Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of histological grade in soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with significant heterogeneity. The importance of classifying histological grades is fundamental to defining the treatment approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: A retrospective observational study included patients over 18 years undergoing MRI and primary tumor surgery at AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2015 to June 2022. Two radiologists evaluated MRI criteria (size, margin definition, heterogeneity of the T2 signal, high-intensity peritumoral signal on T2, and postperitumoral contrast), and a grading prediction score was calculated. χ2 and logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included (38 men; median: 48 years). Moreover, 52 high-grade and 16 low-grade tumors were observed. The MRI criteria associated with histological grade were peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signals (p < 0.001) and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement (p = 0.006). Logistic regression confirmed their significance (odds ratio [OR]: 11.8 and 8.8, respectively). Each score point increment doubled the chance of high-grade tumors (OR: 2.0; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: MRI effectively predicts histological grades of soft tissue sarcomas. Peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signals and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement are valuable indicators of high-grade tumors. This highlights MRI's importance in treatment decision-making for sarcoma patients.

A precise approach to robotic intracorporeal rectal transection and hand-sewn purse-string anastomosis for low anterior resection.

This study presents a new technique for robotic-assisted intracorporeal rectal transection and hand-sewn anastomosis for low anterior resection that overcomes some limitations of conventional techniques. By integrating the advantages of the robotic platform, ensuring standardized exposure during rectal transection, and emphasizing the importance of avoiding complications associated with staple crossings, this innovation has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and reduce costs for patients with lower rectal tumors.

