Large-scale multi-center CT and MRI segmentation of pancreas with deep learning.

Automated volumetric segmentation of the pancreas on cross-sectional imaging is needed for diagnosis and follow-up of pancreatic diseases. While CT-based pancreatic segmentation is more established, MRI-based segmentation methods are understudied, largely due to a lack of publicly available datasets, benchmarking research efforts, and domain-specific deep learning methods. In this retrospective study, we collected a large dataset (767 scans from 499 participants) of T1-weighted (T1 W) and T2-weighted (T2 W) abdominal MRI series from five centers between March 2004 and November 2022.

Pancreatic cancer surveillance: Risk stratification of individuals with a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant.

Background: Individuals carrying a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant (PV) are at a high risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Risk stratification could allow tailored surveillance.

Objective: To develop a Fine-Gray prediction model for the risk of PDAC in carriers of a CDKN2A PV.

Attitudes toward genetic testing, family planning and preimplantation genetic testing in families with a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant.

Individuals with a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant (PV) have a highly increased life time risk of melanoma and pancreatic cancer. This cross-sectional study assessed the attitudes among toward genetic testing, family planning, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in confirmed CDKN2A PV carriers and individuals with a 50% risk of the PV (at-risk carriers) using of a one-time questionnaire.A total of 537 individuals were screened for eligibility, of whom 208 of 366 (57%) confirmed carriers (56% female, median age 54 years [IQR 46-63]) and 39 of 171 (23%) at-risk carriers (59% female, median age of 26 years [IQR 22-32]) participated in the study.

Temporal Trends in Body Composition and Metabolic Markers Prior to Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Background & Aims: Changes in body composition and metabolic factors may serve as biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to capture the longitudinal changes in body composition and metabolic factors before diagnosis of PDAC.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in which all patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with PDAC from 2002 to 2021 were identified.

Utilization and Outcomes of Multigene Panel Testing in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: Guidelines recommend germline genetic testing (GT) for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aims to evaluate the utilization and outcomes of multigene panel GT in patients with PDAC.

Methods: This retrospective, multisite study included patients with PDAC diagnosed between May 2018 and August 2020 at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

Aspects and outcomes of surveillance for individuals at high-risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and is associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of these cancers are detected at a late stage, contributing to the bad prognosis. This underscores the need for novel, enhanced early detection strategies to improve the outcomes.

The Added Value of Blood Glucose Monitoring in High-Risk Individuals Undergoing Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance.

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the added value of blood glucose monitoring in high-risk individuals (HRIs) participating in pancreatic cancer surveillance.

Materials And Methods: High-risk individuals with a CDKN2A/p16 germline pathogenic variant participating in pancreatic cancer surveillance were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between new-onset diabetes (NOD) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Psychosocial issues of individuals undergoing surveillance for increased risk of melanoma and pancreatic cancer due to a germline CDKN2A variant: A focus group study.

Individuals with a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant (PV) are at high risk of developing melanoma and pancreatic cancer and are therefore offered surveillance. The potential advantages and disadvantages associated with genetic testing and surveillance are discussed during medical counseling, although little is known about the associated psychosocial factors that are relevant to this population. This study sought to provide a qualitative exploration of psychosocial factors related to genetic testing and participation in skin and pancreatic surveillance in (potential) carriers of a CDKN2A PV.

Surveillance for Pancreatic Cancer in High-Risk Individuals Leads to Improved Outcomes: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background & Aims: Recent pancreatic cancer surveillance programs of high-risk individuals have reported improved outcomes. This study assessed to what extent outcomes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients with a CDKN2A/p16 pathogenic variant diagnosed under surveillance are better as compared with patients with PDAC diagnosed outside surveillance.

Methods: In a propensity score matched cohort using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, we compared resectability, stage, and survival between patients diagnosed under surveillance with non-surveillance patients with PDAC.

Hereditary pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to detect pancreatic cancer in an earlier stage to improve outcomes. A variety of hereditary cancer syndromes have been associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and these individuals may benefit from surveillance programs.

Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance in Carriers of a Germline Pathogenic Variant: Yield and Outcomes of a 20-Year Prospective Follow-Up.

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer surveillance in high-risk individuals may lead to detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at an earlier stage and with improved survival. This study evaluated the yield and outcomes of 20 years of prospective surveillance in a large cohort of individuals with germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in .

