Prevalence of crystal deposits in asymptomatic hyperuricemia according to different scanning definitions: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The appropriate sonographic protocol for assessing urate crystal deposits in asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) is undefined, as well as how the choice would impact on deposit rates and accompanying sonographic, clinical and laboratory features. METHODS: Patients with AH (serum urate ≥7 mg/dL) underwent musculoskeletal ultrasound of 10 locations for OMERACT elementary gout lesions (double contour [DC] signs, tophi, aggregates). Different definitions for AH with deposits were applied, varying according to deposits (any deposits; only DC and/or tophi); gradation (any grade; only grade 2-3 deposits), location (10 locations; 4-joint scheme including knees and 1MTPs; >1 location with deposits), or pre-defined definitions (DC sign in femoral condyles/1MTP and/or tophi in 1MTP). We evaluated crystal deposits rates and compared between other sonographic features, clinical and laboratory variables. RESULTS: Seventy-seven participants with AH showed a median 1 location (IQR 0-2) with tophi, 1 (IQR 1-2) with aggregates, and 0 locations (IQR 0-1) with DC sign. The deposition rate ranged from 23.4% (in >1 location with grade 2-3 DC or tophi) to 87.0% (in any deposit in all 10 locations). Accompanying inflammation - assessed by a positive power-Doppler (PD) signal - and erosions were found in 19.5% and 28.4% of participants, respectively. Positive PD signal was better discriminated by criteria requiring grade 2-3 or >1 location with lesions. Erosions and the different clinical and laboratory variables were similar among protocols. CONCLUSION: Rates of sonographic deposition in AH varied dramatically among studied protocols, while some could discriminate accompanying inflammation, all highlighting the need for a validated, consensus-based definition.

Effects of thyroxine on apoptosis and proliferation of mammary tumors.

Hypothyroidism is a protective factor against breast cancer but long-term exposure or overdoses of thyroid replacement therapy with thyroxine (T4) may increase breast cancer risk. OBJECTIVE: to study, in vivo and in vitro, the effects of T4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of mammary tumors of hypo- and euthyroid rats, and the possible mechanisms involved in these effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a single dose of dimethylbenzathracene (15 mg/rat) at 55 days of age and were divided into three groups: hypothyroidism (HypoT; 0.01% 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil -PTU- in drinking water, n = 20), hypothyroidism treated with T4 (HypoT + T4; 0.01% PTU in drinking water and 0.25 mg/kg/day T4 via sc; n = 20) and EUT (untreated control, n = 20). At sacrifice, tumor explants from HypoT and EUT rats were obtained and treated either with 10-10 M T4 in DMEM/F12 without phenol red with 1% Charcoalized Fetal Bovine Serum or DMEM/F12 only for 15 min to evaluate intracellular signaling pathways associated with T4, and 24 h to evaluate changes in the expression of hormone receptors and proteins related to apoptosis and proliferation by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. RESULTS: In vivo, hypothyroidism retards mammary carcinogenesis but its treatment with T4 reverted the protective effects. In vitro, the proliferative and anti-apoptosis mechanisms of T4 were different regarding the thyroid status. In EUT tumors, the main signaling pathway involved was the cross-talk with other receptors, such as ERα, PgR, and HER2. In HypoT tumors, the non-genomic signaling pathway of T4 was the chief mechanism involved since αvß3 integrin, HER2, ß-catenin and, downstream, PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways were activated. CONCLUSION: T4 can regulate mammary carcinogenesis by mainly activating its non-genomic signaling pathway and by interacting with other hormone or growth factor pathways endorsing that overdoses of thyroid replacement therapy with T4 can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Bypass temporosilviano: enfermedad Moyamoya / Temporosilvian Bypass: Moyamoya disease

