Toward a standardized evaluation of imputation methodology.

Developing new imputation methodology has become a very active field. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on how to perform simulation studies to evaluate the properties of imputation methods. In part, this may be due to different aims between fields and studies.

Pathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of benign and malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast.

The histologic distinction between benign and malignant Phyllodes tumors (PT) is often difficult and arbitrary. We analyzed a group of benign and malignant PT to determine whether specific histologic features and expression of Ki-67 and p53 could be useful in distinguishing benign PT from malignant tumors. We also determined whether deletions in Chromosome 3p at the FHIT and hMLH1 loci are common abnormalities in PT.

Relationship between mammographic screening intervals and size and histology of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine how the length of time between mammographic screenings is related to the size, grade, and histology of mammographically detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 166 consecutive mammograms of women evaluated for DCIS with (n = 24) and without (n = 142) microinvasion. The size of the DCIS was determined by the maximum diameter as measured on the mammogram.

Is mammography useful in screening for local recurrences in patients with TRAM flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy for multifocal DCIS?

Background: Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction is being used more often for the treatment of breast cancer. Mammography is not used routinely to evaluate TRAM flaps in women who have undergone mastectomy. We have identified the potential value of its use in selected patients.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast: value of histologic grading and proliferative activity.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon carcinoma with a distinctive histology. Prognosis is favorable, although recurrence and distant metastases have been described. We assessed whether histologic features and proliferative activity can identify aggressive neoplasms.

Nationwide survey of home transfusion practices.

Background: Limited information exists on home transfusion practices.

Study Design And Methods: In 1995, a survey requesting data for 1994 was sent to 1273 American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) institutional members and 113 non-AABB home health care agencies that provide out-of-hospital transfusions.

Results: Of 943 respondents, 102 provide blood to a home transfusion program, 37 provide blood and run a home transfusion program, and 13 run a home transfusion program only, for a total of 152 (16%) with some involvement in home blood transfusions.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: mammographic appearance with pathologic correlation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the mammographic appearance with pathologic correlation of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast.

Conclusion: Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are masses with mammographic characteristics of low suspicion because of their histologic appearance. Metaplastic carcinoma should be included in the differential assessment of predominately circumscribed, noncalcified masses revealed on mammography.

Hypotensive reactions: a previously uncharacterized complication of platelet transfusion?

Background: In 1993, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) received reports of severe hypotensive reactions associated with platelet transfusions. The question arose as to whether these reports were indicative of a previously uncharacterized platelet transfusion reaction.

Study Design And Methods: To further characterize these reactions, the AABB Transfusion Practices Committee developed a series of three questionnaires.

Blood utilization in adult patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenated therapy.

Background: The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), performed on adult patients, on the blood transfusion service of a tertiary-care hospital was assessed. The quantity and pattern of blood component utilization by these patients were compared to those in a previous evaluation of neonatal patients receiving similar treatment.

Study Design And Methods: The records of blood component transfusion to 74 adult patients, treated with ECMO within a 6-year period, were reviewed.

Microscopic extracapsular extension in the axilla: is this an indication for axillary radiotherapy?

Purpose: Although the axilla is often treated with radiotherapy (RT) postoperatively when microscopic extracapsular extension (ECE) of lymph nodal metastases is present, little data are available to assess axillary failure in the absence of such treatment. As it has been the practice at this institution to withhold axillary irradiation in the presence of microscopic extracapsular spread, we retrospectively analyzed our results for axillary recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

Methods And Materials: Clinical records were reviewed of 82 women with Stage II node positive breast cancer treated with lumpectomy, axillary dissection, and RT in addition to systemic chemo/hormonal therapy.

Pure and mixed mucinous carcinoma of the breast: pathologic basis for differences in mammographic appearance.

Objective: It is important to differentiate pure and mixed mucinous carcinomas of the breast because the former have a more favorable prognosis. We correlate histopathologic findings with mammographic findings for 20 patients with pure or mixed mucinous carcinomas to determine differential characteristics and their pathologic basis.

Materials And Methods: We searched our pathology database of 2219 consecutive women with a diagnosis of breast cancer and found that 31 (1.

Transfusion practices in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Background: The reported immunomodulatory effects of transfusion raise concern about the potential for virus activation and tumor growth in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. In the absence of "standards" of transfusion practice for such patients, a survey of transfusion policies among institutions specializing in the care of HIV-infected patients was performed to delineate current practices.

Study Design And Methods: A survey developed by the Transfusion Practices Committee of the American Association of Blood Banks was sent to 47 AIDS clinical trial units and 14 regional hemophilia centers in North America.

Prophylactic versus therapeutic platelet transfusion practices in hematology and/or oncology patients.

Background: Platelet utilization has steadily increased throughout the past three decades. At the same time, there has been very little study of the current transfusion practices.

Study Design And Methods: A survey was conducted of institutional members of the American Association of Blood Banks (hospitals) that were actively involved in the care of pediatric and/or adult hematology and/or oncology patients.