Cardiac screening before returning to elite sport after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce cardiac damage. Therefore, in the absence of clear data, a cardiac evaluation was recommended for athletes before returning to play after recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. AIM: To assess the proportion of anomalies detected by this cardiac screening. METHODS: We reviewed the medical files of elite athletes referred for cardiac evaluation before returning to play after a non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infection (based on a positive polymerase chain reaction or antigen test) from March 2020 to July 2021 in 12 French centres. RESULTS: A total of 554 elite athletes (professional or national level) were included (median age 22 years, 72.0% male). An electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram and exercise test were performed in 551 (99.5%), 497 (89.7%) and 293 (52.9%) athletes, respectively. We found anomalies with a potential link with SARS-CoV-2 infection in four ECGs (0.7%), three echocardiograms (0.6%) and three exercise tests (1.0%). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 34 athletes (6.1%), mostly due to abnormal first-line examinations, and was abnormal in one (2.9%). The rates of those abnormalities were not higher among athletes with cardiac symptoms or more severe forms of non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only one athlete had a possible SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis and sport was temporally contraindicated. None had a major cardiac event declared during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The proportion of cardiac involvement after non-hospitalized forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes are very low. Systematic cardiac screening before returning to play seems to be unnecessary.

Prediction of clinical response to corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injection in plantar fasciitis with MRI: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical data at baseline and six months following platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid (CS; cortivazol) injection in patients with plantar fasciitis, and to identify initial MRI criteria associated with a favorable clinical response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03857334). MRI examinations of 36 patients with plantar fasciitis lasting more than 3 months who were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided PRP (PRP group, 20 patients) or CS (CS group, 18 patients) injection were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed with respect to plantar fascia thickness, plantar fascia hyperintensity on T2-weighted STIR (HSTIR) images, calcaneal bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues. Clinical evaluation including visual analytic scale (VAS) assessment and MRI examinations were obtained before and 6 months after treatment. Good clinical response was defined as pain VAS decrease > 50% at 6 months. ROC curves with AUC measurements were used to determine cut-off points. RESULTS: In the whole study population, an association was found between MRI features (deep soft tissue and calcaneal bone marrow HSTIR) and pain VAS scores for the first steps of the day (P = 0.028 and P = 0.007, respectively). No significant radioclinical associations on post-treatment MRI examinations were found in either group. Initial coronal thickness of plantar fascia was associated with a good clinical response in the CS group (P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis found that 7-mm or thicker plantar aponeurosis at initial MRI was predictive of good clinical response in patients with CS treatment (Youden index = 0.6). PRP infiltrations were effective regardless of fascia thickness (73% of patients with ≤ 7 mm aponeurosis and 67% for thicker ones). CONCLUSION: Initial facia thickness (> 7 mm) is predictive of good clinical response six months after CS injection, whereas PRP injection shows effectiveness regardless of fascia thickness.

Proteomic quantitative study of dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve in type 2 diabetic mice.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral neuropathy is the most common and debilitating complication of type 2 diabetes, leading to sensory loss, dysautonomia, hyperalgesia, and spontaneous noxious sensations. Despite the clinical and economic burden of diabetic neuropathy, no effective treatment is available. More preclinical research must be conducted in order to gain further understanding of the aetiology of the disease and elucidate new therapeutic targets. METHODS: The proteome of lumbar dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve of BKS-db/db mice, which contain a mutation of the leptin receptor and are an established type 2 diabetes model, was characterized for the first time by tandem mass tag labelling and mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis showed differentially expressed proteins grouped into functional clusters in db/db peripheral nerves compared to control mice, underlining reduced glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolism, higher lipid catabolism, upregulation of muscle-like proteins in DRG and downregulation in SCN, increased cytoskeleton-related proteins, a mild dysregulation of folding chaperones, activation of acute-phase and inflammatory response, and alterations in glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress related proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Our data validate previous transcriptomic and metabolomic results and uncover new pathways altered in diabetic neuropathy. Our results point out that energetic deficiency could represent the main mechanism of neurodegeneration observed in diabetic neuropathy. These findings may provide important information to select appropriate targets to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Effectiveness and safety of guselkumab for the treatment of psoriasis in real-world settings at 24 weeks: A retrospective, observational, multicentre study by the Spanish Psoriasis Group.

