Nailfold capillaroscopy abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension in mixed connective tissue disease and systemic sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) represents an important vascular complication of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Microvascular involvement in these diseases can be investigated by means of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC). Microvascular involvement detected in the nailfold bed is the mirror of the microvascular damage occurring in the entire body, further indicating the involvement of the target organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microvascular involvement in MCTD patients with or without PAH, compared to that found in SSc patients with or without PAH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Timișoara, Romania, during the time period between January 2017 and December 2022, on a group of 26 patients with MCTD and 26 SSc patients. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-U1-RNP, anti-Scl 70, anti-centromere, anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) (IgM, IgG), anti-ß2-glycoprotein I (aß2GPI) (IgM, IgG) antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were determined in both the groups. PAH was evaluated through cardiac ultrasonography, determining the sPAP (systolic pulmonary artery pressure). Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed using a USB Digital Microscope and 2.0-megapixel digital camera recording capillaries density, giant capillaries, enlarged capillaries, capillaries hemorrhages, avascular areas, ramified/bushy capillaries scores. Data were recorded and presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t-test, ANOVA test, and Pearson's correlation. Differences were considered statistically significant if p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Among the MCTD patients, PAH was identified in 12 patients (46.15%), while among the SSc patients PAH was identified in 14 patients (53.84%). Development of PAH in MCTD patients was associated with lower capillaries density (p-value < 0.00001), higher scores of giant capillaries, ramified/bushy capillaries, and capillary hemorrhages (p-value < 0.00001, for each of them). Anti-U1-RNP, aCL, aß2GPI antibodies and LAC were also found to be involved in PAH-associated MCTD development. Unlike MCTD patients, SSc patients with PAH presented with lower capillaries density and ramified/bushy capillaries scores (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The MCTD patients who presented significant NFC abnormalities (especially active and late scleroderma-like capillaroscopic pattern) are prone to PAH development. Capillary density reduction is the most important factor associated with the occurrence of PAH. Differences in NFC findings (especially capillary density and ramified/bushy capillaries) were detected among patients with MCTD and SSc having PAH.

THE INFLUENCE OF ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM ON WOMEN REPRODUCTION.

The discovery of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in 1990 and 1993, respectively, as well as of the two main endocannabinoids, anandamide in 1992 and 2-arachidonylglycerol in 1995, was an important step in identifying the strongest homeostatic system in the human body, namely the endocannabinoid system. Ever since, research has highlighted the crucial part played by this system in all the reproduction stages: folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, fecundation, transport of the egg through the fallopian tubes, blastocyte implantation and pregnancy progression, as well as its implications in the physiopathology of the reproductive system: in endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, preeclampsia, endometrial cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cancer. A special attention must be paid to the phytocannabinoids, natural components originating especially from the Cannabis plant inflorescences, whose medical effects are well-established nowadays with also acting on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The most recent research mainly focuses on the reproductive dysfunctions and disorders of the reproductive tissues, respectively, through its action upon the endocannabinoid system. Medical cannabis is nowadays legalized in more and more countries all over the world. At the same time, recreational cannabis remains one of the most consumed drugs (in Romania the most consumed one by young adults). Therefore, it is mandatory for specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, public health, hygiene or for general practitioners, to permanently update their information on this subject.

Reprocessed magnetorheological elastomers with reduced carbon footprint and their piezoresistive properties.

Despite the vast amount of studies based on magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), a very limited number of investigations have been initiated on their reprocessing. This paper presents a new type of recyclable MRE which is composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and carbonyl iron particles (CI). The chosen TPU can be processed using injection moulding (IM), followed by several reprocessing cycles while preserving its properties. Numerous types of injection moulded and reprocessed MREs have been prepared for various particle concentrations. The effect of thermo-mechanical degradation on the recycled MREs has been investigated while simulating the reprocessing procedure. An apparent decrease in molecular weight was observed for all the examined matrices during the reprocessing cycles. These changes are attributed to the intermolecular bonding between the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the CI particles and the matrix which is studied in depth. The effect of reprocessing and the presence of magnetic particles is evaluated via tensile test, magnetorheology and piezoresistivity. These characterization techniques prove that the properties of our MREs are preserved at an acceptable level despite using 100% of recyclates while in real applications only up to 30% of recycled material is generally used.

