Immunoglobulins in systemic sclerosis management. A large multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given in routine care to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted in SSc patients treated with IVIG. We collected data on epidemiological parameters and clinical outcomes. Firstly, we assessed changes in organ manifestations during IVIG treatment. Secondly, we analyzed the frequency of adverse effects. The following parameters were collected from baseline to the last follow-up: the patient's weight, modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), modified manual muscle strength scale (MRC), laboratory test(creatine kinase(CK), hemoglobin and protein levels), The University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 (UCLA GIT 2.0) questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiography. RESULTS: Data were collected on 78 patients (82% females; 59% with diffuse SSc). Inflammatory idiopathic myopathy was the most frequent concomitant overlap disease (41%). The time since Raynaud's phenomenon and SSc onset were 8.8 ± 18 and 6.2 ± 6.7 years respectively. The most frequent IVIG indication was myositis (38/78), followed by gastrointestinal (27/78) and cutaneous (17/78) involvement. The median number of cycles given were 5. 54, 53 and 9 patients have been treated previously with glucocorticoids, synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic therapies respectively. After IVIG use we found significant improvements in muscular involvement (MRC ≥ 3/5 92% IVIG, p = 0.001 and CK levels from 1149 ± 2026 UI to 217 ± 224 UI, p = 0.02), mRSS (15 ± 12.4 to 13 ± 12.5, p = 0.015) and improvement in total score of UCLA GIT 2.0 (p = 0.05). None Anti-RNA polymerase III patients showed an adequate response in gastrointestinal involvement (0/7) in comparison with other antibodies (0 vs. 25, p = 0,039). Cardiorespiratory involvement remained stable. A total of 12 adverse events were reported with only one withdrawn due to serious adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: this study suggest that IVIG may improve myositis, gastrointestinal and skin involvement in SSc patients treated in routine care and seems to have a good safety profile.

Association of positive psychological variables with disease activity, functional disability and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which has shown positive correlations between negative psychological variables and disease activity in transversal studies and in the follow-up. However, the association of positive psychological variables with disease parameters including disease activity (DAS-28), functional disability (HAQ) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has not been investigated. Patients with RA attending the external consultation of a third level hospital were invited to participate and fill in a questionnaire with personal, disease and psychological variables; body mass index was also obtained as well as ESR. A total of 49 patients were included. The three dependent variables correlated among them, with the highest correlation for DAS-28 and HAQ (r=0.645, p<0.01), followed by somatization and HAQ (r=0.614, p<0.01) or DAS-28 (r=0.537, P<0.01). In addition, HAQ showed negative correlations with environmental mastery (r=- 0.366, p<0.01), personal growth (r=-0.292, p<0.05) and monthly extra money (r=-0.328, p<0.05), and borderline negative correlations with emotion perception (r=-0.279, p=0.053) and self-acceptance (r=-0.250, p=0.08). ESR showed a significant negative correlation with emotion perception (r=-0.475, p<0.01). In conclusion, we observed important correlations of positive psychological variables with disease activity, functional disability and ESR that could be addressed in order to prevent or treat these disease features.

[Bearing surfaces in primary hip arthroplasty. Is there any difference?] / Pares articulares en prótesis primaria de cadera. ¿Existe alguna diferencia?