Data on the effectiveness and safety of a drug in real-world clinical practice complement the evidence from clinical trials, which are carried out in a different setting. Little has been published on the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in the treatment of psoriasis in clinical practice. The ojective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab at 24 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in routine clinical practice. A retrospective, multicentre study of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis treated with guselkumab for at least 24 weeks was carried out in Spain. We studied 343 patients, 249 of whom were followed for 24 weeks. By week 24, the mean (SD) psoriasis area severity index (PASI) had decreased from 11.1 (7.3) to 1.7 (2.8) (-9.3; [-10.2;-8.4]), 85.9% of the patients had achieved PASI score of 4 or less and 77.9% a PASI score of 2 or less. In terms of relative PASI response, 59.4% of the patients achieved a PASI-90 response and 49.0% a PASI-100 response. On multivariate analysis, two factors reduced the probability of a PASI of 2 or less at 24 weeks: a BMI ≥30 (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.88) and a greater previous exposure to biologic therapy (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, [0.56-0.84]). Adverse events were rare (9.9%) and led to withdrawal from treatment in only nine patients (2.6%) by the end of the follow-up period. The results of this study confirm the high efficacy and safety of guselkumab indicated by the clinical trial data. In clinical practice, the absolute PASI score appears to be a better marker of response to treatment than the relative value.

Genetic and experimental evidence for the involvement of the CD6 lymphocyte receptor in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic background and is triggered by environmental factors. Available evidence supports CD6, a lymphocyte surface receptor mostly expressed by T cells, as a putative target in autoimmunity. Accordingly, a humanized anti-CD6 antibody has been assayed for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. Here, we present novel evidence in mice and humans for a direct involvement of CD6 in psoriasis pathophysiology. First, an attenuated form of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation was demonstrated in CD6-deficient mice, as deduced from lower epidermal thickness and local reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely, interleukin-17A. Thus, isolated CD4+CD62L+ T cells from CD6-deficient mice displayed decreased in vitro T-helper type 17 polarization. Second, a statistically significant association between CD6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs17824933, rs11230563 and rs12360861) and more severe forms of psoriasis was demonstrated in a cohort of 304 patients at three public hospitals from the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Taken together, these results provide new supportive evidence of the contribution of the CD6 lymphocyte receptor in psoriasis at both experimental and clinical levels.

Upper Limb Isokinetic Strengthening Versus Passive Mobilization in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefit of isokinetic strengthening of the upper limb (UL) in patients with chronic stroke as compared to passive mobilization. DESIGN: Randomized blinded assessor controlled trial. SETTING: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments of 2 university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=20) with incomplete hemiplegia (16 men; mean age, 64y; median time since stroke, 32mo). INTERVENTIONS: A 6-week comprehensive rehabilitation program, 3d/wk, 3 sessions/d. In addition, a 45-minute session per day was performed using an isokinetic dynamometer, with either isokinetic strengthening of elbow and wrist flexors/extensors (isokinetic strengthening group) or passive joint mobilization (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the increase in Upper Limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UL-FMA) score at day 45 (t1). Secondary endpoints were increases in UL-FMA scores, Box and Block Test scores, muscle strength, spasticity, and Barthel Index at t1, t2 (3mo), and t3 (6mo). RESULTS: Recruitment was stopped early because of excessive fatigue in the isokinetic strengthening group. The increase in UL-FMA score at t1 was 3.5±4.4 in the isokinetic strengthening group versus 6.0±4.5 in the control group (P=.2). Gains in distal UL-FMA scores were larger (3.1±2.8) in the control group versus 0.6±2.5 in the isokinetic strengthening group (P=.05). No significant group difference was observed in secondary endpoints. Mixed models confirmed those results. Regarding the whole sample, gains from baseline were significant for the UL-FMA at t1 (+4.8; P<.001), t2, and t3 and for the Box and Block Test at t1 (+3; P=.013) and t2. CONCLUSIONS: In a comprehensive rehabilitation program, isokinetic strengthening did not show superiority to passive mobilization for UL rehabilitation. Findings also suggest a sustained benefit in impairments and function of late UL rehabilitation programs for patients with stroke.

