Analysis of T follicular and T peripheral helper lymphocytes in autoimmune thyroid disease.

PURPOSE: Peripheral helper T (Tph) cells have an important role in the induction of humoral immune responses and autoantibody production. Accordingly, it is feasible that this lymphocyte subset has a relevant role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). In this study we aim to analyze the levels and function of Tph cells in blood samples from patients with AITD. METHODS: We performed an observational study with cases and controls. Blood samples were obtained from nineteen patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), twenty-four with Graves' disease (GD), and fifteen healthy controls. In addition, the levels of follicular T helper (Tfh) cells and Tph cells, the release of interleukin-21 (IL-21) by these lymphocytes and the number of plasmablasts were analyzed by multi-parametric flow cytometry analyses. RESULTS: Increased percentages of Tfh and Tph lymphocytes were detected in patients with HT and GD. Furthermore, an enhanced synthesis of the cytokine IL-21 by these cells was observed. Accordingly, we detected significant higher percentages of plasmablasts in patients with GD, and these values tended to be also higher in HT patients. Moreover, significant positive associations were observed between the levels of Tfh or Tph and the number of plasmablast or anti-TSHR Ab titers in patients with AITD. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Tph lymphocytes may have a relevant role in the pathogenesis of AITD.

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography-guided thyroidectomy: description of surgical technique.

Background: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy and, when becomes permanent, lead to a myriad of clinical symptoms, long-term need of calcium and vitamin D supplementation and negative impact on the patient's health-related quality of life. Any surgical innovation that could reduce complications and improve outcomes of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy deserves to be considered. Angiography-Guided Thyroidectomy has been proposed as a modification of the standard technique of thyroidectomy aimed to identifying the vascular pattern of the parathyroid glands to maximize efforts for preserving functioning glands at the time of operation. Our aim is to provide a technical description of this procedure based on the use of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to standardize this technique. Methods: The surgical steps that are followed during a total thyroidectomy are modified due to previous visualization of the feeding vessels of the parathyroid glands according to fluorescence of the vascular mapping obtained by ICG angiography prior to thyroidectomy. The first step is to perform an ICG angiography to assess anatomical features of the feeding vasculature of the parathyroid glands, which allows precise surgical dissection for preservation of the glands. Once the viability of the parathyroids has been evaluated angiographically, thyroidectomy is performed in a second step. Conclusions: ICG angiography-guided thyroidectomy may be effective to preserve the largest number of better perfused parathyroid glands, which would contribute to reduce the risk of postoperative and permanent hypoparathyroidism. It can be successfully and safely implemented in thyroid surgery and standardization of the technique is necessary to homogenize this procedure in the future, allowing a better comparation of the results to be published.

Indocyanine green angiography-guided thyroidectomy versus conventional thyroidectomy for preserving parathyroid function: study protocol for a randomized single-blind controlled trial.

Introduction: Angiography with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence performed before thyroidectomy would allow identification of the vascularization of parathyroid glands, maximizing efforts for preserving functioning glands intraoperatively. The rationale of the study was based on the hypothesis that showing the vascular pattern of the parathyroid glands by means of ICG angiography before performing the thyroidectomy could prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism. Methods and analysis: We propose a randomized single-blind controlled and multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of ICG angiography-guided thyroidectomy to identify the vascular pattern of the parathyroid glands versus conventional thyroidectomy in patients scheduled for elective total thyroidectomy. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to ICG angiography-guided thyroidectomy (experimental group) or conventional thyroidectomy (control group). Patients in the experimental group will undergo ICG angiography before thyroidectomy to identify the feeding vessels of the parathyroid glands and then, post-thyroidectomy ICG angiography to predict immediate parathyroid gland function by scoring the degree of fluorescence of the glands. Patients in the control group will undergo post-thyroidectomy ICG angiography only. The primary outcome measure will be the rate of patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism. Secondary outcome measures will be rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, the percentage of well vascularized parathyroid glands remaining in situ, the levels of iPTH and serum calcium after surgery and the influence of the type of vascular pattern of the parathyroid glands over these outcomes, as well as the safety profile of ICG angiography. Discussion: The results will contribute to adopt a new surgical strategy based on intraoperative ICG angiography before performing total thyroidectomy, according to which the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism could be substantially reduced. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. identifier NCT05573828.

Predicting geographic distribution and habitat suitability of Opuntia streptacantha in paleoclimatic, current, and future scenarios in Mexico.