INTRODUCTION: In primary hip replacement, different materials are used for bearing surfaces. In our medium metal or ceramic heads with highly crossed-linked polyethylene (PA) are the most used. These combinations have good results, but it is not clear which is clinically superior. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is any clinically significant difference based on a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conduct a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty and we were looking for studies comparing bearing surfaces: ceramic-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CP) and metal-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MP); describing the revision rate according to the surface type with a minimum 10-year follow-up. The outcome evaluated was: review rate for any cause depending on surface type. RESULTS: Two out of fifteen national registries were included. The Australian registry shows a difference in the 15-year revision rate: CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) vs MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). The New Zealand registry shows no differences in revision rate/100 components/year: CP 0.54 (0.48-0.61) vs MP 0.61 (0.57-0.66). We do not find clinical studies with inclusion criteria that answer the research question. CONCLUSION: The results of this review show a high survival rate with the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene, the results are similar when using ceramic or metal heads.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En un reemplazo total de cadera primario (RTC), diferentes materiales son los que se usan para las superficies de apoyo. En nuestro medio, las cabezas de metal o cerámica con polietileno altamente entrecruzado (PA) son los más utilizados. Estas combinaciones tienen buenos resultados, pero no es claro cuál es superior clínicamente. Basados en una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existe alguna diferencia significativa desde el punto de vista clínico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía. Buscamos estudios en los que se compararan los tipos de superficie de contacto: cerámica-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (CP) y metal-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (MP), además de los registros nacionales de artroplastía que describieran, con un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años, la tasa de revisión según el tipo de superficie. El desenlace evaluado fue: tasa de revisión por cualquier causa según el tipo de superficie. RESULTADOS: Dos de quince registros nacionales fueron incluidos: el registro australiano muestra una diferencia en la tasa de revisión a 15 años, comparando CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) contra MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). El registro de Nueva Zelanda no muestra diferencias en la tasa de revisión/100 componentes/año: CP de 0.54 (0.48-0.61) en comparación con MP de 0.61 (0.57-0.66). No encontramos estudios clínicos con los criterios de inclusión que respondan la pregunta de investigación. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de esta revisión muestran una alta supervivencia cuando se usa polietileno altamente entrecruzado; asimismo, los resultados son similares cuando se utilizan cabezas de cerámica o metálicas.

Peficitinib hydrobromide to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Peficitinib hydrobromide is a small Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) molecule for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Phase II and phase III clinical trials and extension studies with different doses have been conducted to assess the drug's efficacy and safety with substantially improved outcomes observed in RA. This JAK inhibitor oral drug demonstrated clinical response as once-daily monotherapy in patients with moderate to severe RA, also in combination with methotrexate (MTX), who had an inadequate response to MTX. The findings from studies of this new JAK inhibitor have shown that, both in monotherapy as well as in combination with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), it has efficacy, safety and tolerability in RA patients.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil / Primeiro registro da vespa parasitóide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associada ao ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

Resumo Lymeon Förster, 1869 é um grande gênero de Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) com distribuição predominantemente neotropical, onde fêmeas atacam pequenos casulos de vários grupos de insetos e ovissacos de aranha. No presente estudo, relatamos o primeiro registro da interação entre a vespa parasitoide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), com o ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil. Observamos que, embora a fêmea de A. vincibilis cuide dos ovos que foram atacados por Lymeon sp, a larva da vespa consumiu cerca de 80% dos ovos da aranha, indicando que tanto o cuidado maternal quanto a barreira física oferecida pelo ovissaco não podem fornecer defesa absoluta contra predadores.

Expression of BAFF and BAFF receptors in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients with ectopic germinal center-like structures.

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is an essential cytokine in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) physiopathology. It has been reported that pSS patients develop germinal center-like (GC-like) structures in their minor salivary glands (MSGs). BAFF, BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA expression was analyzed in MSGs from 29 subjects (nonspecific chronic sialadenitis and focal lymphocytic sialadenitis with the presence [pSS-GC(+)] or absence [pSS-GC(-)] of GC-like structures). Twenty-four percent of patients showed ectopic GC-like structures and a high focus score [p < 0.001 vs pSS-GC(-)]. BAFF serum levels (sBAFF) were high in pSS patients (p = 0.025 vs healthy subjects). However, the pSS-GC(-) group showed higher sBAFF levels than pSS-GC(+) patients. BAFF and BAFF-R glandular expression levels were higher in pSS-GC(+) patients, without significant differences compared to pSS-GC(-) patients. Soluble levels of BAFF correlated with anti-La/SSB antibodies and disease duration. Our results showed that BAFF could contribute to focal lymphocytic infiltration. The role of BAFF-binding receptors in MSGs is proposed as a mechanism for the possible establishment of ectopic GC-like structures and disease progression in some patients. In conclusion, this study supports previous evidence that considers the active BAFF system role in the pathogenesis of pSS and the need for strong biomarkers in this disease.

Pares articulares en prótesis primaria de cadera. ¿Existe alguna diferencia? / Bearing surfaces in primary hip arthroplasty. Is there any difference?