Introducción: En 1957, Takeuchi y Shimizu describen una vasculopatía oclusiva que involucra la arteria carótida interna bilateral, con la formación de vasos colaterales. En 1969, Suzuki y Takaku denominan a la conexión vascular colateral en las imágenes de angiografía "moyamoya" que significa nube de humo.2,3 Objetivos: El propósito del siguiente video es la descripción detallada de una cirugía de revascularización directa a través de un bypass temporosilviano en paciente con enfermedad Moyamoya. Materiales y Métodos: Se describe el caso de un paciente masculino de 27 años de edad que presentó de accidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico derecho. En la angiografía se diagnosticó estenosis del 70% de la arteria carótida interna supraclinoidea derecha, acompañado de estenosis de la arteria cerebral media y cerebral anterior homolateral. Se realizó cirugía de revascularización cerebral directa con bypass temporosilviano derecho.4,5 Resultados: Luego de realizado el bypass se confirmó adecuada permeabilidad del mismo y en la angiografía postoperatoria se observó el desarrollo de circulación colateral a través de la anastomosis. El paciente no presentó déficit en el periodo postoperatorio. Conclusión: Aunque la incidencia de enfermedad de Moyamoya no es elevada, es una causa probable de stroke isquémico o hemorrágico en niños y adultos. El manejo adecuado es fundamental para mejorar el pronostico a largo plazo de los pacientes con esta rara patología.

Introduction: In 1957, Takeuchi and Shimizu describes an occlusive vasculopathy involving the bilateral internal carotid arteries, with the formation of collateral vessels. In 1969, Suzuki and Takaku designate the collateral vascular connections in the angiographical images "moyamoya" which means puff of smoke.2,3 Objectives: The purpose of the following video is the detailed description of a direct revascularization surgery through a temporosilvian bypass in a patient with Moyamoya disease. Materials and methods: We present a case of a 27-year-old male patient with a history of right hemorrhagic cerebral vascular accident. In the angiography, 70% stenosis of the right supraclinoid internal carotid artery was diagnosed, accompanied by stenosis of the middle and anterior homolateral cerebral artery. Direct cerebral revascularization surgery was performed with right temporosilvian bypass.4,5 Results: After performing the bypass, adequate permeability is confirmed and in the postoperative angiography the development of collateral circulation through the anastomosis was observed. The patient did not present a deficit in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Although the incidence of Moyamoya disease is not high, it is a probable cause of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in children and adults. Proper management is essential to improve the long-term prognosis of patients with this rare pathology.

Influence of age on the occurrence of adverse events in rheumatic patients at the onset of biological treatment: data from the BIOBADASER III register.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether age, at the beginning of biologic treatment, is associated with the time a first adverse event (AE) appears in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: All patients in the BIOBADASER registry diagnosed with RA, AS, and PsA, and classified as young (< 25 years old), adult (25-64 years old), elderly (65-75 years old) or very elderly (> 75 years old) at start of biological treatment were included. Factors associated with the appearance of a first AE using adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) (Poisson regression) were analyzed. Survival to first AE was studied by Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazard ratios (HR) by Cox regression. RESULTS: 2483 patients were included: 1126 RA, 680 PsA, and 677 AS. Age group stratification was as follows: 63 young, 2127 adults, 237 elderly, and 56 very elderly. Regression model revealed an increased probability of suffering a first AE at age 65 years or older [IRR elderly: 1.42 (CI95% 1.13-1.77)]. Other characteristics associated with AE were female gender, the use of DMARDs, including methotrexate, the presence of comorbidities, and the time of disease duration. Factors that had the greatest impact on survival over a first AE were age > 75 years [HR 1.50 (1.01-2.24)] and female gender [HR 1.42 (1.22-1.64)]. CONCLUSION: Age at the start of treatment and female gender are key factors associated with the appearance of a first AE with biologics. Other factors related to patient status and treatment were also associated with a first AE in rheumatic patients treated with biologics.

Craneoplastías post-TEC en un único centro del Noroeste Argentino. Comparación de dos materiales / Post-ECT cranioplasties in a single center in the Argentine Northwest. Comparison of two materials

Introducción: Diversos estudios demuestran que la tasa de complicaciones asociadas a craneoplastías ha sido subestimada. A mediados de 2016 advertimos una serie de complicaciones asociadas a este procedimiento en nuestro Hospital. Por esto, se decidió cambiar el material que se utilizaba hasta entonces (i.e. polimetilmetracrilato de metilo, PMMAM) por otro distinto (i.e. Titanio). El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar los resultados post-operatorios obtenidos con PMMAM versus Titanio. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye a 99 pacientes a los que se les realizó una craneoplastia en nuestro Hospital desde octubre de 2015 a octubre de 2018. Criterios de inclusión: defecto óseo causado tras una craniectomía post-TEC cerrado, sin signos infecciosos, operados en la misma sala operatoria, por el mismo quirúrgico y utilizando la misma técnica para cada material. Para el análisis estadístico se dividió a la muestra en 2 grupos: PMMAM (n= 44) versus Titanio (n=55). Resultados: El 85% (n=86) eran de sexo masculino y la edad promedio fue 29 años (rango: 17-63 años). Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto a los pacientes que desarrollaron determinadas complicaciones entre el grupo PMMAM y el grupo Titanio: colección líquida inflamatoria epidural (14% vs 0%; p=0,006); infección del sitio quirurgico (9% vs 0%; p=0,036) y remoción quirúrgica de la plaqueta (16% vs 0%; p=0,003). Conclusión: Con el uso de malla de titanio se disminuyeron significativamente las complicaciones post-operatorias, respecto al uso de PMMAM