Mexican territory is one of the centers of origin and dispersion of the genus Opuntia, where several of its species have been an important plant resource for people in arid and semiarid zones. Opuntia streptacantha is widely distributed in Mexico; however, precise aspects of its geographic distribution and ecological status are still unknown. Here, we modeled its potential distribution under paleoclimatic, current, and future conditions through maximum entropy and predictions from 824 records and seven environmental variables. Potential distribution of O. streptacantha in the interglacial period was contracted and slightly north than current distribution, with 44,773 km2 of optimal habitat. In other past periods, the central location of potential distribution coincides with the actual current distribution, but the period of the last glacial maximum was characterized by 201 km2 of very suitable habitat, absent in interglacial, current, and future periods. The future model suggests that potential distribution will move toward the south of the Mexican territory. Synthesis and applications. The potential distribution of O. streptacantha can be applied for the conservation and management of the species, and also in the selection of areas with crassicaule scrubs for protection, conservation, and reproduction of species resistant to the hostile conditions of arid and semiarid zones of Mexican territory, where the structure and composition of the vegetation will be affected in the next 100 years.

Evaluation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases.

A state of chronic inflammation is common in organs affected by autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Epithelial cells, such as thyroid follicular cells (TFCs), can experience a total or partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype under these conditions. One of the major cytokines involved in this phenomenon is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), which, at the initial stages of autoimmune disorders, plays an immunosuppressive role. However, at chronic stages, TGF- ß contributes to fibrosis and/or transition to mesenchymal phenotypes. The importance of primary cilia (PC) has grown in recent decades as they have been shown to play a key role in cell signaling and maintaining cell structure and function as mechanoreceptors. Deficiencies of PC can trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exacerbate autoimmune diseases. A set of EMT markers (E-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin) were evaluated in thyroid tissues from AITD patients and controls through RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot (WB). We established an in vitro TGF-ß-stimulation assay in a human thyroid cell line to assess EMT and PC disruption. EMT markers were evaluated in this model using RT-qPCR and WB, and PC was evaluated with a time-course immunofluorescence assay. We found an increased expression of the mesenchymal markers α-SMA and fibronectin in TFCs in the thyroid glands of AITD patients. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was maintained in these patients compared to the controls. The TGF-ß-stimulation assay showed an increase in EMT markers, including vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin in thyroid cells, as well as a disruption of PC. The TFCs from the AITD patients experienced a partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype, preserving epithelial characteristics associated with a disruption in PC, which might contribute to AITD pathogenesis.

Tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por vía vestibular: resultados de los 53 primeros casos / Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: Results after 53 first cases

Introducción: La tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por vía vestibular permite el acceso al tiroides sin cicatrices visibles y con el mejor resultado cosmético posible. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo de 53 pacientes sometidos a tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral desde julio de 2017 hasta junio de 2021. Resultados: Cincuenta y dos casos (98,1%) fueron mujeres con una mediana de edad de 44 años. El nódulo tiroideo fue la indicación quirúrgica más frecuente (73,6%). Se realizaron 42 lobectomías,11 tiroidectomías totales y en 4 casos se asoció vaciamiento ganglionar del compartimento central izquierdo. La mediana de tiempo para la colocación de trócares fue de 14min, y para la lobectomía, la tiroidectomía total y el vaciamiento ganglionar del compartimento central izquierdo, de 80, 140 y 30min, respectivamente. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 2 días. Cuatro pacientes presentaron disfonía (7,5%), pero la laringoscopia solo confirmó lesión del recurrente en 2 casos, una de ellas permanente (1,6%). En los pacientes con tiroidectomía total la frecuencia de hipoparatiroidismo transitorio fue del 18,2% y el permanente de 0%. Dentro de las complicaciones asociadas al abordaje, en todos los pacientes se presentó anestesia de la región mentoniana transitoria y de intensidad variable. Conclusiones: La cirugía transoral es un abordaje de aplicación reciente en nuestra unidad. Los resultados en nuestros primeros pacientes muestran que es un abordaje eficaz y seguro cuando se realiza en pacientes bien seleccionados, con el mejor resultado cosmético y con complicaciones nuevas, asociadas al abordaje, transitorias en nuestra serie. (AU)

