Pyloric obstruction due to massive eosinophilic infiltration in a young adult dog.

A 16-month-old dog was presented with chronic vomiting, anorexia, progressive weight loss, and melena. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a massive pyloric eosinophilic infiltration leading to pyloric obstruction that was treated successfully with pylorectomy. This is a novel clinical presentation of eosinophilic gastritis and highlights the need to consider it as a differential diagnosis for pyloric obstruction.

Obstruction pylorique causée par une infiltration éosinophilique chez un jeune chien adulte. Un chien âgé de 16 mois a été présenté avec des vomissements chroniques, de l'anorexie, une perte de poids progressive et la méléna. Une laparatomie exploratoire a révélé une infiltration éosinophilique pylorique massive qui causait une obstruction pylorique qui a été traitée avec succès par la pylorectomie. C'est une présentation clinique nouvelle de la gastrite éosinophilique et elle souligne le besoin de la considérer comme un diagnostic différentiel pour l'obstruction pylorique.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Overweight and obesity decreased in Greek schoolchildren from 2009 to 2012 during the early phase of the economic crisis.

AIM: We examined the weight status of Greek schoolchildren from November 2009 to May 2012, shortly before, and during the early years, of the Greek economic crisis. METHODS: This was a mixed longitudinal study that formed part of the West Attica Growth Study and followed children at the ages of 6-7, 9-10, 12-13 and 15-16 years every six months for 2.5 years. Each child's height and weight were measured and their body mass index calculated. We were able to determine the weight status of 1327 children (53% boys) based on their first and last measurements. Overweight, obesity and underweight were defined using the International Obesity Task Force criteria. RESULTS: During the 2.5-year study period, there was a decrease in the total prevalence of overweight and obesity, which reached a statistical significance for both sexes. It decreased from 43% to 37.3% (p = 0.02) in boys and from 33.4% to 26.9% (p = 0.0056) in girls. There was also a statistically significant increase in normal weight children and a slight but insignificant increase in underweight children of both sexes. CONCLUSION: During the initial years of the Greek economic crisis, there was a statistically significant reduction in overweight and obesity in children from six to 16 years of age.

Peri-implant soft tissue and marginal bone adaptation on implant with non-matching healing abutments: micro-CT analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess (i) the outcome of changing the horizontal-offset dimension on the peri-implant soft tissues and the crestal bone and (ii) the effect of different healing abutments (flared vs. straight) on the marginal peri-implant soft tissues and crestal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-piece dental implants diameters of 3.5 and 4.5 mm were placed at least 1 mm subcrestal in five beagle dogs. Three different investigational groups: (i) 3.5-mm-diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (3.5N), (ii) 4.5-mm-diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (4.5N), and (iii) 3.5-mm-diameter implant with wide healing abutment (3.5W), were assessed. After 4 months of healing, the vertical distance from the marginal crestal bone (MB) to the implant shoulder (IS); the vertical distance from the IS to the first bone-to-implant contact; and the horizontal distance of bone ingrowth on the implant platform were measured with a high-resolution micro-CT (Xradia MicroXCT-200 system). RESULTS: Implants with a narrow healing caps showed an interproximal MB located between 0 and 1 mm above the implant shoulder, while the 3.5W group exhibits a mean value -0.50 mm. As all implants in group 3.5N presented a fBIC located at the level of the IS. For the 4.5N group, the mean fBIC-IS distance was -0.52 mm apically to the IS. For the 3.5WC group, the mean fBIC-IS distance was -1.42 mm. Horizontal bone apposition was only observed for the 3.5N group and the 4.5N group. CONCLUSION: The dimension of the horizontal offset would play a minimal role in reducing bone remodeling, whereas the configuration of the transmucosal component would directly influence marginal bone remodeling.

Simultaneous transcervical angioplasty and stenting of innominate and right internal carotid arteries.

Severe stenosis of both the internal carotid and the innominate arteries is a rare condition. Hybrid procedures combining carotid endarterectomy and retrograde endovascular innominate angioplasty have been introduced to reduce the complications of open surgery. The recently reported good results of carotid angioplasty and stenting have encouraged us to perform simultaneous transcervical angioplasties and stenting of both arteries in a symptomatic 64-year-old woman. The procedure was successful and without complications and there have been no symptoms or restenosis in the 18-month follow-up period. Carrying out additional procedures of this will be necessary to reach wider conclusions.

Surgical and prosthetic management of ridge deficiency for an implant-supported restoration in the esthetic zone.

