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Thompson LDR. Ten Ways to Improve Getting a Scientific Manuscript Accepted. Head Neck Pathol 2024; 18:22. [PMID: 38503984 PMCID: PMC10951136 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-024-01617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientific publication is the cornerstone to academic and private practice advancement in patient management and outcomes. Writing a manuscript requires a certain discipline and skill set that can be achieved with diligence and hard work. METHODS Anecdotal and review. RESULTS Several factors must be considered in scientific writing and journal manuscript submission and acceptance. Choosing where to submit the manuscript; understanding the instructions to authors; disclosing ethically; formatting correctly; never plagiarizing; supplying high quality appropriate images; creating meaningful tables; curating a pertinent but thorough bibliography; having valid, supported conclusions; and respecting timelines. CONCLUSION A discussion of relevant components in manuscript writing and journal submission to improve your chances of acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lester D R Thompson
- Head and Neck Pathology Consultations, 22543 Ventura Blvd, Ste 220 PMB1034, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364, USA.
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2
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McCann KE, Goldfarb SB, Traina TA, Regan MM, Vidula N, Kaklamani V. Selection of appropriate biomarkers to monitor effectiveness of ovarian function suppression in pre-menopausal patients with ER+ breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:8. [PMID: 38242892 PMCID: PMC10798954 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-024-00614-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists has been widely adopted to provide reversible ovarian function suppression for pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are also receiving aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen therapy based on results of 25 randomized trials representing almost 15,000 women demonstrating a survival benefit with this approach. Past clinical trials designed to establish the efficacy of GnRH agonists have monitored testosterone in the prostate cancer setting and estradiol in the breast cancer setting. We explore the merits of various biomarkers including estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their utility for informing GnRH agonist treatment decisions in breast cancer. Estradiol remains our biomarker of choice in ensuring adequate ovarian function suppression with GnRH agonist therapy among pre-menopausal women with breast cancer. We recommend future trials to continue to focus on estradiol levels as the primary endpoint, as they have in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E McCann
- University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shari B Goldfarb
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Tiffany A Traina
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Meredith M Regan
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Virginia Kaklamani
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio / MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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3
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Heijboer AC, Hannema SE. Androgen Excess and Deficiency: Analytical and Diagnostic Approaches. Clin Chem 2023; 69:1361-1373. [PMID: 37794651 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgens are synthesized from cholesterol through sequential conversions by enzymes in the adrenal glands and gonads. Serum levels of androgens change during the different phases of life and regulate important developmental and maturational processes. Androgen excess or deficiency can therefore present at various ages in various ways. CONTENT The diagnostic approach for atypical genitalia, premature pubarche, delayed pubertal onset or progression, and hirsutism or virilization, including measurement of androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, 17-OHprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) is discussed in the current review. Androgens can be measured in serum, saliva, urine, or dried blood spots. Techniques to measure androgens, including immunoassays and LC-MS, have their own advantages and pitfalls. In addition, pre- and postanalytical issues are important when measuring androgens. SUMMARY During clinical interpretation of androgen measurements, it is important to take preanalytical circumstances, such as time of blood withdrawal, into account. As immunoassays have major drawbacks, especially in samples from women and neonates, concentrations measured using these assays should be interpreted with care. Reference intervals can only be used in relation to the measurement technique and the standardization of the assay. In the near future, new androgens will probably be added to the current repertoire to further improve the diagnosis and follow-up of androgen excess or deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke C Heijboer
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine E Hannema
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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4
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Seger C, Kessler A, Taibon J. Establishing metrological traceability for small molecule measurands in laboratory medicine. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:1890-1901. [PMID: 36622091 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
For molecules that can be well described metrologically in the sense of the definition of measurands, and which can also be recorded analytically as individual substances, reference measurement service traceability to a metrologically sound foundation is a necessity. The establishment of traceability chains must be initiated by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) according to applicable standards; they are at the top and leading position in this concept. If NMIs are not in the position to take up this task, alternative approaches must be sought. Traceability initiatives established by in vitro device industry or academia must meet the quality standards of NMIs. Adherence to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) procedure 15193 must be a matter of course for the establishment of reference measurement procedures (RMPs). Certified reference material (CRM) characterization must be thorough, e.g., by the application of quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and by adherence to ISO 15194. Both for RMPs and CRMs Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) listing must be the ultimate goal. Results must be shared in a transparent manner to allow other stakeholders including NMIs to reproduce and disseminate the reference measurement procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Seger