Introduction: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy through vestibular approach allows access to the thyroid with the best cosmetic results as there are no visible scars. Methods: Here we present a prospective observational study of 53 patients which underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy from July 2017 to June 2021. Results: Fifty-two cases (98.1%) were women (median age 44 years old). Thyroid nodule was the main surgical indication accounting 73.6% of cases. We performed 42 lobectomies and 11 total thyroidectomies; 4 left central neck dissection were also associated. The median surgical time for port placement was 14min, and for lobectomy, total thyroidectomy and left central neck dissection were 80, 140 and 30min, respectively. The median of hospital stay was 2 days. Dysphonia was present in 4 patients (7.5%); however, laryngoscopy only confirmed laryngeal nerve impairment in 2 cases, one of them classified as permanent (1.6%). In those patients that underwent total thyroidectomy, the rate of transient hypoparathyroidism was 18.2% whereas permanent was 0%. Regarding complications associated to the new approach, transient chin numbness appeared in all patients with a variable degree of intensity. Conclusions: Transoral surgery is a recent approach in our unit. Our results, based on the first 53 patients, show that it is a safe and effective approach when performed in appropriately selected patients offering the best cosmetic result. Besides, new complications associated to the approach has been shown to be transient. (AU)

Tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por vía vestibular: resultados de los 53 primeros casos / Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: Results after 53 first cases

Introducción: La tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por vía vestibular permite el acceso al tiroides sin cicatrices visibles y con el mejor resultado cosmético posible. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo de 53 pacientes sometidos a tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral desde julio de 2017 hasta junio de 2021. Resultados: Cincuenta y dos casos (98,1%) fueron mujeres con una mediana de edad de 44 años. El nódulo tiroideo fue la indicación quirúrgica más frecuente (73,6%). Se realizaron 42 lobectomías,11 tiroidectomías totales y en 4 casos se asoció vaciamiento ganglionar del compartimento central izquierdo. La mediana de tiempo para la colocación de trócares fue de 14min, y para la lobectomía, la tiroidectomía total y el vaciamiento ganglionar del compartimento central izquierdo, de 80, 140 y 30min, respectivamente. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 2 días. Cuatro pacientes presentaron disfonía (7,5%), pero la laringoscopia solo confirmó lesión del recurrente en 2 casos, una de ellas permanente (1,6%). En los pacientes con tiroidectomía total la frecuencia de hipoparatiroidismo transitorio fue del 18,2% y el permanente de 0%. Dentro de las complicaciones asociadas al abordaje, en todos los pacientes se presentó anestesia de la región mentoniana transitoria y de intensidad variable. Conclusiones: La cirugía transoral es un abordaje de aplicación reciente en nuestra unidad. Los resultados en nuestros primeros pacientes muestran que es un abordaje eficaz y seguro cuando se realiza en pacientes bien seleccionados, con el mejor resultado cosmético y con complicaciones nuevas, asociadas al abordaje, transitorias en nuestra serie. (AU)

Introduction: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy through vestibular approach allows access to the thyroid with the best cosmetic results as there are no visible scars. Methods: Here we present a prospective observational study of 53 patients which underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy from July 2017 to June 2021. Results: Fifty-two cases (98.1%) were women (median age 44 years old). Thyroid nodule was the main surgical indication accounting 73.6% of cases. We performed 42 lobectomies and 11 total thyroidectomies; 4 left central neck dissection were also associated. The median surgical time for port placement was 14min, and for lobectomy, total thyroidectomy and left central neck dissection were 80, 140 and 30min, respectively. The median of hospital stay was 2 days. Dysphonia was present in 4 patients (7.5%); however, laryngoscopy only confirmed laryngeal nerve impairment in 2 cases, one of them classified as permanent (1.6%). In those patients that underwent total thyroidectomy, the rate of transient hypoparathyroidism was 18.2% whereas permanent was 0%. Regarding complications associated to the new approach, transient chin numbness appeared in all patients with a variable degree of intensity. Conclusions: Transoral surgery is a recent approach in our unit. Our results, based on the first 53 patients, show that it is a safe and effective approach when performed in appropriately selected patients offering the best cosmetic result. Besides, new complications associated to the approach has been shown to be transient. (AU)

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: Results after 53 first cases.

INTRODUCTION: Trans Oral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy through Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) allows access to the thyroid with the best cosmetic results as there are no visible scars. METHODS: Here we present a prospective observational study of 53 patients which underwent TOETVA from July 2017 to June 2021. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases (98.1%) cases were women (median age 44 years old). Thyroid nodule was the main surgical indication accounting 73.6% of cases. We performed 42 lobectomies and 11 total thyroidectomies; 4 left Central Neck Dissection (CND) were also associated. The median surgical time for port placement was 14 min and for lobectomy, total thyroidectomy and left CND were 80, 140 and 30 min, respectively. The median of hospital stay was 2 days. Dysphonia was present in 4 patients; however, laryngoscopy only confirmed laryngeal nerve impairment in 2 cases, one of them classified as permanent (1.6%). In those patients that underwent total thyroidectomy, the rate of transient hypoparathyroidism was 18.2% whereas permanent was 0%. Regarding complications associated to the new approach, transient chin numbness appeared in all patients with a variable degree of intensity. CONCLUSTIONS: Transoral surgery is a recent approach in our Unit. Our results, based on the first 53 patients, show that it is a safe and effective approach when performed in appropriately selected patients offering the best cosmetic result. Besides, new complications associated to the approach has been shown to be transient.