Resumen: Introducción: En un reemplazo total de cadera primario (RTC), diferentes materiales son los que se usan para las superficies de apoyo. En nuestro medio, las cabezas de metal o cerámica con polietileno altamente entrecruzado (PA) son los más utilizados. Estas combinaciones tienen buenos resultados, pero no es claro cuál es superior clínicamente. Basados en una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existe alguna diferencia significativa desde el punto de vista clínico. Material y métodos: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía. Buscamos estudios en los que se compararan los tipos de superficie de contacto: cerámica-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (CP) y metal-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (MP), además de los registros nacionales de artroplastía que describieran, con un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años, la tasa de revisión según el tipo de superficie. El desenlace evaluado fue: tasa de revisión por cualquier causa según el tipo de superficie. Resultados: Dos de quince registros nacionales fueron incluidos: el registro australiano muestra una diferencia en la tasa de revisión a 15 años, comparando CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) contra MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). El registro de Nueva Zelanda no muestra diferencias en la tasa de revisión/100 componentes/año: CP de 0.54 (0.48-0.61) en comparación con MP de 0.61 (0.57-0.66). No encontramos estudios clínicos con los criterios de inclusión que respondan la pregunta de investigación. Conclusión: Los resultados de esta revisión muestran una alta supervivencia cuando se usa polietileno altamente entrecruzado; asimismo, los resultados son similares cuando se utilizan cabezas de cerámica o metálicas.

Abstract: Introduction: In primary hip replacement, different materials are used for bearing surfaces. In our medium metal or ceramic heads with highly crossed-linked polyethylene (PA) are the most used. These combinations have good results, but it is not clear which is clinically superior. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is any clinically significant difference based on a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty. Material and methods: We conduct a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty and we were looking for studies comparing bearing surfaces: ceramic-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CP) and metal-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MP); describing the revision rate according to the surface type with a minimum 10-year follow-up. The outcome evaluated was: review rate for any cause depending on surface type. Results: Two out of fifteen national registries were included. The Australian registry shows a difference in the 15-year revision rate: CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) vs MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). The New Zealand registry shows no differences in revision rate/100 components/year: CP 0.54 (0.48-0.61) vs MP 0.61 (0.57-0.66). We do not find clinical studies with inclusion criteria that answer the research question. Conclusion: The results of this review show a high survival rate with the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene, the results are similar when using ceramic or metal heads.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil.

Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

The -675 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism confers genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus, its clinical manifestations, and comorbidities in Mexican-Mestizo population.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves a broad range of factors that contribute to the development of the disease and its comorbidities. Genetic predisposition influences the development of SLE, and the -675 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism has been associated with several pathologies with a chronic inflammatory component. Our objective was to investigate the genetic association between the -675 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism with SLE, its clinical manifestations, and comorbidities in a Mexican-Mestizo population. The -675 PAI-1 polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP in 716 subjects: 293 SLE patients and 423 control subjects. Significant associations for SLE genetic susceptibility were found in carriers of 4G/5G (OR = 2.63; CI 1.81-3.87; p < .001) and 4G/4G (OR = 2.70; CI 1.62-4.51; p < .001) genotype in comparison with the 5G/5G genotype; 4G allele carriers also presented genetic risk for SLE (OR = 1.63; CI 1.31-2.03; p < .001) compared to the 5G allele. Following a dominant genetic model, a similar association was found with the 4G allele to SLE (OR = 2.66; CI1.84-3.84; p < .001). The 4G/5G genotype was associated with shorter disease duration (p = .039), as well as lower levels of haemoglobin (p = .001) and haematocrit (p = .009); the need for prednisone treatment (p = .001), higher BMI (p = .03), presence of type 2 DM (p = .015), clinical activity (Mex-SLEDAI = 57%; p = .047), Chronicity (SLICC-ACR = 0; p = .015) and CRP levels (p = .015) were associated with 5G/5G genotypes. In conclusion, the -675 4G/5G and 4G/4G PAI-1genotypes were found as genetic risk markers of susceptibility for SLE in the Mexican-Mestizo population, and each genotype could influence the clinical manifestations and comorbidities differently in SLE.

Differences in clinical manifestations and increased severity of systemic lupus erythematosus between two groups of Hispanics: European Caucasians versus Latin American mestizos (data from the RELESSER registry).