This clinical report presents the surgical and prosthetic management of a patient with complex needs involving anterior implants. After extraction and ridge augmentation, unexpected ridge resorption occurred. Two implants were placed in conjunction with an allograft skin material. Upon healing, 2 additional soft tissue augmentation procedures were performed with autologous pedicle connective tissue grafts to correct the residual ridge deficiency. At the second stage surgery, a modified flap approach was used to further enhance the soft tissue volume and contour. Definitive implant-supported splinted crowns with minimal interproximal pink ceramic material were provided.

Anastrozole monotherapy further improves near-adult height after the initial combined treatment with leuprorelin and anastrozole in early-maturing girls with compromised growth prediction: results from the second phase of the GAIL study.

Background: The first phase of the GAIL study ("Girls treated with an Aromatase Inhibitor and Leuprorelin," ISRCTN11469487) has shown that the combination of anastrozole and leuprorelin for 24 months is safe and effective in improving the predicted adult height (PAH) in girls with early puberty and compromised growth prediction by +1.21 standard deviation score (SDS; +7.51 cm) compared to inhibition of puberty alone, +0.31 SDS (+1.92 cm). Objectives and hypotheses: In the second phase of the GAIL study, we assessed the adult height (AH)/near-adult height (NAH) at the end of the first phase and, in addition, the efficacy of anastrozole monotherapy thereafter in further improving NAH. Methods: We measured the AH (age 16.5 years)/NAH [bone age (BA), 15 years] of the 40 girls included, divided into two matched groups: group A (20 girls on anastrozole + leuprorelin) and group B (20 girls on leuprorelin alone). Group A was further randomized into two subgroups: A1 and A2. Group A1 (n = 10), after completion of the combined therapy, received anastrozole 1 mg/day as monotherapy until BA 14 years, with a 6-month follow-up. Group A2 (n = 10) and group B (n = 20), who received only the combined treatment and leuprorelin alone, respectively, were recalled for evaluation of AH/NAH. Results: AH or NAH exceeded the PAH at the completion of the 2-year initial phase of the GAIL study in all groups, but the results were statistically significant only in group A1: NAH-PAH group A1, +3.85 cm (+0.62 SDS, p = 0.01); group A2, +1.6 cm (+0.26 SDS, p = 0.26); and group B, +1.7 cm (+0.3 SDS, p = 0.08). The gain in group A1 was significantly greater than that in group A2 (p = 0.04) and in group B (p = 0.03). Anastrozole was determined to be safe even as monotherapy in Group A1. Conclusions: In early-maturing girls with compromised growth potential, the combined treatment with leuprorelin and anastrozole for 2 years or until the age of 11 years resulted in a total gain in height of +9.7 cm when continuing anastrozole monotherapy until the attainment of NAH, as opposed to +7.4 cm if they do not continue with the anastrozole monotherapy and +3.6 cm when treated with leuprorelin alone. Thus, the combined intervention ends at the shortest distance from the target height if continued with anastrozole monotherapy until BA 14 years.

Morphology of bone particles after harvesting with 4 different devices.

INTRODUCTION: Autogenous bone is routinely used for regeneration of osseous defects around teeth and implants, and different instruments are available for bone harvesting. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the morphology of bone particles after harvesting with 4 different instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone particles were harvested from fresh cow ribs with 2 different types of back action chisels, a safescraper and a sonic device. The samples were examined morphologically using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The bone particles after the back action chisel I had an appearance similar to "pencil shavings." With the back action chisel II, they were like thin paper with an "accordion bellows" appearance. After removal with the safescraper, they had an irregular shape (with an irregular surface) resembling "crushed stone." Finally, the appearance of the bone particles obtained with the sonic device was homogenous, condensed and continuous, and had a "seaweed" appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting of bone particles with 4 different devices produce distinctly difference sizes and shapes, which may influence the results of grafting procedures.

Clotting Factor Deficiencies as an Underlying Cause of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Women of Reproductive Age: A Literature Review.

Clotting Factor deficiencies are rare disorders with variations in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to mild to life-threatening bleeding. Thus, they pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, mainly for the primary health care providers, general practitioners, and gynecologists who are more likely to first encounter these patients. An additional diagnostic challenge arises from the variable laboratory presentations, as PT, PTT, and BT are not always affected. The morbidity is higher among women of reproductive age since Abnormal Uterine Bleeding-specifically Heavy Menstrual Bleeding-is one of the most prevalent manifestations of these disorders, and in some cases of severe deficiencies has led to life-threatening episodes of bleeding requiring blood transfusions or even immediate surgical intervention. Physician awareness is important as, in the case of some of these disorders-i.e., Factor XIII deficiency-prophylactic treatment is available and recommended. Although uncommon, the potential for rare bleeding disorders and for hemophilia carrier states should be considered in women with HMB, after more prevalent causes have been excluded. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of women in these instances and it is reliant on the physicians' knowledge.

