Temporal evolution of postsurgical bone repair in a rabbit model: A [99mTc]Tc-MDP scintigraphic study

Abstract Bone regeneration is crucial for repairing bone tissue following various injuries. Research techniques that enable the study of metabolic changes in bone tissue under different conditions are important for understanding bone repair and remodeling. This study used bone scintigraphy to evaluate osteogenesis secondary to osteotomy in a preclinical model of New Zealand rabbits. For this purpose, we conducted a longitudinal, prospective, case-control study in which scintigraphic variables were measured in both the right forearm (case-operated) and the left forearm (control - non-operated). The study sample consisted of 10 rabbits subjected to osteotomy, followed by a 12-week postoperative evaluation period, divided into six imaging stages at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. We observed that the operated forearm showed significantly higher external radiation than the control side, using the pinhole collimator, denoting an increase in the biodistribution and tropism of the radiopharmaceutical to the operated forearm. Among the three evaluated time points, osteoblastic activity was highest in the second week and presented a significant decline in the 8th and 12th weeks, denoting regeneration and resolution of the surgical injury; the control forearm was also influenced by the inactivity imposed by the operated forearm. This fact was notably evidenced by the reduction in the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the left forearm. Our study suggested that bone scintigraphy was sensitive enough to semi-quantitatively differentiate the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the operated forearm in the three temporal landmarks evaluated in the study.

The mediator role of treatment response on oral health related quality of life in Behçet's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of Treatment Response with oral ulcers on oral health related quality of life in Behçet's syndrome (BS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, 339 BS patients (F/M: 179/160, mean age: 36,13±9,81 years) were included. Data were collected by clinical examinations and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire and self-reported Treatment Responses coded by a 5-point Likert-type scale (1: symptoms were cured- 5: symptoms were worsened). Moderated Mediation analysis (MA) was used to understand how oral ulcer activity (independent variable; X) influenced OHIP-14 score (outcome variables, Y) through self-reported Treatment Response (M1) and age (M2) as possible mediator variables (M) and disease course (mucocutaneous and musculuskeletal involvement vs. major organ involvement) as a possible moderator variable (W) on these relationships. RESULTS: In Moderated MA, OHIP-14 score (Y) was mediated by the presence of oral ulcer (X) (p=0.0000), the negative Treatment Response (M1) (p=0.0001) and being young (M2) (p=0.0053) with mucocutaneous involvement (W)(p=0.0039). CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported Treatment Response as an underestimated issue has a Mediator role in relation to oral ulceration on oral health related quality of life in the framework of patient empowerment strategies. Therefore, study results give clues to assist physicians and dentists for better understanding of patients' perspective.

Deep Learning of Time-Signal Intensity Curves from Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast Imaging Enables Tissue Labeling and Prediction of Survival in Glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An autoencoder can learn representative time-signal intensity patterns to provide tissue heterogeneity measures using dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such an autoencoder-based pattern analysis could provide interpretable tissue labeling and prognostic value in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative dynamic susceptibility contrast MR images were obtained from 272 patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma (training and validation, 183 and 89 patients, respectively). The autoencoder was applied to the dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging time-signal intensity curves of tumor and peritumoral areas. Representative perfusion patterns were defined by voxelwise K-means clustering using autoencoder latent features. Perfusion patterns were labeled by comparing parameters with anatomic reference tissues for baseline, signal drop, and percentage recovery. In the validation set (n = 89), a survival model was created from representative patterns and clinical predictors using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and its performance was calculated using the Harrell C-index. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled. Five representative perfusion patterns were used to characterize tissues as high angiogenic tumor, low angiogenic/cellular tumor, perinecrotic lesion, infiltrated edema, and vasogenic edema. Of these, the low angiogenic/cellular tumor (hazard ratio, 2.18; P = .047) and infiltrated edema patterns (hazard ratio, 1.88; P = .009) in peritumoral areas showed significant prognostic value. The combined perfusion patterns and clinical predictors (C-index, 0.72) improved prognostication when added to clinical predictors (C-index, 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The autoencoder perfusion pattern analysis enabled tissue characterization of peritumoral areas, providing heterogeneity and dynamic information that may provide useful prognostic information in IDH wild-type glioblastoma.