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is regarded as a prototype autoimmune disease because it can serve as a means for studying differences between ethnic minorities and sex. Traditionally, all Hispanics have been bracketed within the same ethnic group, but there are differences between Hispanics from Spain and those from Latin America, not to mention other Spanish-speaking populations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, severity, activity, damage, mortality and co-morbidity of SLE in Hispanics belonging to the two ethnic groups resident in Spain, and to identify any differences. METHODS: This was an observational, multi-centre, retrospective study. The demographic and clinical variables of patients with SLE from 45 rheumatology units were collected. The study was conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Hispanic patients from the registry were divided into two groups: Spaniards or European Caucasians (EC) and Latin American mestizos (LAM). Comparative univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 3490 SLE patients were included, 90% of whom were female; 3305 (92%) EC and 185 (5%) LAM. LAM patients experienced their first lupus symptoms four years earlier than EC patients and were diagnosed and included in the registry younger, and their SLE was of a shorter duration. The time in months from the first SLE symptoms to diagnosis was longer in EC patients, as were the follow-up periods. LAM patients exhibited higher prevalence rates of myositis, haemolytic anaemia and nephritis, but there were no differences in histological type or serositis. Anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies were more frequently found in LAM patients. LAM patients also had higher levels of disease activity, severity and hospital admissions. However, there were no differences in damage index, mortality or co-morbidity index. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, in several models the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for a Katz severity index >3 in LAM patients was 1.45 (1.038-2.026; p = 0.02). This difference did not extend to activity levels (i.e. SLEDAI >3; 0.98 (0.30-1.66)). CONCLUSION: SLE in Hispanic EC patients showed clinical differences compared to Hispanic LAM patients. The latter more frequently suffered nephritis and higher severity indices. This study shows that where lupus is concerned, not all Hispanics are equal.

Carcinoma escamocelular del canal anal metastásico en un paciente con VIH tratado con quimiorradioterapia concomitante. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Metastatic anal canal squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with HIV treated with concomitant radiotherapy chemo. Case report and literature review

Resumen El carcinoma del canal anal es responsable de hasta el 4% de los casos de cáncer de colon, recto y ano; el tipo histológico más común es el carcinoma escamocelular. Una proporción no despreciable de pacientes se presenta con enfermedad metastásica al momento del diagnóstico. En estos estadios, el pronóstico es pobre y su tratamiento usualmente se basa en quimioterapia paliativa con cisplatino y 5-fluorouracilo, con tasas de supervivencia que no superan el 30% a 5 años. Algunos estudios recientes han sugerido que el tratamiento multidisciplinario con quimiorradiación, que se brinda en estadios más tempranos de la enfermedad, podría mejorar la supervivencia en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes. A continuación, presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 54 años con carcinoma escamocelular del canal anal con compromiso metastásico extenso y con VIH atendido en una institución especializada en el manejo de cáncer, en el cual se logró remisión completa de la enfermedad luego del manejo con quimiorradioterapia concomitante con mitomicina C y 5-fluorouracilo y se mantiene en remisión después de cerca de 4 años de haberse suspendido el tratamiento. Se discute el caso y se revisa la literatura al respecto.

Abstract Anal canal carcinoma is responsible for up to 4% of all cases of colon, rectum and anus cancer. The most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma. A non-negligible proportion of patients have metastasized by the time of diagnosis. In these stages the prognosis is poor, and treatment is usually based on palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Five year survival rates do not exceed 30%. Some recent studies have suggested that multidisciplinary chemoradiotherapy (chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy) in earlier stages of the disease could improve survival for a select group of patients. We present the case of a 54-year-old male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal with extensive metastasis who also had HIV. He was treated at an institution specializing in cancer treatment where complete remission of the disease was achieved after treatment with chemoradiotherapy with Mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil. He remains in remission four years after discontinuation of treatment. We discuss the case and review the literature.

PTPN22 +788 G>A (R263Q) Polymorphism is Associated with mRNA Expression but it is not a Susceptibility Marker for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients from Western Mexico.