The Role of SNPs in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty in Girls.

The initiation of puberty is a crucial timepoint of development, with its disruptions being associated with multiple physical and psychological complications. Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty (iCPP) has been correlated with Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of certain genes that are implicated in various steps of the process of pubertal onset. The aim of this review was to gather current knowledge on SNPs of genes associated with iCPP. We searched articles published on the PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar platforms and gathered current literature. KISS1, KISS1R, PLCB1, PRKCA, ITPR1, MKRN3, HPG axis genes, NPVF/NPFFR1, DLK1, KCNK9Q, LIN28B, PROK2R, IGF-1, IGF2, IGF-1R, IGF-2R, IGFBP-3, insulin, IRS-1, LEP/LEPR, PPARγ2, TAC3, TACR3, Estrogen receptors, CYP3A4 and CYP19A1 were studied for implication in the development of precocious puberty. SNPs discovered in genes KISS1, KISS1R, PLCB1, MKRN3, NPVF, LIN28B, PROK2R, IRS-1 TAC3, and CYP3A4 were significantly correlated with CPP, triggering or protecting from CPP. Haplotype (TTTA)13 in CYP19A1 was a significant contributor to CPP. Further investigation of the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of CPP is required to broaden the understanding of these genes' roles in CPP and possibly initiate targeted therapies.

Impact of Chemicals on the Age of Menarche: A Literature Review.

A growing body of evidence suggests that chemicals interfere with the age of onset of menarche. We conducted a review in order to demonstrate the relationship between several categories of chemicals and menarche. We searched for English language papers using the Medline/PubMed database until April 2023. The chemical factors found to affect menarche were prenatal and antenatal smoke, phthalates, phenols, organochlorines, perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyls, metals, air pollutants and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Low or high exposure to each chemical compound could affect the age of menarche, leading to early or delayed menarche. Furthermore, the results show that intrauterine exposure may have a different impact from antenatal exposure. There is evidence that endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect the age of menarche, but more research needs to be conducted.

Secondary Prevention of Diabetes Type 1 with Oral Calcitriol and Analogs, the PRECAL Study.

Screening for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D, incidence 1:300) with T1D autoantibodies (T1Ab) at ages 2 and 6, while sensitive, lacks a preventive strategy. Cholecalciferol 2000 IU daily since birth reduced T1D by 80% at 1 year. T1D-associated T1Ab negativized within 0.6 years with oral calcitriol in 12 children. To further investigate secondary prevention of T1D with calcitriol and its less calcemic analog, paricalcitol, we initiated a prospective interventional non-randomized clinical trial, the PRECAL study (ISRCTN17354692). In total, 50 high-risk children were included: 44 were positive for T1Ab, and 6 had predisposing for T1D HLA genotypes. Nine T1Ab+ patients had variable impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), four had pre-T1D (3 T1Ab+, 1 HLA+), nine had T1Ab+ new-onset T1D not requiring insulin at diagnosis. T1Ab, thyroid/anti-transglutaminase Abs, glucose/calcium metabolism were determined prior and q3-6 months on calcitriol, 0.05 mcg/Kg/day, or paricalcitol 1-4 mcg × 1-3 times/day p.o. while on cholecalciferol repletion. Available data on 42 (7 dropouts, 1 follow-up < 3 months) patients included: all 26 without pre-T1D/T1D followed for 3.06 (0.5-10) years negativized T1Ab (15 +IAA, 3 IA2, 4 ICA, 2 +GAD, 1 +IAA/+GAD, 1 +ICA/+GAD) within 0.57 (0.32-1.3) years or did not develop to T1D (5 +HLA, follow-up 3 (1-4) years). From four pre-T1D cases, one negativized T1Ab (follow-up 1 year), one +HLA did not progress to T1D (follow-up 3.3 years) and two +T1Ab patients developed T1D in 6 months/3 years. Three out of nine T1D cases progressed immediately to overt disease, six underwent complete remission for 1 year (1 month-2 years). Five +T1Ab patients relapsed and negativized again after resuming therapy. Four (aged <3 years) negativized anti-TPO/TG, and two anti-transglutaminase-IgA. Eight presented mild hypercalciuria/hypercalcemia, resolving with dose titration/discontinuation. Secondary prevention of T1D with calcitriol and paricalcitol seems possible and reasonably safe, if started soon enough after seroconversion.

