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C James Sung

Publications and source records attributed to C James Sung.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Maspin expression in CIN 3, microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Maspin is a serine protease inhibitor with tumor suppression activity. It is expressed in normal breast and prostate tissue but is downregulated or absent in breast and prostate tumors. Recent reports have shown that decreased expression is associated with a greater propensity for metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinomas. We know that some high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progress to invasive carcinomas while others either persist at the same degree of atypia or regress. The pattern of maspin expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3, microinvasive squamous carcinomas and overtly invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix was studied to determine the relationship between the extent of maspin expression and the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to squamous cell carcinoma. In total, 36 cases were evaluated: 18 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3, seven cases of microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma and 11 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A monoclonal antibody was used on paraffin-embedded tissues. Immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively using a scale of 0-3. The sums of the scores of the different groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. A significant decrease in maspin scores was noted between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3 vs invasive squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.005), microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma vs invasive squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.05), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3 vs tumor emboli (P<0.005). Although not statistically significant, scores of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3 associated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma were lower compared to that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 3 without invasive squamous cell carcinoma. These findings suggest that maspin likely plays a role in disease progression from in situ to invasive carcinoma. Virtual absence of maspin immunopositivity in tumor emboli indicates that maspin may also play a role in metastasis.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance: human papillomavirus testing in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the age-stratified prevalence of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and to evaluate risk factors for HPV acquisition among women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). METHODS: This was a chart review of all women with ASC-US smears who underwent oncogenic HPV testing between July 2002 and February 2004. To be eligible, HPV DNA results had to be available. Data extracted from charts included demographic information as well as certain patient characteristics historically associated with HPV acquisition or carriage. RESULTS: Of 527 eligible women with ASC-US, 357 (68%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 64-72%) tested positive for oncogenic HPV. As compared with women who tested negative, this population was significantly younger and less likely to be married. When stratified by age, 77% of the women aged younger than 20 years were positive for high-risk subtypes, compared with 58% of women aged older than 25 years (P < .01). In the multivariate analysis, young age (relative risk [RR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.14.-1.49), current smoking (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.25) and a history of chlamydial infection (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32) were associated with an increased likelihood of HPV infection, while oral contraceptive use (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.72-1.03) had a marginal protective effect. The protective effect of oral contraceptives was most pronounced among adolescent women (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.31-1.03). CONCLUSION: Given that the rate of oncogenic HPV infection approached 80% in our population of adolescent women with ASC-US, the usefulness of HPV testing in this age group requires further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of a new selective enrichment broth for detection of group B streptococci in pregnant women.

Studies at two Brown Medical School-affiliated hospitals were undertaken to evaluate a new selective broth medium (GBS broth) and to compare it to the LIM broth currently used to culture for group B streptococci. Beta-hemolytic group B streptococci produce a carotenoid pigment that turns GBS broth an orange color. From a total of 580 pregnant women, duplicate vaginal-rectal swabs were collected at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation and cultured for group B streptococci, using either LIM broth (a selective broth containing antibiotics) or GBS broth for enrichment. Specimens were either transported to the laboratory or immediately placed in the respective enrichment broths and delivered to the laboratory. GBS broth medium had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 87.8, 100, 100, and 95.1% when planted in the laboratory and 90.3, 100, 100 and 97.6%, respectively, when inoculated at bedside. Use of GBS broth would satisfy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements and would provide faster, more-sensitive, and cost-effective detection of group B streptococci in pregnant women.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Reference values for valve circumferences and ventricular wall thicknesses of fetal and neonatal hearts.

To evaluate valvular stenosis, cardiac dilation, and/or cardiac hypertrophy, measurements of valve circumference and ventricular wall thickness are of importance. To establish reference values in fetuses and neonates, we reviewed pathology reports at Women and Infants Hospital from 1978 through 2002 and found measurements in 776 cases that were suitable for analysis. Gestational ages (GA) ranged from 15 to 42 wk. The tabulated data include the mean, standard deviation, and 10th and 90th percentile values for foot length, body weight, body length, heart weight, valve measurements, and ventricular wall thicknesses for each week of GA. In cases in which clinical dating is not reliable, we estimated the GA by the mean value nearest that of the observed foot length. All linear measurements increased in a linear fashion throughout the second and third trimesters of development. The circumferences of cardiac valves at all ages, in descending order of magnitude, are: tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, and aortic. Mean left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is greater than mean right ventricular (RV) wall thickness throughout gestation. The tables offer a means of determining valvular stenosis, or cardiac dilation and/or hypertrophy, based on various gestational ages.

Fetal Heart↗

ASC:SIL ratio following implementation of the 2001 Bethesda System.

