The performance of the node reporting and data system 1.0 (Node-RADS) and DWI-MRI in staging patients with cervical carcinoma according to the new FIGO classification (2018)

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Node-RADS score and the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in predicting metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) involvement in cervical cancer (CC) patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The applicability of the Node RADS score across three readers with different years of experience in pelvic imaging was also assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among 140 patients, 68 underwent staging MRI, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery, forming the study cohort. Node-RADS scores of the main pelvic stations were retrospectively determined to assess LN metastatic likelihood and compared with the histological findings. Mean ADC, relative ADC (rADC), and correct ADC (cADC) values of LNs classified as Node-RADS ≥ 3 were measured and compared with histological reports, considered as gold standard.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs), and accuracy were calculated for different Node-RADS thresholds. Node RADS ≥ 3 showed a sensitivity of 92.8% and specificity of 72.5%. Node RADS ≥ 4 yielded a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 100%, while Node RADS 5 yielded 42.9% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of mean ADC, cADC and rADC values from 78 LNs with Node-RADS score ≥ 3 was assessed, with ADC demonstrating the highest area under the curve (AUC 0.820), compared to cADC and rADC values.

CONCLUSION

The Node-RADS score provides a standardized LNs assessment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy in CC patients. Its ease of use and high inter-observer concordance support its clinical utility. ADC measurement of LNs shows promise as an additional tool for optimizing patient diagnostic evaluation.

Imaging of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: CT, MRI, Radiomic Features and Resectability Criteria

PC represents the most striking picture of the loco-regional spread of ovarian cancer, configuring stage III. In the last few years, many papers have evaluated the role of imaging and therapeutic management in patients with ovarian cancer and PC. This paper summed up the literature on traditional approaches to the imaging of peritoneal carcinomatosis in advanced ovarian cancer, presenting classification systems, most frequent patterns, routes of spread and sites that are difficult to identify. The role of imaging in diagnosis was investigated, with particular attention to the reported sensitivity and specificity data-computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT)-and to the peritoneal cancer index (PCI). In addition, we explored the therapeutic possibilities and radiomics applications that can impact management of patients with ovarian cancer. Careful staging is mandatory, and patient selection is one of the most important factors influencing complete cytoreduction (CCR) outcome: an accurate pre-operative imaging may allow selection of patients that may benefit most from primary cytoreductive surgery.

A Folding-Based Electrochemical Aptasensor for the Single-Step Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Efficient and timely testing has taken center stage in the management, control, and monitoring of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Simple, rapid, cost-effective diagnostics are needed that can complement current polymerase chain reaction-based methods and lateral flow immunoassays. Here, we report the development of an electrochemical sensing platform based on single-walled carbon nanotube screen-printed electrodes (SWCNT-SPEs) functionalized with a redox-tagged DNA aptamer that specifically binds to the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit. Single-step, reagentless detection of the S1 protein is achieved through a binding-induced, concentration-dependent folding of the DNA aptamer that reduces the efficiency of the electron transfer process between the redox tag and the electrode surface and causes a suppression of the resulting amperometric signal. This aptasensor is specific for the target S1 protein with a dissociation constant (K_D) value of 43 ± 4 nM and a limit of detection of 7 nM. We demonstrate that the target S1 protein can be detected both in a buffer solution and in an artificial viral transport medium widely used for the collection of nasopharyngeal swabs, and that no cross-reactivity is observed in the presence of different, non-target viral proteins. We expect that this SWCNT-SPE-based format of electrochemical aptasensor will prove useful for the detection of other protein targets for which nucleic acid aptamer ligands are made available.

Novel amperometric genosensor based on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes immobilized on carbon nanotubes-screen printed electrodes for the determination of trace levels of non-amplified DNA in genetically modified (GM) soy

A novel amperometric genosensor based on PNA probes covalently bound on the surface of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes - Screen Printed Electrodes (SWCNT-SPEs) was developed and validated in samples of non-amplified genomic DNA extracted from genetically modified (GM)-Soy. The sandwich assay is based on a first recognition of a 20-mer portion of the target DNA by a complementary PNA Capture Probe (CP) and a second hybridization with a PNA Signalling Probe (SP), with a complementary sequence to a different portion of the target DNA. The SP was labelled with biotin to measure current signal by means of a final incubation of an Alkaline Phosphatase-streptavidin conjugate (ALP-Strp). The electrochemical detection was carried out using hydroquinone diphosphate (HQDP) as enzymatic substrate. The genoassay provided a linear range from 250 pM to 2.5 nM, LOD of 64 pM and LOQ of 215 pM Excellent selectivity towards one base mismatch (1-MM) or scrambled (SCR) sequences was obtained. A simple protocol for extraction and analysis of non-amplified soybean genomic DNA without sample treatment was developed and validated. Our study provides insight into how the outstanding recognition efficiency of PNAs can be combined with the unique properties of CNTs in terms of signal response enhancement for direct detection of genomic DNA samples at the level of interest without previous amplification.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among blood donors in Torino, Italy

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most common infections world-wide. A cohort effect model has been proposed to clarify the differences in the prevalence among the different age-class with a rate of infection higher in old individuals than in younger ones. The source of bacterial acquisition as well as the mode of transmission (oral-oral or fecal-oral) are still unknown and studies have confirmed the role of socio-economic factors and characteristics of childhood living conditions for the acquisition of H. pylori. In this study we analysed the age and gender-specific prevalence of H. pylori infection in a population of apparently healthy subjects, i.e. blood donors attending the blood bank of our hospital.