A Novel Variant in the TP53 Gene Causing Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome associated with germline pathogenic variants in the tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene and elevated risk of a broad range of early-onset malignancies. Patients with LFS are at risk of a second and third primary tumor. A 15-month-old girl consulted for clitoromegaly and pubic hair. Adrenal ultrasound detected a large left adrenal tumor. Left total adrenalectomy confirmed adrenocortical carcinoma. Family history revealed multiple highly malignant neoplasms at an early age across five generations, and a genetic dominant trait seemed probable. Whole-genome sequencing was performed. Multiple members of the family were found positive for a novel likely pathogenic variant (c. 892delGinsTTT, p. Glu298PhefsX48, NM_000546.6) in the TP53 gene, causing the loss of normal protein function through non-sense-mediated mRNA decay. According to the PSV1 supporting criteria and the Auto PVS1 online tool this frameshift variant: hg19/17-7577045-TC-TAAA:NM_000546.6 has a very strong, definitive clinical validity for LFS with autosomal dominant inheritance. Proper guidance resulted in timely diagnosis of a second tumor (primary osteosarcoma) in the index case and in the early detection of breast and cervical cancer in her young mother. Patients with cancer predisposition syndromes like LFS require close multidisciplinary cancer surveillance and appropriate referral to expert centers.

Intense Testing and Use of Vitamin D Supplements Leads to Slow Improvement in Vitamin D Adequacy Rates: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Real-World Data.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D testing (VDT) and supplement use (VDS) are on the rise, but most patients remain deficient (<30 ng/mL-VDD). We designed the present real-world study to assess this paradox. METHODS: We reviewed data from all patients visiting our clinics between 2014 and 2022. We estimated the rate of patients with vitamin D adequacy (≥30 ng/mL) (VDA) by year and month of testing, the dose of VDS (low (≤1200 IU/day), medium (1201-3000 I/day) and high dose (>3000 IU/day)), intake duration (short-term (<12 months) and long-term use (≥12 months)), and timing of use (current use, former use, no use). RESULTS: We enrolled n = 6912 subjects with vitamin D measurements: n = 5195 females (75.2%), age 44.0 ± 16.8 years, BMI 27.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2; never users: n = 5553 (80.3%), former users: n = 533 (7.7%), current users: n = 826 (12.0%). Current use of VDS was higher in females. VDT rose from 42.1% in 2014 to 92.7% in 2022, and VDA rose from 14.8% to 25.5% for the same time. VDA was found overall in n = 1511 (21.9%); Never users: n = 864 (15.6%), Former users: n = 123 (23.2%); and Current users: n = 370 (44.8%). The maximal VDA (67.9%) was found in subjects using high-dose VDS in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant rise in VDT and VDS use, VDA was found in a minority of patients. Prolonged use of high-dose supplements produces modest improvements in VDA.

The role of simple renal cysts, abdominal wall hernia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as predictive factors for aortoiliac aneurysmatic disease.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the possible predictive value of simple renal cysts (SRCs), abdominal wall hernia (AWH), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for the presence of abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Between January 2006 and January 2011, we treated 170 consecutive patients with aortoiliac pathology. Patients' data were prospectively collected and were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 110 (study group) had AAA (group 1) and 60 (control group) had aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD; group 2). Moreover, patients of group 1 were subdivided, according to aneurysm's diameter to subgroup 1A (aortic aneurysm diameter >55 mm and/or common iliac diameter >22 mm; n = 62) and subgroup 1B (aortic aneurysm diameter ≤ 55 mm and/or common iliac diameter ≤ 22 mm; n = 48). All patients underwent a computed tomographic angiography, and datasets were analyzed for aortoiliac and SRCs' anatomical data. Additionally collected data were atherosclerotic risk factors, history of previous or current AWH, and COPD. RESULTS: The two groups as well as the two AAA subgroups were homogenous regarding demographics and atherosclerotic risk factors. Univariate analysis showed that incidence of SRCs, AWH, and COPD were significant predictive factors for presence of AAA. Multivariate analysis identified SRCs and AWH as independent predictive factors for the presence of AAA. In association with the aneurysm's size, multivariate analysis failed to show any predictive value of SRCs, AWH, or COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study showed a positive predictive value of SRCs and AWH for presence of AAA and a strong relationship but not with predictive value between COPD and AAA. These data might be helpful for the early recognition of patients at risk for an aortoiliac aneurysm formation and for establishment of AAAs population-based screening. Further research of pathophysiological commonalities between the four studied entities may be extremely helpful for designing future preventive and treatment strategy of AAAs.

Chronic contained abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture after suprarenal fixation fatigue fracture.