Validation of an instrument for dentists' perception of pain in patients with communication difficulties

Pain is present in the dental clinic, whether due to oral problems such as dental caries and its complications or related to dental procedures. Pain evaluation in patients with communication difficulties (PCDs) is challenging for dentists, potentially compromising treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to assess the perception of dentists about pain in PCDs. This study followed a quantitative methodological approach involving constructing and validating an instrument administered to 50 dentists. The initial instrument consisted of 29 items divided into four domains. Content and construct validity and internal consistency were confirmed. Content validation was performed by judges using the Content Validity Index. The instrument underwent construct validation and internal consistency assessments through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis using Cronbach's α, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, and Bartlett's sphericity tests. The final instrument consisted of 21 items divided into three domains, with a high Cronbach's α for one domain and moderate values for the others. The total variance accounted for was above 46.03%. Each factor retained at least three items, with factor loadings greater than 0.3, commonalities greater than 0.2, and eigenvalues >1. Despite the study's limitations, the instrument demonstrated its applicability and potential in evaluating the perception and management of pain in PCDs.

SARS-CoV-2 Convalescent Sera Binding and Neutralizing Antibody Concentrations Compared with COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Estimates Against Symptomatic Infection

Previous vaccine efficacy (VE) studies have estimated neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations that correlate with protection from symptomatic infection; how these estimates compare to those generated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. Here, we assessed quantitative neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations using standardized SARS-CoV-2 assays on 3,067 serum specimens collected during July 27, 2020-August 27, 2020 from COVID-19 unvaccinated persons with detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using qualitative antibody assays. Quantitative neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations were strongly positively correlated (r=0.76, p<0.0001) and were noted to be several fold lower in the unvaccinated study population as compared to published data on concentrations noted 28 days post-vaccination. In this convenience sample, [~]88% of neutralizing and [~]63-86% of binding antibody concentrations met or exceeded concentrations associated with 70% COVID-19 VE against symptomatic infection from published VE studies; [~]30% of neutralizing and 1-14% of binding antibody concentrations met or exceeded concentrations associated with 90% COVID-19 VE. These data support observations of infection-induced immunity and current recommendations for vaccination post infection to maximize protection against symptomatic COVID-19.

Seguridad del paciente: percepción de estudiantes de una universidad pública / Patient safety: Perceptions of students in a public university / Segurança do paciente: percepção de estudantes de uma universidade pública

RESUMEN Introducción: La seguridad del paciente es una prioridad mundial para los sistemas de salud. Las instituciones educativas formadoras de recursos humanos deben incluir la temática en su currículo. Objetivo: Identificar la percepción sobre la seguridad del paciente en los estudiantes de licenciatura en enfermería. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Población total de 516 alumnos de licenciatura en enfermería de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, México. Se utilizó el cuestionario APQS-III y se diseñó una cédula con variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes son mujeres, edad promedio: 20 años. La mitad de los alumnos no tiene cursos que avalen sus conocimientos sobre seguridad del paciente. En la dimensión entrenamiento recibido, 63.5 % concuerda que la formación de pregrado los capacita para entender las causas de un evento adverso por enfermería, los habilita para prevenir errores y desarrollar una adecuada comprensión en materia de seguridad. 50.3 % está totalmente de acuerdo en la dimensión confianza en el reporte del error y es semejante la proporción en la dimensión horas de trabajo como causas de error. Discusión: La identificación positiva de la percepción que se tiene acerca de la seguridad del paciente por parte de los estudiantes, favorece desde el pregrado la creación de una cultura de seguridad que fomenta la confianza y el interés de estos para desarrollar un enfoque integrado en el tema estudiado. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes en su mayoría refieren actitudes positivas confiados en que su entrenamiento sobre seguridad los prepara para entender y prevenir las causas de errores en seguridad del paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patient safety is a priority of health systems worldwide and therefore, the education institutions responsible for the formation of human resources for health must address this goal in detail. Objective: To identify the perceptions of baccalaureate nursing students regarding patient safety. Methodology: This is a descriptive and transversal study on 516 baccalaureates in nursing students from the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Mexico. The APQS-III and a specific social-demographic data questionnaire were used. Results: The majority of the participants were female. The average age was 20 years old. Nearly half of the students do not have enough courses to strengthen their knowledge on patient safety. Regarding the training received, 63.5 % of the participants agree that the baccalaureate level formation prepares them to understand the causes of adverse events in nursing, to prevent errors, and to have an adequate understanding of security. 50.3 % of the participants approved the dimension's confidence approach regarding error reporting. Many participants considered that the excessive long hours working dimension is a cause of errors. Discussion: The perception of patient safety as being very important favors and further promotes a culture of security. Conclusions: The majority of the students trust their training regarding patient safety and know how to prevent possible causes of errors.