Educational self-care objectives within a functional spine restoration program. Retrospective study of 104 patients.

BACKGROUND: Defining individual educational, or learning, targets is part of the initial educational assessment in rehabilitation programs, but no data are available on how to achieve these goals. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether educational objectives established with the patient as part of a functional spine restoration program integrating self-care sessions were met after the program and associated therapy outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 104 patients with chronic low-back pain who participated in a self-care rehabilitation program between 2008 and 2012. The program included both physical and educational approaches to dealing with the condition. The main evaluation criterion was achieving the educational objectives established with the patient at 6 months. Secondary criteria were a return to work, pain intensity and impact on function, satisfaction with the program and implementation of physical activity and self-rehabilitation at 6 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, 55% of the established educational objectives were fully achieved and satisfaction was close to 90%. Significantly, more patients were involved in a physical activity at 6 and 12 months and self-rehabilitation exercises at 6 months as compared with at inclusion. Overall, 43.4% were working at inclusion, 64.2% at 6 months and 58.2% at 12 months (P<0.05 compared with inclusion). Pain intensity and scores from the Quebec, Dallas and FABQ questionnaires had significantly decreased at 6 months. CONCLUSION: For more than half of the patients in this self-care rehabilitation program, educational objectives established with the patient were achieved, with a positive effect on returning to work and both professional and physical activities at 6 and 12 months.

Toll-like receptor 9 promoter polymorphism as a predictive factor of narrow-band UVB phototherapy response in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of response to ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy in psoriatic patients mainly relies on clinical criteria, although some genetic predictors have been identified. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been involved in psoriasis pathogenesis through activation of the innate immune system. Their polymorphisms may condition not only the clinical profile of psoriasis but also the response to therapy. METHODS: We analyzed the role of functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR2, 5, 4, and 9 in clinical response to a standard narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) therapy in 39 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. RESULTS: We found a significant relationship between TLR9-1486T/C SNP variants and a better response to NBUVB phototherapy. Patients with TC and CC genotype showed a higher improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) than patients with TT genotype. Results of multivariate analysis indicate that the differences in PASI improvement at the end of phototherapy attributed to TRL9 SNP genotype were not dependent on the patients' phototype, age, gender, body mass index, basal PASI, or disease evolution. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a functional genetic variant in TLR9 gene that might affect the susceptibility to antipsoriatic treatment. The search of genetic predictive factors may be helpful in therapy selection and optimization of therapeutic regimes in psoriatic patients.

The role of Fcγ receptor polymorphisms in the response to anti­tumor necrosis factor therapy in psoriasis A pharmacogenetic study.

IMPORTANCE: Variability in genes encoding proteins involved in the immunological pathways of biological therapy may account for the differences observed in outcomes of anti­tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of 2 Fcγ receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms in the response to anti-TNF therapy in psoriasis. DESIGN: Retrospective series of patients with psoriasis who received anti-TNF therapy(infliximab, adalimumab, or etanercept) from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. SETTING: Two psoriasis referral centers. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy treatment-naive patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who received anti-TNF agents. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent FcγRIIA-H131R and FcγRIIIA-V158F polymorphism genotyping. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and the body surface area were assessed at baseline and at treatment weeks 6 to 8 and 12. The polymorphism genotypes were correlated with the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed a nonsignificant association between FcγR low-affinity genotypes and greater improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and body surface area at the end of treatment. Conversely, patients harboring high-affinity alleles presented a greater reduction in body surface area at the intermediate point, which remained independent in the multivariate analysis. We also detected an additive effect of both polymorphisms in the multivariate analysis. High-affinity alleles may contribute to a quicker response owing to a more efficient removal of relevant cells expressing TNF. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Preliminary results of this pilot study on the pharmacogenetics of FcγR and biological therapy in psoriasis suggest a role with clinical implications for FcγRIIA-H131R and FcγRIIIA-V158F polymorphisms in the outcome of anti-TNF treatment of psoriasis. These results might help dermatologists in guiding therapeutic decisions, especially in very severe cases where a quick response is needed.