The 2001 Bethesda system (TBS 2001) eliminated the "satisfactory but limited by" category, benign cellular changes (BCC), and the designations "favor benign" (ASC-B) and "favor low grade" (ASC-L) for atypical squamous cells. We compared the unsatisfactory rate and atypical squamous cells:squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC:SIL) ratio pre- and postimplementation of TBS 2001 to see if there was an increase in unsatisfactory specimens, ASC rate, and altered ASC:SIL ratio. Pap Tests (569,726) reviewed at the Cytopathology Laboratory of Women and Infants Hospital from 1998-2002 were included. TBS 1991 terminology was used through December 31, 2001. Conversion to TBS 2001 took place on January 1, 2002. The average ASC:SIL ratios pre- and postimplementation of TBS 2001 were 1.52:1 and 1.42:1, respectively. The rates of unsatisfactory specimens and ASC remained unchanged. Conversion to TBS 2001 did not adversely affect the ASC:SIL ratio or the detection rates of abnormalities of Pap tests.

Female↗

Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL: a review of original vs. duplicate thin-layer slides.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of consensus review of original ThinPrep slides (Cytyc Corp., Boxborough, Masssachusetts) vs. duplicate slides and to identify the significance of the number of representative cells in classifying atypical squamous metaplastic cells, cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). STUDY DESIGN: A duplicate ThinPrep slide was prepared from 19 cases of ASC-H. Both original and duplicate slides underwent blinded review by 4 pathologists. Consensus cytologic interpretations (75% agreement) were noted and compared with follow-up diagnoses. Dots with atypical metaplastic cells from each slide were counted and correlated with the consensus cytologic interpretation. RESULTS: Following review of 19 original and 19 duplicate slides, consensus interpretations were reached in 14 and 15 cases, respectively. Nine cases of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) were confirmed by biopsies. Consensus interpretation of original and duplicate slides predicted 7 and 6 cases of SIL, respectively. Consensus interpretation of duplicate slides predicted 60% of histologically benign cases. Two-thirds of nonconsensus cases were histologically benign. Consensus interpretations for high grade SIL were reached more often on slides with greater numbers of atypical squamous metaplastic cells. Fewer abnormal cells were present on the duplicate slides. CONCLUSION: Consensus reviews of original and duplicate slides are equally useful in classifying atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, but may not be practical in all circumstances. HPV DNA testing of all such cases may better detect clinically significant cases.

Adult↗

Reference values for second trimester fetal and neonatal organ weights and measurements.

To establish accurate reference ranges for the entire second trimester, we documented organ weights, body weight, and linear measurements for 597 fetuses and neonates with gestational ages ranging from 12 to 26 wk. We determined the mean and standard deviation for weights and measurements at each week of gestation using the StatView trade mark SE + Graphics statistical program. The analyses revealed a linear correlation between the gestational age and, respectively, the toe-heel length, crown-rump length, and crown-heel length. Body and organ weights increase at varying rates throughout the second trimester. The data correlate well with weights and measurements previously published for the latter half of the second trimester, and extend these reference ranges to encompass the entire second trimester.

Crown-Rump Length↗

Overexpression of p53 is correlated with stromal invasion in extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva.

Molecular alterations that are associated with clinicopathological features of extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (PDV) are poorly understood. Consequently, we have investigated whether a correlation exists between overexpression of p53 protein and various clinicopathologic features of PDV. Our study group comprises 10 primary noninvasive PDVs, 3 primary PDVs with minimal invasion, and 1 primary PDV with frank invasion. Recurrence in the form of noninvasive PDV was seen in 4 patients with previously noninvasive PDVs and in 1 patient who previously had PDV with minimal invasion. Metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes were associated with the 1 PDV with frank invasion and 1 of the PDVs with minimal invasion. An immunohistochemical study of p53 expression was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. Negative p53 immunostaining was seen in all of the primary noninvasive PDVs as well as their recurrences. Positive p53 immunostaining was observed in the invasive as well as the intraepidermal components of all of the primary PDVs with invasion, the metastatic tumors in the inguinal lymph nodes, and the recurrent PDV associated with prior invasion, indicating a possible role of p53 in the progression of PDV. To our knowledge, our observation of p53 overexpression in the intraepidermal component of PDVs associated with invasion is the first to be reported in the literature. This observation may prove helpful in identifying stromal invasion in small biopsies. We also report for the first time an association between high nuclear grade in PDV and the propensity for inguinal lymph node metastasis.

Aged↗

Triplet placentas: reference values for weights.

The occurrence of twins, triplets, and other multiple births increased significantly between 1970 and 2000 in the United States and other industrialized countries. The number of triplet placentas submitted for examination as pathologic specimens has also markedly increased, but no reference values are published for triplet weights. We examined 196 normal triplet placentas. Specimens with associated conditions known to affect the weights of the placentas were excluded. The gestational ages ranged between 20 and 38 weeks. Mean weights for different gestational ages are summarized as follows: 253 g for 20 weeks, 319 g for 22 weeks, 406 g for 24 weeks, 509 g for 26 weeks, 621 g for 28 weeks, 738 g for 30 weeks, 855 g for 32 weeks, 965 g for 34 weeks, 1,065 g for 36 weeks, and 1,147 g for 38 weeks. Weight gain of triplet placentas appears to parallel that of twin placentas. The mean values of placental weights for triplets at each gestational age are less than triple those of singleton weights for the same duration of gestation. The placental weights in multiple gestations do not increase proportionately with the number of fetuses.