RESUMO Introdução: A segurança do paciente é uma prioridade mundial para os sistemas de saúde. As instituições educacionais formadoras de recursos humanos devem incluir a temática em seu currículo. Objetivo: Identificar a percepção sobre a segurança do paciente nos estudantes de graduação em enfermagem. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo e transversal. População total de 516 alunos de graduação em enfermagem da Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, México. Foi utilizado o questionário APQS-III e realizou-se um questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes são mulheres, idade média: 20 anos. Metade dos estudantes não tem cursos que avaliem seus conhecimentos sobre segurança do paciente. Na dimensão do treinamento recebido, 63,5 % concordam que a formação de graduação os treina para entender as causas de um evento de enfermagem adverso, lhes permite prevenir erros e desenvolver uma compreensão adequada da segurança. 50,3 % concordam fortemente sobre a dimensão de confiança no relatório dos erros e a proporção e da mesma forma sobre a dimensão das horas de trabalho como causa dos erros. Discussão: A identificação positiva da percepção que se tem sobre a segurança do paciente por parte dos alunos, favorece desde a graduação a criação de uma cultura de segurança que fomente a confiança e o interesse destes em desenvolver uma abordagem integrada na o assunto estudado. Conclusões: A maioria dos alunos relata atitudes positivas, confiantes de que seu treinamento em segurança os prepara para compreender e prevenir as causas dos erros na segurança do paciente.

Effect of vitamin B17 on experimentally induced colon cancer in adult male albino rat.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is considered to be the third most common cancer worldwide. At diagnosis of colon cancer, 3.7-11% developed bone metastasis. Diet based strategies are important for prevention and treatment of colon cancer. This study investigated the effect of vitamin B17 on a DMH induced rat model of colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty young adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I (control group), group II (vitamin B17), group III (colon cancer), group IV (protected) and group V (treated). Distal colon sections were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examination. Lumbar vertebrae specimens were prepared for light microscopic study. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done. RESULTS: In comparison with the control, both colon cancer and treated groups showed invasion of the colonic tissue by pleomorphic branching colonic glands of variable shapes and sizes lined with dysplastic elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with frequent mitotic figures or stratified multi-layered crowded nuclei with an extremely significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of goblet cell number when compared to the control together with major pathological bone changes were observed in colon cancer and the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: While the protected group showed impressive improvement of all previously mentioned diameters.

The efficacy of etodolac and ibuprofen, regarding gender, on pain, edema and trismus after impacted lower third molar surgery: A randomized prospective clinical split-mouth study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to conduct a randomized prospective study about the efficacy of etodolac and ibuprofen on trismus, pain and edema regarding gender of patients submitted to impacted lower third molar teeth extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients aging between 16 and 35 year-old were submitted to the exodontia of impacted lower third molars. During the postoperative period, patients received nine ibuprofen (600 mg) or etodolac (300 mg) pills via oral administration immediately after surgery and repeated doses every eight hours during three days. Patients were evaluated regarding pain, trismus and edema. RESULTS: Sixteen men and fourteen women participated of the study. No statistical difference was established regarding gender according to the evaluated parameters. However, etodolac use showed better results regarding pain, trismus and edema. CONCLUSIONS: Pain, edema and trismus after impacted third molars extraction were not influenced by gender.

Pretreatment brain volumes can affect the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients.