Neonatal erythroderma as a first manifestation of Menkes disease.

Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive lethal multisystemic disorder of copper metabolism. Progressive neurodegeneration, connective tissue disturbances, and peculiar kinky hair are the main manifestations. The low serum copper and ceruloplasmin suggests the diagnosis, which is confirmed by mutation analysis of the ATP7A gene. We report an exceptional presentation of classic Menkes disease with neonatal erythroderma. Genetic study revealed a deletion in exons 8 to 12 in the ATP7A gene. This study could allow pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists to diagnose the disorder as early as possible to establish prompt treatment with parenteral copper-histidine supplementation to improve prognosis.

Reliability of isokinetic assessment of shoulder-rotator strength: a systematic review of the effect of position.

CONTEXT: Isokinetic assessment of shoulder internal-(IR) and external-rotator (ER) strength is commonly used with many different postures (sitting, standing, or supine) and shoulder positions (frontal or scapular plane with 45° or 90° of abduction). OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to determine the influence of position on the intersession reliability of the assessment of IR and ER isokinetic strength, to identify the most reliable position, and to determine which isokinetic variable appears to be most stable in intersession reliability. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search through MEDLINE and Pascal Biomed databases was performed in October 2009. Criteria for inclusion were that studies be written in English or French, describe the isokinetic evaluation methods, and describe statistical analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Sixteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Variable reliability of ER and IR peak torque (PT) were generally reported for all assessment positions; intraclass correlation coefficients were .44-.98 in the seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction, .09-.77 in the seated position with 90° of shoulder abduction, .86-.99 (coefficient of variation: 7.5-29.8%) in the supine position with 90° of shoulder abduction, .82-.84 in the supine position with 45° of shoulder abduction, and .75-.94 in standing. The ER:IR ratio reliability was low for all positions. CONCLUSIONS: The seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction in the scapular plane seemed the most reliable for IR and ER strength assessment. The standing position or a shoulder posture with 90° of shoulder abduction or in the frontal plane must be used with caution given the low reliability for peak torque. Good reliability of ER and IR PT was generally reported, but ER:IR ratio reliability was low.

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with elevated cytokine serum levels.

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is an uncommon non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of unknown etiology. It is a multisystem disorder characterised by a papulonodular skin eruption, mainly in the extensor surfaces, and destructive polyarthritis. Histologically, either cutaneous lesions or the synovium show a dense dermal infiltrate of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic granular material in the cytoplasm. In the immunohistochemical analysis these cells stain positively with monocyte/macrophage markers (CD68 and CD45), as well as with certain cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1ß and interleukin 6). Moreover, recent reports suggest an osteoclastic nature of the infiltrating cells, as they stain strongly with osteoclast tissue lytic markers including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and cathepsin K. We report a case of MRH presenting with clinical features of dermatomyositis. Furthermore, the patient showed elevated cytokine serum levels that lowered after therapy.

Heterogeneous assessment of shoulder disorders: validation of the Standardized Index of Shoulder Function.

OBJECTIVE: Although 40 assessment tools are described in the literature, very few of them have been correctly validated. The Standardized Index of Shoulder Function (FI2S) encompasses pain, mobility, strength and function. The aim of this work is to describe the FI2S and to study its construct validity, reliability and responsiveness to change. PATIENTS: Fifty-nine patients with non-surgical (rotator cuff lesions, frozen shoulders, osteoarthritis) or post-surgical (acromioplasty, repairs of rotator cuff tears, arthroplasty) shoulder disorders were included. METHODS: The FI2S was compared with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), with the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and with a visual analogue scale for pain. RESULTS: Inter-test reliability and inter-rater reliability are excellent, with intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.93 (0.88-0.96) and 0.94 (0.90-0.96), respectively. Under a convergent hypothesis, the Spearman's correlation coefficients with the CMS and DASH score are 0.91 (p < 0.0001) and -0.64 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Correlations between the FI2S and the CMS are excellent for mobility and strength, but moderate for pain and functional capacities. Under a divergent hypothesis, no correlation is observed between the FI2S total score and age. Responsiveness to change is excellent. CONCLUSION: The FI2S appears to be a proper assessment tool for pain, mobility, strength and function in shoulder disorders, easy to administer and of good metric value.

Declining incidence of catastrophic cervical spine injuries in French rugby: 1996-2006.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and the risk factors of catastrophic cervical spine injuries in French rugby. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: The patients included had cervical spine injuries causing neurological disorder classified from the ASIA scale, grade A to D. A retrospective review of all cases that occurred between the 1996-1997 and the 2005-2006 seasons was made. Circumstances of the injuries and of the clinical outcome were collected by interview. RESULTS: There were 37 cases of catastrophic cervical spine injuries in French rugby for the last 10 years. The incidence of the cervical spine injuries decreased during this period. The rates of injury were 2.1 per 100,000 players per year during the 1996-1997 season and 1.4 during the 2005-2006 season (P < .01). The scrum was a major cause of injury, accounting for 51.3% (19/37). The forwards represented 89.2% (33/37) of the injured players. The hookers were involved in 37.8% (14/37) of the cases. The measures of prevention with the modification of the rules of scrum and the creation of a medical certificate required for players to play in the front row must have been successful. CONCLUSION: The incidence of disabling cervical spine injuries in French rugby has decreased for the last 10 years, which is linked to the decreasing incidence of injuries in the scrum. This epidemiological study shows the effectiveness of the preventive measures on cervical spine injuries in French rugby players. A national register of catastrophic cervical spine injuries extends our epidemiological observations.

Prevalence study of nevi in children from Barcelona. Dermoscopy, constitutional and environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is becoming an increasingly important problem in public health as incidence rates have been increasing continuously in Caucasian populations. Childhood and adolescence is an important time of life for the formation and evolution of nevi, and the presence of a higher number of nevi in early life could predict a major risk of developing melanoma. OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the number of nevi and the dermoscopic pattern predominance in children of our population. (2) To relate it to constitutional and environmental factors. METHODS: Clinical and dermoscopic examinations were performed in 180 children aged 1-15 years. A questionnaire including topics such as past history of sunburns, tanning ability, tendency to sunburn, history of sunlight exposure, use of sunscreens, tendency to freckle and family history of cancer was completed in a face-to-face interview with the parents. On clinical examination, we evaluated hair color, eye color, number of nevi and the presence of nevi in specific locations. All melanocytic lesions were examined dermoscopically, and all patterns were registered as present or absent. We also registered the predominant dermoscopic pattern of the child, defined as being present in more than 40% of all of the individual's nevi. RESULTS: The mean number of moles was 17.5. Male gender, past history of sunburns, facial freckling and family history of breast cancer were independent risk factors for having a higher number of nevi. We found that 61.1% of children had nevi on the face and neck, 17.2% on the buttocks, 11.7% on the scalp, 19.4% had acral nevi and 31.7% had congenital nevi. We found the presence of nevi in some of these locations to be a risk factor for having a higher number of nevi. The most frequent dominant dermoscopic pattern found in our population was the globular type. Interestingly, we found that the homogeneous pattern predominates in the youngest children, the reticular pattern predominates in adolescents and the dominant globular pattern is constant among all ages evaluated. CONCLUSION: This is the first study clinically and dermoscopically characterizing nevi in children from our population, and evaluating constitutional and environmental risk factors.

Sclerodermiform linear lupus erythematosus: A distinct entity or coexistence of two autoimmune diseases?

The coexistence of features of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma in the same skin lesions is very infrequent and has only been reported in 3 patients. This exceedingly rare condition has been named "sclerodermiform linear lupus erythematosus." We describe a new case of this dermatosis. Although the cause remains obscure, possible explanations include mosaicism following Blaschko's lines or the transfer of microchimerisms that mount a chronic graft-versus-host-like reaction. We suggest that these features may be a distinct clinicopathologic disorder characterized by an initial lichenoid reaction followed by the production of excessive, abnormal connective tissue.