A modern method of treatment: The role of silver dressings in promoting healing and preventing pathological scarring in patients with burn wounds.

Burn wounds are a global public health problem, which affects all countries, no matter the development stage and occurs in all age groups, from toddlers to elderly. In spite of burns being the cause of numerous household and work accidents, there are still no clear stated unanimous rules for their treatment. Every day new products appear on the market, each of them trying to prove more effective. Since ancient times, silver has been known for its antimicrobial properties, so it has been used for a long time in the treatment of burns and other types of wounds. One of the relatively modern methods of treatment is applying silver sheets on the scald lesions. In this paper, which was part of a larger study (research for a PhD thesis), concerning prevention and treatment of the post-burn pathological scars, the cases of some patients with burns, who were treated by using the above mentioned method were presented and analyzed. The results obtained by applying silver sheets were then commented and interpreted, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages compared to silver sulfadiazine creams and ointments, which have already been used at a large scale. The prevention and treatment of post-burn pathological (hypertrophic and keloid) scars is a field in which still little is known and in which there are also no clearly set therapy plans. We hope that through this research and the following ones we will manage to establish some major guidelines concerning the prevention of pathological scars, which are not only disabling, but also a major aesthetic issue for any patient, in order to obtain better outcomes.

[Immunohistochemical study of the role of mast cells and macrophages in the process of angiogenesis in the atherosclerotic plaques in patients with metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the histotopographic distribution of neogenic vessels, the degree of mast cell degranulation, the expression of markers of macrophages in different types of plaques in different stages and in different arterial vessels in patients with atherosclerosis and in those with metabolic syndrome associated with atherosclerosis and to establish the role of mast cells and macrophages in the development of stages of atherosclerosis along with their diagnostic and prognostic value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fragments of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, middle cerebral, carotid, renal, and iliac, and vertebral arteries from 34 persons who had died from atherosclerosis (n=17) and atherosclerotic complications due to metabolic syndrome (n=17) were examined. The investigators employed standard techniques, such as hematoxylin-eosin or orcein staining; silver impregnation. They used immunohistochemical staining with anti-mast cell tryptase (anti-MCT) for the determination of mast cells, the specific markers CD68 for macrophages, and CD105 (endoglin) for neogenic vessels. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical technique is effective in identifying mast cells, macrophages, and neogenic vessels in atherosclerotic plaques. They were found in many types of atherosclerotic plaques, advantium, and subendothelial layers in the immediate vicinity of the plaques. There was a statistical correlation between the types of plaques and clinical data, which is of importance in elucidating the specific features of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: CD105 is a sensitive marker for neogenic endothelial cells, an effective indicator of microvascular activation and proliferation in the atherosclerotic plaques. Neovascularization in the plaques frequently begins in the intima, progresses, and gives rise to their further destabilization. Anti-MCT staining used to reveal mast cells and CD68 for macrophages can elucidate the important patterns of development of atherosclerosis and its complications in patients with metabolic disturbances.

Detection of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in non-Ewing soft tissue tumors.

