bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current United States High School Students’ Perceptions of Pathology Professions as Determined by Pathology Outreach Program Survey Results
Authors: Schukow C P , Martinez-Whitman S , Mckinley K , Ahmed A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
There is a current pathologist shortage in the United States (US) exacerbated by both a retiring population of aging pathologists and limited medical student exposure to formal pathology and clinical laboratory medicine training. This is supported by data from the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) between 2000 to 2019, which shows a “40% decrease in the number of American medical school graduates applying to pathology residency programs”. This limited exposure to pathology has led to a shortage of other lab professionals, too, and has affected more than just medical students. Both undergraduates and high school students have little access to literature discussing the perceptions of pathology professions, which impacts their abilities to consider pathology as a possible future career. Understanding these recent trends, Pathology Outreach Program (POP) was established in 2018 to determine current US high school students' perceptions of pathology and raise awareness towards the importance of careers in lab medicine via interactive PowerPoint sessions.

Methods/Case Report
Before sessions, an online Google Forms (“pre-course”) survey was distributed which students could voluntarily and anonymously complete.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
From February 2018 to May 2022, 162 high school students completed the pre- course survey (n=162) in Chicagoland and Michigan Schools. Although 130 students (80.2%) stated they were inclined towards a career in medicine/healthcare and 112 students (69.1%) had admitted to being aware of the pathology field, only 18 students (11.1%) stated “Yes” when asked if they understood the roles of pathologists. Furthermore, 127 students (78.4%) reported they were uninformed to the career pathways of a pathologist or pathology-related professional, and 142 (87.7%) reported not ever meeting a pathologist before.

Conclusion
This data suggests inadequate current US high school student accessibility to pathology professions and supports the continual need for pathology outreach initiatives like POP in increasing pathology exposure to high school students.
Entry-Level Expectations for Pathologists' Assistants
Authors: Kolheffer K M , El Moudden I 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
The aim of this study is to assess expectations for entrustment that exist in the marketplace for entry-level Pathologists’ Assistants (defined as a recent graduate of a Pathologists’ Assistant Program on their first day of employment).

Methods/Case Report
A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to Pathologist and Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA) members of the American Society for Clinical Pathology via email invitation. Ninety-eight professional activities of PathAs were assessed utilizing a five-point scale for levels of entrustment. Demographic information was also collected.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
A total of 728 participants responded to this survey, including 280 Pathologists and 448 PathAs. Responses allowed categorization of activities to one of three groups: activities with an expectation of entrustment for performance (20/98), activities with no expectation of entrustment (30/98), and activities with a developing expectation of entrustment for performance (48/98).

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that there is an expectation that entry-level PathAs should be entrusted to independently perform only some activities included in the scope of practice, an expectation of developing entrustment for a larger number of professional activities and no expectation for entrustment for certain activities, reflecting more advanced or specialized skills developed during practice.
Predicting Success on ASCP-BOC by Using Existing Data
Authors: Johnson N 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
The MLS Program at tUAMS is housed within the College of Health Professions. Our graduates take the ASCP BOC certification exam as a graduation requirement and the vast majority of students will take the exam.

Methods/Case Report
For this study, we examined online MLT to MLS students who took their ASCP BOC certification exam in late 2019 thru April of 2020 and used this data to build a multiple regression model to predict ASCP scores . This model was used to predict ASCP MLS scores of students graduating in the next cohort in December of 2021.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
103 students took the ASCP MLS certification exam in early 2022. In early 2018, the MLS program created a database to store pre-admission information that was routinely collected. In addition, we also gathered academic information as the student progressed thru the program and post-graduation. There were a total of over 50 variables included in the database. The goal of this database was to provide insight to help both faculty and students succeed. We used a simple multiple regression model to determine which variables were correlated with the ASCP BOC score. We also used this data to develop a simple predictive model to prospectively estimate a student’s ASCP BOC score. 6 variables were identified as potentially useful in a simple model. For the initial student ASCP score prediction, a blended model using the average predicted score of the six models in Table 2 was used. The performance of the model is shown in Table 3. At the individual level, the model was accurate 82% of the time.