We aimed to assess whether brain volumes may affect the results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eighty-one consecutive patients with PD (male:female 40:41), treated with DBS between June 2012 and December 2017, were enrolled. Total and regional brain volumes were measured using automated brain volumetry (NeuroQuant). The Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale motor score quotient was used to assess changes in clinical outcome and compare the preoperative regional brain volume in patients categorized into the higher motor improvement and lower motor improvement groups based on changes in the postoperative scores. The study groups showed significant volume differences in multiple brain areas. In the higher motor improvement group, the anterior cingulate and right thalamus showed high volumes after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. In the lower motor improvement group, the left caudate, paracentral, right primary sensory and left primary motor cortex showed high volume, but no area showed high volumes after FDR correction. Our data suggest that the effectiveness of DBS in patients with PD may be affected by decreased brain volume in different areas, including the cingulate gyrus and thalamus. Preoperative volumetry could help predict outcomes in patients with PD undergoing DBS.

Influence of surgical ultrasound used in the detachment of flaps, osteotomy and odontosection in lower third molar surgeries. A prospective, randomized, and "split-mouth" clinical study.

BACKGROUND: As third molar surgery is the most commonly procedure performed in Dentistry and has been accompanied by serious postoperative disorders such as pain, edema and trismus, the study aimed to evaluate if ultrasound device would be able to reduce such postoperative features. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of soft tissue flap elevation, osteotomy and odontosection using piezosurgery versus conventional technique in mandibular third molar extractions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with impacted mandibular third molars underwent tooth extractions using two different methods. Ten patients were included in the Piezo Flap Group (PFG - the flap was elevated using piezosurgery) and ten patients were part of the Piezo Ostectomy Group (POG - osteotomy and odontosection were carried out with ultrasound tips). The contralateral tooth was included in the Control Group (CG - conventional technique). The patients were evaluated at postoperative periods of 1, 3, 7 and 14-days. The measured parameters were duration of surgery, pain, trismus and swelling. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery for the PFG was 17.21 minutes (CG 10.07 minutes) and POG was 40.09 minutes (CG 15.97 minutes). There was no statistically significant difference in pain and trismus for any of the postoperative periods evaluated in PFG and POG (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in swelling between the PFG and POG, presenting less swelling at the 3-day postoperative period (p=0.038; p<0,05). However, for the remaining analyzed periods there was no difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery for tissue elevation of the surgical flap, osteotomy and dental sectioning in mandibular third molar extraction surgery promoted less edema in the early postoperative stages in mandibular third molar extractions despite the longer surgical duration.

Unusual presentation of a first Branchial cleft cyst associated with an abnormal bony canal -a case report.

BACKGROUND: First branchial cleft anomalies are rare, accounting for only 10% of all branchial cleft anomalies. We report an even more rare and unique case of a branchial cleft cyst with features of both first and second arch derivatives. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old boy presented to us with a left conductive hearing loss associated with pre-tympanic keratin debris and an ipsilateral painful cervical mass. He had a past medical history of left ear surgery for presumed cholesteatoma 2 years prior and left neck abscess drainage 6 months prior. CT and MRI revealed a lesion originating in the external auditory canal and extending cervically through a bony canal located medial to the facial nerve and terminating as a parapharyngeal cyst. The complete removal was accomplished in one surgical stage consisting of three distinct steps: robotic assisted transoral resection of the pharyngeal cyst, an endaural approach and a parotidectomy approach. CONCLUSION: We believe that our detailed description of this rare first branchial cleft cyst with pharyngeal extension, possibly a hybrid case between a first and second branchial cyst, can serve as a valuable tool to Otolaryngologists - Head and Neck Surgeons who come across a similar unusual presentations.

Vitamin C attenuates the toxic effect of nutmeg on primary visual occipital cortex in rats.