- Labordiagnostic St. Gallen West AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmacy, CCB - Centrum of Chemistry and Biomedicine, CMBI - Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anja Kessler
- Stiftung für Pathobiochemie und Molekulare Diagnostik, Bonn, Germany
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Serum Cortisol as a Biomarker of Severe Dengue. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030146. [PMID: 36977147 PMCID: PMC10056505 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue infection presents a wide range of clinical symptoms. Serum cortisol is known as a severity predictor of serious infection but is not yet clearly understood in dengue infection. We aimed to investigate the pattern of cortisol response after dengue infection and evaluate the possibility of using serum cortisol as the biomarker to predict the severity of dengue infection. This prospective study was conducted in Thailand during 2018. Serum cortisol and other laboratory tests were collected at four time points: day 1 at hospital admission, day 3, day of defervescence (DFV) (4–7 days post-fever onset), and day of discharge (DC). The study recruited 265 patients (median age (IQR) 17 (13, 27.5)). Approximately 10% presented severe dengue infection. Serum cortisol levels were highest on the day of admission and day 3. The best cut-off value of serum cortisol level for predicting severe dengue was 18.2 mcg/dL with an AUC of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.51, 0.74). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 65.4, 62.3, 16 and 94%, respectively. When we combined serum cortisol with persistent vomiting and day of fever, the AUC increased to 0.76. In summary, serum cortisol at day of admission was likely to be associated with dengue severity. Further studies may focus on the possibility of using serum cortisol as one of the biomarkers for dengue severity.
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Kaufman JM. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in ageing men. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1139-1150. [PMID: 36355322 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09763-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To make the diagnosis of hypogonadism in an ageing man, in absence of rare organic cause often referred to as functional or late onset hypogonadism (LOH), he should present with a clinical syndrome suggestive of androgen deficiency and have consistently low serum testosterone (T) levels. This does not differ from the diagnosis of any other form of hypogonadism. Particular to LOH diagnostic are uncertainties surrounding this entity: signs and symptoms of androgen deficiency (including sexual symptoms) are nonspecific in older men; clinical significance of only moderately low T levels is uncertain; comorbidity plays a substantial role with potential for reversibility; the place of T therapy in these men is debatable. This context demands for a pragmatic, but appropriately conservative approach to diagnosis. Evaluation should be stepwise with clinical evaluation, if suggestive for androgen deficiency, followed by measurement of a fasting morning serum T, if unequivocally low to be confirmed in a separate morning sample by a second low T or, if initial T borderline low or in presence of factors known to affect SHBG, by a low calculated free T level. All other (free) T results make hypogonadism an unlikely cause of the patient's symptoms. In the absence of consensus cut-off levels for total and free T in the published clinical guidelines for diagnosis of hypogonadism, it seems appropriate in the context of LOH to use stringent criteria indicating a convincingly low serum T. The approach to the diagnosis of LOH is not fundamentally different from that of other forms of hypogonadism but should put extra weight on prioritizing the shunning of overdiagnosis above the risk of underdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Landwehr VC, Fretwurst T, Heinen J, Vach K, Nelson K, Nahles S, Iglhaut G. Association of sex steroid hormones and new bone formation rate after iliac onlay grafting: a prospective clinical pilot study. Int J Implant Dent 2022; 8:53. [PMCID: PMC9663769 DOI: 10.1186/s40729-022-00447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The present prospective study evaluates the association between new bone formation rate in the iliac onlay graft and sex steroid hormone serum levels.
Methods
A total of 15 partially or completely edentulous postmenopausal females and 9 males with less than 5 mm height of the remaining alveolar bone underwent iliac onlay grafting followed by dental implant placement using a two-stage approach. Sex hormone binding globulin and 17β-estradiol serum levels were investigated by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, while total testosterone level was analyzed using radioimmunoassay. At the time of implant placement, 12 weeks after grafting, bone biopsies were obtained and analyzed histomorphometrically. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models.
Results
Grafting procedure was successfully performed in all patients. The mean new bone formation rate was 32.5% (116 samples). In men the mean new bone formation rate (38.1%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in women (27.6%). Independent of gender 17β-estradiol and testosterone were positively associated to overall new bone formation rate, albeit a significant influence was only seen for 17β-estradiol in men (p = 0.020). Sex hormone binding globulin had no influence on new bone formation rate (p = 0.897). There was no significant association between new bone formation rate and age (p = 0.353) or new bone formation rate and body mass index (p = 0.248).