PTPN22 represents an important non-HLA gene that has been strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Several studies have reported a specific genetic variant for PTPN22 (+788 G>A; rs33996649) that might be associated with decreased RA risk in Caucasian population; nevertheless, its specific role in western Mexican population has not been yet described. A case-control study with 443 RA patients and 317 control subjects (CS) was conducted. The genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and the PTPN22 mRNA expression was determined by SYBR Green-based real-time quantitative-PCR assay. No association between the PTPN22 +788 G>A polymorphism and RA susceptibility in western Mexican population was found when comparing genotype and allelic frequencies between RA patients and CS (G/G vs. G/A: OR 0.55, p = 0.14, 95% CI 0.22-1.32; G vs. A: OR 0.56, p = 0.14, 95% CI 0.23-1.36). The PTPN22 mRNA expression increased 4.6-fold more in RA patients than in CS, and RA patients, carriers of PTPN22 +788 G/A genotype, expressed 15.6-fold more than RA patients carrying the homozygous G/G genotype. Overall, these results showed that the PTPN22 +788 G>A polymorphism is not associated with RA susceptibility in western Mexican population, whereas the presence of G/A genotype is associated with increased PTPN22 mRNA expression in RA patients.

Relationship between damage and mortality in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Cluster analyses in a large cohort from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry (RELESSER).

OBJECTIVES: To identify patterns (clusters) of damage manifestation within a large cohort of juvenile SLE (jSLE) patients and evaluate their possible association with mortality. METHODS: This is a multicentre, descriptive, cross-sectional study of a cohort of 345 jSLE patients from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry. Organ damage was ascertained using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index. Using cluster analysis, groups of patients with similar patterns of damage manifestation were identified and compared. RESULTS: Mean age (years) ±â€¯S.D. at diagnosis was 14.2 ±â€¯2.89; 88.7% were female and 93.4% were Caucasian. Mean SLICC/ACR DI ±â€¯S.D. was 1.27 ±â€¯1.63. A total of 12 (3.5%) patients died. Three damage clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (72.7% of patients) presented a lower number of individuals with damage (22.3% vs. 100% in Clusters 2 and 3, P < 0.001); Cluster 2 (14.5% of patients) was characterized by renal damage in 60% of patients, significantly more than Clusters 1 and 3 (P < 0.001), in addition to increased more ocular, cardiovascular and gonadal damage; Cluster 3 (12.7%) was the only group with musculoskeletal damage (100%), significantly higher than in Clusters 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The overall mortality rate in Cluster 2 was 2.2 times higher than that in Cluster 3 and 5 times higher than that in Cluster 1 (P < 0.017 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of jSLE patients, renal and musculoskeletal damage manifestations were the two dominant forms of damage by which patients were sorted into clinically meaningful clusters. We found two clusters of jSLE with important clinical damage that were associated with higher rates of mortality, especially for the cluster of patients with predominant renal damage. Physicians should be particularly vigilant to the early prevention of damage in this subset of jSLE patients with kidney involvement.

High expression of interleukine-1 receptor antagonist in rheumatoid arthritis: Association with IL1RN*2/2 genotype.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. IL-1Ra is an anti-inflammatory cytokine codified by IL1RN gene that blocks IL-1 signalling. A VNTR polymorphism of 86 bp in IL1RN gene has been associated with RA risk and regulation of IL-1Ra expression. In this study, we determined mRNA and protein expression of IL-1Ra in RA patients and control subjects (CS). This study included 85 RA patients classified according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 67 CS. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify IL1RN VNTR polymorphism, the expression of sIL-1Ra (secreted isoform) mRNA was determined by SYBR Green-based real time quantitave-PCR assay, and IL-1Ra soluble levels quantification was evaluated by ELISA test. RA patients had higher soluble levels of IL-1Ra than CS (p < .01), sIL-1Ra mRNA expression was higher in RA patients compared to CS (p < .01). Carriers of IL1RN*2/2 homozygous genotype show increased IL-1Ra soluble levels compared to IL1RN*long/long and IL1RN*2/long genotypes (p < .05) in the CS group, whereas mRNA expression in carriers of IL1RN*2/2 genotype was 1.2 times higher compared to IL1RN*long/long genotypes in the same group. Regarding RA patients, high expression of sIL-1Ra mRNA on carriers of IL1RN*long/long genotype was observed. Nevertheless, in RA patients IL-1Ra soluble levels among genotypes did not show significant differences. High expression of IL-1Ra in RA patients under treatment or not with antirheumatic drugs was detected. Additionally, carriers of IL1RN*2/2 genotype had higher IL-1Ra expression than carriers of other genotypes.