OBJECTIVES: EWS/FLI-1 fusion mainly appears in Ewing's sarcoma or the primitive neuroectodermal tumors and represents a genomic marker for these tumors. However, it can appear with lower frequency in other soft tissue tumors. The paper investigates the presence of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in clinically diagnosed sarcoma belonging to different non-Ewing connective tissue tumors in order to search for a possible new biomarker valuable for investigators. METHODOLOGY: 20 patients with soft tissue tumors, who underwent surgery, were tested. Intra-operative samples of normal and tumor tissue were collected for histopathological diagnosis and genetics determinations. The patients' RNA from tumor and normal peritumoral tissue was extracted and EWS/FLI-1 fusion screened by quantitative real-time PCR. The relative expression of the fusion in the tumor sample was compared to the similar expression in normal tissue. RESULTS: The amplification in the threshold zone was shown by 5 samples (25%): 2 clear cell sarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, 1 malignant tumor of nerve sheath, 1 metastatic adenocarcinoma. We differentiated between the unspecific amplification and concluded that these are weak positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic investigation may establish the tumor malignancy and its possible affiliation earlier than histopathology. It can support the screening of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in a larger variety of clinically diagnosed soft tissue tumors.

Listeria monocytogenes - characterization of strains isolated from clinical severe cases.

Listeria monocytogenes became an increasing pathogen involved more frequently in sporadic severe illnesses and outbreaks of foodborne infections. This study investigates in vitro susceptibility of 26 strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from the clinical specimens collected between March 2009 and November 2013, from 24 patients hospitalized in three medical institutions in Bucharest. All isolates were tested by disk diffusion method to 15 antimicrobial agents, by using disk diffusion tests. Among the 26 clinical L. monocytogenes isolates tested, no multidrug resistant strains were detected, but 18 (72%) were found to be resistant to at least one clinically relevant antibiotic. Among them, 18 clinical isolates were resistant against ciprofloxacin also. Resistance to Ciprofloxacin was particularly noticed to the strains in Romania. Serological and molecular typing by Multiplex PCR method detected two molecular types 1/2 a, 3a and 1/2 b, 3b, as to the more frequent isolated among studied cases. These types of L. monocytogenes could be associated to the higher pathogenic activity of immunodeficient patients.

Surveys on therapeutic effects of "halotherapy chamber with artificial salt-mine environment" on patients with certain chronic allergenic respiratory pathologies and infectious-inflammatory pathologies.

Halotherapy (HT), derived from speleotherapy in salt mines, is also a drug-free therapeutic method. HT effects vary depending on the therapeutic method and the structure of halotherapy environment. The purpose of this article is to show the HT effects of "halotherapy chamber with artificial salt-mine environment" of the National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology (INRMFB), on patients with bronchial asthma and other chronic, infectious-inflammatory and allergic respiratory diseases, describing the clinical effects on certain nonspecific resistance factors, on markers of inflammatory processes and on certain immunological changes. Patients were clinically assessed, with the application of hematologic investigations, analysis of nonspecific resistance to infection and of inflammatory process markers, immunologic assessments, analysis of sodium and potassium concentrations, of mineralocorticoid function and other biochemical tests. For the experimental HT therapy performed in the "halotherapy chamber with artificial salt-mine environment" of INRMFB, 15 patients suffering from bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy were selected, based on specific medical indications and contraindications and applying ethical principles, as well as 4 patients with similar pathologies for the control group, who underwent in-home drug treatment. After the specific halotherapy treatment on patients with bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy, which also showed other chronic, infectious-inflammatory and allergic respiratory pathologies, triggering of anti-inflammatory (and also anti allergic) mechanisms and healing effects on inflammatory process were noted. Data acquired also proved the halo therapeutic effect causing the reduction of sensitiveness of body in patients with bronchial asthma.

Detection of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in non-Ewing soft tissue tumors.

OBJECTIVES: EWS/FLI-1 fusion mainly appears in Ewing's sarcoma or the primitive neuroectodermal tumors and represents a genomic marker for these tumors. However, it can appear with lower frequency in other soft tissue tumors. The paper investigates the presence of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in clinically diagnosed sarcoma belonging to different non-Ewing connective tissue tumors in order to search for a possible new biomarker valuable for investigators. METHODOLOGY: 20 patients with soft tissue tumors, who underwent surgery, were tested. Intra-operative samples of normal and tumor tissue were collected for histopathological diagnosis and genetics determinations. The patients' RNA from tumor and normal peritumoral tissue was extracted and EWS/FLI-1 fusion screened by quantitative real-time PCR. The relative expression of the fusion in the tumor sample was compared to the similar expression in normal tissue. RESULTS: The amplification in the threshold zone was shown by 5 samples (25%): 2 clear cell sarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, 1 malignant tumor of nerve sheath, 1 metastatic adenocarcinoma. We differentiated between the unspecific amplification and concluded that these are weak positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic investigation may establish the tumor malignancy and its possible affiliation earlier than histopathology. It can support the screening of EWS/FLI-1 fusion in a larger variety of clinically diagnosed soft tissue tumors.