Chronic contained rupture (CCR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a rare condition, and differential diagnosis might be difficult. We present a clinical case of a hemodynamically stable octogenarian who presented with intermittent pain in the left lower abdomen. The patient had a history of diverticulitis, and 6 years ago, he had undergone endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a Talent bifurcated prosthesis. Additionally, 20 days before his admission to our hospital, he had undergone a secondary iliac limb extension for treatment of post-EVAR rupture. On admission, abdominal plain radiography identified suprarenal fixation fracture as a possible reason for CCR, but computed tomographic angiography failed to confirm any endoleak or "active" bleeding and rupture. The patient received medication treatment for possible diverticulitis and was kept under close monitoring for suspected failure of recently performed secondary endovascular procedure and CCR. A day later, the abdominal pain symptoms worsened, and a new computed tomographic angiography confirmed the suspected CCR. The patient was treated successfully by "open" repair using a Y prosthesis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of post-EVAR CCR due to suprarenal fixation fatigue fracture. Lifelong post-EVAR follow-up with high level of both clinical and imaging diagnostic accuracy is essential for the early recognition and proper treatment of EVAR pitfalls.

Characteristics of the short children referred to an academic paediatric endocrine clinic in Greece.

AIM: To describe the characteristics of short children in relation to gender and the various diagnoses. METHODS: All new patients of Greek origin that were referred to our institution in the years 2007 and 2008 for evaluation of short stature were included in the study. Children were categorized according to the severity of their short stature in those with height standard deviation score (HSDS) ≤ -3 and HSDS > -3. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-five children (162 boys and 133 girls, ratio 1.2) were referred. HSDS of boys was -2.3 (0.6) and of girls -2.1 (0.5), P= 0.004. Girls had shorter parents, and the predicted adult HSDS was also shorter for girls -1.7 (0.8) than for boys -1.35 (0.76), P= 0.003. Seventy per cent of the children of both sexes had familial short stature (FSS), constitutional delay of growth or a combination of the two conditions. About 10% presented the auxological and biochemical criteria for growth hormone deficiency (GHD). In addition, 11.8% had a HSDS ≤ -3, the most common diagnosis being GHD (36.1%); the less severely short children most commonly presented FSS (41.2%). CONCLUSIONS: There is no gender bias in referrals for short stature in Greece. About 70% of children of both sexes presented FSS or constitutional delay of growth or a combination of the two conditions, whereas GHD was diagnosed in about 10% of the children. Normal variants of growth were present in about 80% of children with HSDS > -3, but in only 40% when HSDS was ≤ -3.

The presence of the mandibular incisive canal: a panoramic radiographic examination.

PURPOSE: The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) is the anterior extension of the mandibular canal and its presence is of interest in surgical procedures in the chin region. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of a MIC in panoramic radiographs (OPGs). METHODS: One thousand forty-five OPGs were randomly chosen from patient population. The data collected included patient characteristics and MIC presence/absence according to the type of the dentition. Measurements (in mm) were performed evaluating the following: (A) minimum and (B) maximum distance from the alveolar ridge; (C) thickness and (D) length of the canal; and (E) distance (in bilateral cases) between the canals. RESULTS: The MIC was found in 2.7% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the frequency of the MIC in OPGs and suggests that this anatomical structure should be considered to prevent injury during surgery.

Sonosurgery for atraumatic tooth extraction: a clinical report.

The preservation of an intact labial plate during tooth extraction is a critical determinant of whether an immediate implant can be placed and is also an important predictor of the esthetic result. The purpose of this clinical report was to present a method for atraumatic tooth extraction by using an air-driven sonic instrument with specially designed inserts. This surgical technique provides the clinician with an efficient method for atraumatic tooth extraction and preservation of an intact labial plate.

Rifampicin for COVID-19.

Vaccinations for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have begun more than a year before, yet without specific treatments available. Rifampicin, critically important for human medicine (World Health Organization's list of essential medicines), may prove pharmacologically effective for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of healthcare personnel and those at higher risk. It has been known since 1969 that rifampicin has a direct selective antiviral effect on viruses which have their own RNA polymerase (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), like the main mechanism of action of remdesivir. This involves inhibition of late viral protein synthesis, the virion assembly, and the viral polymerase itself. This antiviral effect is dependent on the administration route, with local application resulting in higher drug concentrations at the site of viral replication. This would suggest also trying lung administration of rifampicin by nebulization to increase the drug's concentration at infection sites while minimizing systemic side effects. Recent in silico studies with a computer-aided approach, found rifampicin among the most promising existing drugs that could be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19.