Introduction: Various studies show that the rate of complications associated with cranioplasties has been underestimated. In mid 2016 we noticed a series of complications associated with this procedure in our Hospital. For this reason, it was decided to change the material used until then (i.e. methyl polymethylmethacrylate, PMMAM) for a different one (i.e. Titanium). The objective of this work is to analyze the post-operative results obtained with PMMAM versus Titanium. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study including 99 patients undergoing cranioplasty in our Hospital from October 2015 to October 2018. Inclusion criteria: bone defect was caused after a closed post-TEC craniectomy, without infectious signs, operated in the same operating room, by the same surgeon and using the same technique for each material. For statistical analysis, the sample was divided into two groups: PMMAM (n= 44) versus Titanium (n=55). Results: 85% (n=86) were male and the average age was 29 years (range: 17-63 years). A statistically significant difference was observed with respect to patients who developed certain complications between the PMMAM group and the Titanium group: epidural inflammatory liquid collection (14% vs 0%; p=0.006); surgical site infection (9% vs 0%; p=0.036) and surgical removal of the platelet (16% vs 0%; p=0.003). Conclusion: The use of titanium mesh significantly reduced post-operative complications with respect to the use of PMMAM

Persistence of Crystals in Stored Synovial Fluid Samples.

OBJECTIVE: Lack of access to polarized light microscopy is often cited as an argument to justify the clinical diagnosis of crystal-related arthritis. We assessed the influence of time since sampling and preservation methods on crystal identification in synovial fluid (SF) samples under polarized light microscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal, observational factorial study, analyzing 30 SF samples: 12 with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and 18 with calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals. Each SF sample was divided into 4 subsamples (120 subsamples in total). Two were stored in each type of preserving agent, heparin or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), at room temperature or at 4°C. Samples were analyzed the following day (T1), at 3 days (T2), and at 7 days (T3) by simple polarized light microscopy, and the presence of crystals was recorded. RESULTS: The identification of crystals in the MSU group was similar between groups, with crystals observed in 11/12 (91.7%) room temperature samples and in 12/12 (100%) refrigerated samples at T3. Identification of CPP crystals tended to decrease in all conditions, especially when preserved with EDTA at room temperature [12/18 (66.7%) at T3], while less reduction was seen in refrigerated heparin-containing tubes. CONCLUSION: Preserving samples with heparin in refrigerated conditions allows delayed microscopic examination for crystals. Avoiding crystal-proven diagnosis because of the immediate unavailability of microscopy no longer appears justified.

Peritoneal macrophage priming in cirrhosis is related to ERK phosphorylation and IL-6 secretion.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are common complications arising in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Translocation of bacterial DNA is a dynamic process that is associated with an increased inflammatory response and a poor prognosis in this setting. The aim of this study was to study whether peritoneal macrophages remain in a chronic primed status to allow a rapid response to subsequent events of bacterial translocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peritoneal monocyte-derived macrophages were isolated from 25 patients with cirrhosis and non-infected ascites and compared with donor's blood monocytes. Activation cell-surface markers were screened using flow-cytometry, and the phosphorylation state of ERK 1/2, p38 MAP Kinase, PKB/Akt and transcription factors c-Jun and p65 NFκB were evaluated using Western blot. Synthesis of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) at baseline and in response to bacterial stimuli was evaluated using ELISA. RESULTS: A high expression of CD54, CD86 and HLA-DR at baseline was displayed by peritoneal macrophages. Increased phosphorylated levels of ERK1/2, protein kinase B (PKB) and c-Jun, together with IL-6 production, were observed in peritoneal macrophages at baseline compared with donors' blood monocytes. A positive correlation was established between basal IL-6 levels and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in peritoneal macrophages from patients with cirrhosis (r=0·9; P=0·005). Addition of lipopolysaccharide induced higher phosphorylation levels of all studied signalling intermediates than synthetic-oligodeoxydinucleotides, but similar end-stage p65 NFκB. CONCLUSIONS: A sustained immune response is present in ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients, even in the temporal absence of bacterial antigens. This would facilitate a fast response, probably controlled by IL-6, against repeated bacterial-DNA translocation or in liver chronic inflammation.