Conclusion
Positive association of 17ß-estradiol as well as testosterone with new bone formation rate after iliac onlay grafting indicates a role of sex steroid hormones in alveolar bone regeneration, although the observed influence was only significant for 17ß-estradiol in men.
Graphical Abstract
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Paluch-Shimon S, Cardoso F, Partridge AH, Abulkhair O, Azim HA, Bianchi-Micheli G, Cardoso MJ, Curigliano G, Gelmon KA, Gentilini O, Harbeck N, Kaufman B, Kim SB, Liu Q, Merschdorf J, Poortmans P, Pruneri G, Senkus E, Sirohi B, Spanic T, Sulosaari V, Peccatori F, Pagani O. ESO-ESMO fifth international consensus guidelines for breast cancer in young women (BCY5). Ann Oncol 2022; 33:1097-1118. [PMID: 35934170 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We dedicate this manuscript in memory of a dear friend and colleague Bella Kaufman. The fifth International Consensus Symposium for Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCY5) took place virtually in October 2020, organized by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). Consensus recommendations for the management of breast cancer in young women were updated from BCY4 with incorporation of new evidence to inform the guidelines. Areas of research priorities as well as specificities in different geographic and minority populations were identified. This manuscript summarizes the ESO-ESMO international consensus recommendations, which are also endorsed by the European Society of Breast Specialists (EUSOMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paluch-Shimon
- Hadassah University Hospital & Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - F Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - O Abulkhair
- King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - H A Azim
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | | | - M J Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Curigliano
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - K A Gelmon
- British Columbia Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - N Harbeck
- Breast Center, Department of OB&GYN and CCCMunich, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - B Kaufman
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - S B Kim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Q Liu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - P Poortmans
- Iridium Netwerk, Department of Radiation Oncology & University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - G Pruneri
- National Cancer Institute, IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - E Senkus
- Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - B Sirohi
- Max Institute of Cancer Care, New Delhi and Gurgaon, India
| | - T Spanic
- Europa Donna Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - V Sulosaari
- European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) and Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - F Peccatori
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; European Institute of Oncology IRCCS & European School of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - O Pagani
- Interdisciplinary Cancer Service Hospital Riviera-Chablais Rennaz, Vaud, Geneva University Hospitals, Lugano University, Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK), Lugano, Switzerland
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Hillebrand JJ, Zhou L, Marcinkus MA, Datwyler M, Gawel SH, Martens F, Davis GJ, Heijboer AC. Instability of corticotropin during long-term storage - myth or reality? Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:60-65. [PMID: 34643074 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corticotropin is notorious for its instability. Whereas several studies have investigated its short-term stability in plasma following venous blood sampling, studies on long-term stability are lacking. Here we investigated the long-term storage stability of corticotropin in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid containing plasma. METHODS Specimens from healthy volunteers (neat, spiked) were stored in polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes with socket screw-caps at -20 °C and -70 °C for up to one and a half years. Corticotropin in plasma was measured using an Abbott research only immunoassay. Separately, specimens from patients were collected during diagnostic routine testing and stored in polystyrene tubes with push-caps at -20 °C for up to 6 years. In these samples corticotropin hormone was measured using the Diasorin corticotropin immunoassay. RESULTS Storage of specimens at -20 °C or -70 °C for up to one and a half years showed minimal changes (<11%) in corticotropin levels, while storage of patient samples at -20 °C for up to 6 years showed a significant (54%) reduction in corticotropin levels. CONCLUSIONS Corticotropin levels are stable in plasma when stored at -20 °C for one and a half years using the Abbott research only assay, but with longer storage time a significant reduction in corticotropin levels can be expected. Once specimens are stored for future corticotropin measurements, one should consider storage time, storage temperature and assay differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelien J Hillebrand
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Li Zhou
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | | | - Maria Datwyler
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - Susan H Gawel
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - Frans Martens
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J Davis
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Rossum HH, van Winden LJ, Heijboer AC. Reporting the Analytical Method Is Essential to Assessing Studies in Which Biomarkers Are a Major Study Objective. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1402-1403. [PMID: 34236396 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huub H van Rossum
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lennart J van Winden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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