¿Cómo seleccionar una prótesis para un reemplazo primario de cadera? Mínima supervivencia aceptable: resultados de un consenso de expertos / How to select a prosthesis for a primary hip replacement? Minimum acceptable survival: results of a consensus of experts

Resumen: Introducción: Uno de los puntos más críticos en la planeación de las artroplastías de cadera es la selección del implante, puesto que su supervivencia impacta significativamente la salud de los pacientes. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se ha definido cuál es la supervivencia ideal que debe demostrar un implante para ser seleccionado. El objetivo de este consenso es definir los estándares mínimos de desempeño para la selección de prótesis en reemplazo primario convencional de cadera. Material y métodos: El consenso se realizó mediante la metodología de «grupo nominal¼. Esto incluyó: 1. Revisión de la evidencia disponible y definición de los temas a evaluar, 2. Reunión para la votación y discusión y 3. Análisis estadístico cuantitativo con medianas (M) y rangos intercuartílicos (RIC) y cualitativo con proporciones de los resultados obtenidos para generar recomendaciones. Resultados: La fuente primaria de información para la selección de prótesis (M: 8; RIC: 7-9) y de elección en caso de evidencia contradictoria (M: 8; RIC: 7-9) o limitada en la literatura (M: 7; RIC: 4.75-825) son los registros nacionales. El mínimo seguimiento aceptable es 10 años (M: 9; RIC: 8-9) y el mínimo de supervivencia aceptable es 90% a 10 años (M: 8; RIC: 5-8.5). Discusión: De acuerdo con estos resultados, el consenso de expertos propone que la selección del implante en el reemplazo articular primario convencional de cadera se realice con base en la información publicada en los registros nacionales y que dicha prótesis tenga un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años y demuestre una supervivencia mínima de 90%.

Abstract: Background: One of the most critical points in the planning of hip replacement surgeries is the selection of the implant, since its survival significantly impacts the patients' health. However, the ideal survival time that an implant must prove to be selected has not been defined. The objective of this consensus is to define minimum performance standards for the selection of conventional primary hip replacement prosthesis. Material and methods: The consensus was carried out using the methodology of 'nominal group'. This included: 1. A review of the available evidence and the issues to be evaluated, 2. Meeting for the vote and discussion, 3. Quantitative statistical analysis with median (M) and interquartile range (IQR) and qualitative one with proportions of the results to generate recommendations. Results: The primary source of information for prosthesis selection (M: 8; IQR: 7-9), choice in the event of conflicting evidence (M: 8; IQR: 7-9), or limited evidence in the literature (M: 7; IQR: 4.75-825) should be national registries. The minimum acceptable follow-up is 10 years (M: 9; IQR: 8-9) and the minimum acceptable survival is 90% at 10 years (M: 8; IQR: 5-8.5). Discussion: According to these results, the consensus of experts proposed that the selection of the implant for conventional primary hip replacement must be based on the information published in the national registries and that the prosthesis must have a minimum follow-up of 10 years and show a minimum survival of 90%.

Association of 86 bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) with susceptibility and clinical activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic disease of unknown etiology. Several studies have reported a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) 86 bp (rs2234663) in the intron 2 of IL1RN gene with RA risk. The present study was designed to determine the frequencies of this polymorphism in patients with RA and control subjects (CS) and its association with RA in a western Mexican population. An analytical cross-sectional study was performed, in which 350 patients with RA and 307 CS were included. The identification of IL1RN VNTR polymorphism was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genotypes were associated with clinical variables (DAS28 and CRP). The presence of A1/A2 genotype was associated with RA risk (p = 0.03, OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.02-2.05). Also, results indicate that the presence of heterozygote genotypes which include A2 was associated with RA risk (p = 0.01, OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.07-2.11). Patients carrier of A2/A2 genotype have a higher score of DAS28 (5.64 [4.49-6.70]). A-/A- has higher level of CRP (2.30 [0.62-9.10]) in comparison with A2/A- (1.06 [0.37-2.82]). A1/A2 genotype was associated with susceptibility to RA in a western Mexican population. The presence of the A2/A2 genotype in RA is associated with increased disease activity.

Aberrant expression of interleukin-10 in rheumatoid arthritis: Relationship with IL10 haplotypes and autoantibodies.