Proteomic evidence of bacterial peptide translocation in afebrile patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Bacterial translocation in patients with cirrhosis induces a marked proinflammatory activity that may be different against viable bacteria or bacterial products. The aim of this study is to identify new markers of bacterial translocation by investigating bacterial-driven peptides and correlate their presence with the inflammatory response. Patients with cirrhosis and ascites were included. An analysis by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of ascitic fluid total protein from patients (n = 47) and from frequently detected bacterial strains was performed. Two-dimensional maps were digitally compared. The identification of possible markers was performed by mass spectrometry. TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-12, nitric oxide, and proteins of the complement and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels were measured in ascitic fluid samples of patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were distributed according to the presence (group I, n = 16) and absence (group II, n = 31) of serum and ascitic fluid bacterial DNA. Among clinical and analytical differences between groups, only mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in patients from group II. Identified bacterial peptides were associated with bacterial protection against immune defenses and included glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase A, Porin OmpC, and HSP60. Eight patients from group I also showed bacterial peptides, whereas none from group II did. All studied mediators of immune activation were significantly higher in patients with bacterial DNA than in patients without bacterial DNA. TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and proteins of the complement were significantly increased in patients with bacterial peptides versus those without bacterial peptides. Bacterial peptide translocation is present in the ascitic fluid of a subgroup of patients with advanced cirrhosis and is associated with an increased immune response.

Norfloxacin modulates the inflammatory response and directly affects neutrophils in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with cirrhosis undergoing selective intestinal decontamination with norfloxacin show a reduction in serum cytokine levels, probably because of a combined effect of norfloxacin on bowel flora and neutrophils. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin (400 mg/day) were included. Blood samples were collected at 0.5-4 hours (peak samples group, n = 47) and at 22-24 hours (trough samples group, n = 84) after dose. Fifty-nine ascitic fluid samples were obtained. Single doses of norfloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were administered to 13 and 5 patients, respectively, (temporal profile group) and samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 24 hours. Norfloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cytokines, nitric oxide, expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkB-alpha), neutrophil oxidative burst, and rate of apoptotic events were determined. RESULTS: All samples were bacterial DNA negative and had no significant levels of lipopolysaccharide. Serum and ascitic levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, and nitric oxide were significantly lower in peak than in trough samples. A correlation was present between serum norfloxacins concentrations and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (r = -0.68; P < .001), interferon-gamma (r = -0.66; P < .001), interleukin-12 (r = -0.66; P < .001), and nitric oxide (r = -0.68; P < .001). Serum norfloxacin's highest concentrations (1 +/- 0.5 microg/mL) were achieved at 1-2 hours and concurred in time with the lower levels of cytokines and nitric oxide. Intracellular norfloxacin's highest levels (2 +/- 1 microg/mL/10(7) cells) were observed at 2 hours and concurred with a lower NF-kappaB expression, a reduced anion superoxide generation, and apoptotic rate in response to phorbol myristate acetate. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole did not significantly modulate cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS: Norfloxacin but not trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole modulates inflammatory response and directly affects neutrophils in patients with cirrhosis.

Cytokine association with bacterial DNA in serum of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves the interaction between genetic susceptibility, mucosal immunity, and intestinal bacteria. Bacterial translocation is a common event in these patients and plays an important role in the perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation. Blood microbiological cultures, however, are frequently negative. The aim was to evaluate the presence of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) and the associated cytokine response in patients with IBD. METHODS: Fifteen healthy donors, 29 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 33 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) were studied. The presence of bactDNA was pursued by PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing analysis. Microbiological cultures were carried out among all controls and patients. Cytokine serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: BactDNA was detected in 14 out of 33 patients with CD (42.4%) and in 15 out of 29 patients with UC (51.7%). BactDNA translocation was present in 7 out of 21 (33%) and in 10 out of 15 (34%) patients with CD and UC in remission, respectively. None of healthy controls showed bactDNA in serum. A statistically significant increase in all Th1-derived cytokines in CD but not in UC patients with the presence of bactDNA was observed in comparison with patients without bactDNA and controls. CONCLUSIONS: BactDNA is present in IBD patients, irrespective of their disease activity. This fact is associated with a marked Th1-driven immune reaction in CD patients, even in those in remission. Whether bactDNA is inducing or is favored by an increased inflammatory scenario in these patients remains under discussion.