Papel da Ressonância Nuclear Magnética na Predição de Grau Histológico em Sarcomas de Partes Moles / Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of histological grade in soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUÇÃO: Os sarcomas são tumores malignos raros e compreendem um grupo heterogêneo de tumores, com mais de 60 subtipos histológicos. A importância da classificação do grau histológico é fundamental para a definição da linha de tratamento a ser seguida. A busca por métodos que aumentem a acurácia na definição de alto grau deve ser constante. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da Ressonância Nuclear Magnética na predição do grau histológico nos sarcomas de partes moles. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo. Critérios de inclusão foram pacientes com mais de 18 anos, submetidos a biópsia por agulha grossa guiada ou revisão de biópsia externa, exame de RNM e a ressecção do tumor primário no ACCCC. Exclusão de pacientes submetidos a biópsia cirúrgica. Principais variáveis foram: tamanho do tumor, idade, localização, subtipo histológico, grau histológico da biópsia e da peça cirúrgica ­ sendo utilizado classificação em alto grau (G2 e G3 da FNCLCC) e baixo grau (G1). Os critérios radiológicos da RNM (tamanho, definição das margens (regular ou irregular), heterogeneidade de sinal em T2 (maior 50% ou menor 50%), sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (edema peritumoral presente ou ausente), realce pós-contraste peritumoral (presente ou ausente) foram avaliados por dois radiologistas da nossa instituição. Além disso, foi realizado o cálculo de um score para avaliação de predição do alto grau histológico, por meio da somatória dos critérios positivos analisados (considerando ser de 0 (zero), quando nenhum critério foi identificado a 5 (cinco) quando todos os critérios forem positivos). Utilizamos teste de associação Qui-quadrado entre os itens da RNM e o grau histológico da peça cirúrgica e, em seguida, utilizamos teste de regressão logística a fim de identificar a associação independente, de modo a avaliar o valor da RNM na predição do grau histológico. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Trinta mulheres e 38 homens. A biópsia identificou 54 tumores de alto grau e 14 tumores de baixo grau. Já na peça cirúrgica tivemos 52 tumores de alto grau e 16 de baixo grau. A via mais comum de biópsia foi biópsia por agulha grossa guiada por ultrassonografia com 54,4% dos casos. O subtipo mais comum foi o lipossarcoma com 17(25%) casos, seguido pelo sarcoma sinovial 17,6% e leiomiossarcoma 10,3%, assim como localização em extremidade com 64,7%. Identificamos uma maioria de tumores maiores que 5cm, correspondendo à 89,7%. A regularidade das margens 43 (63,2%) foram regular, e apenas 25 (36,8%) consideradas irregular. Já na avaliação da heterogeneidade tumoral em T2 foram 36 (52,9%) heterogêneos contra 32 (47,1%) com menos 50% de heterogeneidade. O sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 estava presente em 45 (66,2%) das vezes, ao passo que, o realce pós-contraste peritumoral estava presente em 31 (45,6%). O score ficou: dois com score 0 (zero), 10 com score 1 (um), 16 com score 2 (dois), 13 com score 3 (três), 18 com score 4 (quatro) e nove com score 5 (cinco). Os critérios da RNM que demonstraram associação com grau histológico foram sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (p <0,001) e realce peritumoral pós-contraste (p=0,006). Na regressão logística a presença de sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (OR 11,8) e o realce pós-contraste peritumoral (OR 8,8) também foram preditivos de tumor de alto grau. Apesar de os demais critérios da RNM não apresentarem associação com o grau histológico, ao se aplicar o score (somatório dos achados dos critérios na RNM) encontramos, que a cada ponto a mais aumentase a chance de tumor de alto grau em 2 vezes (OR 2,0; p 0,014). CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da RNM como ferramenta para predizer o grau histológico dos sarcomas de partes moles se demonstrou eficiente. Os critérios relacionados ao padrão de crescimento infiltrativo tumoral identificados na RNM como sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 e realce pós-contraste peritumoral foram positivos para predizer alto grau histológico.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcomas are rare malignant tumors and comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, with more than 60 histological subtypes. The importance of classifying the histological grade is fundamental for defining the line of treatment to be followed. The search for methods that increase the accuracy in the definition of high degree must be constant. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in predicting the histological grade in soft tissue sarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years old who underwent guided core needle biopsy or external pathology review, MRI exam, and primary tumor surgery at the ACCCC from January 2015 to June 2022. Patients who underwent surgical biopsy were excluded. The main variables were tumor size, age, location, histological subtype, histological grade of the biopsy and of the surgical specimen ­ using a classification of high grade as G2 and G3 of the FNCLCC and low grade as G1. MRI radiological criteria (size, margin definition (regular or irregular), heterogeneity of the T2 signal (greater than 50% or less than 50%), high intensity peritumoral signal on T2 (peritumoral edema present or absent), post- peritumoral contrast (present or absent) were evaluated by two radiologists from our institution. In addition, a score was calculated to evaluate the prediction of histological grade, through the sum of the positive criteria analyzed (considering it to be 0 (zero), when no criterion was identified to 5 (five) when all criteria are positive). We used the Chi-square association test between the MRI items and the histological grade of the surgical specimen, and then we used the logistic regression test to identify the independent association. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixty-eight patients were included. Thirty women and 38 men. The biopsy identified 54 highgrade tumors and 14 low-grade tumors. In the surgical specimen, we had 52 high-grade and 16 low-grade tumors. The most common type of biopsy was ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy with 54.4% of cases. Liposarcoma with 17 (25%) cases were most frequently, followed by synovial sarcoma 17.6% and leiomyosarcoma 10.3%, as well as location in the extremity with 64.7%. We identified most tumors larger than 5cm, corresponding to 89.7%. The regularity of the margins 43 (63.2%) were regular, and only 25 (36.8%) considered irregular. In the evaluation of tumor heterogeneity in T2, there were 36 (52.9%) against 32 (47.1%). Peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal was present in 45 (66.2%), whereas peritumoral post-contrast enhancement was present in 31 (45.6%). The score was: two with score 0 (zero), 10 with score 1 (one), 16 with score 2 (two), 13 with score 3 (three), 18 with score 4 (four) and nine with score 5 (five). The MRI criteria that demonstrated an association with histological grade were peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal (p <0.001) and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement (p=0.006). In logistic regression, the presence of peritumoral high-intensity T2weighted signal (OR 11.8) and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement (OR 8.8) were also predictive of high-risk tumor. Although the other MRI criteria are not associated with the histological grade, when applying the score (sum of the MRI findings of the criteria), we found that each additional point increases the chance of a high-grade tumor by 2 times (OR 2.0; p 0.014). CONCLUSION: The use of MRI as a tool to predict the histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas proved to be efficient. The criteria related to the infiltrative tumor growth pattern identified on MRI as peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement were positive for predicting histological high grade.