The influence of the analgesic model on postoperative pain in major knee surgery.

Total primary knee arthroplasty represents a model of severe pain for major orthopedic surgery. A good management of postoperative pain is important both for the patient and for a good functional surgery outcome because early knee mobilisation is pain limited. This study is a review of the main analgesic methods used in total primary knee arthroplasty and their influence on pain and on the functional recovery of the knee.The comparative analysis of the analgesic models shows the advantages and the adverse effects of each one, the evolution in time of analgesia techniques and guides us in the use of evidence-based-medicine Which is the most appropriate analgesic model is a choice of the orthopedic surgeon anesthesiologist and kineto therapist team who are able to individualize for each patient good functional outcome parameters of the new knee joint.

[Upside-down stomach and hiatal hernia]. / Upside-down stomach si hernia hiatala.

Hiatal hernias represent a special variant of diaphragmatic hernia in which there is a transdiaphragmatic migration of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus. There are 4 types admitted--sliding (type I), paraesophageal (type II), mixt-combining elements for both previous types (type III) and complex (type IV) and represents at most 5-15% from all hiatal hernias. Upside-down stomach is a special form of organoaxial volvulus of the entire stomach in a sac of mixt hiatal hernia (type III) or complex (type IV). There are asymptomatic forms, but the majority of the patients present signs of gastroesophageal reflux and up to one third may show complications such as bleeding, acute volvulus with obstruction or perforation. Surgical intervention is the only treatment option for the gastric volvulus and offers a durable resolution. The ideal surgical technique, the gold standard, consists in reduction of the stomach in the gastric lodge, resection of the sac and calibration of the hiatus adding a gastropexy or antireflux procedure.

[Surgical management of acute pancreatitis. One hundred years of evolution]. / Managementul chirurgical al pancreatitei acute. 100 de ani de evolutie.

The aim of the paperwork is to present the evolution of surgical management of acute pancreatitis for a period of more than a century, by using the literature data that reveal the important moments in the knowledge of patho-etiology, in clarifying the definition and classification and, last but not least, in the progress of biological and image exploration, the right timing and the permanent development of surgical procedures so that the general mortality should decrease up to 10-15%, as it nowadays. The need for surgical intervention in acute pancreatitis is the controversy that appeared during this period. Until the mid of the 20th century, mainly on the basis of the clinic diagnosis, only the severe cases were recognized and became subjects of surgical exploration, with disastrous results. A great step forward was the dosage of urinary and serum amylase that allowed the non-surgical diagnosis of the disease, so that some patients could be treated successfully without surgery. Introduction of prognosis criteria by Ranson, the dosage of C-reactive protein together with CT scanning of the injury: interstitial - edematous or necrosis,the fine needle aspiration for bacteriology and the adoption of a definition and unitary classification resulted in a major change in therapy, in general, and in the surgical procedures. Necrosectomy combined with a drainage method, practised and developed by Beger since 1982, becomes a surgical dogma. Minimally invasive procedures became a reliable alternative to classic procedures due to the diversity and permanent development of laparoscopic, endoscopic and radiologic techniques.

[Pseudo-Meigs syndrome, a rare variant]. / Varianta rara de sindrom pseudo-Meigs.