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an immunomodulatory cytokinethat plays a central rolein the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Different studies consistently show increased IL-10 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it appears to be caused by genetic variants. Three polymorphisms situated at positions -1082, -819 and -592 of IL10 gene and its major haplotypes have been associated with regulating IL10 promoter activity. In this study, we evaluated whether IL10 haplotypes are associated with mRNA expression and IL-10 serum levels as well as susceptibility to RA in a Western Mexican population. A total of 240 RA patients and 240 control subjects (CS) were included. Genotyping of IL10 polymorphisms was performed by PCR and PCR-RFLP, respectively. IL10 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR and IL-10 serum levels were measured using an ELISA kit. IL10 mRNA expression was 50-fold higher in RA patients than CS (p<0.001), while IL-10 serum levels did not show differences between groups. However, high IL-10 serum levels were positively related to a higherseropositivityfor rheumatoid factor (FR) and anti-CCP antibodies (p<0.05). No significant differences between the distribution of haplotype frequencies were observed between both study groups, but GCC haplotype was associated with higher IL-10 serum levels compared with the ACC and ATA haplotypes in RA patients (p<0.05). In addition, patients carrying ATA and GCC haplotypes showed higher mRNA expression than ACC (5.4-fold and 8.8-fold, respectively) and surprisingly, this trend was reversed in the controls, although it was not significant. In conclusion, our findings suggest that IL10 (GCC, ACC, and ATA) haplotypes may not be a susceptibility marker for RA in a population from Western Mexico. Nevertheless, independently of the presence of these variants, there is an aberrant overexpression of IL10 gene in RA, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA.

[How to select a prosthesis for a primary hip replacement? Minimum acceptable survival: results of a consensus of experts]. / ¿Cómo seleccionar una prótesis para un reemplazo primario de cadera? Mínima supervivencia aceptable: resultados de un consenso de expertos.

BACKGROUND: One of the most critical points in the planning of hip replacement surgeries is the selection of the implant, since its survival significantly impacts the patients health. However, the ideal survival time that an implant must prove to be selected has not been defined. The objective of this consensus is to define minimum performance standards for the selection of conventional primary hip replacement prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The consensus was carried out using the methodology of nominal group. This included: 1. A review of the available evidence and the issues to be evaluated, 2. Meeting for the vote and discussion, 3. Quantitative statistical analysis with median (M) and interquartile range (IQR) and qualitative one with proportions of the results to generate recommendations. RESULTS: The primary source of information for prosthesis selection (M: 8; IQR: 7-9), choice in the event of conflicting evidence (M: 8; IQR: 7-9), or limited evidence in the literature (M: 7; IQR: 4.75-825) should be national registries. The minimum acceptable follow-up is 10 years (M: 9; IQR: 8-9) and the minimum acceptable survival is 90% at 10 years (M: 8; IQR: 5-8.5). DISCUSSION: According to these results, the consensus of experts proposed that the selection of the implant for conventional primary hip replacement must be based on the information published in the national registries and that the prosthesis must have a minimum follow-up of 10 years and show a minimum survival of 90%.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Uno de los puntos más críticos en la planeación de las artroplastías de cadera es la selección del implante, puesto que su supervivencia impacta significativamente la salud de los pacientes. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se ha definido cuál es la supervivencia ideal que debe demostrar un implante para ser seleccionado. El objetivo de este consenso es definir los estándares mínimos de desempeño para la selección de prótesis en reemplazo primario convencional de cadera. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El consenso se realizó mediante la metodología de «grupo nominal¼. Esto incluyó: 1. Revisión de la evidencia disponible y definición de los temas a evaluar, 2. Reunión para la votación y discusión y 3. Análisis estadístico cuantitativo con medianas (M) y rangos intercuartílicos (RIC) y cualitativo con proporciones de los resultados obtenidos para generar recomendaciones. RESULTADOS: La fuente primaria de información para la selección de prótesis (M: 8; RIC: 7-9) y de elección en caso de evidencia contradictoria (M: 8; RIC: 7-9) o limitada en la literatura (M: 7; RIC: 4.75-825) son los registros nacionales. El mínimo seguimiento aceptable es 10 años (M: 9; RIC: 8-9) y el mínimo de supervivencia aceptable es 90% a 10 años (M: 8; RIC: 5-8.5). DISCUSIÓN: De acuerdo con estos resultados, el consenso de expertos propone que la selección del implante en el reemplazo articular primario convencional de cadera se realice con base en la información publicada en los registros nacionales y que dicha prótesis tenga un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años y demuestre una supervivencia mínima de 90%.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