Conclusion
Based on our initial findings, we believe that this model may be useful to help gauge student readiness for passing the ASCP BOC exam. Several students expressed their gratitude, including one who stated that this information spurred them to study harder. There was one interesting finding. 8 of the 12 students (67%) who were predicted to fail passed the exam on the first attempt. However, only 64% of students (11/17) predicted to pass, but with a predicted score of &lt;430, passed. Subsequently, 2 of these 6 failures passed on their second attempt. We may need to investigate a more powerful way to communicate the results of the model for all of those in the “danger area”. 98% of students with a predicted score of 470 or above passed on their first attempt. The model is currently being refined to include 2021-2 certification scores which should improve the academic utility of the model.
The role of Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet ratio (APRI) in the Prediction of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic HCV Patients
Authors: Abdelmonem M , Wasim H , Elhusseny A , Eldaly R , Saleh Abdelfattah M , Abdelmageed M 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is typically characterized by slowly progressive hepatic fibrosis, with progression from stage 0 (no fibrosis) to stage 4 (cirrhosis). Aspartate aminotransferase-to- platelet ratio (APRI) may be a simple and convenient noninvasive diagnostic test because it is based on the regular laboratory tests and demographic data. However, its overall test performance in various settings remains questionable.

Methods/Case Report
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of APRI in the prediction of hepatic fibrosis. Subjects and Methods: Serum samples were collected from patients recruited from Internal Medicine Dept., Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. The study included 118 liver fibrosis patients associated with chronic HCV infection (60 males and 58 females) and 50 age-matched healthy volunteers (27 males and 23 females). The HCV infection was diagnosed based on biochemical, serologic, and histological criteria. All samples of fibrotic liver patients showed a positive result for anti-HCV Abs using ELISA as a confirmatory test. AST, ALT, albumin, and total bilirubin were measured using standard methodologies. Routine blood pictures, including platelets counting were determined. The AST-ALT ratio was calculated as [AST/ ALT]. The APRI was calculated as [AST/ (upper limits of normal)/ platelets count 109/L]×100.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
There was no statistically significant difference between sex distribution in liver fibrosis patients and healthy volunteers. The mean±SD was (46.1±10.44 and 33.3±11.13) respectively. The medians of the selected laboratory markers in the healthy group and liver fibrotic patients were (41,39), (272.5,167), (36,54), (35.5,51), (0.9,0.98), (0.71,2.5), and (0.34, 0.86) for Albumin, Platelet count, AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio, Total Bilirubin, APRI respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in all laboratory parameters (p&lt;0.001) and for APRI (p&lt;0.0001).

Conclusion
The evaluation of APRI is uncomplicated, inexpensive, and has a reasonable degree of diagnostic accuracy in determining whether or not patients with chronic HCV have liver fibrosis.
Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Pango Lineage BA.2.12.1, a Spreading BA.2 Sublineage Detected on Outbreak Sequencing within a Veteran Community Living Center Population
Authors: Petersen J M , Jhala D , Kelly J , Flaherty-Oxler K 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19 disease, has very recently developed an Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1. The English literature is extremely sparse in discussing the clinical importance of BA.2.12.1 and in fact there are no reports for the unique veteran population which is different than the general population. Since the original Omicron variant, there has been multiple evolutionary branches. BA.2.12.1 specifically is the 12th sublineage to branch off from the second BA.2 branch from the original Omicron and is clade 22C. BA.2.12.1 has been described as having increased transmissibility compared to other subvariants of Omicron and even resistance to neutralization by antibodies elicited by a prior Omicron infection with a different subvariant, thus leading to a significant potential for reinfection. BA.2.12.1 is currently responsible for an increasing number of cases in the North American continent. This study was undertaken to explore the sequencing associated with the COVID-19 disease outbreak at a Veteran Affairs Community Living Center (CLC).

Methods/Case Report
Samples were sent for the sequencing for patients affected during an outbreak of COVID-19 at a CLC from May to June 2022. All samples had a cycle threshold or number below 30 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, which was required for the sequencing analysis. The sequencing results and prior immunity history was obtained.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
A total of 9 CLC patient specimens were sent for sequencing. Of these 9, 7 had sequencing results and in the remaining 2, no sequencing results could be obtained due to lack of amplification. 6 of these 7 demonstrated Pango Lineage BA.2.12.1 or clade 22C. Only 1 of the 7 patients had a different subvariant (BA.2.9, clade 21L). Interestingly, all seven patients had either been previously vaccinated with a 3rd booster shot (6 of 7) or previously infected with COVID-19 without vaccination (1 of 7), indicating the ability of the two detected subvariants to cause breakthrough reinfection despite prior vaccination or infection earlier in the pandemic.

