The vicious circle of chronic kidney disease and hypertriglyceridemia: What is first, the hen or the egg?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is documented to cause alterations in lipid metabolism, and this was considered a potent driver of increased cardiovascular risk. Among the diverse alteration of lipid traits in CKD, research endeavours have predominantly concentrated on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in view of the potent pro-atherogenic role of these lipoprotein particles and the demonstration of protective cardiovascular effect of reducing LDL. However, few studies have focused on the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and even fewer on their role in causing kidney damage.

InterobServer AgreeMent in Pd-l1 evaLuatIoN on cytoloGical samples-SAMPLING project: A multi-institutional, international study.

Introduction: The aim of this project is to assess interobserver agreement for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) scoring on of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on cytological specimens in a large-scale multicenter study, by exploiting the cell block-derived tissue microarray (cbTMA) approach.

Methods: A total of 65 cell blocks (CB) diagnosed as NSCLC were retrospectively collected and selected for TMA preparation. Hematoxylin-eosin and PD-L1 stained slides were digitized and uploaded on a free web sharing platform.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast: a multicenter retrospective Italian study.

Background: The aim of our retrospective study was to describe the immunophenotypic characteristics of neuroendocrine breast neoplasm (BNEN), a peculiar and rare type of breast carcinoma.

Methods: Pathological data from 51 patients affected by BNEN were retrospectively evaluated, and 44 patients were considered eligible (7 patients with incomplete data were excluded). The patients were followed in six different Italian hospitals between 2009 and 2019.

Ultrasound-guided cryoablation of early breast cancer: safety, technical efficacy, patients' satisfaction, and outcome prediction with MRI/CEM: a pilot case-control study.

Background: This pilot prospective study aimed to evaluate ultrasound-guided cryoablation of breast cancer (BC) by assessing: (i) technical efficacy as the presence of necrosis in surgical specimens and rate of complete tumor ablation; (ii) safety as incidence and severity of complications; and (iii) patients' satisfaction using a dedicated questionnaire. In addition, (iv) we tested the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to predict cryoablation efficacy.

Methods: From 07/2022 to 01/2023, we enrolled 20 patients with early-stage BC scheduled for breast surgery.

Early Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Integrating Histopathology with Artificial Intelligence.

Effective risk assessment in early breast cancer is essential for informed clinical decision-making, yet consensus on defining risk categories remains challenging. This paper explores evolving approaches in risk stratification, encompassing histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biomarkers alongside cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Leveraging machine learning, deep learning, and convolutional neural networks, AI is reshaping predictive algorithms for recurrence risk, thereby revolutionizing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Pembrolizumab-based first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive, recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

Background: The KEYNOTE-048 trial showed that pembrolizumab-based first-line treatment for R/M HNSCC led to improved OS in the PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 population when compared to the EXTREME regimen. However, the R/M HNSCC real-world population is generally frailer, often presenting with multiple comorbidities, worse performance status and older age than the population included in phase III clinical trials.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-centre analysis of patients with R/M HNSCC treated with pembrolizumab-based first-line treatment.

PD-L1 testing in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: Interobserver and interplatform reproducibility of CE-IVD assays for CPS and IC scores.

PD-L1 test is recommended in different types of tumors to select patients eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy. Several factors make this test challenging in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). Different assays and platforms are available, each associated with distinct scoring systems and threshold values specific to the ICI compound used, i.

Kidney Biopsy and Immuno-Rheumatological Diseases: A Retrospective and Observational Study.

Renal involvement is a common occurrence in patients with immuno-rheumatological diseases (IRDs). Several instances of glomerulonephritis (GN) occur in the setting of IRD and complicate the clinical course of an underlying condition. The aim of this study was to observe the spectrum of nephropathies according to age, kidney function, history of IRD at the time of biopsy, and histopathological kidney diagnosis.

Clinical and histological features of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis: a national multicentre cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AT in a national cohort of pSS and to describe the clinical and histological phenotype of patients with pSS and associated AT.

Methods: In this multicentre cross-sectional study, data from 2546 pSS were collected and the presence of AT was reported.

Novel Genetic Microvascular Dysplasia Causing Hypoperfusion of Cardiac, Renal, and Cerebral Circulation.

Background: Microvascular disorders represent an uncommon site of tissue hypo-perfusion and damage. Various genetic and acquired causes can be involved. A 65-year-old man was admitted because of refractory angina, which he had had since the age of 30 years, micro-hematuria, and recurrent transitory ischemic attacks from the age of 64.

[Case Report: MPO-ANCA Associated Vasculitis After Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination].