Papel da ressonância nuclear magnética na predição de grau histológico em Sarcomas de partes moles / Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of histological grade in soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUÇÃO: Os sarcomas são tumores malignos raros e compreendem um grupo heterogêneo de tumores, com mais de 60 subtipos histológicos. A importância da classificação do grau histológico é fundamental para a definição da linha de tratamento a ser seguida. A busca por métodos que aumentem a acurácia na definição de alto grau deve ser constante. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da Ressonância Nuclear Magnética na predição do grau histológico nos sarcomas de partes moles. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo. Critérios de inclusão foram pacientes com mais de 18 anos, submetidos a biópsia por agulha grossa guiada ou revisão de biópsia externa, exame de RNM e a ressecção do tumor primário no ACCCC. Exclusão de pacientes submetidos a biópsia cirúrgica. Principais variáveis foram: tamanho do tumor, idade, localização, subtipo histológico, grau histológico da biópsia e da peça cirúrgica ­ sendo utilizado classificação em alto grau (G2 e G3 da FNCLCC) e baixo grau (G1). Os critérios radiológicos da RNM (tamanho, definição das margens (regular ou irregular), heterogeneidade de sinal em T2 (maior 50% ou menor 50%), sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (edema peritumoral presente ou ausente), realce pós-contraste peritumoral (presente ou ausente) foram avaliados por dois radiologistas da nossa instituição. Além disso, foi realizado o cálculo de um score para avaliação de predição do alto grau histológico, por meio da somatória dos critérios positivos analisados (considerando ser de 0 (zero), quando nenhum critério foi identificado a 5 (cinco) quando todos os critérios forem positivos). Utilizamos teste de associação Qui-quadrado entre os itens da RNM e o grau histológico da peça cirúrgica e, em seguida, utilizamos teste de regressão logística a fim de identificar a associação independente, de modo a avaliar o valor da RNM na predição do grau histológico. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Trinta mulheres e 38 homens. A biópsia identificou 54 tumores de alto grau e 14 tumores de baixo grau. Já na peça cirúrgica tivemos 52 tumores de alto grau e 16 de baixo grau. A via mais comum de biópsia foi biópsia por agulha grossa guiada por ultrassonografia com 54,4% dos casos. O subtipo mais comum foi o lipossarcoma com 17(25%) casos, seguido pelo sarcoma sinovial 17,6% e leiomiossarcoma 10,3%, assim como localização em extremidade com 64,7%. Identificamos uma maioria de tumores maiores que 5cm, correspondendo à 89,7%. A regularidade das margens 43 (63,2%) foram regular, e apenas 25 (36,8%) consideradas irregular. Já na avaliação da heterogeneidade tumoral em T2 foram 36 (52,9%) heterogêneos contra 32 (47,1%) com menos 50% de heterogeneidade. O sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 estava presente em 45 (66,2%) das vezes, ao passo que, o realce pós-contraste peritumoral estava presente em 31 (45,6%). O score ficou: dois com score 0 (zero), 10 com score 1 (um), 16 com score 2 (dois), 13 com score 3 (três), 18 com score 4 (quatro) e nove com score 5 (cinco). Os critérios da RNM que demonstraram associação com grau histológico foram sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (p<0,001) e realce peritumoral pós-contraste (p=0,006). Na regressão logística a presença de sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 (OR 11,8) e o realce pós-contraste peritumoral (OR 8,8) também foram preditivos de tumor de alto grau. Apesar de os demais critérios da RNM não apresentarem associação com o grau histológico, ao se aplicar oscore (somatório dos achados dos critérios na RNM) encontramos, que a cada ponto a mais aumentase a chance de tumor de alto grau em 2 vezes (OR 2,0; p 0,014). CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da RNM como ferramenta para predizer o grau histológico dos sarcomas de partes moles se demonstrou eficiente. Os critérios relacionados ao padrão de crescimento infiltrativo tumoral identificados na RNM como sinal de alta intensidade peritumoral em T2 e realce pós-contraste peritumoral foram positivos para predizer alto grau histológico.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcomas are rare malignant tumors and comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, with more than 60 histological subtypes. The importance of classifying the histological grade is fundamental for defining the line of treatment to be followed. The search for methods that increase the accuracy in the definition of high degree must be constant. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in predicting the histological grade in soft tissue sarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years old who underwent guided core needle biopsy or external pathology review, MRI exam, and primary tumor surgery at the ACCCC from January 2015 to June 2022. Patients who underwent surgical biopsy were excluded. The main variables were tumor size, age, location, histological subtype, histological grade of the biopsy and of the surgical specimen­ using a classification of high grade as G2 and G3 of the FNCLCC and low grade as G1. MRI radiological criteria (size, margin definition (regular or irregular), heterogeneity of the T2 signal (greater than 50% or less than 50%), high intensity peritumoral signal on T2 (peritumoral edema present or absent), post- peritumoral contrast (present or absent) were evaluated by two radiologists from our institution. In addition, a score was calculated to evaluate the prediction of histological grade, through the sum of the positive criteria analyzed (considering it to be 0 (zero), when no criterion was identified to 5 (five) when all criteria are positive). We used the Chi-square association test between the MRI items and the histological grade of the surgical specimen, and then we used the logistic regression test to identify the independent association. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixty-eight patients wereincluded. Thirty women and 38 men. The biopsy identified 54 highgrade tumors and 14 low-grade tumors. In the surgical specimen, we had 52 high-grade and 16 low-grade tumors. The most common type of biopsy was ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy with 54.4% of cases. Liposarcoma with 17 (25%) cases were most frequently, followed by synovial sarcoma 17.6% and leiomyosarcoma 10.3%, as well as location in the extremity with 64.7%. We identified most tumors larger than 5cm, corresponding to 89.7%. The regularity of the margins 43 (63.2%) were regular, and only 25 (36.8%) considered irregular. In the evaluation of tumor heterogeneity in T2, there were 36 (52.9%) against 32 (47.1%). Peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal was present in 45 (66.2%), whereas peritumoral post-contrast enhancement was present in 31 (45.6%). The score was: two with score 0 (zero), 10 with score 1 (one), 16 with score 2 (two), 13 with score 3 (three), 18 with score 4 (four) and nine with score 5 (five). The MRI criteria that demonstrated an association with histological grade were peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal (p<0.001) and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement (p=0.006). In logistic regression, the presence of peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal (OR 11.8) and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement (OR 8.8) were also predictive of high-risk tumor. Although the other MRI criteria are not associated with the histological grade, when applying the score (sum of the MRI findings of the criteria), we found that each additional point increases the chance of a high-grade tumor by 2 times (OR 2.0; p 0.014). CONCLUSION: The use of MRI as a tool to predict the histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas proved to be efficient. The criteria related to the infiltrative tumor growth pattern identified on MRI as peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signal and peritumoral post-contrast enhancement were positive for predicting histological high grade.