METHODS

From April 1995 to July 1995, 619 consecutive volunteer blood donors (523 males, 96 females, mean age 47+/-5.3 years, range 18-65 years), attending the Molinette Hospital's Blood Bank (Torino), were recruited. H. pylori seroprevalence was assessed by presence of antibodies (IgG) against the bacterium in serum, by means of a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, Helori-test Eurospital).

RESULTS

The overall H. pylori seroprevalence in the population was 47%: 265/523 males (51%) were seropositive versus 26/96 females (27%) (p<0.0001, OR 2.77 [confidence interval 95% 1.674.61]). When subdivided into sex and decade of age-groups the difference was significative in three subgroups: among male subjects between 20-29 years, male subjects between 40-49 years and male subjects between 50-59 years. The seroprevalence was also significatively higher in older than younger both in males than females.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the cohort effect and for a future survey an equilibrated number of persons belonging to the different groups will be planned.

Removal of cytokines and activated complement components in an experimental model of continuous plasma filtration coupled with sorbent adsorption

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is associated with enhanced cytokine production. Here, we examined the in vitro removal of plasma cytokines during continuous plasmafiltration coupled with sorbent adsorption.

METHODS

Proinflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins-1, -8) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor type I and II) cytokines in whole blood spiked with Escherichia coli endotoxin were determined during 2-h recirculation in the ultrafiltrate (condition A), plasma filtrate (condition B), before and after different sorbents (of the Amberlite-, Amberchrome- Ambersorb -type and charcoal). We studied the maximal adsorbing capacity, the 1% leakage test for cytokines and C3a des Arg and the adsorption of complement-dependent leukocyte chemiluminescence. Plasma proteins eluted from the resins were examined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with an anti-human alpha2-macroglobulin.

RESULTS

In condition B, we observed a 40- and 121-fold % increase (vs condition A) in the removed mass and clearance of tumour necrosis factor-alpha. For all other cytokines, the removed mass and the clearance increased from 2.3- up to 6-fold. The Amberchrome but not the Amberlite or Ambersorb resins could remove the highest amount of cytokines and could reduce complement-dependent chemiluminescence. Two protein bands of approximately 400,000 D and 200,000 D were eluted only from Amberchrome resins and immunoprecipitated by anti-human alpha2-macroglobulin and anti-human C3c antibodies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies suggest an efficient removal of cytokines in continuous plasmafiltration with sorbent adsorption. The binding of alpha2-macroglobulin, a carrier of cytokines in plasma, might be a additional mechanism in the removal of cytokines from plasma.

Prevalence of Yersinia antibodies in blood donors

Agglutinins titers against Y. enterocolitica 0:3, 0:5, 0:9 and Y. pseudotuberculosis I were determined by the microagglutination method in 777 blood donor sera. Titers of < or = 1/10 were observed in 93.5% of the subjects for Y. enterocolitica 0:3, in 87.8% for Y. enterocolitica 0:9 and in 95.1% for Y. enterocolitica 0:5 and for Y. pseudotuberculosis I. Low level titers (1/10 - 1/20) were found in 11.4% to 23.1%. Titers of > or = 1/40 were observed in 1.7% for Y. enterocolitica 0:3, in 1.4% for Y. enterocolitica 0:5, in 5.1% for Y. enterocolitica 0:9 and in 1.2% for Y. pseudotuberculosis I. Titers of > or = 1/80 were seen in 0.2% for Y. enterocolitica 0:3, in 0.1% for Y. enterocolitica 0:5 and in 1.3% for Y. enterocolitica 0:9. Only in one donor's serum was a titer of 1/160 against Y. enterocolitica 0:9 found. The upper limit of normal titer at 15% cutoff level against Yersinia antigens, found in blood donor sera by the microagglutination test, was 1/10.

Evolution of the bandwidth of the principal states of polarization in single-mode fibers

The bandwidth in which the first-order approximation of the principal states of polarization of a single-mode fiber can be assumed valid is examined. The principal states of polarization and their bandwidth are found for a fiber with both constant coupling and birefringence, and the relationship with the fiber's eigenmodes is examined. On the basis of these results, a fiber cascade is analyzed, and a Monte Carlo simulation provides theoretical values of the bandwidth that have been experimentally verified on a 2-km-long concatenation of single-mode dispersion-shifted fibers.

Measurement of the group-delay difference between the principal states of polarization on a low-birefringence terrestrial fiber cable

We report some results of measurements of the frequency dependence of the state of polarization at the end of a low-birefringence long-cabled (50-km) optical fiber. The principal states of polarization and their group-delay difference were determined by making use of the Poincaré sphere representation.

[Recurring anterior dislocation of the shoulder]

The paper makes a pathogenetic study of habitual dislocation of the shoulder, an analysis of the surgical techniques most widely used, and a review of the case histories collected at the G. Pini Orthopaedic Hospital for patients operated by the Bankart-Delitala method. After a short introduction on the general features of the lesion, and on normal human anatomy, the paper sets out the pathological anatomy, aetiopathogenesis and the radiological and clinical picture. Lastly consideration is given to the most widely known and diffused procedures for treatment, divided into: --Operations on the anterior capsule and the glenoidal pad. --Arthroereisis operations. --Tendinous transposition operations. --Tendinous suspension operations. The case histories cover nineteen subjects treated by the Bankart-Delitala method and rechecked at a distance ranging from a year to six years after the date of the operation. Statistical data are presented on age, sex, side affected and final functional data. These results comprise fifteen perfect cases with total recovery of activity and absence of pain. Three cases reported occasional pain, and one a slight sensation of hindrance of movements. No fresh dislocation. The Authors conclude by stressing the complete efficacy of the Bankart-Delitala method, as regards both functional recovery and the capacity for preventing further dislocations.