BACKGROUND: Nutmeg is neurotoxic in rats and possibly neurotoxic also in hu- mans. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of nutmeg on the primary visual occipital cortex of adult male rat and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty Sprague-Dawley adults male rats were randomly divided into three main groups; control, nutmeg-treated (500 and 1000 mg/kg/ /day) and protected groups (nutmeg + vitamin C [500 mg/kg/day]). All rats were treated orally by gavage for 5 days per week for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, primary visual occipital cerebral cortex was subjected to histological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. RESULTS: Our results revealed toxic effects of nutmeg on the primary visual occipital cerebral cortex in adult male albino rat. This was indicated by histopathological alterations, including pyknotic nuclei surrounded with vacuolations by light micro- scopic studies and degenerations of organelles by electron microscopic studies. In addition, we detected an increase in immunoreactivity for GFAP and caspase-3 by immunohistochemical assessments. Apoptotic bands appeared in genetic studies. Co-administration of vitamin C ameliorated nutmeg-induced toxic alterations on the primary visual occipital cerebral cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Nutmeg administration caused histopathological and genetic changes in the primary visual occipital cerebral cortex in adult male albino rats. These changes were improved by co-administration of vitamin C.

Comparación del ordenamiento de predicciones BLUP y la respuesta a la selección en conejos cuando el efecto año-estación se considera fijo o aleatorio / Comparison of the BLUP prediction order and the response to selection in rabbits when the effect yearseason is considered to be either fixed or random

En lineas de conejos reproductivamente cerradas, criadas con generaciones discretas, existe una fuerte asociacion entre el año-estacion (AE) y los niveles de consanguinidad (F). Estudios realizados anteriormente mostraron que, cuando AE y F son considerados como efectos fijos en un modelo, la heredabilidad y la tendencia genetica se sobreestiman. El objetivo del trabajo fue investigar las consecuencias de considerar AE como fijo (M1) o aleatorio (M2) sobre la seleccion de animales. Se utilizaron 15671 registros correspondientes al numero de destetados de la linea A, del Departamento de Ciencia Animal de la Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, España. Los modelos fueron comparados en base a: los ordenamientos de los valores geneticos aditivos estimados en cada generacion y la respuesta esperada a la seleccion. Se plantearon seis escenarios segun intensidades de seleccion. En cada uno se estimo la correlacion de Spearman y se calculo el porcentaje de discordancia (D) entre los animales elegidos por M2 y no por M1. La respuesta a la seleccion para los animales escogidos por M1 o M2, fue estimada como la pendiente de la recta de regresion entre las medias de los valores geneticos predichos por M2 a traves de las generaciones. A medida que disminuyo la presion de seleccion, aumentaron las correlaciones de Spearman, disminuyendo los D. Aunque, a nivel generacion ambos estimadores no mantuvieron siempre la misma relacion. Las respuestas a la seleccion estimadas fueron similares para los animales seleccionados por M1 o M2, con lo cual no se esperan diferencias entre ambos modelos respecto a la seleccion.

In close reproductive lines of rabbits reared in discrete generations, there is a strong association between the year-season (AE) and the levels of consanguinity (F). Previous studies have shown that when AE and F were considered as fixed effects in a model, the heritability and the genetic tendency were overestimated. The objective of this work was to investigate the consequences of considering AE as either a fixed (M1) or random (M2) effect on the selection of animals. A total of 15,671 records corresponding to the number of rabbits weaned in line A, from the Department of Animal Science of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, were used. The comparison of models was based on the rankings of the estimated additive genetic values in each generation and the expected response to the selection. Six scenarios were proposed, varying in selection intensities. In each one, the Spearman correlation was estimated and the percentage of discordance (D) between the animals chosen for M2 but not for M1 was calculated. The response to selection for the animals chosen by either M1 or M2, was estimated as the slope of the regression line between the means of the genetic values predicted by M2 through generations. As the selection pressure decreased, the Spearman correlations increased, decreasing the D. However, at the generation level, both estimators did not always maintain that relationship. The estimated responses to selection were similar when the selection was based on estimated breeding values obtained by using either M1 or M2. Therefore, no differences are expected between both models with respect to selection.

Essential oil optimizes the susceptibility of Callosobruchus maculatus and enhances the nutritional qualities of stored cowpea Vigna unguiculata.

The intensive use of synthetic pesticides in cowpea storage has led to the development of resistance by Callosobruchus maculatus and subsequent degradation of grain quality. In an attempt to circumvent these constraints, the susceptibility of C. maculatus to 2,2-dichlorovinyldimethyl phosphate (DDVP) and Lippia adoensis essential oil (EO) was investigated and variations in the proportions of nutritional values of treated grains 150 days after storage were assessed. The survival rate was recorded after five generations. The resistance index and biochemical parameters of grains were determined. The results from this study revealed that the survival rate and resistance index significantly increased proportionally with damage in DDVP treatments (r = 0.889; p = 0.018) while in EO treatments, those values remained low without significant variations (p = 0.0764) throughout the generations. DDVP stored grains yielded higher crude protein values, but lower carbohydrates, tannins, phenolics and minerals compared to EO. Eighteen amino acids were detected in EO treated grains and 14 in DDVP which was devoid of albumin and prolamin. Lippia adoensis EO could therefore represent a safe alternative bio-pesticide to cope with insect resistance and enhance the nutritional qualities of stored cowpea seeds.

Patterns of metastasis in follicular thyroid carcinoma and the difference between early and delayed presentation.

Introduction Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) has a good prognosis if treated early. The aim of this study was to look at the difference in outcomes in those who presented with metastasis early or late in their disease. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients diagnosed with FTC (n=91) treated between 2000 and 2013. Demographic, laboratory, pathological and survival data were collected and analysed. Results Metastatic FTC was diagnosed in 20 cases (22%). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range: 17-86 years) and 65% of the patients were female. Twelve patients (60%) were diagnosed with metastatic disease at presentation, with the bones being the most common site (75%). In the remaining eight cases (40%), metastasis developed at a median of 4.5 years (range: 2-8 years) after initial thyroid surgery, lungs being the most common site (50%). Eighteen patients (90%) underwent surgical intervention for the primary disease. Sixteen patients (80%) received adjuvant radioactive iodine and eight (40%) received external beam radiotherapy. Widely invasive follicular cancer was the predominant histological diagnosis (90%). No prognostic association was observed with any of the parameters studied. The overall disease specific mortality rate was 40%. There was no significant difference in mortality between those who presented with metastatic disease and those who developed metastasis during the follow-up period (33% vs 50%, p=0.61). Conclusions The clinical outcome and prognosis for cases with metastatic disease is generally poor. Despite this, almost half of the patients in our study were still alive at a median follow-up of 5.5 years, regardless of whether they were diagnosed with metastatic disease on initial presentation or whether they developed metastasis after initial thyroid surgery.

Effect of collagen cross-linking on quantitative MRI parameters of articular cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sensitivity of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters to increase of collagen cross-linking in articular cartilage, a factor possibly contributing to the aging-related development of osteoarthritis (OA). The issue has not been widely studied although collagen cross-links may significantly affect the evaluation of cartilage imaging outcome. DESIGN: Osteochondral samples (n = 14) were prepared from seven bovine patellae. To induce cross-linking, seven samples were incubated in threose while the other seven served as non-treated controls. The specimens were scanned at 9.4 T for T1, T1Gd (dGEMRIC), T2, adiabatic and continuous wave (CW) T1ρ, adiabatic T2ρ and T1sat relaxation times. Specimens from adjacent tissue were identically treated and used for reference to determine biomechanical properties, collagen, proteoglycan and cross-link contents, fixed charge density (FCD), collagen fibril anisotropy and water concentration of cartilage. RESULTS: In the threose-treated sample group, cross-links (pentosidine, lysyl pyridinoline (LP)), FCD and equilibrium modulus were significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to the non-treated group. Threose treatment resulted in significantly greater T1Gd relaxation time constant (+26%, P < 0.05), although proteoglycan content was not altered. Adiabatic and CW-T1ρ were also significantly increased (+16%, +28%, P < 0.05) while pre-contrast T1 was significantly decreased (-10%, P < 0.05) in the threose group. T2, T2ρ and T1sat did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Threose treatment induced collagen cross-linking and changes in the properties of articular cartilage, which were detected by T1, T1Gd and T1ρ relaxation time constants. Cross-linking should be considered especially when interpreting the outcome of contrast-enhanced MRI in aging populations.

Newborn hearing screening: Prevalence and medical and paramedical treatment of bilateral hearing loss in a neonatal series in the Île-de-France region of France.