Tough and Osteocompatible Calcium Phosphate Cements Reinforced with Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibers.

Injectable, self-setting calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are favorable bone substitutes due to their osteocompatibility. However, due to their brittleness and low toughness, their clinical application is limited to non-load-bearing sites. The incorporation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers into cementitious materials is a successful strategy in civil engineering for improving the mechanical performance of cements. However, PVA fibers in particular have not yet been applied to reinforce CPCs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PVA fibers on the mechanical properties of CPCs. Second, the in vitro cytocompatibility of these fibers is studied using cell culture tests. Finally, the in vivo osteocompatibility of PVA fiber-reinforced CPCs is studied after a 6 and 12 week implantation period in the femoral condyle of rabbits. Results reveal that the incorporation of PVA fibers into CPCs is a highly effective strategy to strengthen and toughen CPCs, since the flexural strength and toughness of CPCs increased by more than 3-fold and 435-fold, respectively, upon reinforcement with PVA fibers. In vitro cytocompatibility tests indicate that PVA fibers are cytocompatible, which is further confirmed by the in vivo results that show that PVA fibers do not compromise the excellent osteocompatibility of CPCs.

Role of staging laparoscopy in the management of Pancreatic Duct Carcinoma (PDAC): Single-center experience from a tertiary hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Proper staging is critical to the management of pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC). Laparoscopy has been used to stage patients without gross metastatic disease with variable success. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the frequency of patients diagnosed by laparoscopy with occult metastatic disease. Also, we looked for variables related to a higher chance of occult metastasis. METHODS: Patients with PDAC submitted to staging laparoscopy either immediately before pancreatectomy or as a separate procedure between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. None presented gross metastatic disease at initial staging. We used logistic regression to search for variables associated with metastatic disease. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 63 patients. Among all patients, nine (16.7%) had occult metastases at laparoscopy. Unresectable tumor (Odds ratio = 18.0, P = 0.03), increasing tumor size (Odds ratio = 1.36, P = 0.01), and abdominal pain (Odds ratio = 5.6, P = 0.04) significantly predicted the risk of occult metastases in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only tumor size predicted the risk of occult metastases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy remains a valuable tool in PDAC staging. Patients with either large or unresectable tumors, or presenting with abdominal pain present the highest risk for occult intra-abdominal metastases.

Temporal and spatial expression of CCN genes in zebrafish.

The six mammalian CCN genes (Cyr61, CTGF, Nov, WISP1, WISP2, WISP3) encode a family of secreted, cysteine-rich, multimodular proteins having roles in cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and differentiation during embryogenesis, wound healing, and angiogenesis. We used bioinformatics to identify 9 CCN genes in zebrafish (zCCNs), 6 of which have not been previously described. When compared with mammalian CCN family members, 3 were paralogs of Cyr61, 2 of CTGF, 2 of WISP1, 1 of WISP2, and 1 of WISP3. No paralog of Nov was found. In situ hybridization was performed to characterize the sites of expression of the zCCNs during early zebrafish development. zCCNs demonstrated both unique and overlapping patterns of expression, suggesting potential division of labor between orthologous genes and providing an alternate approach to gene function studies that will complement studies in mammalian models.

Comparative study of efficiency of dental methods for identification of burn victims in two bus accidents in Spain.

This article deals with the usefulness and limitations of dental identification methods of human burn victims of two buses accidents in Spain. The first accident happened in Bailen in 1996 and involved 28 badly burned Spanish victims. In the second, in Illescas in 1997, 8 Japanese and 2 Spanish victims lost their lives. In both accidents, postmortem forensic procedures for identification were used, including external and internal examination, routine photographs, and dental examination. Dental identification was established in 57% of the cases in the Bailen accident and 80% in the Illescas accident. The success rate of dental identification varies considerably depending on the nature of the accident, the nationality and country of residence of the victims, the incidence of dental treatment, the availability of adequate dental records, and the degree of dental injuries. A discussion of procedures and methods for identification recommended when dealing with burn victims is included.