The pseudo- Meigs syndrome is defined as a pelvic tumour, other than the ovarian fibroma complicated with ascites and hydrothorax that can be recovered after the tumour is surgically extirpated. The uterine leiomyoma is an extremely rare cause of this syndrome, only 24 cases have been recorded so far, most of them presenting hydropic degeneration or necrosis. The case exposed by us, a 50- year old obese,with nanism woman, presented clinical, biological and imaging characteristics of the syndrome; moreover, she had arterial high blood pressure for more than five years, fact that didn't need postoperative treatment. She was sent to the ER because she had severe respiratory insufficiency, arterial high blood pressure, tachycardia and, at the clinical examination, she presented massive right hydrothorax, ascites, and pelvic tumour. The biologic explorations (the benign cytology in the pleural liquid and ascites, CA-125 with ten times the normal value) and the imagery completed the picture of a Meigs/ pseudo-Meigs syndrome that implied the laparotomy. The H-P examination and the postoperative evolution confirmed the diagnosis. We presented this case in order to emphasize both its rarity and its real positive and differential diagnosis problems.

Intussusception of efferent intragastric loop after gastrojejunostomy--an exceptional cause of high occlusion and hematemesis.

Jejunogastric intussusception (GI) is an extremely rare complication of gastrojejunostomy (GJS) that may appear any time after surgical intervention. Less than 200 cases have been reported so far, on very small series. Young female, 32, who 12 years ago was operated for a gastroduodenal disease that she doesn't know many details about. She presented severe pain in the superior abdominal segment posteriorly irradiated, incoercible biliary nausea followed by hematemesis. The endoscopic, imaging and biological explorations suggested a huge gastric tumor that occupied the whole stomach and was bleeding diffusely. The rapid acute evolution asked for the urgent laparotomy that emphasized: soft tumour mass, intragastrically mobile without any scar at the stomach or duodenum level; adherent to the posterior of the stomach we discovered a ball of jejunal loops that couldn't be undone. The anterior gastrotomy sets the diagnosis: JGI of the efferent loops of a GJS. We hardly managed to reduce the intussusception, without resection, the loop being absolutely viable. In order to prevent a relapse, and because the anastomosis was not justified it was taken down. JGI in a patient presenting GJS must be taken into consideration in the presence of epigastric pain that would not cease, biliary nausea followed by hematemesis and rapid deterioration of general health status.

Effects of aldehydes on CD36 expression.

INTRODUCTION: During the oil frying process lipid peroxidation compounds are formed. These products can modulate gene expression and alter cellular behaviour. The cellular uptake of oxidized LDL, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis, is mediated by the CD36 scavenger receptor, whose expression is down-regulated by alpha-tocopherol. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of water-soluble aldehydes, obtained from thermally oxidized sunflower oil on the expression of CD36 scavenger receptor in human monocytes (THP-1 cells). We also wanted to study the effects of alpha-tocopherol on CD36 expression in the presence of water-soluble aldehydes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sunflower oil was heated in a frying pan, at 180--200 degrees C for 40 min, water-soluble aldehydes were isolated, and the content of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) was determined. THP-1 monocytes were cultured in RPMI medium during 24 h and incubated with increasing concentrations of the water-soluble aldehydes (ranging from 0.05 to 1 microM) and with or without 50 microM of alpha-tocopherol. In parallel, THP-1 cells were cultured with the same volume of an extract obtained from non-oxidized oil or distilled water. The CD36 expression at the cell surface was studied with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). RESULTS: Monocytes incubated in a medium containing water-soluble aldehydes, showed a dose dependent increase in the expression of the CD36 protein on the cell surface, compared to with the control groups. When the cells were treated simultaneously with 50 microM of alpha-tocopherol a significant reduction in the expression of the CD36 protein was observed. CONCLUSION: Water-soluble aldehydes, extracted from thermally oxidized culinary oil, increase the expression of CD36. This effect is partially decreased by the presence of alpha-tocopherol.

Ten years of cyclosporine use in renal transplantation: a single-center experience with 479 renal transplants.

