Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Molecular Docking And Inhibition Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 By Novel Difluorinatedbenzylidene Curcumin Analog, Aamir Ahmad, Afreen Sayed, Kevin R. Ginnebaugh, Vivek Sharma, Anita Suri, Arundhati Saraph, Subhash Padhye, Fazlul H. Sarkar

Department of Pathology

We recently described the synthesis and characterization of a novel difluorinatedbenzylidene analog of curcumin, commonly referred as CDF, which demonstrated significantly enhanced bioavailability and in vivo anticancer activity. CDF targets many factors similar to curcumin, albeit with more potency, as reported previously. To further highlight this differential behavior of CDF, we chose matrix metalloproteinase protein MMP-2 which is involved in the processes of invasion and metastasis of human tumors. Both curcumin and CDF were characterized for their binding characteristics using in silico docking studies; they were also evaluated via biological assays involving gelatin zymography, miRNA analysis, invasion assays and ELISA. …

How To Write An Article: Preparing A Publishable Manuscript!, Vinod B. Shidham, Martha B. Pitman, Richard M. Demay

Department of Pathology

Most of the scientific work presented as abstracts (platforms and posters) at various conferences have the potential to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals. This DIY (Do It Yourself) article on how to achieve that goal is an extension of the symposium presented at the 36th European Congress of Cytology, Istanbul, Turkey (presentation available on net at http://alturl.com/q6bfp). The criteria for manuscript authorship should be based on the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. The next step is to choose the appropriate journal to submit the manuscript and review the 'Instructions to …

Detection Of Amyloid In Abdominal Fat Pad Aspirates In Early Amyloidosis: Role Of Electron Microscopy And Congo Red Stained Cell Block Sections, Sumana Devata, Parameswaran Hari, Natalia Markelova, Rongshan Li, Richard Komorowski, Vinod B. Shidham

Department of Pathology

Background: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of the abdominal fat pad is a minimally invasive procedure to demonstrate tissue deposits of amyloid. However, protocols to evaluate amyloid in fat pad aspirates are not standardized, especially for detecting scant amyloid in early disease.

Materials and Methods: We studied abdominal fat pad aspirates from 33 randomly selected patients in whom subsequent tissue biopsy, autopsy, and/or medical history for confirmation of amyloidosis (AL) were also available. All these cases were suspected to have early AL, but had negative results on abdominal fat pad aspirates evaluated by polarizing microscopy of Congo Red stained sections (CRPM). …

P16 Ink4a Immunocytochemistry On Cell Blocks As An Adjunct To Cervical Cytology: Potential Reflex Testing On Specially Prepared Cell Blocks From Residual Liquid-Based Cytology Specimens, Vinod B. Shidham, Ravi Mehrotra, George Varsegi, Krista L. D'Amore, Bryan Hunt, Raj Narayan

Department of Pathology

Background: p16 INK4a (p16) is a well-recognized surrogate molecular marker for human papilloma virus (HPV) related squamous dysplasia. Our hypothesis is that the invasive interventions and related morbidities could be avoided by objective stratification of positive cytologic interpretations by p16 immunostaining of cell block sections of cytology specimens.

Materials and Methods: Nuclear immunoreactivity for p16 was evaluated in cell block sections in 133 adequate cases [20 negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, 28 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 21 atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), and 14 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance …

Compensation Crisis Related To The Onsite Adequacy Evaluation During Fna Procedures-Urgent Proactive Input From Cytopathology Community Is Critical To Establish Appropriate Reimbursement For Cpt Code 88172 (Or Its New Counterpart If Introduced In The Future), Inderpreet Dhillon, Martha B. Pitman, Richard M. Demay, Pamela Archuletta, Vinod B. Shidham

Department of Pathology

The confusion centered around appropriate use of the CPT billing code 88172 is addressed in the commentary from the Economic and Government Affairs Committee of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) who have written a timely commentary in this issue of Cytojournal,“Adequate Reimbursement is Crucial to Support Cost-Effective Rapid Onsite Cytopathology Evaluations”. Currently, lack of standardized use within and between pathology departments is stirring unhealthy practices of denying reimbursements for this critical and legitimate cytopathology service. This editorial discusses the important concerns raised in this commentary and recommends immediate corrective action. (See also Al-Abbadi MA, et al. Adequate reimbursement is …

Performing And Processing Fna Of Anterior Fat Pad For Amyloid, Vinod B. Shidham, Bryan Hunt, Safwan S. Jaradeh, Alexandru C. Barboi, Sumana Devata, Parameswaran Hari

Department of Pathology

Historically, heart, liver, and kidney biopsies were performed to demonstrate amyloid deposits in amyloidosis. Since the clinical presentation of this disease is so variable and non-specific, the associated risks of these biopsies are too great for the diagnostic yield. Other sites that have a lower biopsy risk, such as skin or gingival, are also relatively invasive and expensive. In addition, these biopsies may not always have sufficient amyloid deposits to establish a diagnosis. Fat pad aspiration has demonstrated good clinical correlation with low cost and minimal morbidity. However, there are no standardized protocols for performing this procedure or processing the …

Preparation And Using Phantom Lesions To Practice Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies, Vinod B. Shidham, George M. Varsegi, Krista D’Amore, Anjani Shidham

Department of Pathology

Currently, health workers including residents and fellows do not have a suitable phantom model to practice the fine- needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) procedure. In the past, we standardized a model consisting of latex glove containing fresh cattle liver for practicing FNAB. However, this model is difficult to organize and prepare on short notice, with the procurement of fresh cattle liver being the most challenging aspect. Handling of liver with contamination-related problems is also a significant draw back. In addition, the glove material leaks after a few needle passes, with resulting mess.

We have established a novel simple method of embedding …

Cell Block Preparation From Cytology Specimen With Predominance Of Individually Scattered Cells, George M. Varsegi, Vinod B. Shidham

Department of Pathology

This article with accompanied video demonstrates Shidham's method for preparation of cell blocks from liquid based cervicovaginal cytology specimens containing individually scattered cells and small cell groups. This technique uses HistoGel (Thermo Scientific) with conventional laboratory equipment.

The use of cell block sections is a valuable ancillary tool for evaluation of non-gynecologic cytology. They enable the cytopathologist to study additional morphologic specimen detail including the architecture of the lesion. Most importantly, they allow for the evaluation of ancillary studies such as immunocytochemistry, in-situ hybridization tests (FISH/CISH) and in-situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Traditional cell block preparation techniques have mostly been …