Resumo Lymeon Förster, 1869 é um grande gênero de Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) com distribuição predominantemente neotropical, onde fêmeas atacam pequenos casulos de vários grupos de insetos e ovissacos de aranha. No presente estudo, relatamos o primeiro registro da interação entre a vespa parasitoide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), com o ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil. Observamos que, embora a fêmea de A. vincibilis cuide dos ovos que foram atacados por Lymeon sp, a larva da vespa consumiu cerca de 80% dos ovos da aranha, indicando que tanto o cuidado maternal quanto a barreira física oferecida pelo ovissaco não podem fornecer defesa absoluta contra predadores.

Hallazgos endoscópicos y patológicos en pacientes con VIH y síntomas digestivos de un hospital universitario / Endoscopic and Pathological Findings in Patients with HIV and Digestive Symptoms at a University Hospital

Introducción: el tracto gastrointestinal es un sitio frecuentemente afectado por el VIH; sin embargo, en la práctica clínica algunos hallazgos normales en la endoscopia pueden no serlo, lo cual conlleva a estos pacientes a no recibir tratamiento oportuno para patologías gastrointestinales. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes con VIH que consultaron por síntomas digestivos y que requirieron endoscopia y/o colonoscopia durante el año 2014 en el Hospital Universitario de Santander. Se tomaron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y paraclínicos. Se realizaron 41 endoscopias altas y 29 colonoscopias en 54 pacientes. A todo estudio se le practicó biopsia. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 39 años, la sintomatología digestiva con mayor reporte fue la diarrea y las lesiones orales; 87% tenían conteo menor a 200 CD4, solo 24% reciben actualmente TARAE. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes por anatomía patológica diferentes a normalidad fueron: Candidiasis (17%) en esófago, gastritis crónica moderada (26,7%) en estómago y colitis crónica inespecífica moderada tanto en colon izquierdo (44,8%) como en colon derecho (51,7%). Conclusiones: los hallazgos endoscópicos y patológicos concuerdan con la frecuencia de presentaciones reportadas en la literatura, aunque no se encontraron neoplasias ni agentes infecciosos como micobacterias. Los oportunistas más frecuentes fueron la cándida y el citomegalovirus. Al confrontar el diagnóstico de normalidad entre el endoscopista y la anatomía patológica, solamente en esófago había una concordancia aceptable, a diferencia del estómago y el colon, donde la disparidad es evidente. Por lo anterior, en pacientes con VIH/sida que requieran endoscopia sería importante siempre considerar la toma biopsias de manera protocolizada.

Introduction: Although the gastrointestinal tract is frequently affected by HIV, in clinical practice abnormalities related to HIV often appear to be normal when seen through an endoscope. The consequence is that these patients do not receive timely treatment for gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: This is an observational study of HIV patients who came to the hospital of the Universidad Industrial de Santander because of digestive symptoms that required either endoscopy or colonoscopy, or both ,during 2014. Socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. A total of 41 upper endoscopies and 29 colonoscopies were performed in 54 patients. Biopsies were taken and analyzed in all cases. Results: The mean patient age was 39 years old, the most frequent digestive symptoms were diarrhea and oral lesions, 87% of these patients had CD4 counts below 200, and only 24% currently receive HAART. The most frequent diagnoses were: esophageal candidiasis (17%), moderate chronic gastritis in the stomach (26.7%), and moderate chronic nonspecific colitis in the left colon (44.8%) and in the right colon (51.7%). Conclusions: Endoscopic and pathological findings are consistent with the frequencies of presentations of gastrointestinal pathologies reported in the literature except that no tumors or infectious agents such as mycobacteria were found. The most common opportunistic infections were Candida and Cytomegalovirus. Diagnostic agreement between the endoscopist and pathologist varied. There was had only fair agreement for the esophagus, but there were large disparities for the stomach and colon. Consequently, when HIV/AIDS patients require endoscopy, it is important that the protocol call for biopsy samples and analysis.