We report a case of MPO-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ANCA-associated vasculitis, with pulmonary-renal syndrome, after the mRNA booster third dose vaccine Pfizer BioNTech against COVID-19 in 71-year-old Caucasian man with no specific past medical history. A kidney biopsy diagnosed ANCA-associated pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Renal function and constitutional symptoms have been partially improved with treatment with dialysis, intravenous rituximab and steroid pulse therapy.

PD-L1 testing in metastatic triple negative breast cancer: Results of an Italian survey.

Background: Immunotherapy has revolutionized the approach to metastatic triple-negative breast cancers. Atezolizumab was approved for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancers whose tumors express PD-L1, determined by SP 142 assay. To assess the availability and practice of SP142 test we administered a survey to all the 15 pathology departments of the Lazio Region during a six-month period.

Advancing the PD-L1 CPS test in metastatic TNBC: Insights from pathologists and findings from a nationwide survey.

Pembrolizumab has received approval as a first-line treatment for unresectable/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) with a PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) of ≥ 10. However, assessing CPS in mTNBC poses challenges. Firstly, it represents a novel analysis for breast pathologists.

Involvement of Substance P (SP) and Its Related NK1 Receptor in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) Pathogenesis.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in impaired secretory function characterized by xerostomia and xerophthalmia. Patients with pSS have been shown to have impaired salivary gland innervation and altered circulating levels of neuropeptides thought to be a cause of decreased salivation, including substance P (SP). Using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence studies, we examined the expression levels of SP and its preferred G protein-coupled TK Receptor 1 (NK1R) and apoptosis markers in biopsies of the minor salivary gland (MSG) from pSS patients compared with patients with idiopathic sicca syndrome.

Circulating CD137 T Cell Levels Are Correlated with Response to Pembrolizumab Treatment in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, has been approved as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ((R/M) HNSCC). However, only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy, which highlights the need to identify novel biomarkers to optimize treatment strategies. CD137 T cells have been identified as tumour-specific T cells correlated with immunotherapy responses in several solid tumours.

Effect of Radio-Chemotherapy on PD-L1 Immunohistochemical Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors represent a mainstay of therapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, little is known about the influence of combined therapy on PD-L1 expression. The study aims to gather evidence on this topic.

Molecular profiling of male breast cancer by multigene panel testing: Implications for precision oncology.

Introduction: Compared with breast cancer (BC) in women, BC in men is a rare disease with genetic and molecular peculiarities. Therapeutic approaches for male BC (MBC) are currently extrapolated from the clinical management of female BC, although the disease does not exactly overlap in males and females. Data on specific molecular biomarkers in MBC are lacking, cutting out male patients from more appropriate therapeutic strategies.

The role of immune profile in predicting outcomes in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy.

Background: Despite the efficacy of immunotherapy, only a small percentage of patients achieves a long-term benefit in terms of overall survival. The aim of this study was to define an immune profile predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods: Patients with advanced solid tumors, who underwent ICI treatment were enrolled in this prospective study.

Genomic and Immune Approach in Platinum Refractory HPV-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Immunotherapy: A Novel Combined Profile.

Introduction: Only a minority of patients with platinum refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (PR/HNSCC) gain some lasting benefit from immunotherapy.

Methods: The combined role of the comprehensive genomic (through the FoundationOne Cdx test) and immune profiles of 10 PR/HNSCC patients treated with the anti-PD-1 nivolumab was evaluated. The immune profiles were studied both at baseline and at the second cycle of immunotherapy, weighing 20 circulating cytokines/chemokines, adhesion molecules, and 14 soluble immune checkpoints dosed through a multiplex assay.

RNA-seq profiling reveals different pathways between remodeled vessels and myocardium in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a key pathophysiological feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), contributing to myocardial ischemia and representing a critical determinant of patients' adverse outcome. The molecular mechanisms underlying the morphological and functional changes of CMD are still unknown. Aim of this study was to obtain insights on the molecular pathways associated with microvessel remodeling in HCM.

Overexpression in metastatic breast cancer supports Syndecan-1 as a marker of invasiveness and poor prognosis.

Background: Metastasis is the main cause of breast cancer (BC) mortality. Increasing evidence points to a role of syndecan-1 (CD138) expression as a prognostic marker involved in BC tissue and leptomeningeal metastasis. Aim of this study was to investigate and compare syndecan-1 tissue expression and localization in primary and secondary BC, focusing on brain metastases.

Radiologic-pathologic correlation in breast cancer: do MRI biomarkers correlate with pathologic features and molecular subtypes?

Background: Breast cancer (BC) includes different pathological and molecular subtypes. This study aimed to investigate whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) could reliably predict the molecular status of BC, comparing mpMRI features with pathological and immunohistochemical results.

Methods: This retrospective study included 156 patients with an ultrasound-guided biopsy-proven BC, who underwent breast mpMRI (including diffusion-weighted imaging) on a 3-T scanner from 2017 to 2020.