Methods: Prospectively collected data were analyzed from individuals participating in pancreatic cancer surveillance.

Longitudinal changes of serum protein N-Glycan levels for earlier detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals.

Background: Surveillance of individuals at risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the potential to improve survival, yet early detection based on solely imaging modalities is challenging. We aimed to identify changes in serum glycosylation levels over time to earlier detect PDAC in high-risk individuals.

Methods: Individuals with a hereditary predisposition to develop PDAC were followed in two surveillance programs.

[Proton pump inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity].

Proton pump inhibitors are widely used, and generally considered safe. In this clinical lesson two cases are presented with a strong suspicion of proton pump inhibitor induced decline of kidney function. This adverse event has only recently been identified in epidemiological studies.

Health outcomes and experiences of direct-to-consumer high-intensity screening using both whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and cardiological examination.

Background: Alongside a clinical and research setting, whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is increasingly offered as a direct-to-consumer screening service. Data is needed on the clinical relevance of findings and associated psychological impact of such screening. Therefore, we conducted a prospective follow-up study to provide insight in the effectiveness and psychological impact of direct-to-consumer screening using both WB-MRI and cardiological examination.

Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risk of Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background & Aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been associated with acute kidney injury and recent studies suggest that they may be associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using the Stockholm creatinine measurements database, which contains information on diagnoses, dispensation claims, and laboratory test results for all citizens in the Stockholm region from 2007 through 2010. We identified new users of PPIs (n = 105,305) and new users of H blockers (HB; n = 9578); data on renal outcomes were collected for a median 2.

PGVL Hub: An integrated desktop tool for medicinal chemists to streamline design and synthesis of chemical libraries and singleton compounds.

PGVL Hub is an integrated molecular design desktop tool that has been developed and globally deployed throughout Pfizer discovery research units to streamline the design and synthesis of combinatorial libraries and singleton compounds. This tool supports various workflows for design of singletons, combinatorial libraries, and Markush exemplification. It also leverages the proprietary PGVL virtual space (which contains 10(14) molecules spanned by experimentally derived synthesis protocols and suitable reactants) for lead idea generation, lead hopping, and library design.

Management and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors: a 25-year single center experience.

Objectives: To analyze risk factors, management, histology, and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) based on a 25-year single center experience.

Methods: Out of 612 patients treated for TGCT between 1982 and 2007, 17 (3%) were found to have bilateral disease. Data of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.

[Invasive bladder cancer with lymphangiosis carcinomatosa and carcinoma in situ in a 19-year-old female. Case report with 21-year follow-up].

We report a 19-year-old female with a grade 2 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder invading the lamina propria. In addition, lymphangiosis carcinomatosa and a carcinoma in situ were found. The presenting symptom was painless gross hematuria.

[History and personalities at the Department of Urology, University of Magdeburg. From medical academy to university].

The Medical Academy of Magdeburg was founded in 1954, but at that time the university did not have its own urological department. It was founded in 1957. Chiefs of the department were Hartwig Eggers (through 1958), Gerhard Wilhelm Heise (1958-1976), Gerd-Wolfgang Mueller (1976-1994), and Ernst Peter Allhoff (since 1994).

[Radionuclide bone scan in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Clinical aspects and cost analysis].

Background: The indication for a radionuclide bone scan in patients with newly diagnosed, untreated prostate cancer remains controversial.

Patients And Methods: In this retrospective study we examined 406 patients who had received a staging bone scan irrespective of their PSA serum level and histology. We evaluated different guidelines and recommendations with respect to their usefulness.

Skipper, an LTR retrotransposon of Dictyostelium.

The complete sequence of a retrotransposon from Dictyostelium discoideum , named skipper , was obtained from cDNA and genomic clones. The sequence of a nearly full-length skipper cDNA was similar to that of three other partially sequenced cDNAs. The corresponding retrotransposon is represented in approximately 15-20 copies and is abundantly transcribed.

Purification of the 230-kD bullous pemphigoid antigen (BP230) from bovine tongue mucosa: structural analyses and assessment of BP230 tissue distribution using a new monoclonal antibody.

In the epidermis the autoantigen BP230 is a component of the hemidesmosomal plaque. We have developed a procedure for the isolation of BP230 from bovine tongue mucosa using chromatographic means. The identity of the isolated protein was confirmed by its recognition by bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies.