[Primary stromal cyst of the iris: case report].

Primary stromal cysts of the iris are rare, often asymptomatic, and incidentally found entities. Treatment is usually indicated in cases of enlargement or complications. However, imaging tests are required to determine their cystic nature and make an accurate differential diagnosis with malignant tumors, as well as for long-term follow-up. Ultrasound biomicroscopy is the technique of choice, although in most centers anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a more accessible and available imaging modality. We present a case of primary stromal cyst of the iris with an atypical presentation to illustrate the diagnosis and initial follow-up using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and photographs, and the management of complications. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be useful in the initial study and follow-up of anterior non-pigmented lesions where the cyst can be fully seen.

Ru-Ce0.7Zr0.3O2-δ as an Anode Catalyst for the Internal Reforming of Dimethyl Ether in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

The development of direct dimethyl ether (DME) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has several drawbacks, due to the low catalytic activity and carbon deposition of conventional Ni-zirconia-based anodes. In the present study, the insertion of 2.0 wt.% Ru-Ce0.7Zr0.3O2-δ (ruthenium-zirconium-doped ceria, Ru-CZO) as an anode catalyst layer (ACL) is proposed to be a promising solution. For this purpose, the CZO powder was prepared by the sol-gel synthesis method, and subsequently, nanoparticles of Ru (1.0-2.0 wt.%) were synthesized by the impregnation method and calcination. The catalyst powder was characterized by BET-specific surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy detector (FESEM-EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Afterward, the catalytic activity of Ru-CZO catalyst was studied using DME partial oxidation. Finally, button anode-supported SOFCs with Ru-CZO ACL were prepared, depositing Ru-CZO onto the anode support and using an annealing process. The effect of ACL on the electrochemical performance of cells was investigated under a DME and air mixture at 750 °C. The results showed a high dispersion of Ru in the CZO solid solution, which provided a complete DME conversion and high yields of H2 and CO at 750 °C. As a result, 2.0 wt.% Ru-CZO ACL enhanced the cell performance by more than 20% at 750 °C. The post-test analysis of cells with ACL proved a remarkable resistance of Ru-CZO ACL to carbon deposition compared to the reference cell, evidencing the potential application of Ru-CZO as a catalyst as well as an ACL for direct DME SOFCs.

Radioguided surgery of mesenchymal tumors with 125I seeds.

INTRODUCTION: Radioguided surgery uses radioactive substances to identify and remove hard-to-locate lesions. Mesenchymal tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms derived from the mesoderm, including benign lesions and malignant sarcomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 125I radioactive seeds to guide intraoperative localization of mesenchymal tumors, analyzing the complication rates and evaluating the margins of the surgical specimens retrieved. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing radioguided surgery of a mesenchymal tumor with a 125I radioactive seed from January 2012 to January 2020 at a tertiary referral center in Spain. The seed was inserted percutaneously guided by ultrasound or computed tomography in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: Fifteen lesions were resected in 11 interventions in 11 patients, recovering all lesions marked (100%) with a 125I seed. The lesions included areas of benign fibrosis (26.7%), cellular angiofibroma (6.7%), desmoid tumor (20%), solitary fibrous tumor (13.3%), chondrosarcoma (6.7%), and pleomorphic sarcoma (26.7%), with a high rate of recurrent tumors (60%). There was only one complication (6.7%) due to the seed falling within the surgical bed. According to the UICC classification of residual tumors, 80% of the lesions resulted in an R0 resection, 6.7% were R1 resections, and 13.3% were R2 resections. CONCLUSION: Radioguided surgery is an accurate technique for the resection of hard-to-locate mesenchymal tumors.

First-in-human phase 2 trial with mite allergoids coupled to mannan in subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Polymerized allergens conjugated to non-oxidized mannan (PM-allergoids) are novel vaccines targeting dendritic cells (DCs). Previous experimental data indicate that PM-allergoids are readily taken up by DCs and induce Treg cells. This first-in-human study was aimed to evaluate safety and to find the optimal dose of house dust mite PM-allergoid (PM-HDM) administered subcutaneously (SC) or sublingually (SL). METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial, 196 subjects received placebo or PM-HDM at 500, 1000, 3000, or 5000 mannan-conjugated therapeutic units (mTU)/mL in 9-arm groups for 4 months. All subjects received 5 SC doses (0.5 ml each) every 30 days plus 0.2 ml SL daily. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement of titrated nasal provocation tests (NPT) with D. pteronyssinus at baseline and at the end of the study. All adverse events and reactions were recorded and assessed. Secondary outcomes were the combination of symptom and medication scores (CSMS) and serological markers. RESULTS: No moderate or severe adverse reactions were reported. Subjects improving the NPT after treatment ranged from 45% to 62% in active SC, 44% to 61% in active SL and 16% in placebo groups. Statistical differences between placebo and active groups were all significant above 500 mTU, being the highest with 3000 mTU SL (p = 0.004) and 5000 mTU SC (p = 0.011). CSMS improvement over placebo reached 70% (p < 0.001) in active 3000 mTU SC and 40% (p = 0.015) in 5000 mTU SL groups. CONCLUSIONS: PM-HDM immunotherapy was safe and successful in achieving primary and secondary clinical outcomes in SC and SL at either 3000 or 5000 mTU/ml.

Early Changes in Visual Quality and Corneal Structure after DMEK: Does DMEK Approach Optical Quality of a Healthy Cornea?

PURPOSE: To evaluate early changes in visual function and visual quality parameters after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to compare the outcomes with healthy controls. METHODS: Thirteen patients who underwent DMEK and 14 controls were evaluated. All subjects underwent visual function evaluation, including visual acuity under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions and contrast sensitivity (CSV) tests CSV 1000 and Pelli-Robson. Corneal parameters were assessed with Oculus Pentacam. Corneal mean keratometry (Km), corneal densitometry values, and low and high order aberrations (LOA and HOA) were recorded. In DMEK patients, all tests were performed before surgery and 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In patients who underwent DMEK, photopic visual acuity improved from 0.59 to 0.31 at 1 month (p=0.013) and 0.13 at 6 months (p=0.008); mesopic visual acuity and all contrast sensitivity values (both CSV and Pelli-Robson test) improved significantly in the first month (p < 0.005). A significant decrease was observed in corneal density in the 0-2 mm ring (from 43.83 to 35.60, p=0.043) and mean posterior Km (from -5.84 to -6.80, p=0.005) in the first month. Corneal HOAs and all corneal densities improved at 6 months after DMEK (p < 0.05). All visual function parameters and corneal aberrations remained lower and higher, respectively, compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Corneal densities were comparable with controls at 6 months after DMEK (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing DMEK present visual function improvement and a decrease in corneal density at 1 month after surgery. Decrease in corneal posterior HOAs can be observed at 6 months. However, visual function outcomes and corneal aberrations remained worse compared with healthy controls.

Incidence Patterns and Trends of non-Central Nervous System Solid Tumours in Children and Adolescents. A Collaborative Study of the Spanish Population Based Cancer Registries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe incidence patterns and trends in children (0-14 years) and adolescents (15-19 age-range) with solid tumours, except those of central nervous system (CNS), in Spain. METHODS: Cases were drawn from eleven Spanish population-based cancer registries. Incidence was estimated for the period 1983-2007 and trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: The studied tumour groups accounted for 36% of total childhood cancers and 47.6% of those diagnosed in adolescence with annual rates per million of 53.5 and 89.3 respectively. In children 0 to 14 years of age, Neuroblastoma (NB) was the commonest (7.8%) followed by Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) (6.3%), bone tumours (BT) (6.2%) and renal tumours (RT) (4.5%). NB was the most frequently diagnosed tumour before the 5th birthday, while STS and BT were the commonest at 5-9 years of age, and BT and Carcinoma and other epithelial tumours (COET) at 10-14. COET presented the highest incidence in adolescents, followed by germ-cell tumours (GCT), BT and STS. These four diagnostic groups accounted for 94% of total non-CNS solid tumours, in adolescents. Overall incidence rates increased significantly in children up to 1996 with an annual percentage change (APC) of 2.6% (95%CI: 1.7; 3.6). NB and COET showed significant time trend (APCs: 1.4% and 3.8% respectively) while other tumour groups such as RT, STS, BT or GCT had no significant changes over time. A significant increase was present in NB under the age of 5 and in BT and STS in children aged 10-14 years. In adolescents there were significant increases for all tumours combined (APC=2.7; 95%CI: 1.8-3.6) and for STS, GCT and COET (APCs: 3.2%, 4.4% and 3.5% respectively), while other tumour groups such as hepatic tumours, BT or thyroid carcinomas showed a decreasing trend or no increase. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the incidence of the studied cancers in children increased along the period 1983-1996 with no posterior significant rise, while the incidence in adolescents increased significantly over the whole period 1983-2007. Several specific tumour groups showed significant rises or decrements in childhood or adolescence, although the small number of cases precludes showing significant trends or inflexion points.

Treatment of Acanthamoeba neurotrophic corneal ulcer with topical matrix therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study was done to evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes of topical regenerating agents as a novel therapy for neutrophic corneal ulcer (NCU) secondary to acanthamoeba infection. FINDINGS: A 20-year-old woman with a history of contact lens wear was referred to our hospital for keratitis after responding poorly to conventional treatment. In vivo confocal microscopy images suggested acanthamoeba keratitis with double-walled cysts in the anterior corneal stroma. Acanthamoeba infection was confirmed by laboratory findings. She was started on 0.1 % propamidine and 0.02 % chlorhexidine drops every hour. The antibiotic and antifungal drops were stopped when bacterial and fungal cultures proved negative. A central neurotrophic corneal ulcers (NCU) appeared, and despite treatment with artificial tears, bandage contact lens, and autologous serum, the ulcer worsened and she was treated with topical CACICOL20 (1 drop every 2 days) for 8 weeks. The corneal defect was completely repaired in 3 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated, and no local or systemic side effects were noted. Visual acuity remained 20/400. Two months later, the defect was still closed and the patient continued with 0.1 % propamidine and 0.02 % chlorhexidine drops, bandage contact lens, artificial tears, and autologous serum. CONCLUSIONS: Topical regenerating agents interact with components of the extracellular matrix, binding matrix proteins and protecting them from proteolysis, restoring the matrix environment, and improving tissue healing. In this case, CALCICOL20 was effective for vision stabilization, wound healing, and was well tolerated for NCU secondary to acanthamoeba infection.

Función renal relativa normalizada por volumen en la gamagrafía con 99mTc-DMSA: estudio basado en una población pediátrica / Volume normalized relative renal function in 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy: study in a paediatric population

Objetivo Evaluar las diferentes características diagnósticas de la función renal relativa (FRR) y de la función renal relativa normalizada por volumen renal relativo (FRRN), con el fin de analizar la posible mejora diagnóstica que implicaría su uso conjunto. Métodos Hemos estudiado con 99mTc-DMSA 952 unidades renales (riñones individuales), que pertenecían a 476 pacientes pediátricos (269 niñas) de edades comprendidas entre 0 y 11 años. De ellas, 355 unidades renales se consideraron patológicas a partir del análisis visual gammagráfico. Se determinaron los puntos de corte más apropiados para establecer los valores normales de las funciones FRR y FRRN, considerando como patrón de referencia al análisis visual gammagráfico. Se realizaron curvas ROC y se calculó el índice “J de Youden” y la exactitud para diferentes puntos de corte desde 42 por ciento hasta 50 por ciento, tanto para la FRR como para la FRRN. Se realizó también un análisis bayesiano (global y parcial clasificando las unidades renales por indicaciones clínicas) de la FRR y la FRRN. Resultados Para la FRR el mejor punto de corte fue 45 por ciento y para la FRRN fue 47 por ciento. El análisis bayesiano global mostró mejores resultados de los diferentes parámetros estadísticos para la FRRN. El análisis bayesiano parcial indicaba un importante incremento de la sensibilidad en pacientes con patología de dilatación de vía: de 10 por ciento (FRR) a 74.6 por ciento (FRRN); y con pielonefritis aguda: de 29.2 por ciento (FRR) a 66.2 por ciento (FRRN) mientras que en pacientes con nefropatías crónicas la sensibilidad fue similar (70.1 por ciento). Conclusión El cálculo de la FRRN (punto de corte 47 por ciento) proporciona información útil y complementaria a la FRR, ya que cuantifica la calidad relativa del riñón independientemente del volumen renal y refleja mejor los hallazgos gammagráficos.

Purpose To assess the different diagnostic features of relative renal function (RRF) and volume normalized relative renal function (NRRF) with the aim of analysing the possible diagnostic improvement that would imply their joint use. Methods We studied 952 kidneys with 99mTc-DMSA, belonging to 476 paediatric patients (269 girls) aged 0-11 years. 355 out of total were considered pathologic (visual analysis). The most appropriate cut-off points for establishing normality of RRF and NRRF were determined, considering as gold standard the visual scintigraphic analysis. R.O.C. curves were performed, J Youden index and accuracy were calculated for the different cut-off points from 42 percent to 50 percent for RRF and NRRF. A bayesian analysis (global and partial according to clinical indications) of RRF and NRRF was also performed. Results For RRF the better cut-off point was 45 percent and for NRRF 47 percent. The global bayesian analysis showed better values of the different statistical parameters for NRRF. Partial bayesian analysis indicated an important increment of sensitivity in patients with dilated pyelocalicial system: from 10 percent (RRF) to 74.6 percent (NRRF); and acute pyelonephritis: from 29.2 percent (RRF) to 66.2 percent (NRRF) while the sensitivity in patients with chronic nephropathy remained stable (70.1 percent). Conclusion NRRF calculation (cut-off 47 percent) provides useful and additional information to RRF, as it quantifies the relative quality of kidney tissue regardless of renal volume and better reflects better the scintigraphic findings.

Isolated medial rectus muscle rupture after a traffic accident.

A 30-year-old male suffered an orbital trauma due to a traffic accident. At the Emergency Unit, the patient presented with avulsion of the upper left eyelid in the medial canthus, wounds in the lower eyelid and the inferior canaliculus, conjunctival laceration, proptosis and palpebral hematomas. The patient reported persistent diplopia. During the examination, exotropia and total absence of adduction were observed. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed a discontinuity at the left medial rectus. No orbital fractures were identifiable. The medial rectus was still attached to its anatomic insertion at the globe. The discontinuity was suggestive of laceration or rupture of this muscle at approximately 10-12 mm from its insertion. Surgical exploration revealed total rupture of the medial rectus at approximately 12 mm from its insertion. The posterior edge of the damaged muscle was found and sutured to its anterior edge with 6-0 polyglactin. The following day, the eyes were completely straight and the patient did not mention any signs of diplopia. Botulinum toxin injection into the ipsilateral lateral rectus was not necessary. After six months of follow-up, the patient still reported no diplopia. When muscular laceration is suspected after an orbital trauma, early CT is recommended. The only procedures that assure a significant recovery of the normal function of the eye are early muscle repair and avoidance, if possible, of transposition surgery.

Short-term mitomycin C followed by long-term interferon alpha2beta for conjunctiva-cornea intraepithelial neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of extensive conjunctiva-cornea intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treated topically with mitomycin C (MMC) and interferon (INF)-alpha2beta without surgical resection. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: : An 82-year-old woman showed an extensive gelatinous red mass in the bulbar conjunctiva with invasion into the caruncle, inferior fornix, and tarsal conjunctiva and extending for 270 degrees of the corneal surface. A diagnosis of CIN was made by surgical biopsy. Surgical excision with safety margins carried the risk of limbal stem cell depletion. A conservative treatment strategy was used with 2 cycles of topical MMC (0.02%), followed by INF-alpha2beta eye drops at a dose of 1 million IU/mL, 4 times a day until tumor disappearance. Total resolution was noted after 75 days of treatment with INF, with no clinical evidence of limbal stem cell deficiency. After 1 year of monitoring, no signs of CIN recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: MMC (0.02%), followed by INF-alpha2beta (1 million IU/mL) 4 times a day, is an effective treatment against highly extensive CIN, in cases where surgical resection with safety margins is unfeasible.

Predictive value of brain natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart transplant rejection.

AIM: To evaluate the pattern of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration in heart transplant (HT) recipients and its relation to the degree of graft rejection determined by endomyocardial biopsy specimen. METHODS: We studied 71 consecutive HT recipients (62 men, 53 +/- 11 years). The patients underwent 383 biopsies. Creatinine and BNP concentrations and hemodynamic parameters were determined along with the degree of graft rejection using endomyocardial biopsy specimens. We considered treatable rejection as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Grade >or=2 in the first 90 days and >or=3A thereafter. We included a control group of 36 healthy individuals. RESULTS: Brain natriuretic peptide concentration was significantly greater among HT recipients (264 +/- 318 pg/ml) than in controls (17 +/- 16 pg/ml). In the first 90 days, BNP concentration was significantly greater among the patients with graft rejection (510 +/- 470, n = 84, vs 278 +/- 255, n = 87; p < 0.0001), although the corresponding discriminatory capacity was small. After the first 90 days, BNP values were similar in patients with and without graft rejection (170 +/- 297, n = 17, vs 142 +/- 203, n = 195; p = not significant). Creatinine concentration increased with time after transplantation and did not correlate with BNP concentration. We observed significant positive correlation between BNP concentration and hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Brain natriuretic peptide concentration remains increased after HT, with stabilization after the 4th month. Brain natriuretic peptide concentrations are slightly greater among patients with treatable rejection, particularly in the first 90 days, although BNP concentration lacks discriminatory capacity to serve as a guide to performing biopsy.

Ventricular natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart transplantation: BNP correlation with endomyocardial biopsy, laboratory and hemodynamic measures.

A prospective study of 81 heart transplant (HT) patients was carried out in order to evaluate the evolution of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in HT patients and compare them with the degree of rejection as determined by endomyocardial biopsy. All patients were subjected to endomyocardial biopsy (532), and determination of BNP and creatinine levels as well as hemodynamic parameters. A control group of 36 volunteers was included. BNP values were significantly greater in HT patients than in healthy volunteers. In the first 3 months, BNP levels in patients with treatable rejection were significantly greater than in patients without graft rejection, although evident overlapping was observed in both distributions and discriminatory potential was low. After the third month, BNP values were similar in patients with and without rejection. Creatinine levels were observed to increase over time after transplantation, but no correlation was observed between the creatinine and BNP levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between BNP and right ventricle and pulmonary arterial pressures.

Cleavage of corneal basement membrane components by ethanol exposure in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the anatomic cleavage plane after exposure to 20% ethanol for approximately 20 to 25 seconds to create an epithelial flap in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). SETTING: Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, Florida, and Hermann Eye Center Refractive Surgery Center, Houston, Texas, USA. METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining using monoclonal antibodies against laminin 5, collagen VII, and integrins beta(1) and beta(4) was performed to determine the anatomic location of the cleavage plane in an epithelial flap created by 20-second exposure to 20% ethanol in cadaver eyes and in epithelial flaps obtained from LASEK patients. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence staining to laminin 5 and integrin beta(4) was patchy in the lifted flap and the remaining corneal basement membrane. Immunostaining to collagen VII, the main component of anchoring fibrils, remained exclusively in the corneal bed. Immunostaining to integrin beta(1), present in the pericellular location of all epithelial cell layers, remained exclusively in the epithelial flap. This finding was consistent in cadaver corneas and LASEK epithelial flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The cleavage plane of the ethanol-induced corneal epithelial flap is located between the lamina lucida and the lamina densa of the basement membrane, where integrin beta(4) interacts with laminin 5 to form hemidesmosomes.

Superscan pattern in a case of gastric adenocarcinoma

Previous reviews have include prostate, breast, bladder and colon cancer and lymphoma among the causes of a super bone scan but have not included stomach cancer. We report a 58 year-old female with an infiltrative gastric adenocarcinoma extended to the minor curvature and posterior side of fundus. Bone scintigraphy showed diffuse increased uptake typical of a "superscan" indicating bone metastases diffusely invading the bone marrow. Gastric carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a "superscan" pattern

Papel de la ventriculografía isotópica en el seguimiento de pacientes oncológicos sometidos a tratamiento con antraciclinas / Paper of the ventriculography in patients treated with anthracyclines

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es calcular la fracción de eyección (FE) mediante ventriculografía isotópica en los pacientes tratados con antraciclinas, intentando analizar la dosis de adriamicina que condiciona la cardiotoxicidad. Material y método: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de 28 pacientes procedentes del Servicio de Oncología, a los que se les había practicado más de una ventriculografía isotópica, la segunda tras tratamiento con antraciclinas. Estudiamos 12 mujeres y 16 varones de edades comprendidas entre 16 y 72 años (media 43, mediana 45 años) con diferentes diagnósticos oncológicos siendo los más frecuentes: Sarcomas (39 por ciento); Carcinoma de mama (22 por ciento) y Linfoma no-Hodgkin (22 por ciento). Calculamos para cada paciente la dosis total de antraciclinas recibidas (adriamicina y 4-epirrubicina) incluyendo también las antraciclinas recibidas antes del primer estudio isotópico (cardiotoxicidad acumulada). Debido a que la 4-epirrubicina es menos cardiotóxica que la adriamicina se convierten las cifras de 4-epirubicina a adriamicina (siguiendo la relación: 50mg/m2 de adriamicina se corresponden con 75mg/m2 de 4-epirrubicina). Se compararon las medias previas y tras tratamiento de las FE de ambos ventrículos y se calculó si existían diferencias mediante el test de la t de Student para datos apareados. Resultados: La t de Student de las medias de las FE del Ventrículo izquierdo (V.I.) antes y tras el tratamiento fue 4.08 (existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas para una p<0.01) sin embargo para el ventrículo derecho la t fue 1.79 lo que indica que no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0.09)...