible intrauterine infection of the fetus, which corresponds to the infectious-inflammatory theory of development of neonatal dacryocystitis. Key words: children, maternal factor, inflammation of the lacrimal sac, neonatal dacryocystitis.

Circulating miRNA in Atherosclerosis: A Clinical Biomarker and Early Diagnostic Tool.

Atherosclerosis, a vascular disease, is characterized by narrowing the arteries and forming plaque inside arteries. There is a record of 17.5 million associated deaths recorded annually, representing 31% of global death. It has been noted that there is an association between vascular fibrosis and atherosclerosis. The thickening of the arterial wall and reduction of the lumen diameter may cause unwarranted deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and these conditions help in the progression of many clinical diseases and pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Here, we reviewed the involvement of various circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the very early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. We have also tried to provide an insight into the advantages and validation of circulating miRNAs through different techniques. We have discussed different circulating miRNAs, such as miR-17, miR-17-5p, miR-29b, miR-30, miR-92a, miR-126, miR-143, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-212, miR-218, miR-221, miR-222 and miR- 361-5p as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The insightful demonstration in this review will offer a better opportunity for the researchers and technology developers in understanding the current scenario of circulating miRNA, which could facilitate them in improving the current diagnostic technologies of atherosclerosis in clinics.

A Novel XGBoost Method to Infer the Primary Lesion of 20 Solid Tumor Types From Gene Expression Data.

PurposeEstablish a suitable machine learning model to identify its primary lesions for primary metastatic tumors in an integrated learning approach, making it more accurate to improve primary lesions’ diagnostic efficiency.MethodsAfter deleting the features whose expression level is lower than the threshold, we use two methods to perform feature selection and use XGBoost for classification. After the optimal model is selected through 10-fold cross-validation, it is verified on an independent test set.ResultsSelecting features with around 800 genes for training, the R2-score of a 10-fold CV of training data can reach 96.38%, and the R2-score of test data can reach 83.3%.ConclusionThese findings suggest that by combining tumor data with machine learning methods, each cancer has its corresponding classification accuracy, which can be used to predict primary metastatic tumors’ location. The machine-learning-based method can be used as an orthogonal diagnostic method to judge the machine learning model processing and clinical actual pathological conditions.

Effects of Blood Storage on Cell Population Data.

Cell population data (CPD) are leukocyte morphologic parameters, measured by automated hematology analyzers with VCS technology. Many studies have demonstrated that these parameters may have clinical utility for diagnosing or screening certain pathological conditions. This study is to investigate the effects of peripheral blood stored at room temperature on the CPD values and provide useful information about storage-induced CPD changes. Venous blood samples from healthy donors kept at room temperature (18 - 25°C) for different time intervals were analyzed using a Coulter DxH800 hematology analyzer. The CPD data collected included mean cellular volume, conductivity and multiple angles of light scatters as well as their corresponding standard deviation for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Peripheral blood smears at each time interval were also prepared and examined microscopically. Peripheral blood kept at room temperature over time significantly affects the CPD values for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. These CPD changes are correlated with the morphologic alterations observed under light microcopy, but detected much earlier. Some changes imitate clinical pathological conditions. For example, aged neutrophils showed decreased median angle light scatters, suggesting cytoplasmic degranulation, which can be seen in the case of myelodysplastic syndrome. This study provides valuable information about storage-induced CPD changes that can affect potential clinical application and interpretation of these automated digital morphologic parameters.

Patients with fibromyalgia display two different clinical profiles based on their GABAergic EEG markers: Preliminary results

Mechanisms undelying chronic pain in fibromyalgia are still unknown and most treatments remain unsuccessful. A neurotransmission-based approach could contribute to further understand this disease and better tailor therapeutic strategies. Previous data showed decreased GABAergic electroencephalographic (EEG) markers correlated chronic neuropathic pain intensity. This study measured β global spectral power (GPS) as a GABAergic marker, using a 20-minute high-density (64 electrodes, BIOSEMI) resting-state EEG recording, in addition to pain intensity and components (Visual Analog Scale (VAS)/10, emotional and sensory items of the MacGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form (MPQe and MPQs)/10), and mood disturbance (anxiety and depression scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale (HADa and HADd)) in 7 fibromyalgia patients (FibroP, ~60 y, females). Data analysis was perfomed using MATLAB and SPSS (mean(SD)). Two distinct groups emerged from EEG data: G1, similar to previous data (n=3), displayed two β peaks (16 Hz, -2.6 (4) dB and 25 Hz, -5.8(1.1) dB) whereas G2 (n=4) showed one unique peak (20 Hz, (-4.7(4.1) dB). Pain and mood scores tent to be worse in G2 than in G1: higher VAS (7.1(0.9) vs 2.8(2.5)), MPQe (6 (2.8) vs 1.5(0.4)) and MPQs (6.6(0.9) vs 2.9(0.4)); pathological HADd (11.8(2.8) vs 5(5)) and HADa (8.5(3) vs 5 (5)), higher neuropathic component (DN4=8(0) vs 3(1)). Overall, G2 FibroP display more pathological clinical conditions than G1 coinciding with more remarkable (so far qualitative) changes in GABAergic neurotransmission. These preliminary data, if confirmed, suggest GABAergic markers as potential criterion for differenciation between sub-classes of FibroP with potential use for analgesic strategies.