Automated segmentation and morphological characterization of placental histology images based on a single labeled image

In this study, a novel method of data augmentation has been presented for the segmentation of placental histological images when the labeled data are scarce. This method generates new realizations of the placenta intervillous morphology while maintaining the general textures and orientations. As a result, a diversified artificial dataset of images is generated that can be used for training deep learning segmentation models. We have observed that on average the presented method of data augmentation led to a 42% decrease in the binary cross-entropy loss of the validation dataset compared to the common approach in the literature. Additionally, the morphology of the intervillous space is studied under the effect of the proposed image reconstruction technique, and the diversity of the artificially generated population is quantified. Due to the high resemblance of the generated images to the real ones, the applications of the proposed method may not be limited to placental histological images, and it is recommended that other types of tissues be investigated in future studies

Downregulation of Caspase 8 in a group of Iranian breast cancer patients – A pilot study

Acknowledgments Author contributions: MA performed related laboratory work, helped with sample collection, analysed the data and drafted the manuscript. ND and FAJ helped with sample collection and laboratory work. ASF and MG confirmed the diagnosis and provided the appropriate specimens. AP conceived and designed the study, supervised the project and edited the manuscript. The authors would like to thank the research council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran for the financial support (Grant Number: 940936).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A Complicated Course of Acute Viral Induced Pharyngitis, Icteric Hepatitis, Acalculous Cholecystitis, and Skin Rash

This case reveals the complexities and challenges in the diagnosis of acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, indicating the potential relationship between EBV infection and severe icteric hepatitis, acalculous cholecystitis, and lymphocytic vasculitis. We suggest including EBV infectious mononucleosis in the list of differential diagnoses when any of these clinical syndromes (or a combination thereof) occurs without apparent cause, especially in the presence of lymphocytosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest the possible role of EBV in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lymphocytic vasculitis. Also it is possible that EBV infection triggered the flare-up of the underlying rheumatologic disease. Therefore, it could be assumed that a part of the clinical syndrome (e.g., dermatologic manifestations) might be related to the flare-up of the underlying rheumatologic disease

Primary duodenal malignant melanoma: A case report

Background: Melanoma is a neoplasm derived commonly from melanocytic cells of skin. Although coetaneous presentation of malignant melanoma is easily recognizable, the presentation of melanoma in other organs is so confusing. In particular, when it metastasizes to other organs, many bizarre figures and unusual organs may be involved. In this report, we present a case of primary duodenal malignant melanoma. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man presented with a history of iron deficiency anemia. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a prominent papilla of duodenum along with an ulcerative lesion adjacent to second part of duodenum. Histopathologic evaluation showed a high-grade malignant neoplasm involving the bowel wall which was labeled for S100 protein and markers of melanocytic differentiation; Melan-A indicating the definitive diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the second portion of duodenal mucosa. Conclusions: In patients with a history of iron deficiency anemia, any GI symptom should be evaluated carefully. However, the diagnosis of primary GI melanomas in patients without any history of melanoma is possible. Full medical investigations are recommended in these patients with primary mucosal lesions

The tale of TILs in breast cancer: A report from The International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group

The advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in modern oncology has significantly improved survival in several cancer settings. A subgroup of women with breast cancer (BC) has immunogenic infiltration of lymphocytes with expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). These patients may potentially benefit from ICI targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling axis. The use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as predictive and prognostic biomarkers has been under intense examination. Emerging data suggest that TILs are associated with response to both cytotoxic treatments and immunotherapy, particularly for patients with triple-negative BC. In this review from The International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group, we discuss (a) the biological understanding of TILs, (b) their analytical and clinical validity and efforts toward the clinical utility in BC, and (c) the current status of PD-L1 and TIL testing across different continents, including experiences from low-to-middle-income countries, incorporating also the view of a patient advocate. This information will help set the stage for future approaches to optimize the understanding and clinical utilization of TIL analysis in patients with BC

The tale of TILs in breast cancer : a report from the International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group

The advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in modern oncology has significantly improved survival in several cancer settings. A subgroup of women with breast cancer (BC) has immunogenic infiltration of lymphocytes with expression of programmed deathligand 1 (PD-L1). These patients may potentially benefit from ICI targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling axis. The use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as predictive and prognostic biomarkers has been under intense examination. Emerging data suggest that TILs are associated with response to both cytotoxic treatments and immunotherapy, particularly for patients with triple-negative BC. In this review from The International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group, we discuss (a) the biological understanding of TILs, (b) their analytical and clinical validity and efforts toward the clinical utility in BC, and (c) the current status of PD-L1 and TIL testing across different continents, including experiences from low-to-middle-income countries, incorporating also the view of a patient advocate. This information will help set the stage for future approaches to optimize the understanding and clinical utilization of TIL analysis in patients with BC.The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; the Cure; the Royal Australasian College of Physicians; the NIH/NCI ; the National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia Endowed Chair; the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, New York and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).www.nature.com/npjbcanceram2022Immunolog

Comparison of effect of anger rumination on the relationship between anger dimensions and control and quality of life among students

Several studies have shown the destructive effects of anger as an emotion on quality of life. Meanwhile, the study and proper management of anger can have a significant positive impact on quality of life. The present study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of anger rumination on the relationship of the dimensions of anger and anger control with quality of life in male and female high school students in Damghan, Iran. This correlational study used stratified random sampling to examine 223 participants (136 girls and 87 boys) using the anger rumination scale, Spielberger’s State-Trait anger expression inventory and the 36-item short form quality of life questionnaire developed by ware and sherbourne. A significant relationship was observed between anger rumination and the dimensions of anger, but not between anger rumination and anger control. The results showed a significant negative correlation between anger rumination and quality of life. Differences were also observed between the girls and boys in terms of the dimensions of anger (state anger and trait anger and anger control (control-in and control-out), but not in terms of anger rumination and quality of life. The results showed that anger rumination affects anger expression and also that girls and boys are different in terms of anger control and anger expression