Conclusion
The only recently described BA.2.12.1 has resistance to neutralization by antibodies produced by a prior infection or vaccination, leading to reinfection. This lineage was detected in nearly all cases of COVID-19 outbreak within a veteran nursing home CLC despite the presence of prior immunity.
Detection of Putative Novel Mutation in Zp1 Gene Causing Empty Follicle Syndrome
Authors: Upadhyay D , Anandt S , Peramo B , Al Safar H 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Mutations in the zona pellucida glycoprotein genes have been reported to be associated with empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and abnormal zona pellucida (ZP). At our clinic, in a cohort of infertile patients, we found three cases with empty follicle syndrome as a root cause of infertility. Further, we designed a study to identify the disease-causing gene mutations in these patients. At present, there are no citations or functional evidence in ClinVar for NM_207341.3:c.1168del variant indicating the involvement of this variant in empty follicle syndrome. But it has been interpreted to be Likely pathogenic causing female infertility due to zona pellucida defect.

Methods/Case Report
In this prospective study conducted at Al Ain Fertility Center (AAFC), U.A.E, we performed genetic analysis on three patients (first-degree sisters) having a mean age of 31.7 (2.52) years. Patient indications were primary female infertility and IVF failures due to no eggs present in the follicles when egg retrieval was attempted. We characterized these three patients as suffering from empty follicle syndrome. Along with the patient's sample, we also included their common parent's sample for Whole Exome Sequencing and Sanger sequencing, to rule out the inheritance pattern in the family. The effects of this mutation were further characterized through mRNA and protein studies.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
N/A.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study in the U.A.E. showing the familial novel variant in the ZP1 gene associated with empty follicle syndrome. We identified a novel mutation in these patients (NM_207341.3:c.1168del) in the ZP1 gene in the homozygous state and the same variant in the heterozygous state in the parents. Our findings add to the existing mutational spectrum of the ZP1 gene associated with empty follicle syndrome and abnormal oocytes and provide new support for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
Detection of Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Clades using COVIDSeq-NGS among International Travelers
Authors: Arshad N , Ammad M , Razzak A , Ullah R , Ul Ain Q , Yousaf M , Sajjad Naqvi S , Ur Rehman M , Noorul Hasan T , Hussain A , Al Yafei Z 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants/lineages have been identified based on genome sequencing. As of June 15, 2022 almost 11,399,573 whole genome sequences have been deposited in the GISAID-database. Severity and spread of COVID19 is based on their efficiency of infection and to multiply in host. That largely depend upon the structural mutation in spike, ORF and N proteins etc. That happens due to translation of genomic mutations during polypeptide synthesis. Also, the mutations are region/country specific. Specific mutation and combination of mutation causes the emergence of new strains. However, the strains can migrate from one region to other through travelers. The main objective of the current study is profiling of mutations in the genome of SARSCoV2 using Next- Generation-Sequencing (NGS) in international travelers and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences to find out different clades of SARSCoV2.

Methods/Case Report
A total of 557 SARSCoV2 genomes were sequenced on S4-sequencing flow-cell on NovaSeq 6000. For NGS of SARS-CoV-2 genome, Illumina, COVIDSeq kits and the protocols will be used strictly as recommended by the manufacturer. After NGS the analysis was done followed by FASTA sequences retrieval, mutations recording and phylogeny.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
This study reports 11 clades (19A, B, 20A, B, C, D, 20E; EU1, 20G, 20H; Beta V2, 20I: Alpha V1, 21D; and Eta) for the first time in international travelers. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection of mutation in SARSCoV2 genomic clades. The study revealed some dominants mutations was (Orf1a: P2018Q, K1053R, E176V, Orf1b: A520V, T2165A, S: D1127G, D614G, L18F etc. in other genes).

Conclusion
Profiling of common mutations among travelers could fill some gaps about the existence of SARS-CoV-2 variants information. However, further studies are needed to consolidate these findings before to be utilized for development of a potential therapeutic strategy.
Differentially Expressed Genes Enrichment Analysis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia; an In Silico Study
Authors: Mousavi S , Bereimipour A , Mohammadian M , Farhadihosseinabadi B , Jafari A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Determining the genetic alterations involved in the formation of PDAC and its precursor, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), may lead to earlier detection and new therapeutic options. We performed an analysis of the genetic alterations responsible for the progression of the normal pancreatic tissue to PanIN and ultimately from PanIN to PDAC.