OBJECTIVES: We report results for newborn hearing screening in a cohort of children born in the Île-de-France region of France, as part of a national screening program set up by the French national health insurance agency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed on neonates undergoing hearing screening by automated auditory brainstem response at 35 dB in maternity departments between 2005 and 2011. In case of positive findings, a further check was performed; if this was also positive in one or both ears, the child was referred to the diagnostic center. RESULTS: The study recruited 27,885 births; 96% of neonates were tested. Retest was positive in 0.84% of cases. Bilateral hearing loss was diagnosed in 0.63% of infants. Fifty-nine percent of these had ≥ 1 risk factor. Hearing normalized by end of follow-up in 25% of cases. Hearing loss was moderate in 59% of hearing-impaired children, severe in 12% and profound in 29%. Mean age at hearing aid fitting ranged from 4 months in profound hearing loss to 11.4 months in moderate hearing loss. In children receiving a cochlear implant, mean age at implantation was 14 months. CONCLUSION: Newborn hearing screening is now public policy. It is effective in terms of exhaustiveness, age at diagnosis and early management. Caution is appropriate in the treatment of moderate hearing loss. In case of moderate hearing loss associated with otitis media serosa, transtympanic aerators should be suggested as of the age of 6 months to enable hearing threshold measurement. Hearing aid fitting can then be considered around 9 months of age if hearing has not improved.

Unusual outer ear swelling: Childhood auricular rhabdomyosarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children and makes up 5% of all pediatric malignant tumors. The main head and neck locations are the base of the skull, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and orbit. An outer ear location is considered extremely rare. We present 3 cases of children, aged 6 to 14 years, presenting with auricular RMS. CASE REPORTS: The first child, aged 6, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgical resection of the tumor bed, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The second, aged 14, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by external radiation therapy of the tumor bed and lymph node areas, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The third, aged 13, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgery, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. DISCUSSION: In these 3 patients, the treatment program achieved complete disease control. Prognosis was good, thanks to good surgical access. Diagnosis should be considered in case of unusual progressive swelling in the outer ear.

Cuantificación fisicoquímica en gorro turco [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg - Cactaceae] / Quantificação Fitoquímica da coroa-de-frade [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg - Cactaceae] / Quantification Physicochemical in Melon Cactus [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg - Cactaceae]

RESUMO No Nordeste do Brasil é bastante comum e variado o uso da coroa-de-frade (Melocactus spp.). Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar diversas análises em cladódios de coroa-de-frade [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg], para que possamos compreender as razões estes usos. Os cladódios foram coletados na cidade de Campina Grande e levados ao Laboratório de Engenharia de Alimentos da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, onde foram feitas as seguintes análises: peso, altura, diâmetro, cor, umidade, acidez, pH, ácido ascórbico, carotenoides, flavonoides e compostos fenólicos, tanto na epiderme quanto no parênquima aquífero. Os resultados mostraram que a epiderme tem uma acidez elevada e mais ácido ascórbico, e um pH mais baixo em comparação com o parênquima aquífero. O conteúdo de carotenoides, flavonoides e compostos fenólicos, foram diferentes nas partes estudadas. A epiderme apresentou sempre maiores quantidades de carotenoides, flavonoides e compostos fenólicos em relação ao parênquima aquífero, nas três plantas estudadas, indicando que a maior parte da defesa da planta acontece neste tecido. Mais estudos são necessários com técnicas mais precisas, para identificar os componentes bioativos desta espécie.

ABSTRACT In Northeast Brazil, the use of melon cactus (Melocactus spp.) is quite common and varied. Thus, the present study aimed to perform various analyzes in cladodes of melon cactus [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg], to understand the reasons for the use of this species. The cladodes were collected in the city of Campina Grande and taken to the Food Engineering Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande, where we performed the following analyses: mass, height, diameter, color, moisture, acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, both in the epidermis and in the aquifer parenchyma. The results showed that the epidermis has a higher acidity, ascorbic acid content and lower pH compared to the aquifer parenchyma. The contents of carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, were different from the both parts analyzed. The epidermis always had greater quantities of carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds than the aquifer parenchyma for the three plants, showing that most of the plant defense takes place in this tissue. Further studies, with more accurate techniques, are needed to identify the bioactive components of this species.