Bacterial DNA in patients with cirrhosis and noninfected ascites mimics the soluble immune response established in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

UNLABELLED: Bacterial infections and severity of associated inflammatory reaction influence prognosis in patients with advanced cirrhosis. We compared the innate immune response to bacterial DNA (bactDNA) translocation with that caused by viable bacteria translocation in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and the relationship between the cytokine response and serum levels of bactDNA. The bactDNA translocation was investigated in 226 patients with cirrhosis and noninfected ascites, 22 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and 10 patients with ascites receiving continuous norfloxacin. Serum and ascitic fluid tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, and nitric oxide metabolites were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bacterial genomic identifications were made via amplification and sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and digital quantization with DNA Lab-on-chips. The bactDNA was present in 77 noninfected patients (34%) and in all cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, even in those with culture-negative ascitic fluid. No patient receiving norfloxacin showed bactDNA translocation. Levels of all cytokines were similar in patients with bactDNA translocation or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and significantly higher than in patients without bactDNA or in those receiving norfloxacin. Serum bactDNA concentration paralleled levels of all cytokines and nitric oxide in a series of patients with bactDNA translocation or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis followed during 72 hours. Antibiotic treatment in the series of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis did not abrogate bactDNA translocation in the short term. CONCLUSION: bactDNA translocation-associated cytokine response is indistinguishable from that in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and is dependent on bactDNA concentration. Norfloxacin abrogates bactDNA translocation and cytokine response.

Bacterial DNA induces the complement system activation in serum and ascitic fluid from patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Translocation of intestinal bacteria to ascitic fluid is, probably, the first step in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis. Proteins of the complement system are soluble mediators implicated in the host immune response to bacterial infections and its activation has been traditionally considered to be an endotoxin-induced phenomenon. The aim of this study was to compare the modulation of these proteins in response to the presence of bacterial DNA and/or endotoxin in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites in different clinical conditions. Groups I and II consisted of patients without/with bacterial DNA. Group III included patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and Group IV with patients receiving norfloxacin as secondary long-term prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Serum and ascitic fluid levels of endotoxin and truncated residues of the complement system were measured by ELISA. The complement system is triggered in response to bacterial DNA, as evidenced by significantly increased levels of C3b, membrane attack complex, and C5a in patients from Groups II and III compared with patients without bacterial DNA (Group I) and those receiving norfloxacin (Group IV). Gram classification did not further differentiate the immune response between patients within groups II and III, even though endotoxin levels were, as expected, significantly higher in patients with bacterial DNA from gram-negative microorganisms. The complement protein activation observed in patients with bacterial DNA in blood and ascitic fluid is indistinguishable from that observed in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and may occur in an endotoxin-independent manner.

Conceptos actuales sobre la infección por virus del papiloma humano / Current concepts on infection by human papiloma virus

El virus del papiloma humano presenta un problema multidimensional para los ginecólogos y urólogos. La incidencia de la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (IVPH), se ha incrementado de tal forma que actualmente es la infección viral más frecuente del aparato genital. El VHP se transmite por contacto sexual, pero no se ha precisado el mecanismo exacto de infección a nivel de la interacción virus-células del huésped. Las consecuencias a largo plazo de la mayoría de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual son más serias para las mujeres que para los hombres. La mayoría cursa con pocos síntomas, por lo que frecuentemente no son tratadas, lo que resulta en una serie de consecuencias adversas como son los embarazos ectópicos, la esterilidad e infertilidad, infeccción transplacentaria del feto, para parto prematuro e infección del recién nacido a través del canal del parto contaminado. En adición la IVPH a nivel genital es asociada con displasia cervical y puede ser cofactor en el desarrollo de cáncer cervical. El tratamiento es múltiple e incluye agentes citotóxicos, cirugía, inmunoterapia y abrasión por láser