Methods/Case Report
Initially, we used the continuous bioinformatic analysis in such a way that the RNA-seq datasets were extracted from the Biojupies database. We separately analyzed two datasets that included PDAC and PanIN, where their differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparison with controls. A Venn diagram was drawn to visualize the overlapping and non-overlapping DEGs in both groups. Using the Enrichr and ShinyGO databases, we examined the cell signaling pathways and ontologies of up/down-regulated genes. We mapped the protein network of important genes involved in cancer pathways by the STRING database. Finally, the shared and non-shared candidate proteins in the PDAC and PanIN pathways with the GEPIA database were confirmed in human samples.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
We found six shared genes in PDAC and PanIN including RAC1, RAP1A, ITGA5, RHOA, FZD2, and FN1, which appear to take part in the transition of PanIN to PDAC. Our result showed that the aforementioned genes are critical in the cell cycle, angiogenesis, and cell death processes. In the next step, the DEGs analysis in both PDAC and PanIN revealed the role of candidate genes (COX5B, NME2, MGLL, and PAICS for PanIN and PRKCA, PLCG2, NOS3, and PTK2 for PDAC) in cellular aging, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Conclusion
Our findings showed that the overexpression of RAC1, RAP1A, ITGA5, RHOA, FZD2, and FN1 may have an important role in PanIN shifting to PDAC.
PD-L1 Expression in Cytological and Histological Lung Cancer Specimens
Authors: Hara N , Tang X , Islam H 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Several studies have explored the feasibility of measuring PD-L1 in cell block cytology and indicated cytological materials could be a reliable source for PD-L1 evaluation in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients. A few studies have investigated the compatibility and performance of PD-L1 clone SP263 testing between cytology and histology specimens. The study was pursued to evaluate PD-L1 expression in cell blocks from EBUS- TBNA compared to that in biopsied tissues from patients with lung carcinoma in our institution to evaluate a feasibility of PD-L1 clone SP263 in cell blocks and histology samples.

Methods/Case Report
A total of 57 specimens cytologically diagnosed lung carcinoma using endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiraton (EBUS-TBNA) from Jan 1st, 2020, to Dec 31st, 2021 were screened for enrollment. Among them, 24 patients diagnosed with lung carcinoma using EBUS-TBNA and matched transbronchial biopsy (TBB) specimens were reviewed for study. After careful selection, 13 paired formalin-fixed tissues from lung carcinoma patients, including cell blocks and matched histology samples, were included. PD-L1 expression was assessed using the SP263 assay, and the tumor proportion score (TPS) was evaluated. PD-L1 expression was finally divided into three categories according to the TPS: &lt; 1% (negative), 1–49% (low expression) and ≥ 50% (high expression).

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
Of the 13 matched pairs, 12 (92.3%) showed concordant PD-L1 expression. On cytology, 3 cases were positive (2 high expressors and 1 low- expressors) of which 2 were concordant and 1 discordant with matched histology specimens. Ten cytology samples were negative for PD-L1 expression, and they were concordant to histology samples. The correlation coefficient for TPS was 0.75 considered as having good value. Conclusion: With an overall concordance rate of 92.3% between cytology and histology specimen, this study demonstrates the feasibility of PD-L1 IHC with SP263 clone on limited quality and quantity of cytology samples from lung carcinoma in our institute. It is required for further evaluation with additional specimens to conclude that the usefulness of cytology cell blocks for PD-L1 expression analysis.
Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis Masquerading as Metastatic Melanoma on Frozen Section
Authors: Walkenhorst M , Hamza A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the lungs usually presents as multiple interstitial, bilateral, peribronchiolar pulmonary nodules. As lungs are a common site of metastatic involvement LHC can masquerade as a metastatic lesion. The distinction can be challenging, especially on a frozen section.

Methods/Case Report
We present a case of a 35-year-old male with history of metastatic melanoma who presented with pulmonary nodules and underwent lung wedge resection. Frozen section was requested at the time of surgery. Grossly there was a 2.8 cm tan-grey irregular lesion abutting the pleura. Frozen section of a representative piece showed a discohesive lesion composed of large cells with prominent nuclei resembling melanocytes. The eosinophilic infiltrate in the frozen slide was extremely scant, and presence of anthracotic macrophages resembled the melanin pigment frequently seen with melanoma. CT imaging prior to the surgery had raised the differential of LCH and metastatic disease. The frozen section was favored to be negative for carcinoma and metastatic melanoma and final diagnosis was deferred to permanent sections. Permanent tissue sections showed classic features of LCH and positivity for CD1a confirming the diagnosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
NA

Conclusion
This case emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of imaging impression during a frozen section.