Usefulness of ICG Angiography-Guided Thyroidectomy for Preserving Parathyroid Function.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy and, when permanent, it becomes a severe chronic disease. We assessed the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography-guided thyroidectomy to reduce the postoperative hypocalcemia. METHODS: Prospective study with two consecutive cohorts of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy: historical control group (CG) and angiography-guided thyroidectomy group (AG). In all patients, ICG-angiography was performed at the end of the surgery to predict immediate parathyroid gland (PG) function. In the AG, ICG-angiography was also done after PG identification to show their vascular supply. We compared the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (calcium supplementation needed due to hypocalcemia symptoms or calcium levels < 1.8 mmol/L on the first postoperative day) and permanent hypocalcemia (need of calcium ± vitamin D supplementation 12 months after thyroidectomy). RESULTS: We included 120 consecutive patients (84 CG; 36 AG). Thyroid cancer was the most common diagnostic (63.1% CG-69.4% AG; p = 0.646) and central neck dissection was also frequent (54.8% CG-64.3% AG; p = 0.468). The AG developed a lower rate of postoperative (26.2-5.6%; p = 0.011) and permanent hypocalcemia (11.9-0%; p = 0.032). The OR for permanent hypocalcemia was 0.673 (95% CI 0.591-0.766). A significant higher rate of well vascularized PG at the end of the surgery (score 2) in the AG (39.2-52.9%; p = 0.018) was also seen. CONCLUSION: ICG angiography-guided thyroidectomy is a useful tool to identify PG vascularization, allowing a better PG preservation and a significant decrease in hypocalcemia rates.

Reassessment of the extinction risk status of the ponytail palm Beaucarnea inermis / Reevaluación del riesgo de extinción de la pata de elefante Beaucarnea inermis

Abstract Beaucarnea inermis is an endemic species from Northeast Mexico, in the states of San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas. It is appreciated as an ornamental plant, so its populations are subject to the poaching of individuals for illegal trade. Previous studies determined that their populations have been affected due to the disturbance since the incidence of anthropogenic activities affects the viability of the species. Here we determine the current conservation status of B. inermis and identify their main risk factor by performing an extinction risk assessment based on the Annex II "Method for Evaluation of Risk of Extinction of Plants in Mexico". We studied 10 populations of B. inermis from protected and non-protected areas in San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas. We considered the MER criteria: A) geographical distribution characteristics, B) habitat characteristics, C) intrinsic biological vulnerability, and D) impact of human activity. Using field and analyzed data, the MER assessment gives 1.91 points that confirm B. inermis is correctly classified as an Endangered species. The natural protected areas where the species occurs represent cores for its protection; however, the surface of these areas may not be sufficient without biological corridors that connect them.

Resumen Beaucarnea inermis es una especie endémica del Noroeste de México distribuida en los estados de San Luis Potosí y Tamaulipas. Es apreciada como planta ornamental, por lo que sus poblaciones están sujetas al saqueo de individuos para su comercialización ilegal. En trabajos anteriores se determinó que sus poblaciones han sido afectadas debido al disturbio por la incidencia de actividades antrópicas que afectan su viabilidad. En la presente contribución se determina el nivel de riesgo de B. inermis con base en el Anexo Normativo II "Método de Evaluación de Riesgo de Extinción de Plantas en México". Se estudiaron 10 poblaciones de B. inermis en San Luis Potosí y Tamaulipas, tanto en áreas naturales protegidas como en sitios no protegidos. Los criterios MER considerados fueron: A) características de la distribución geográfica, B) características del hábitat, C) vulnerabilidad biológica intrínseca y D) impacto de la actividad humana. El análisis MER arroja un valor de 1.91 que, confirma a B. inermis dentro de la categoría de Amenazada. Las áreas naturales protegidas donde se distribuye la especie funcionan como núcleos de protección, sin embargo, su superficie puede no ser suficiente sin la presencia de corredores biológicos que las conecten.

Impact of Change in Body Composition during Follow-Up on the Survival of GEP-NET.

Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are heterogeneous rare diseases causing malnutrition and cachexia in which the study of body composition may have an impact in prognosis. Aim: Evaluation of muscle and fat tissues by computed tomography (CT) at the level of the third lumbar (L3 level) at diagnosis and at the end of follow-up in GET-NET patients and their relationships with clinical and biochemical variables as predictors of survival. Methodology: Ninety-eight GEP-NET patients were included. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Total body, subcutaneous, visceral and total fat areas and very low-density, low-density, normal density, high-density, very high-density and total muscle areas were obtained from CT images. Results: Body composition measures and overall mortality correlated with age, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status) metastases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin and urea levels. Although there was no relationship between body composition variables at diagnosis and overall and specific mortality, an increase in low-density muscle and a decrease in normal-density muscle during follow-up were independently correlated to overall (p <0.05) and tumor-cause mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although body composition measures obtained by CT at diagnosis did not impact survival of GEP-NET patients, a loss of good quality muscle during follow-up was associated with an increased overall and tumor-related mortality. Nutritional status should therefore be supervised by nutrition specialists and an increase in good quality muscle could improve prognosis.

Management of incidentally discovered appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors after an appendicectomy.

Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (aNETs) are an uncommon neoplasm that is relatively indolent in most cases. They are typically diagnosed in younger patients than other neuroendocrine tumors and are often an incidental finding after an appendectomy. Although there are numerous clinical practice guidelines on management of aNETs, there is continues to be a dearth of evidence on optimal treatment. Management of these tumors is stratified according to risk of locoregional and distant metastasis. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding tumors that measure 1-2 cm. In these cases, some histopathological features such as size, tumor grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion, or mesoappendix infiltration must also be considered. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans are recommended for evaluating the presence of additional disease, except in the case of tumors smaller than 1 cm without additional risk factors. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or positron emission tomography with computed tomography should be considered in cases with suspected residual or distant disease. The main point of controversy is the indication for performing a completion right hemicolectomy after an initial appendectomy, based on the risk of lymph node metastases. The main factor considered is tumor size and 2 cm is the most common threshold for indicating a colectomy. Other factors such as mesoappendix infiltration, lymphovascular invasion, or tumor grade may also be considered. On the other hand, potential complications, and decreased quality of life after a hemicolectomy as well as the lack of evidence on benefits in terms of survival must be taken into consideration. In this review, we present data regarding the current indications, outcomes, and benefits of a colectomy.

Impact of a Provider Tele-mentoring Learning Model on the Care of Medicaid-enrolled Patients With Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a tele-mentoring program for health care providers, has been shown to improve provider-reported outcomes, but there is insufficient research on patient-level outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of primary care provider (PCP) participation in Project ECHO on the care of Medicaid enrollees with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN: New Jersey Medicaid claims and encounter data and difference-in-differences models were used to compare utilization and spending between Medicaid patients seen by PCPs participating in a Project ECHO program to those of matched nonparticipating PCPs. SUBJECTS: A total of 1776 adult Medicaid beneficiaries (318 with diabetes), attributed to 25 participating PCPs; and 9126 total (1454 diabetic) beneficiaries attributed to 119 nonparticipating PCPs. MEASURES: Utilization and spending for total inpatient, diabetes-related inpatient, emergency department, primary care, and endocrinologist services; utilization of hemoglobin A1c tests, eye exams, and diabetes prescription medications among diabetics, and total Medicaid spending. RESULTS: Participation in Project ECHO was associated with decreases of 44.3% in inpatient admissions (P=0.001) and 61.9% in inpatient spending (P=0.021) among treatment relative to comparison patients. Signs of most other outcome estimates were consistent with hypothesized program effects but without statistical significance. Sensitivity analyses largely confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: We find evidence that Project ECHO participation was associated with large and statistically significant reductions of inpatient hospitalization and spending. The study was observational and limited by a small sample of participating PCPs. This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential value of quasi-experimental evaluation of Project ECHO patient outcomes using claims data.

A practical approach to normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is an entity on which several issues about its clinical management remains unclear. This is reflected in the main current guidelines, where there are no evidence-based specific recommendations. Through an exhaustive review of current literature, a clinical management algorithm for these patients is proposed. We consider the diagnosis criteria, the differential diagnosis, the clinical manifestations, and the treatment indications. When indicated, we also review the preoperative locations techniques and the surgical approach. Finally, when surgical treatment is not indicated, the patient is not a candidate to surgery or refuse surgical management, we review the medical treatment options and the follow-up schemes.