INTRODUCTION: From 1983 to 1996 therapy with cyclosporine in association with low-dose azathioprine and prednisone has been used for transplantation immunosuppression. The aim of our study was to present 10 years experience with cyclosporine. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Among 479 renal transplants performed since 1992, 61 were performed with cadaver donor grafts and 58 in pediatric recipients. From 1992 to 1998, the immunosuppressive protocol included CsA, azathioprine, and prednisone. Since 1998, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) replaced azathioprine. In 2002, tacrolimus and rapamycin were introduced into our protocols. The patients were assessed in terms of serum creatinine, incidence of acute rejection, cyclosporine side effects, and graft and patient survivals. RESULTS: Five-year patient and graft survivals were higher among recipients receiving CsA-MMF-prednisone when compared with CsA-azathioprine-prednisone. The incidence of acute rejection episodes during the first year after transplantation was less frequent among recipients receiving MMF compared to those treated with azathioprine. The overall 5-year survivals for patients was 86.29% and for grafts 74.04%. CONCLUSION: Cyclosporine remains a useful immunosuppressive drug, which represents a major step toward efficient renal transplantation. The availability of multiple effective immunosuppressive agents allows individualized protocols to reduce toxic effects. The advent of new induction regimens offers more opportunities to prolong graft life.

[The great omentum in surgical pathology]. / Marele epiploon in patologia chirurgicala.

The aim of the survey is to bring forward the relationship structure-function-pathology of the great omentum from the surgical point of view. The common origin (similar) with that of the spleen and the structural particularities give the great omentum distinct responding potentialities in pathology and these have challenged the anatomists, anatomo-pathologists and surgeons to a more careful and deep research for the last one hundred years. The study corroborates data from literature with the authors' experimental, clinical and microscopic research regarding the vascularization, the lymphoreticular component and the innervation, with the aim of emphasizing the functions of the great omentum in pathological conditions: plasticity, adherence to traumatized and swollen areas, neo-vascularization, absorption of fluids and phagocytosis. Concerning the innervation, by using special techniques, we have managed to emphasize neurofibres in interlobular spaces. By using clinical observation and microscopic study, we can notice dynamically the changes of the great omentum in the inflammatory pathology and in front of the malignant tumour invasion. Last but not least, this survey pays our respects to professor Ion Kiricuta, the first who used the great omentum in plastic surgery and whose studies stimulated the research concerning the great omentum that has been a subject for the international conferences for the last 20 years.

[Rare case of retroperitoneal malignant Schwannoma]. / Caz rar de Schwannom malign retroperitoneal.

UNLABELLED: Malignant Schwannoma, recently renamed malignant peripheral nerve sheat tumor retroperitoneally localized, represents 0.01 of retroperitoneal tumours. A 41-year old woman, without pathological record--and without cutaneous neurofibromatosis--hospitalized for increased volume of the abdomen, without symptomatology, is diagnosed after the imaging and biological tests--without CT and RMN--with retroperitoneal tumour. The unusual size of tumour--6000 gr.--the macroscopic aspect suggesting malignancy (histopathologically and immunohistochemically confirmed), the relatively easy extirpation which, nevertheless, required caudal spleen- and pancreatectomy as well as transvers colectomy, the absence of proximity adenopathy and remote secondary determinations, the simple postoperative evolution represent overwhelming elements in this case. Two years after the operation, during which the patient was under chemotherapy, on a routine control we found a relapse at a distance from the initial tumour (primitive tumour ?), totally operable. For the time being, after almost five years from the first operation, there are no clinical, biological and imaging changes. CONCLUSIONS: the retroperitoneal space is quite enough for the development of large tumour masses, without symptomatology. The present case combines most characteristics of retroperitoneal neoplasms: large or very large size, quasi-absent symptomatology, difficulty in preoperative diagnosis, surgical tactics and techniques--quite often, the total extirpation of tumour mass led to the sacrifice of other organs within the limits of a justified risk--and unforeseeable evolution with relapses having the same characteristics.