Female↗

Reference values for transverse cerebellar diameter throughout gestation.

The transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) is well established in the ultrasound literature as a reliable parameter for estimating the duration of gestation. In cases of growth restriction the cerebellum is usually spared, making TCD a reliable indicator of gestational age even when other parameters fall off the appropriate growth curve. The purpose of this study is to establish normal values for the transverse diameter of the cerebellum in pathology specimens, and to determine if these values correlate with those obtained by ultrasound. We examined 96 specimens ranging from 14 to 42 weeks gestational age and found that our values correlate well with those published in the ultrasound literature. Mean TCD with 2 standard deviations for each gestational week were determined as reference values.

Autopsy↗

Expression of cyclin D1 in normal, metaplastic, hyperplastic endometrium and endometrioid carcinoma suggests a role in endometrial carcinogenesis.

CONTEXT: Endometrioid carcinoma is often preceded by characteristic histopathologic lesions known as endometrial hyperplasia. Estrogen appears to be involved in the development of endometrioid carcinoma. Other mechanisms of endometrial carcinogenesis include mutations in p53 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes and overexpression of cyclin D1. However, the pattern of cyclin D1 expression is not well defined in normal, hyperplastic, neoplastic, and metaplastic endometrium. DESIGN: Cyclin D1 immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate 108 fixed, paraffin-embedded endometrial biopsy specimens and uterine resections obtained from 108 patients. Specimens included proliferative and secretory endometria, simple and complex hyperplastic lesions, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Normal and metaplastic surface epithelia were also evaluated independently of glandular morphologic features. RESULTS: Cyclin D1 was significantly overexpressed in glands with complex hyperplasia and endometrioid adenocarcinoma compared with proliferative or secretory endometrium and simple hyperplasia. Significant overexpression was also noted in papillary, syncytial, and squamous metaplasias compared with normal surface epithelium or epithelium with tubal metaplasia. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of cyclin D1 increases from normal endometrium to hyperplasia and carcinoma, suggesting that it may play a role in endometrial carcinogenesis. Overexpression of cyclin D1 in endometrial glands was independent from overexpression of cyclin D1 in surface metaplastic epithelium.

Carcinoma, Endometrioid↗

High nuclear grade, frequent mitotic activity, cyclin D1 and p53 overexpression are associated with stromal invasion in mammary intracystic papillary carcinoma.

Stromal invasion is identified with difficulty in routine hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections of core needle biopsy specimens from mammary intracystic papillary carcinomas. The goal of this study was to determine if nuclear grade, mitotic activity, and immunohistochemical stains for p53 and cyclin D1 would assist in differentiating intracystic papillary carcinomas without stromal invasion (ICPC) from tumors with stromal invasion (ICPC-INVA). Eight cases of ICPC and 12 cases of ICPC-INVA were reviewed. Hematoxylin-eosin slides were examined to determine the histologic features. Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies to human p53 and cyclin D1. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the nuclear grade, mitotic activity, and immunoreactivity between ICPC and ICPC-INVA. High nuclear grade was more often associated with ICPC-INVA than with ICPC, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). Frequent mitotic activity was associated with ICPC-INVA more than with ICPC (p = 0.0198). All cases of ICPC were negative for either p53 or cyclin D1, whereas 7 of 12 cases (58.3%) of ICPC-INVA were positive for either cyclin D1 alone (3 cases), p53 alone (3 cases), or both cyclin D1 and p53 (1 case) (p = 0.0147). Identical nuclear grade, mitotic activity, and immunostaining patterns were seen in the intracystic and the invasive components, and in the core biopsy and the excision of the same tumor. When any one of the positive indicators (high nuclear grade, frequent mitotic activity, or positive immunostains for cyclin D1 and/or p53) was present, the positive predictive value for stromal invasion was 91.7%. When none of the positive indicators was present, the negative predictive value was 87.5%.

Adult↗

Utility of HPV DNA detection in thin-layer, liquid-based tests with atypical squamous metaplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if testing for HPV is useful in the management of patients with atypical squamous metaplasia (ASM) and to evaluate a small group of patients with atypical squamous cells in the setting of an atrophic cellular profile (estrogen test [ESTT]). STUDY DESIGN: Presence of HPV DNA was determined on 104 ASM and ESTT cases on residual ThinPrep specimens using Hybrid Capture II. Results of the HPV DNA test were correlated with subsequent biopsy or repeat Pap test results. RESULTS: Of 63 patients with ASM on ThinPrep Pap tests, 52% were associated with histologically proven SIL when HPV DNA was detected by Hybrid Capture II. None of the 17 patients who were negative for HPV DNA had subsequent evidence of HPV infection by biopsy or repeat Pap test. Among 14 patients with ESTT, none of the 12 who were negative for HPV DNA had subsequent evidence of HPV infection. CONCLUSION: ASM and ESTT with a negative HPV DNA test can be followed routinely, and a colposcopic examination is not warranted.

Biopsy↗